past, present, and future
William A. Dick-Peddie, with contributions by W.H. Moir and Richard Spellenberg

Taken from Back Cover:
"This book is the first comprehensive study of the biological history and evolution of New Mexico's vegetation and includes a detailed account of the distribution of plant communities in the state today. Originally published in 1993, it remains one of the few authoritative vegetation compilations for a western state.

"Discussed are the following major types of vegetation: tundra and coniferous forest; woodland and savanna; grassland; scrubland; riparian; and wetlands. For each type, information is provided on the principal plant species. In addition, for each vegetation type special attention is given to describing how plants sharing a common location interact and, in particular, how human activity impacts on each type. Much of New Mexico's vegetation is in some stage of succession as a result of human-initiated distrubances such as fire, logging, and livestock grazing. The book ends with a detailed description of species of special concern and what is being done to preserve examples of vegetation types within the state."

Contents:

• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• Physical Environment of New Mexico
• History of New Mexico Vegetation
• Vegetation and Ecology
• Terrestrial Vegetation of New Mexico
• Alpine Tundra and Coniferous Forest
• Woodland and Savanna Vegetation
• Grassland Vegetation
• Scrubland Vegetation
• Riparian Vegetation
• Vegetation of Special Habitats
• Species of Special Concern
• The Future of New Mexico Vegetation
• Index