A Field Guide to Western Trees (Peterson Field Guides: 44)

Editorial Reviews
Review
An authoritative book that includes every tree that grows wild in western North America, including Alaska. Using the unique system of identification employed in the author's other tree books, the 387 trees of the region are divided into six major groups according to conspicuous characteristics. Within those categories, trees that look alike are brought together and compared in text and illustration, regardless of whether they are related or not.

The color plates, beautifully painted by Olivia Petrides, the author's daughter and Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, emphasize details that may not be present or clearly visible in a photograph. Differences between trees that resemble each other are also listed in distinctive comparison charts. With range maps, keys, descriptions, and illustrations, the user can identify trees at any season, even when without leaves. Technical terminology is converted into plain English. The values of trees and their use by wildlife, Native Americans, and campers also are discussed. -- From the Author --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
This newly designed field guide features detailed descriptions of 387 species, arranged in six major groups by visual similarity. The 47 color plates and 5 text drawings show distinctive details needed for identification. Color photographs and 295 color range maps accompany the species descriptions.

About the Author
Roger Tory Peterson, one of the world"s greatest naturalists, received every major award for ornithology, natural science, and conservation, as well as numerous honorary degrees, medals, and citations, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Peterson Identification System has been called the greatest invention since binoculars, and the Peterson Field Guides® are credited with helping to set the stage for the environmental movement.

George A. Petrides, a veteran field naturalist, is professor of fisheries and wildlife at Michigan State University in East Lansing. He is the author of A Field Guide to Eastern Trees, A Field Guide To Trees and Shrubs, and the Peterson First Guide to Trees.

Olivia Petrides is an adjunct associate professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, reaching drawing and painting. She holds degrees from Kalamazoo College and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
TWO-NEEDLE PINYON Pinus edulis Engelm. Pl. 1
A short, round-topped, arid-zone tree mainly of the s. Rockies.
Needles 2 per cluster, 3?4–2 in. long, dark green, sharp but
not
spiny. Cones short, 1–2 in. long, somewhat spherical, with thick,
blunt, thornless scales and 2 wingless half-inch nuts per scale.
Height 15–20 (50) ft.; diameter 1–2 (3) ft. Dry sites. Similar
species: See Lodgepole Pine. Remarks: Like the other nut pines (see
Singleleaf Pinyon), the fruits are eagerly sought by wildlife and
humans alike. Reported to be the most common tree in N.M. A single-
needle population is reported to occur in cen. Ariz. Resin from trunk
wounds is said to have been used by Native Americans to waterproof
woven bottles and to cement turquoise jewelry.