Alaska Trees and Shrubs A Field Guide to the Woody Plants of Alaska

About this book

Alaska Trees and Shrubs describes and illustrates over 150 woody plants – the trees and shrubs – found in the 49th State. Included are essentially all the native trees and shrubs of Alaska, plus several introduced and naturalized woody plants. Geographically, all of Alaska is included, from the narrow southeastern coastal region along the Pacific Ocean, west and southwest through the long chain of the Aleutian Islands, and north through the interior to the Arctic Ocean; also the many islands along the coasts. Alaska Trees and Shrubs should also be useful in northwestern Canada, including the Yukon and Northwest Territories, and northwestern British Columbia.

Alaska Trees and Shrubs was prepared for anyone desiring to learn more about Alaska's trees and shrubs and their habitats. The intended users range from those with little or no botanical background, to outdoors workers needing a comprehensive, up-to-date field reference. While technical terms have been kept to a minimum, a glossary is provided, and keys are included for all species as well as for trees and shrubs in both summer and winter condition. By using a combination of the keys, range maps, illustrations, descriptions, and habitat information, you should be able to confidently identify any tree or shrub growing in the wild in Alaska. The most difficult group are the willows (Salix), and two keys are provided, one based on features of leaves and catkins, the other based on leaves, twigs, and growth form.

Contents

Introduction 5
Vegetation Of Alaska 7
Species Descriptions
Gymnosperms 17
Cupressaceae (Cypress Family) 17
Pinaceae (Pine Family) 23
Taxaceae (Yew Family) 45
Angiosperms 46
Adoxaceae (Muskroot Family) 46
Araliaceae (Ginseng Family) 50
Asteraceae (Aster Family) 52
Betulaceae (Birch Family) 54
Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family) 68
Cornaceae (Dogwood Family) 71
Diapensiaceae (Diapensia Family) 74
Elaeagnaceae (Elaeagnus Family) 76
Ericaceae (Heath Family) 79
Grossulariaceae (Gooseberry Family) 126
Linnaeaceae (Twinflower Family) 134
Myricaceae (Bayberry Family) 136
Rosaceae (Rose Family) 138
Salicaceae (Willow Family) 174
Santalaceae (Sandalwood Family) 226
Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family) 227
Identification Keys 229
Key to Alaska trees based mainly on leaves 229
Winter key to deciduous trees of Alaska 232
Key to genera of Alaska shrubs 233
Winter key to Alaska shrubs 236
Glossary 243
Acknowledgments 246
Resources 247
Index - Common name 249
Index - Scientific name 254

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