A compact, user-friendly field guide to 50 of the most prominent and ecologically significant plant species of the west coast, from British Columbia to Northern California.

A keystone species is an organism that defines and supports an entire ecosystem, filling a vital ecological niche. Without these species, the ecosystem would be radically altered or even collapse. This pocket-sized field guide by bestselling naturalist Collin Varner highlights 50 keystone trees, flowering plants, fruit-bearing plants, marine plants, and fungi found across the Pacific Northwest bioregion—including Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce, Large-leafed Lupine, Wild Mint, Salal, Salmonberry, Marine Eelgrass, Red-belted Polypore, and more. Each entry features clear photography, etymology, descriptions, habitat information, risks and warnings. This convenient and easy reference is perfect for casual walkers, hikers, campers, and beachcombers, and draws awareness to the importance of conservation and protection of these crucial species.

Collin Varner is a horticulturalist/arboriculturalist. Over his forty-year career, he worked at the University of British Columbia’s Botanical Garden, assumed responsibility for conserving 25,000 trees across campus, and taught courses in native plant studies. Now retired, Varner is an avid photographer, world traveller, and bestselling author of a series of nature guidebooks, including The Flora and Fauna of Coastal British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, Edible and Medicinal Flora of the West Coast, Invasive Flora of the West Coast, and the award-winning The Flora and Fauna of Stanley Park.

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"This beautiful book is a valuable addition to the library of anyone passionate about the flora of the Pacific Northwest. . . A refreshing way of exploring these incredible organisms."
—Amanda Swinimer, author of The Science and Spirit of Seaweed

“A concise and essential guide for anyone curious about the essential plants of the coastal Pacific Northwest.”
—Elizabeth Price, author of Native and Ornamental Conifers of the Pacific Northwest

"Like a keystone itself, this guide helps define an ecosystem: the forests and coasts of the Pacific Northwest. It is an indispensable companion for any ramble or expedition."
—Harley Rustad, award-winning and bestselling author of Big Lonely Doug and Lost in the Valley of Death

“A good starter book for readers new to plants of the Pacific Northwest.”
—Edward C. Jensen, Professor Emeritus, Oregon State University and author of Trees to Know in Oregon and Washington