Best serving as an introduction to the wild/non domesticated (or domesticated yet feral) edible plant life of SoCal, readers will find Southern California Food Plants to be a much needed addition to a subject that continues to grow in interest and pertinence. Inhabitants of the greater Los Angeles to San Diego metro areas, then east to Palm Springs/the California state line, whom take outer urban excursions will surely benefit most from this guide. Essentially: throw this booklet into a backpack or glove box, head for the hills, and discover what wild plants can be consumed during times of leisure or necessity.Covering 50 wild southern California food plants.Edible uses are fully explored: preparation & utilization.Range & habitat are discussed assisting in identification.County by county maps & nearly 100 color photographs.Both common & scientific names.Concise synopsis of medicinal uses.Cautions list look-alike plants & toxicity concerns.Special notes include useful extras & important tidbits.

Forty-one (41) Full Color Images! (Black and White Version also available) "Native Edibles" takes a look at some of the most important food and drink plants known to have existed when the first Californians inhabited the land. A brief literature review is followed by plant profiles. Profiles include an image and description of a particular native plant species, as well as information about each plant's growth patterns, edibility rating, nutritional value, culinary uses, and environmental benefits. The study of native edible plants and their potential positive impact on the health of our environment (including wildlife), the economy, and us humans is not only timely, but critical. Native edibles are the plants of the future!

"Native Edibles - A Food Plant Guide for Southern California Lawns and Gardens" supports the notion that gardening is one of the best ways we can address some of today's most pressing problems. Our health, as well as the health of our environment and economy is dependent upon support for individuals and businesses that promote the use of native plants e.g. gardeners, nurseries, homeowners, landscapers, small scale farmers, restaurateurs, and individuals and families utilizing the California Homemade Food Act. "Native Edibles" takes a look at some of the most important food and drink plants known to have existed when the first Californians inhabited the land. A brief literature review is followed by plant profiles. Profiles include an image and description of a particular native plant species, as well as information about each plant's growth patterns, edibility rating, nutritional value, culinary uses, and environmental benefits.The study of native edible plants and their potential positive impact on the health of our environment (including wildlife), the economy, and us humans is not only timely, but critical.Native edibles are the plants of the future!

A state of significant plant diversity, California is home to more species than any other. Weather, elevation, and latitude all play parts in the region's floristic dynamism. For the wild edible plant enthusiast, this means a variety of sustaining forages are to be had, however, they are not all found in one place. With Wild Edible Plants of California (Volume 1), the reader has access to not only the where, but too, the what and when of California's wild edible bounty.Covering the state's most essential forages, preference has been given to plants that are abundant and/or have more caloric/nutritional/traditional value than other edibles. Well-suited for the backpack, cargo-pocket, or glovebox, the publication's form is a 64-page booklet. Over 160 color photos and a state/county location image for every profile assists the reader in plant identification. Aside from the main focus of how to use and prepare each wild edible, additional sections include medicinal uses (if applicable), cautions, and special notes. A sustenance rank, choice edible part/ season indictor, and general index all serve to increase the publication's usefulness.

Both American Indians and the pioneers knew and used many different plant species-for food, fibers, medicine, tools, and other purposes. This unique book is a guide to identifying more than 220 such plants. But it goes much further-it also tells the reader how to prepare, cook, and otherwise use them. Some of the dishes for which recipes are given have won culinary prizes. All have been tested not only by the author but also by her students and by journalists-who have been uniformity surprised and impressed. The plants are organized by habitat communities. Description, photos, drawings, and distribution information are given. Where poisonous look-alikes exist, they too are illustrated. Much fascinating information about Indian uses of native and introduced species is included. The author emphasizes conservation considerations; the aim of the book is to educate the reader about intriguing uses of the plants, and to tell how to gather and use the most palatable and abundant species without damaging the environment.

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Rundel introduces readers to the plant communities of the Southern California coastal areas and foothills, including color photos of 250 species and additional color habitat photos.