A Californian's Guide to the Trees Among Us

”[Ritter] has written a book that explains not only how to identify 150 of California’s most familiar landscape trees, but offers multiple windows into understanding and appreciating these trees […] Text about each tree’s natural history is informative, thoughtful, and occasionally humorous; social or economic influences pertinent to individual species enliven the narrative.” —Eden: Journal of the California Garden & Landscape History Society

“Anyone who is curious about trees is sure to find education and inspiration in these pages.“—David Allen Sibley, author of The Sibley Guide to Trees and The Sibley Guide to Birds

An informative and clear book to help you get to know trees that have probably lived in your neighborhood longer than you have. I was amazed to find that practically every tree in a two block radius from my home originated from a different country. Ritter gives some great details about my favorite, the prehistoric gingko trees, which drop a pattern of beautiful yellow leaves all around Pasadena, including at Vroman’s, during the fall season.” —Naomi Hirahara, author of Clark and Division

Matt Ritter is a biology professor in California. He is the author of several books including California Plants and A Californian’s Guide to the Trees Among Us. He has an infectious love of trees and all things botanical. He lives in San Luis Obispo, California.