A Flora of the Marshes of California Herbert L. Mason

This work gives descriptions of the currently known species of the currently known species of flowering plants and ferns that occur in wet lands, including many significant as waterfowl food. Much interest in marsh plants, hitherto neglected by botanists, has developed in recent years because of waterfowl depredations on crop lands–indicating an imbalance in the birds’ relation to natural foods. This comprehensive volume will make possible for the botanist, wildlife manager, and sportsman an understanding of the marsh plants of the state. In the preparation of the volume several species of plants new to science were discovered. The classifications of many genera have had to be reorganized, and many plants from other areas not previously known in California were found. The text provides identification keys, descriptions of the plants, and indications of habitat and geographic range. Ranes are noted outside California also making the volume useful for most of the West. For a large proportion of plants, common names as well as botanical names are given. The line drawings are outstanding; they vividly illustrate more than three hundred and fifty species. There is also an illustrated key to the major groups of marsh plants, displaying the basic characters upon which classification and identification depend. An extensive glossary defining botanical terms as used in the text is provided, with references to appropriate illustrations. In the introduction, ecological features of the marsh habitats of the state are discussed, together with the problems of reconstituting marsh floras in the interests of waterfowl management. Particular emphasis is laid on the necessity of securing seed that will produce plants closely adapted to local conditions. The field work on which the volume is based covered not only the feeding and resting areas alongs waterfowl flyways, but also irrigation ditches, rice fields, streams, ponds, lakes, swamps, marshes, and bogs throughout the state. The resulting volume is a convenient and authoritative guide to the marsh plants of California.