Common Mosses of the Northeast and Appalachians

Karl B McKnight is associate professor of biology at St. Lawrence University. Joseph R. Rohrer is professor of biology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Kirsten McKnight Ward is a third-generation botanist/field guide author and professional artist. Warren J. Perdrizet is a recent graduate of St. Lawrence University with a BS in biology.

"With a 10X loupe and this book, an entire new world can be opened to even a seasoned naturalist."--DRK, Wildlife Activist "Since this is the first moss field guide for the eastern states covering most common species, it fills a need for those interested in these plants."--Choice "I have no doubt that this guide will become a trusted field companion for outdoor educators and amateur naturalists, who may be new to moss identification, as well as to botanists interested in refreshing their moss identification skills. Common Mosses fills a long-standing void in moss field guides for the region, and, as such, this guide will make the identification of these small plants more accessible to a wider botanical audience."--J. M. Budke, Plant Science Bulletin "This is a perfect book for the incipient bryologist of the temperate region, and is a pleasure to leaf through for the more experienced one... I have seen quite a number of field guides to bryophytes that are intended for beginners or people who have a general interest in nature, and this book is one of the very best. Without compromises regarding scientific accuracy or illustration quality it introduces the relatively difficult mosses in a superb way."--Lars Hedenas, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society "This guide is an excellent field manual that should enhance the appreciation of a group that has been largely overlooked by many naturalists. If you have never stopped on a hiking trail to closely examine a bank of mosses on a rotting log or on a boulder along a mountain stream, you should. By examining the delicate structures of these tiny plants and by comprehending their immense diversity here in the Appalachians, you will greatly expand your awareness of the natural world."--Gary Walker, Appalachian Journal

• How to Use this Book 9 Key Features 10 Key Features Path to the Keys 16 How to Look at a Moss 18 Collecting Mosses 20 What Are Mosses? 22 Basic Structure of Mosses 25 Life History of Mosses 26 What Good Are Mosses? 28 Species Treatments * Acrocarps 33 * Pleurocarps 173 * Leafless 317 * Peat Mosses 321 How to Use the Identification Keys 340 Keys 341 Habitat Lists 380 Moss Publications and Resources 384 Moss Names 385 Index 386