Sagebrush Country: A Wildflower Sanctuary

by Ronald J. Taylor

Sagebrush country is a land of contrasts--a place of desolation and a place of beauty. This field guide explores the elegance of the sagebrush steppe as expressed in the colorful spring and fall flowers and, more subtly, in the wondrous adaptations that enable plants to withstand the extremes so typical of this harsh environment.
Through color photographs and nontechnical descriptions, this book introduces visitors and residents alike to the abundant plant life in the land of bitterbrush and coyotes. This book covers northern Nevada, northeastern California, eastern Oregon and Washington, southern Idaho, western Montana, northern Utah, much of Wyoming, and the foothills and valleys of northwestern Colorado.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Plants

221 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1992

Reviews

[Chrisl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sagebrush Country is home. Been living decades in the 'high desert.' Weather permitting, as usual this time of year, I'm outside in horizontal mode, doing much more 'gardening' than reading.

When hiking in the huge expanse of 'public land' that surrounds Prineville ... I've seen many of the plants shown in the less than 'sanctuary' countryside. (BLM and Forest Service both have district headquarters here.)

Taylor captures many Sagebrush beauties in his photos. Wish that I had access to his pictures in large format. This is a companion book to Taylor's 'Northwest Weeds.' There is significant overlap in photos and descriptions.

(Thinking 'high' desert, I was bemused to read that the large wood mill on the road to town, long closed, has been sold to a hemp processing operation. Wonder how the the CBD business will continue this new market growth.?)
(Elsewhere, I read that Mr Taylor had his ashes scattered across the Idaho Rockies.)

[Sacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved that the author includes a question tree for identifying plants because it shows his depth of experience and thought. The collection of photos feels very personal. I would not reach for this as an initial resource for a new plant but enjoyed getting to know the writer's style and would use it for more information on a plant. Particularly enjoyed moments of local lore, history, and odd facts.

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean who *doesn't* read field guides for fun?

Caveats since this is old: Good to also consult more recent sources for updates to classification. Beware of language that frames Indigenous peoples as historical entities.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite for Great Basin plants (Western WY, South ID, Pryor Mts area in MT.) Best photo field guide for the Great Basin common plants. Great in Southern ID, Western WY, UT, NV, Eastern OR.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best field guides for the Oregon high Desert.

[Mary Koeven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fun cover to cover read, but a nice reference with good pictures.

[Pj · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was going to have more details about the sagebrush steppe and specifically the sagebrush bushes. Setting my incorrect assumption aside, it was a great field guide for beautiful flowers and bushes that grow among these regions. A few pages discussed some animals, but I really wanted more detail about EVERYTHING regarding these regions (and sub-regions), but it has nice glossy pages of photos of beautiful fauna with descriptions. I'll keep on my bookshelf with my other field guides!

[Vermicious Knids · Rating 4 out of 5]

There may be more comprehensive books, but this is so easy to use here in the high desert. The pictures are nice and detailed enough that I can find the genus of the plant, and then do further research on-line. The author has some info about the vegetative zones as well. The book is easy to use, though the plants are listed by family. I love taking this book with me when out in the scrub.