Early Uses of California Plants (Volume 10) (California Natural History Guides)

I volunteer at the Los Angeles Arboretum and this book was one that was recommended. The native people in this area were the Tongva, and their use of these plants is amazing.

Some of the language and references are very dated and insensitive to native Americans. The information is ok, but plant names have changed. Overall ok but dated. You're better off with a more recent book like Ethnobotany of the Chumash.

I find this book very useful for information about what part of each plant can be used for making clothing, baskets, bags, etc, and herbal remedies, and foodstuffs as well. Clear illustrations. Short but very informative.

Cool information on a variety of the plants in California.

Doesn't cover California Poppies, but to think of all the things Poison Oak has been used for. Wow! I enjoy the book.

Few color suggestions, though the book offers detailed illustrations and short narratives that I found useful.

Info that I wanted.

Authoritative- to be expected from the University of California Press; not all academic,though; the text includes the tastes of these usually wild plants as food giving the reader the motivation to seek out and try some of these very useful, ancient and life-sustaining natural foods as I did with a nature guide who showed us everything growing to this day in southern California as illustrated in this fine field guide. Fully indexed. You can usually remember the generic names; also, latin, scientific names are given. Fine black and white detailed line drawings are included for most of the plants mentioned; and some color photos. Handy pocket size and lightweight with firm binding;, 8" x about 5",;inch & cm. rules on covers.