Soft layers of moss and pine needles carpet the ground as dappled sunlight or misty rain filters through the forest canopy's branches. Western Washington woodlands can be enchanting. Fortunately these magical places are abundant, covering half the state's soil. Affording beauty and recreation as well as economic value, they endure as one of the area's most important natural assets. In Native Trees of Western Washington , Washington State University's Kevin Zobrist examines regional indigenous trees from a forestry specialist's unique perspective. He explains basic tree physiology and a key part of their ecology--forest stand dynamics. He groups distinctive varieties into sections, describing common lowland conifers and broadleaved trees, high-elevation species found in the Olympic Mountains and western side of the Cascades, and finally, those with a very limited natural range and small, isolated populations. Numerous full-color photographs illustrate key traits. In addition, Zobrist discusses notable features, offering information about where to find particular species. He includes brief lists of some common human uses, citing Native American medicines, food, and materials, as well as commercial utilization from the time of European settlement to the present day. The result is a delightful and enlightening exploration of western Washington timberlands. "A beautiful new guide book about native trees is garnering rave reviews." -- Everett Herald "A broad, richly photographed introduction. Rife with surprising trivia about trees we see every day, these chapters are genuinely readable." -- Madison Park Times, Queen Anne & Magnolia News "A small, well-written, scientifically accurate book about the trees of Western Washington." -- The Acorn "A valuable primer on the intricate variety of forest species on the wet side of the Cascades." -- The Daily Astorian "Succinctly written, effectively illustrated, convenient to keep in the car or toss in your daypack. A useful and readable reference." -- Northwest Science Soft layers of moss and pine needles carpet the ground as dappled sunlight or misty rain filters through the forest canopy's branches. Western Washington woodlands can be enchanting. Fortunately, these magical places are abundant, covering half the state's soil. Affording beauty and recreation as well as economic value, they endure as one of the area's most important natural assets. In Native Trees of Western Washington , Washington State University's Kevin Zobrist examines regional indigenous trees from a forestry specialist's unique perspective. He explains basic tree physiology and a key part of their ecology--forest stand dynamics. He groups distinctive varieties into sections, describing common lowland conifers and broadleaved trees, high-elevation species found in the Olympic Mountains and Cascades, and trees with a limited natural range and small, isolated populations. Numerous full-color photographs illustrate key traits. In addition, Zobrist discusses notable features, offering information about where to find particular species. He includes brief lists of some common human uses, citing Native American medicines, food, and materials, as well as commercial utilization from the time of European settlement to the present day. The result is a delightful and enlightening exploration of western Washington timberlands. Soft layers of moss and pine needles carpet the ground as dappled sunlight or misty rain filters through the forest canopy's branches. Western Washington woodlands can be enchanting. Fortunately, these magical places are abundant, covering half the state's soil. Affording beauty and recreation as well as economic value, they endure as one of the area's most important natural assets. In "Native Trees of Western Washington," Washington State University's Kevin Zobrist examines regional indigenous trees from a forestry specialist's unique perspective. He explains basic tree physiology and a key part of their ecology--forest stand dynamics. He groups distinctive varieties into sections, describing common lowland conifers and broadleaved trees, high-elevation species found in the Olympic Mountains and Cascades, and trees with a limited natural range and small, isolated populations. Numerous full-color photographs illustrate key traits. In addition, Zobrist discusses notable features, offering information about where to find particular species. He includes brief lists of some common human uses, citing Native American medicines, food, and materials, as well as commercial utilization from the time of European settlement to the present day. The result is a delightful and enlightening exploration of western Washington timberlands. Kevin W. Zobrist is a Washington State University Extension professor.