In search of California ecosystem vegetation field guide?

Question

I am searching for an illustrated naturalist handbook to coastal California vegetation (trees, shrubs, wildflowers) organized by ecosystem. For example, there might be sections for coastal dunes (with illustrations and information for beach sagewort, mock Heather, beach primrose, etc), chaparral (chamise, toyon, manzanita, sticky monkey, etc), coastal sage scrub (California sagebrush, coyote brush, sticky monkey), oak woodland, Monterey pine forest, and so forth. Color illustrations would be ideal for easier identification. Does anyone know of a book or set of books/guides that could provide this overview, or at least get close? I would also settle for separate sources of the tree/shrub/flower illustrations and the details of common species by ecosystem. There's often great local signage at state parks providing this sort of information, but I have not been able to locate a comparable reference guide. Many thanks!

Answer 1

I'm from southern California. There are tons of books specifically focused on CA native plants.There are several I recommend but one I will stand by always. It's called "The Plant Life of Southern California" - Philip W. Rundel and Robert Gustafson. "Wildflowers of Orange County and Santa Ana Mountains" - Robert Allen and Fred M. Roberts Jr. is a good option as well. I know Robert Allen from my previous job and he includes how to identify the plant in regards to animal interaction, climate, etc.