This systematic treatment of Colorado grasses will help students, naturalists, botanists, ecologists, agronomists, range scientists, and other interested readers identify and learn about this unique and economically important plant family. Grasses of Colorado describes all grasses known to occur in the state outside of cultivation: more than 300 native, introduced, naturalized, and adventive species. Colorado's elevation range of more than 11,000 feet creates a wide variety of habitats that supports a spectacular diversity of grasses. With 335 known species, Colorado has one of the most diverse and extensive grass floras in the United States. Comprehensive coverage, useful keys, and detailed species descriptions in Grasses of Colorado will make this volume the standard reference for years to come. Robert B. Shaw provides overviews of Colorado's physiography and ecoregions and introduces the grass plant in plain, enjoyable text. He includes a checklist of Colorado grasses, a bibliography, and a glossary of terms that may be unfamiliar to nonspecialists. Line drawings, state distribution maps, and habitat notes for each species enable accurate plant identification, familiarity with regional ecogeography, and increased understanding of plant ecology of the Rocky Mountains. A monumental accomplishment certain to become the standard work on the subject, Grasses of Colorado synthesizes existing literature and incorporates recent scientific findings to offer a complete, current reference.

Author Biography

Robert B. Shaw was a professor in the Department of Forest, Rangeland & Watershed Stewardship and director of the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands at Colorado State University. He is currently a professor of ecosystem science and management and associate director of the Institute of Renewable Natural Resources at Texas A&M University.