Weeds of California and Other Western States (2-Volume Set)

This encyclopedic yet easy-to-use guide is the most comprehensive guide to weed identification in the West ever published.
Covering 262 individual entries, including a full description of 451 species and another 361 plants compared as similar species, representing 63 plant families yet organized so the information you need is easy to find. Inside you'll find:
13 shortcut identification tables for groups that share similar or uncommon characteristics
2 grass identification keys
a key to all characteristics including inflorescences and reproductive parts and a key to vegetative characteristics only
67 tables comparing difficult-to-distinguish weedy species
Color photos of over 700 weeds including seeds, seedlings, flowers, and mature plants
A CD of all of the photographs from the book suitable for use in PowerPoint presentations over 3000 images!
Appendix of non-native plants rarely or occasionally naturalized in California
Glossary of botanical terms
Bibliography
Index to common and scientific names and synonyms.

Each entry describes the plant category, family and common name, and synonyms, along with a summary of the important aspects of life cycle, size, growth form, impact, method of introduction, and toxicity. You'll also find a description of the seedling, mature plant, roots and underground structures, flowers, fruits and seeds, spikelets and florets, spore-bearing structures, and post senescence characteristics for each entry. Also includes a description of the habitat, distribution, and maximum elelvation where each is typically found.

Rounding out each entry is a description of the methods of reproduction, seed dispersal, germination requirements, seed survival and longevity, early establishment characteristics, cultural practices and management options that have proven effective or ineffective in controlling infestations, and a notation of inclusion on federal or state noxious weed lists.