Ceanothus (review)

Ceanothus evidences the quality I have previously experienced in books published by Timber Press. The nature of the binding and presentation in the book is first-rate. Both authors are well versed in their fields. Both are excellent, competent botanists and know the horticultural applications of the genus firsthand.

The book comes in 2 parts, a format appropriately similar to the classic book Ceanothus published in 1942 by Maunsell Van Rensselaer and Howard McMinn. Part 1 deals with horticultural aspects of Ceanothus, and part 2 presents the wild or natural Ceanothus information. Thus, the book should be of interest to a diverse readership. Al-though many of the Ceanothus species are of most interest to those who live in the Mediterranean and modified Mediterranean climates in the western coastal regions of the US, there is ample information provided for the general reader.

Part 1 relates the interest over time that those involved in landscape design and those who enjoy working in their yards have had in the glorious blossoms exhibited by the horticultural offerings provided by Ceanothus plants. The exquisite and varied colors of blues and associated colors are well illustrated and discussed here. The wealth of what is currently available and the suggestion of species yet available for future studies are presented. The ability to consider the information about horticultural Ceanothus offerings and compare that with the taxonomic information associated with the wild species is both interesting and valuable.

Experiential information in propagating, growing, and maintaining Ceanothus plants is included. This is extremely important in determining which entity is selected for a particular site and how it will be presented and maintained. The successful use of horticultural forms frequently depends on proper location and proper provision of water. The attractive illustrations greatly enhance this portion of the book. It is particularly interesting to see how gardeners and landscapers in England, France, and the US have innovatively utilized Ceanothus. The book's selection guide presents suggestions for a number of differing sites—this plus some creativity will augment potential applications. While visiting some of the excellent gardens mentioned here, we could greater appreciate the plantings with this book in hand.

An examination of part 2, entitled "Ceanothus in the Wild," discloses a thorough review of pertinent literature. There is a functional glossary helpful to those of us who need a review of the botanical terminology and a useful dichotomous key to the species found in nature. The introductory portion of part 2 provides the paleo-history of the genus as well as the history of studies by the many eminent botanists who have dealt with this perplexing and taxonomically difficult group of plant species, which have been separated by physical terrains and the edaphic substrates in which they natively grow. The species are visited by many pollinators and within a subgenus are subject to hybridization in their natural habitats. The reasons for such events are well presented.

Some Ceanothus species are nicely distinguished by morphological characteristics while other entities are so similar in appearance, but are separated by ecological constraints, that developing a functional identifying key is somewhat difficult. The key in part 2 appears to be effective in this task. The excellent drawings and images are valuable supplements to the descriptive words in the treatment.

At one extreme there may be some who would view the genus as possessing only 2 species instead of 2 subgenera. In this kind of treatment each of the species would be made up of extremely diverse subspecies and varieties. Others may prefer that every distinguishable entity be recognized taxonomically as a species, subspecies, or variety. Clearly there are grounds for taxonomic disagreement. It appears to me that the approach selected...