Those interested in palms can find a wealth of published information that will help them better understand these remarkable plants. Focusing on plant identification can be a fun and useful way to start. Our staff has been enjoying Geoff Stein's Palms for Southern California: A Quick Reference Guide.
As the subtitle suggests, Stein's guide does not go into the detail that more exhaustive texts on palms explore. Instead it provides a quick overview of each plant, with information on common and botanical names; morphology of trunk, leaves and canopy spread; growing preferences like water needs, sun exposure, temperature and hardiness, and dry heat. It also characterizes availability, status in the wild, and native habitat, and rates each palm for ease of cultivation. Stein also provides a silhouette sketch of each palm that gives a good idea of basic form. Stein's intricate line drawings of several notable palms make an attractive cover design.
Palms for Southern California is available through the Palm Society of Southern California. At Ellis Farms it is one of our go-to reference books.
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