I picked up this attractive but compact field guide because I thought it might come in handy the next time we visit California. However, I was amazed and impressed by the depth of information it gives about some of the plants which are common across North America. A solution of nettle juice used as rennet? The "narcotic qualities" of California poppies, which were used as painkiller in cases of toothache? The root of the common weed known as bedstraw, a source of purple dye? Worth investigating. ( )