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Western Forbs: Biology, Ecology, and Use in Restoration

Forbs (wildflowers) are essential components of resilient, biologically and functionally diverse communities, but their use in restoration and rehabilitation in the Intermountain West remains limited. This online book, Western Forbs: Biology, Ecology, and Use in Restoration, synthesizes all existing research and practical experience gained over the last 20 years. It is designed to aid seed collectors, seed growers, nurserymen, landowners, restoration practitioners, and land managers as they increase the supply and use of native forbs. Each chapter features an individual species’ biology, ecology, seed technology, and use in restoration based on literature and data available at the time of publication. Taxonomic treatments for species follow the Flora of North America (FNA). For those species not yet treated by FNA, nomenclature follows the US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS database, which uses the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) and other species-specific taxonomic sources. This book is funded primarily by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with additional support from the US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, the Great Basin Fire Science Exchange, and the University of Nevada, Reno.

Western Forbs logo 2023

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Project Overview and Acknowledgements

Eventually the online book will include at least 98 forb species. Chapters are being developed in order of priority set by BLM personnel, based on the projected importance of each species for Great Basin sites in the greatest need of restoration. The list of species to be reviewed or updated.

For biology and ecology information on forbs not in the above list, visit the Fire Effects Information System website. For information on collecting, growing, and restoration uses of native forbs not in the above list, visit the PLANTS Fact Sheets/Plant Guides website.

BLM, GB Fire Science Exchange, USFS, GB Native Plant Project, Plant Cons Alliance, UNR logo collage

Corey L. Gucker, Great Basin Fire Science Exchange, University of NV-Reno | Boise, ID
Nancy L. Shaw, USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station | Boise, ID