Wild Plants of the Sierra Nevada This page intentionally left blank Wild Plants of the Sierra Nevada Ray S. Vizgirdas and Edna M. Rey-Vizgirdas Illustrations by Edna M. Rey-Vizgirdas University of Nevada Press reno & las vegas University of Nevada Press, Reno, Nevada 89557 usa Copyright ∫ 2006 by University of Nevada Press All rights reserved Manufactured in the United States of America Design by Cameron Poulter Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Vizgirdas, Ray S., 1960– Wild plants of the Sierra Nevada / Ray S. Vizgirdas and Edna M. Rey-Vizgirdas. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. isbn 0-87417-535-6 (hardcover : alk. paper) 1. Botany—Sierra Nevada (Calif. and Nev.) 2. Plants—Sierra Nevada (Calif. and Nev.)—Identification. I. Rey-Vizgirdas, Edna. II. Title. qk142.7.v59 2005 581.9794%4—dc22 2005004867 The paper used in this book meets the requirements of American National Standard for Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ansi z.48-1984. Binding materials were selected for strength and durability. First Printing 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 07 06 05 5 4 3 2 1 While this book documents the many uses of wild plants found within the Sierra Nevada, the publisher and authors disclaim any liability for injury that may result from following the instructions for collecting, preparing, or consuming plants described in this guide. E√orts have been made to ensure that the descriptions and drawings of plants represented are accurate representations of the family, genus, and species noted. It should be understood that growth conditions, improper identification, and varietal di√erences, as well as an individual’s own sensitivity or allergic response, can contribute to a hazard in sampling or using a plant. Furthermore, the reader is encouraged to seek assistance from experienced botanists in identifying any of the plants discussed in this book. For Tomas, from Mom and Dad This page intentionally left blank We are losing our ancestral knowledge because the technicians only believe in modern science and cannot read the sky. —Andean peasant expression This page intentionally left blank Contents List of Illustrations / xi Preface / xiii introduction / 1 Scientific and Common Names / 14 Rare and Protected Plants / 15 California Native Groups / 17 Guidelines for Gathering / 17 major plant groups Ferns and Fern Allies / 19 Gymnosperms / 30 Flowering Plants: Dicots / 40 Flowering Plants: Monocots / 219 appendix one Sierra Nevada Habitats and Their Associated Plants and Uses / 245 appendix two Some Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plant Species Found in the Sierra Nevada / 267 appendix three Scientific and Common Plant Names / 268 Glossary / 277 References and Additional Reading / 283 Index / 291