Flora of the Four Corners Region: Vascular Plants of the San Juan River Drainage: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah (Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical)

This is the definitive Flora for the Four Corners region, a land that encompasses over 25,000 sq mi. The botanical descriptions are scrupulously detailed and many species have exquisite pencil drawings. Valuable features include maps and a list of counties in which each plant has been identified, like Calflora provides online for CA. The broad setting of the San Juan River Basin is beautifully described in terms of the climate, geology, and plant communities in the different life zones. Native, non-native and endemic plants are discussed along with a beautiful explication of the plants commonly referred to as weeds. Researchers will find the descriptions and background information on the over 2000 vascular plant species identified in this region of NM, CO, UT and AZ the only reference manual that they must have in their possession.

Covers a dry region that lacks current identification books. Here we have what appears to be a very thorough compendium of plants for the Four Corners Region. The key family starts on page 37 preceded by description of environment (geology and climate), discussion of plant communities and vegetation patterns, plant migration routes, and life zone illustrations. There are very nice illustrations but not for very many plants. Descriptions are good.After examining this book one realizes what a complex flora this dry region contains due to water availability, elevation and overall climate ranges.I view this book as a worthy addition to any collection. It enriches ones understanding of the area and its rich and varied flora. You do not have to visit the area to justify owning this book.

For those looking for a book that gives a comprehensive description of the plants listed this is very complete. NOT A BEGINNERS BOOK! There is also a very extensive section regarding the geology and climatology of the area. Very few pictures. The plants are arranged by families not by genera so you will need to cross reference with other sources but this tome has more information than any other book in my collection.

This is a well laid out reference containing a thoroughly clear text with beautiful illustrations and photos to help in identifying the flora of this interesting region. This is not another pocket field guide but is a must for accurate identification of the Four Corners flora. It has a key that is very up to date to help unscramble the arguments of UFOs (unidentified flowering objects) after a good field trip.The authors carry some heavy duty credentials to back up years of experience. The list of consultants is equally impressive. I can't wait to head down to the San Juan drainages to check things out in some of my old haunts.

This floral guide is the best and most complete study of plants done in this area. It is a key complete with illustrations of photography, paintings, and line drawings. Anyone from the professional botanist to the mere plant enthusiast will enjoy this book. Kudos to the authors for this masterpiece!

This book lacks pictures. It is geared primarily for a researcher. As a lay person, I did not find it useful. It was a disappointment and it was very expensive. I returned it.

A wonderful book that obviously took years of field and academic research to complete. Definitely not a field guide or picture book, but rather a comprehensive treatise of the flora of the region most useful for people with at least some basic botanical knowledge. Very reasonably priced for a book of this size and type.

Very detailed, all encompassing, beautiful color plates and hand drawn illustrations. A magnificent piece of work. Congratulations to all involved.