Wild Plants Of The Sierra Nevada

336 Pages·2005·2.08 MB·English

by  Ray S. Vizgirdas

Wild Plants
of the Sierra Nevada
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Wild Plants
of the Sierra Nevada
Ray S. Vizgirdas and Edna M. Rey-Vizgirdas
Illustrations by Edna M. Rey-Vizgirdas
University of Nevada Press
reno & las vegas
University of Nevada Press, Reno, Nevada 89557 usa
Copyright ∫ 2006 by University of Nevada Press
All rights reserved
Manufactured in the United States of America
Design by Cameron Poulter
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Vizgirdas, Ray S., 1960–
Wild plants of the Sierra Nevada / Ray S. Vizgirdas and
Edna M. Rey-Vizgirdas.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
isbn 0-87417-535-6 (hardcover : alk. paper)
1. Botany—Sierra Nevada (Calif. and Nev.) 2. Plants—Sierra Nevada
(Calif. and Nev.)—Identification. I. Rey-Vizgirdas, Edna. II. Title.
qk142.7.v59 2005
581.9794%4—dc22
2005004867
The paper used in this book meets the requirements of American
National Standard for Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper
for Printed Library Materials, ansi z.48-1984.
Binding materials were selected for strength and durability.
First Printing
14 13 12 11 10 09 08 07 06 05 5 4 3 2 1
While this book documents the many uses of wild plants found within the Sierra Nevada, the
publisher and authors disclaim any liability for injury that may result from following the
instructions for collecting, preparing, or consuming plants described in this guide. E√orts have
been made to ensure that the descriptions and drawings of plants represented are accurate
representations of the family, genus, and species noted. It should be understood that growth
conditions, improper identification, and varietal di√erences, as well as an individual’s own
sensitivity or allergic response, can contribute to a hazard in sampling or using a plant.
Furthermore, the reader is encouraged to seek assistance from experienced botanists in
identifying any of the plants discussed in this book.
For Tomas,
from Mom and Dad
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We are losing our
ancestral knowledge
because the technicians
only believe in modern
science and cannot read
the sky.
—Andean peasant expression
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Contents
List of Illustrations / xi
Preface / xiii
introduction / 1
Scientific and Common Names / 14
Rare and Protected Plants / 15
California Native Groups / 17
Guidelines for Gathering / 17
major plant groups
Ferns and Fern Allies / 19
Gymnosperms / 30
Flowering Plants: Dicots / 40
Flowering Plants: Monocots / 219
appendix one
Sierra Nevada Habitats and
Their Associated Plants and Uses / 245
appendix two
Some Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plant Species
Found in the Sierra Nevada / 267
appendix three
Scientific and Common Plant Names / 268
Glossary / 277
References and Additional Reading / 283
Index / 291