Field Guide to California Lichens

Sharnoff Stephen, Raven Peter H.

Lichens are among the most colourful and abundant organisms in the world. They provide food and nesting material for a wide variety of wildlife, contribute nutrients to the soil, and are indicators of both undisturbed ecosystems and clean air. They lend colour and pattern to trees, shrubs and rocks, yet most people know little about them. This richly illustrated, authoritative guide to the lichens of California draws new attention to these striking and ecologically important organisms, which are symbionts – representing a relationship between a fungus and alga – and highlights their beauty, diversity and value as a natural resource. Lichens are especially abundant and varied in California, where climates range from temperate rainforests to arid deserts. "A Field Guide to California Lichens" features stunning new photographs of some 500 lichen species by award-winning nature photographer Stephen Sharnoff. Up-to-date descriptions accompany each illustration. Among the special contributions of the guide are its coverage of most common macrolichens in California and its inclusion of many of the crust-forming species. For land management professionals and scientists involved with ecosystem studies, for birders, hikers, and all other curious about the natural world around them, this book will be a welcome field companion.

About the Author

Stephen Sharnoff is research associate at the Missouri Botanical Garden and the University and Jepson Herbaria, University of California, Berkeley. A renowned nature photographer best known for his contributions to the definitive reference Lichens of North America, he is currently at work on a guidebook to the wildflowers of the Sierra Nevada. He lives in Berkeley, CA.

Reviews

"Have you ever wondered about those colorful patches on rock, or the greenish 'moss' in trees? This authoritative guide will open up the world of lichens to you anywhere in California. A synthesis of science and art, it is not only a pleasure to read but a 'must have' for field-going amateurs and professionals alike. Don't be surprised if, after being wowed by the 500 full color photographs, helpful descriptions, and easy-to-read introduction, you want to run outside to examine the nearest tree or stone!" – Linda Geiser, co-author of "Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest"

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