Book Description

Useful throughout the Southeast north of Florida—90% of the native trees from Delaware to east Texas are included—this field guide identifies 205 species and varieties, with complete plant descriptions that highlight differences between similar taxa. It also includes range maps and botanical keys for summer and winter. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Very useful book...
for the novice or experienced gardener. Good pictures help to identify trees native to the Southeast U.S. Excellent descriptions of trees with useful information for cultivation.

I'm glad to see this book finally available in paperback.

Georgia's Best Dendrology Book
This book by Brown & Kirkman is the best resource I have seen for those interested in tree identification anywhere in the Southeast. It includes excellent descriptions of over 200 native trees, as well as hundreds of color photographs. There are also charts for identifying every family, genus, and species in the summer and winter. Also included is a list of many non-native species which could be confused with our native trees. Because most other books about dendrology in the Southeast are so outdated, this is definitely the best resource available for any botanist, forester, or anyone else who would like a greater appreciation of our most fascinating natural resource.

An invaluable resource for field botanists
Brown & Kirkman have synthesized a wonderful, comprehensive guide to Georgia trees. Many species distributions overlap with other states, however, so this guide is useful for most of the Southeast. In addition to species descriptions, they include valuable habitat and economic information. Perhaps the most unique feature is the "Recognition difficulties with other taxa" section that is included with every species description. Now even beginning botanists can distinguish Post Oak from Sand Post Oak with ease. ... Read more

Book Description

There's something magical about a cabin set among tree branches. It excites adults and tempts children away from sedentary pursuits to a world of outdoor fantasy. Treehouses come in all shapes and sizes, from a simple deck in the sky to an elaborate complex of interconnecting structures far above the ground. They can be romantic, luxurious, or designed for entertaining friends. This engaging book contains some of the most interesting examples from around the world, and also features a wide range of interiors, designed for various functions. It's an invaluable source of lofty ideas for anyone contemplating a move up-into the trees. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

BUYER BEWARE!
The book I recieved is Ultimate Treehouses by David Clark, but it doesn't look like the one pictured. That photo is not in this copy, and the print quality is rather low on mine.

Buyer Beware!
I ordered the book from Amazon, the book pictured is NOT the one I recieved. That photo is no where in my copy. I do have a book titled Ultimate Treehouses by David Clark but it isn't the same one pictured. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Peter D'Amato has been raising carnivorous plants for three decades, and his nursery, California Carnivores, houses the world's largest collection of flesh-eating flora. There's not much D'Amato doesn't know about growing these oddballs of the plant world, and he imparts his expertise gracefully and with humor in The Savage Garden, which is aimed at curious gardeners who want to grow carnivorous plants both indoors and out. From the ever-fascinating Venus flytrap to the aquatic bladderwort and the rather extravagantly sexual-looking pitcher plant, these exotic plants have a reputation for being difficult to grow, but D'Amato proves otherwise. The necessary water and soil chemistry, proper lighting, and propagation tips are discussed thoroughly along with descriptions and growing tips for many species in each of 11 plant families.

If plants can have personalities, these do--or at least appear to in the hundreds of witty photographs and colored illustrations that show them both at their hungriest and at their most innocuous. This is a stunningly comprehensive guide that will inspire and fascinate even the most squeamish gardener. -- Barrie Trinkle ... Read more

Reviews (31)

A Brilliant Display Of Organization And Knowledge!
Peter D'Amato displays his incredible knowledge of carnivorous plants in a book that is brilliantly organized. Cultivation and propagation pages are set in pastel green colors for fast and easy reference. The book is full of detailed cultivating information, fascinating historical accounts, and beautiful color pictures. The Savage Garden is an essential part of any carnivorous plant enthusiasts' library.

The best guide for cultiving carnivorous plants
If you've ever bought a venus fly-trap and had it die on you, but would still like to give it another try, this is the perfect book. And not just for fly-traps, but nearly every other carnivorous plant out there!

This book is packed full of information on all kinds of plants that trap and eat insects. But best of all, Peter D'Amato, who runs the largest retail store selling such plants, gives helpful advice on how to grow them. Pretty much everything from soil mixes to light and humidity levels is detailed out here. He even gives lists of plants that do well in different settings, such as windowsills, terrariums, and outdoor bogs. And the writing style is such that it is easy to understand and follow, and even has a nice sense of humor. And while the author's experience is growing them on the Pacific Coast, the advice is easily adaptable to other climates with some adjustment.

This is a must-have book for anyone interested in carnivorous plants - and the "bible" for anyone who hopes to grow them successfully.

Quality and informative!
This book answers all the questions for cultivating these complex plants. From problem solving, to watering, to soil, and even types of pots, this book will reveal just about everything you have to know. It contains many grade A quality pictures of the plants, soil, pots, other gardens, and some of his own plants. This book is the best on the market and well worth your money.

Visit his nursery too!
If you're ever in wine country (CA), visit his HUGE nursery. It's obvious this guy knows his stuff. The added bonus is that he knows how to write about it in an engaging manner. The pictures are beautiful, too. Read this books if you're at all interested in CPs or plants in general. You'll want to raise some of your own (I did, and now I have three!).

The Modern CP Bible
Not only a great guy but a great author,
Many people around the world consider this one of the greatest resources when owning a cp. Many other great cp authors are out there but for the beginner or even the expert pick this one up first. ... Read more

Book Description

Grouped by color and by plant characteristics, 1,293 species in 84 families are described and illustrated. Included here are all the flowers you're most likely to encounter in the eastern and north-central U.S., westward to the Dakotas and southward to North Carolina and Arkansas, as well as the adjacent parts of Canada. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Easiest book for everyone
I've been teaching in the outdoors using field guides with novices for 18 years, so I offer this advice to assist beginners in choosing a wildflower guide. I have used both this book and the Newcomb book and greatly prefer this one, although Newcomb's is very good. Newcomb's uses a series of keys, which I guess some people find more "sophisticated." Although the key in Newcombs isn't hard to use, I find that the Peterson guide is faster and easier to use in the field. I have also observed that beginners are less likely to make mistakes using the Peterson wildflower guide. The big plus of the Peterson book is the identification system. The flowers are first arranged by color and the book is color coded. Although wild plants may not always be showing their flower colors, 9 times out of ten when the amateur is identifying a flowering plant, it will be in bloom. You can use the Peterson guide to learn the key characterisitics of a blooming plant so that later on when it is not blooming you will still be able to find it in the book and recoginze it.

In the next stage of the Peterson wildflower guide's organization, the plants are arranged by similar visual characteristics. There is a simple outline and description of this system at the beginning of the book. The book utilizes helpful icons, which are featured at the tops of all the descriptive pages for quick thumb-through reference. I have found this icon system very helpful in teaching plant identification because it provides a systematic approach that the beginner can pick up quickly and easily. The Peterson system greatly facilitates intial accuracy of identification at the level of plant family. Once you learn the system of what to look for when observing a plant, the icons allow speed and efficiency when using the book in the field.

At the final stage of identification, the species level, the Peterson guide has excellent written descriptions and the important subtle differences between species are well highlighted, with both text and arrows on the drawings. As other reviewers have stated, the Peterson book has more illustrations than Newcomb, and the highlighted habitat/range descriptions also help in quickly placing a plant. The black and white illustrations are not bothersome since you already know the flower color, and line drawings show key characteristics clearly. The use of illustrations instead of photos is always preferred in a field guide, even though photos seem like a good idea at first glance. A good illustrator shows the plant in the best light and makes sure the key features are visible and prominent.

Best For Laymen
I have used this book for 20 years to identify wildflowers successfully; the drawings and paintings capture the essence of the flower in a way no photo does; the book includes many less commonly found plants so you are more likely to find what you're looking for; and it is organized by flower color which is most likely to be what drew your attention in the first place. Excellent reference, easily used.

A Very Useful Guide
I own several wildflower identification books, and this one is among my favorites. I often use it in conjunction with other books, but it also does well on its own. I like the fact that the subjects are listed by color - this makes it much easier for me to differentiate species when out in the woods. I have given this book as a gift to flower-loving friends.

Helpful tool in conjunction with other sources.
Though I personally prefer Newcomb's Wildflower Guide over this one, I have found that when in doubt after reading Newcomb's description of a plant, this book helps me decide whether or not it is correct. It's smart to always use more than one guide for identifying plants because different authors notice different qualities that they think are important. I'm not too keen on identifying any plant by the color of the flower, because it limits the amount of time you have to identify a plant. Newcomb's system is much, much better for finding plants that are not in bloom, though part of the key relies on flower parts. Until someone comes up with an easy key for identifying plants based on vegetation only, I suggest buying both this book and Newcomb's book.

Don't waste your money on this book.
I found this book to be of minimal use. It contains only around 20 color plates and the rest is black and white photos which do little to help identify a flower in the field. ... Read more

Book Description

Daylilies have been developed into a striking array of colorful hybrids from a small group of species in the genus Hemerocallis. These parent species are discussed and pictured in this comprehensive encyclopedia, but it focuses primarily on the amazing developments that have been achieved through plant breeding. Hundreds of new daylilies are introduced each year, and no other single book describes and illustrates so many of these remarkable flowers.

Close-up photographs illustrate more than 1200 daylilies, showing the detailed characteristics that hybridizers look for and work for. Each photo is accompanied by a thorough description of the daylily’s color, size, bloom season, and parentage. In addition to the pictorial encyclopedia, the book offers extensive information on cultivation and breeding. It concludes with a glimpse into the future, showing new hybrids not yet introduced, plants found today only in the seedling fields of private nurseries.

For experienced daylily hybridizers, the book is an invaluable reference for colors and designs that have already been created. By studying the illustrations, breeders can identify characteristics they would like to expand upon in future crosses. Gardeners at any level of experience will revel in the possibilities offered by the exquisite forms, colors, and patterns available. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Pretty, Pretty Pictures
You will not find another book with such a variety of beautiful photos of daylilies. For daylily growers that want the most comprhensive photo gallery available to date. I would have enjoyed more details about the parentage of these beautiful daylilies. Munsen and Hill are tops for information but Petit's Encyclopedia is by far the pick for beautiful photos. I am sure the five stars this book received from reviewers was based on the hundreds of excellent color and variety of daylily types. If you like lots of top notch photos this is the best!!!

excellent
This book is full of daylily descriptions and beautiful photos. Very good reference book.

Daylily lovers delight
Excellent book full of eye candy for the daylily lover. The basics have all been covered in other books, but what really makes this book stand out is the pictures. And what pictures! The organization of the book was nice too - chapters to reds, pinks, purples, unusual forms, etc. I have found this book helpful when shopping for daylilies (especially on-line) since I can often find a picture reference for a plant I am considering. My one complaint? While the whole book shows efforts of a wide range of hybridizers, quite a few of today's well known and/or top hybridizers are not shown in the chapter "Daylilies of the Future". Were they not asked to contribute? Did they choose not to contribute? I'm not sure of the answer but they were much missed by me. Otherwise - excellent reference and fun!

wow
if you are interested in day liles this is a must have. excellent pictures to idenify your day lilies.

Daylily Passion
I have six books on daylilies, including "Daylilies A Fifty Year Affair," "Hemerocallis, The Daylily," and "A Passion For Daylilies" and grow the "latest and greatest" daylilies available today.

If I could only keep one book "The Color Encyclopedia of Daylilies" would be the one I would keep.

The color photos are the most extensive and complete of all the books published so far. It includes many selections of the new "Unusual Form" classification as well as all of the other classes. It shows many of the new traits exhibited in modern dayliles including sculpting, cordoury, polytepal, spiders and spider variants, "bagels" double edges, and more It also has the most comprehensive coverage of hybridizers to date. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Quick! But accurate?
This book travels well and with the index dog-eared makes for quick and dirty referencing (espeically of Fam Graminae).
But I found a few of the plates, although well illustrated, confusing (i.e. determining the key number associated with the image of a particular flowering head). If you are looking for a thorough reference for Genus Carex don't look here.

An Excellent Field Resource
For a small, compact field guide it holds a wealth of information including a dichotomous like key for easy identification. Common names as well as scientific names are provided with good illustrations. For anyone serious about field work or just someone interested in plants this book is a good resource. ... Read more

Book Description

This book has been more than 12 years in the making, beginning with two years of research and planning followed by 10 years of on-site, meticulous painting of individual living trees as well as their detailed parts by painter David More. More is a supremely gifted botanical artist who managed in 10 years of his life to paint each of the more than 2000 individual color illustrations beautifully presented in this handsome new book.

The main section is devoted to 377 double-page spreads, which describe and illustrate more than 1000 species and varieties of trees. The trees illustrated were selected because they are commonly cultivated in England and continental Europe; most are also to be found in American gardens, and some are indeed native to North America. A small percentage of the trees documented will not be hardy enough for the most severe climates; hardiness information is provided. Each deciduous tree is illustrated with both a summer painting in full leaf and a winter silhouette. Both deciduous and evergreen trees are illustrated as well with close-up artwork detailing leaves or needles, bark, blossoms, fruit, nuts, or cones.

This book is a must-have for any reader with an interest in trees, whether he or she wishes to grow them, identify them, or simply take pleasure in the minutely detailed and beautifully drawn artwork of David More. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Wonderful book
I bought this for the library but now I want my own copy. It answers questions which field guides don't address. I was not bothered by the euro orientation -- in fact it had much more information about the Scarlet Oak than the recently lauded Dirr's.
Tree lovers: Get this book. It is cool.

If you love trees, you should own this book
I value this almost as much as I do Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. What I like best about this book are (a) the wide variety of trees that it features and (b) the excellent illustrations, which provide far more detail on tree profiles, leaves, cones and other seedpods than other comparable books. So far, I have found illustrations for every tree that I have considered planting, including many uncommon ones. This book can really help you visualize what a particular tree will look like when you are designing your landscape.

Blissful Hours with This Book
If you love trees you need to own this book. What an achievement for an artist not even 50 years old yet; 800 pages of astonishingly detailed paintings of hundreds of trees. The lifelike realism of form is matched in the coloring of all aspects of tree morphology and development, including bark, seeds, cones, berries, twigs, leaves and silhouettes. The first time I opened the book I thought the pictures were photographs. The more I examine the paintings the more agog I am that they came from a person's vision and hand - and the more I prefer them to photographs. People who love trees will understand what I mean when I say the paintings, with absolute realism,convey the spirit of trees in a way that photographs can't.
A book to covet until you own it. It's brilliant and extraordinary.

A color-packed volume organized by type of tree
This comprehensive arboreal reference deserves a spot on any serious gardening library shelf. Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Trees has been 12 years in the making and is packed from cover to cover with detailed paintings of living trees which supplements the in-depth research conducted by botanist More and writer John White. The result is a color-packed volume organized by type of tree and including such details as geographic distribution, importance to American industry, and natural history. Some of this information is scattered in other volumes on trees; the depth of detail and intricate drawing of the trees featured in this superbly organized and presented encyclopedia set it apart from all others and make it a highly recommended, 'must' library reference. ... Read more

Book Description

Cacti have a very special fascination all their own. Like the brilliantly colored hummingbirds, the Cactaceae are creatures of the New World. Miniature spiny dwarf cacti less than an inch in diameter are hidden in the arid regions of North and South America; the majestic columns of the giant saguaro, Carnegiea gigantea, dominate the deserts of Arizona. Yet all these cacti, given time, offer the surprising paradox of brilliant flowers, their delicacy a striking contrast to the strong spines that keep the viewer at a respectful distance.

More than likely, cacti were among the gifts that Christopher Columbus presented on his return from the New World to Isabella, queen of Castile. The first reports of cultivation of cacti in Europe date back to about 1570. Somewhat later, a single plant of Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus, named after Otto von Kotzebue (1787-1846), the explorer, was sold immediately after its discovery to a nursery in Paris for a price many times exceeding the value of the plant's weight in gold. And the fascination continues -- cactus and succulent societies exist around the world. Despite the beauty and wonder of the cactus family, the last professional monograph of the plant was the 1919-1923 publication by Nathaniel Lord Britton and Joseph Nelson Rose.

In this new book, Anderson covers the family Cactaceae in an encyclopedic manner, addressing 125 genera and 1811 species. Descriptions are short but information-packed, and the book includes 1022 color photos. The introduction to each genus concentrates on the discovery of the cacti and the improvements in our understanding of them, in many cases as a result of relatively recent investigation. This makes the book a vivid case study of the science of plant taxonomy or plant systematics.

1008 color photos, 6 b/w photos, 3 drawings, 8 maps, 8 1/2 x 11" ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Outstanding Reference Source!
Between 1919 and 1923, a landmark publication in four volumes, The Cactaceae, was published by the Carnegie Institution. It remains a landmark publication in the world's literature on cacti. Edward F. Anderson has produced a massive one volume encyclopedic work, which expands and extends the work of Carnegie Institution. This marvelous resource has been well worth waiting for as it is based on Anderson's forty-five years of research on cacti.

The unique attributes of cacti are discussed in five chapters. Cacti occur naturally and are native to what is called "The New World." Only one species of native cacti is found in tropical Africa. In all other countries of the world where cacti are present, their existence is owed to the early explorers who carried cacti back to Europe on their ships and to birds that dispersed cactus seeds throughout the world.

Cacti as food, both for humans and animals, is addressed along with the medicinal uses of cacti. Cacti have long been used for ceremonial and religious purposes by indigenous peoples of the New World and as a source of dyes, especially the beautiful red cochineal dye. A chapter on cacti cultivation has been contributed by Roger Brown. For those interested in growing cacti in their homes and gardens, Brown's advice on containers, potting and repotting, air circulation and ventilation, pests, pesticides, and propagation is a valuable bonus to this specialized encyclopedia.

Pages 105 through 681 contain over 1,000 stunning color photographs (many photographed by Anderson), which are overwhelming in their portrayal of both the beauty and the idiosyncratic nature of cacti. Examples of the photographic artistry found within these glossy pages range from close-up snapshots of cactus flowers and large photographs of intriguing oddities. It will be difficult for cacti enthusiasts to wean themselves from this prodigious book, which weighs almost ten pounds.

The appendices, glossary and indexes are superb. The eight-page double-column international bibliography is comprehensive, spanning over two centuries of research on cacti (the earliest citation is dated 1760 and the latest references are from 2001). This is truly a state-of-the-art source. This splendid work stands alone and at the top of its genre.

Disappointment!
Less than 50% of the described species has a photograph.
Actual photos are small in size.
No cultivation tips at all!
Good for botanists, less for amateur cactus growers.

WOW!!! Cactus lover's new bible.
Fuggedaboutit! This recently published work is quite simply the greatest single volume treatment of the Cactus family. Although expensive, I believe you will treasure this book in much the same way that you treasure your cacti collection. A wealth of knowledge expressed in terms a non-scientist can understand, yet also greatly useful to the serious scholar. Please read the other reviews. Much enthusiasm.

Dr Anderson - Where have you been all my Life?
This is the ultimate book for any serious cactus collector and grower. Although at first glance it seems daunting in the extreme, a sudden epiphany of understanding dawns as one reads through the book. Written by a scientist and true enthusiast, this book is exhaustive in its desctriptions and naming of cacti, even to the point of honesty, when Dr Anderson explains that many families of cacti are less well understood than others. This book has many scientific and true botanical references in it, but unlike many authors who believe (wrongly) that the reader will possess the same knowledge, Dr Anderson explains all this in great detail at the beginning of the book, with all the nomenclatures the reader and enthusiast is going to be encountering in later chapters. The photographs are stunning and comprehensive, the various different habitat each plant grows in is described, and the very important issue of conservation of valuable species is tackled in a topical and masterful manner. The exact care of each and every plant is not displayed together with its photograph, but at the beginning of the book, and all other aspects of care, from soil, sterilisation of tools, pots, eradication of pests and so on, can also be found there. The very simple but concise drawings of the anatomy of the cactus flower in general are wonderfully understandable, and in the later photgraphic section, any doubts the grower may have about a particular cactus are dispelled by the flower description, from stem to size and colour. There is also a glossary of botanical terms at the end of the book, so there is never a section in the book where the reader is blinded by scientific jargon. I would recommend this book to any seriously interested collector of cacti - the definitive book, in my opinion.

Profusely illustrated with color photography
Edward Anderson is senior research botanist at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona and 1998 winner of the prestigious Cactus d"or, given by the Principality of Monaco for outstanding research on succulents. In The Cactus Family, Anderson draws upon his many years of experience and expertise to create the definitive compendium on Cactus. An essential, core, "user friendly" title for personal, professional, and academic horticultural and gardening reference collections, The Cactus Family is profusely illustrated with color photography. Additionally, The Cactus Family is enhanced with an informative foreword by Wilhelm Barthlott; a chapter on cactus cultivation by Roger Brown; an appendices of maps; a second appendices "Two Botanic Gardens and Herbaria with Significant Collections of Cacti; a glossary; literature citation; an index of scientific names, and an index of common names. ... Read more

Book Description

Contemporary legislation respecting environmental protection and public health, at both national and international levels, are based on data that characterize chemical properties of environmental phenomena, especially those that reside in our food chain. Thus, environmental and food quality are now matters of major public concern and therefore a system of metrology in trace analysis has recently been developed at the international level.This new edition of a bestseller highlights the significance of anthropogenic factors in changing the trace element status in soils and plants. Written by Dr. Alina Kabata-Pendias, a world-renowned plant and soil scientist, Trace Elements in Soil and Plants, Third Edition incorporates recent data from about 400 respected sources. These data present the most recent research on topical issues such as the assessment of natural/background content of trace elements in soil; bioindication of chemical status of environmental compartments; soil remediation; and hyperaccumulation and hyperextraction of trace metals from the soil. Discussions of the health-related significance of trace elements in food are also included.This third edition presents an overview of the principal pathways from soils to plants. The author provides the background for a more profound understanding of ways by which chemical processes operate in both polluted and unpolluted conditions of the soil-plant system. The current review of recent soil-plant findings offered by Trace Elements in Soil and Plants, Third Edition renders the book an indispensable reference. ... Read more

Book Description

Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Second Edition Edited by Peter J. Lea Department of Biological Sciences, Lancaster University, UK and Richard C. Leegood Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, UK As research in plant metabolism and molecular biology continues to make great progress it has become essential for plant scientists to have an overview of both disciplines, which are becoming increasingly complementary in understanding plant function. Drawing on their own teaching and research experience, the editors and contributors have provided a timely, comprehensive and generously illustrated new edition of this successful introductory textbook. All of the chapters have been updated and revised, and a new chapter on secondary metabolism has been included. Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will be invaluable to undergraduate and postgraduate students in the plant sciences and to all those requiring an introduction to current concepts in molecular plant science. Reviews of the First Edition "The aim of the editors to blend plant biochemistry with molecular biology is successfully reached and provided a new, well written text book which is easy to read." Journal of Plant Physiology "The contributing chapters are well written with clear illustrations and I would expect undergraduates, to whom this book is primarily targeted, to enjoy using it." New Phytologist "The evident teaching experience of the authors make this textbook a useful aid to students and researchers." Photosynthetica What the lecturers said about the First Edition: "A very useful text with a good balance of traditional biochemistry and molecular biology. Its usefulness is enhanced by a very clear and visually pleasing layout and the generally high quality and clarity of the writing." "A surprising amount of information in an easily accessible format." "Good coverage and depth. I'm not aware of any other book that deals with this material so well as this one. It addresses a real need in plant science teaching." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Plant Molecular Biology
Dear Sir: I am a plant Molecular Biologist and develop transgenic plants. I am looking for a suitable book for my undergraduate, biology majors- on this subject and will be glad to review this book.

Dr. O. Bagasra, MD, PhD ... Read more

Reviews (1)

great quick reference book
After being out of the superentendent side of the business for a few years this book brought me back up to speed. The text is well written and easy to understand. I recommend it highly for anyone who needs a book "just to be sure"! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

A Terrific Book!
I am a garden writer, horticulturist and botanist and I think Golden Books' Trees of North America is a darn good book. It is small enough to shove in a pocket and take along on hikes...it is easy to use, full of good information, and makes tree ID easy in most cases.
I recommend this book as a present for anyone interested in trees, in Nature, in gardening. Although it is a Golden Book and is easy to use and understand, it is by no means a book just for kids. This is an excellent book, as was the older Golden Books Trees of North America, a book I have taken along with me on many a trip. Worth every penny of the price and then some!

First-rate guide
The best book I found for understanding the classification of trees, and for clarifying the differences between the major tree families...

color illustrations make the difference
As a college graduate in Botany, I have seen many field guides. I probably own of 30 in different categories, and this one is one of my favorites. It was the only one I carried on a trip to California to identify trees in the Bay area. The color illustrations make a huge difference as they are very accurate and easy to use a field guides. It does require you to have a little more than a basic knowledge of trees, as it does not start out with a dicotomous key. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a classic textbook on plant diseases: how to recognize them, treat them, and prevent them. It is thoroughly updated and revised by the addition of color plates, new references, and a larger, more easily accessible format. Plant Pathology, Fourth Edition, continues to be the most complete resource that students, faculty, and professionals turn to when in need of well-organized, essential information regarding the pathology of plants. Vital information, comprehensive coverage, and authoritative details make this the text that should be on the bookshelf of every plant scientist in need of a reference on plant disease.

* Thoroughly revised and updated, including 30% more new material
* The latest basic information on molecular techniques and biological control
Comprehensive in coverage
* Numerous excellent new diagrams and photographs that now also include a new section of color plates
* New enlarged format
* A large variety of disease examples for instructors to choose for their course ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Plant Pathology book used worldwide
Plant Pathology by George N. Agrios covers the most important aspects of this science. In my opinion, besides the good information, the disease cycles are very illustrative. I am sure that it will continue to be the most important book in Plant Pathology worldwide.

The bible for plant pathologists
It is the best and most up to date book on plant pathology. It is the bible of plant pathology. It looks into life cycles, symptoms, history and control of diseases. It is mainly concerned with diseases caused by fungi but also looks at diseases caused by bacteria or nematodes. It is an excellent book in that it covers different aspects of plant pathology and all the information are up to date.

The best book available on general Plant Pathology
I think the title says it all. If you are looking for a book on general Plant Pathology this one has to be your first choice.... ... Read more

Reviews (3)

BIG Disappointment
While the size and scope of this book is impressive, the quality of the prints is poor, at least in comparison with the wonderful prints found in the book "Botanical Prints From the Hortus Eystettensis" I purchased the Besler Florilegium expecting to find prints of the same caliber but they lack the detail and antique look of the prints found in the Hortus Eystettensis.
If I had a do-over button, I wouldn't purchase this book.

Excelent gift for Besler print owners
I purchased this book as a gift for someone who owns a Besler print. In fact, they own the print that is on the cover of this book. The large thick book is a very lovely display of Besler's famous prints, organized by the seasons in which the plants he observed in the garden grew. It would make a good gift to anyone, especially gardeners with large empty coffee tables.

Fantastic
It's not a book, it's an event. Well worth the purchase price! ... Read more

Book Description

This field guide features detailed descriptions of 455 species of trees native to eastern North America, including the Midwest and the South. The 48 color plates, 11 black-and-white plates, and 26 text drawings show distinctive details needed for identification. Color photographs and 266 color range maps accompany the species descriptions. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great book
This has been wonderful us as a homeschooling family. It has been an excellent resource to identifying trees in our area. I recommend it to anyone teaching their children at home about trees.

A good guide to a difficult subject
Peterson's has about the best pocket-sized tree guide out there (I much prefer it to the Audubon guide, which I also own), but I won't kid with you - identifying trees is hard. It takes time, patience, and a keen eye. Just looking at leaves is usually not enough to make a positive identification. Depending on the species and the time of year, you may also have to examine bark, the twigs, flowers, buds, or fruits. The best part of the Peterson guide is that it has summer and winter keys in the back - don't ignore them just because the keys have no pictures! They are invaluable. Without them, you might find yourself lost among the many pages of illustrations. Perhaps the best resource to supplement this guide would be contact with an expert on the flora of your area - perhaps a naturalist at a local park or a forestry professor at a nearby university.

So-so book. Spend your money elsewhere
I know quite a bit about trees [boy scout, landscaping, etc], and I found this book to be very confusing in its layout. Not all of the trees described have all identification visually depicted -- leaf, bark, twig, seed -- and what pictures it has are separated from the text description by hundreds of pages. "Okay, this is an oak leaf, and they're described here... hmm, the pictures are back there ... hold on, let me use the leaf as a bookmark ..." Not handy at all.

The text itself is very detailed, but the "how to use this book" chapter doesn't show pictures to describe what is meant by the specific terms it uses. So even though I know quite a bit about trees, I found myself having to go back to botany books to look up 'bundled leaf scar' [and other terms] so I could try to determine from text only the difference between one specific tree from a similar one, only one of which is poisonous to my horses.

As a result, I am confused, and we have to wait until the tree completely leafs out in a month or two before we can make the determination whether to cut it down or not.

Additionally, only a fraction of the trees it contains has habitat or range maps, so I can't even tell whether I need to be concerned about a specific tree being native in my area. And in one case, the Osage Orange which grows like weeds here and has for at least a hundred years, shows a range limited to TX and S.W. AR ... 300 miles away. I've seen better tree-ident books in the book stores when I needed to look up one specific item. I wish I could remember the names of them.

On the plus side, the text descriptions are very detailed, and contain lots of interesting tidbits that you wouldn't find elsewhere. I'd suggest that you use other books unless you're actually a forest ranger or a PhD in trees.

Good reference material
This book was very informative for both my schooling and my job. It has helped me with both my classes and my job. All of the Peterson Field Guides are helpful and informative. They are relatively easy to use for people that have some knowledge of the species. Overall good books.

Not the flashiest, but the clearest
I use other field guides for browsing, but this is the guide I use when I go out into the field and I really want to identify things. It uses a very clear key to subdivide trees into specific groups (like needleleaf/broadleaf or opposit-leaved/alternate-leaved), narrowing down the choices and making identification much easier. The drawings are very clear, and as a bonus, you get a tiny map for each species identifying its exact geographical range. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

The AHS Great Plant Guide is designed to help you choose plants in two different ways. In the A-Z of Plants, over 1,000 plants have full entries and are illustrated with photographs. This is the section to consult to find details about a plant. It will tell you what type of plant it is, how it grows, what its ornamental features are, where it grows and looks best, and how to care for it. For quick reference, symbols summarize its main requirements. The Planting Guide provides "shopping list" of plants for every purpose, whether practical, such as a group of plants for a damp, shady site, or for themed plantings, such as a selection of plants to attract birds into your garden. Page references are given to plants with entries and portraits elsewhere. Hundreds of plants not pictured are also recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great plant guide!!!
My mum put this book in my easter basket this year. I wanted a smaller plant guide to take with me when I buy plants. I got so much use out of it, keeping it in my bag usually. It's the perfect book for that purpose, bringing along to nurseries and the like. It is very convenient and gives just the basic facts you need to know about a plant, whether it is suitable for your climate zone, or what size it can grow to. It even included flowering shrubs and trees. Also showed many different cultivars of particular plants. There are some plants that I did not find in this book, but most plants that are not in the book, you won't find at a nursery anyway. You should have a bigger plant encyclopedia if you're really interested in this, but even owning a fullsize one (like I do), you will still get tons of use out of this bringing it along when buying plants or going to plant shows. Unfortunately I lost my book... left it at the nursery, but I am certainly going to buy another one. I highly recommend, just hang on to yours... also I would like to thank my mum for her thoughtfulness, and apologise for my carelessness.

Colorful Guide
Whether you are trying to identify a plant or are considering new plants for the next year, this guide has 3000 plants that are recommended by the American Horticultural Society.

The fun and unassuming format is easy to read and you can learn quite a bit by just reading a few pages now and then to see plants you might be interested in for the future. The Planting Guide is pretty amazing. First you have over 50 situation to consider.

If you are looking for spring color, you can turn to pg. 578 or if your soil is more sandy, turn to pg. 627. You then find a list of plants and a page number to read more information on your selection.

Two maps of the United states produced by the Department of Agriculture shows on average the annual minimum temperatures and the average number of days per year above 86 degrees.

Nice Index, colorful pictures and a book you can take outside and read in the sun.

Compact!

Terrific Book!
I am so glad I found this -- many of the plant books I have looked at recently were published in the early 1990's -- this edition of the Great Plant Guide has been revised and updated for 2000. The book begins with the fundamentals, how to shop for and choose healthy plants that are appropriate for your garden, how to prepare the soil for them and then how to plant them. Next are descriptions and growing requirements for 3000 plants, each with a color photograph and a special "cultivation" section. I was especially impressed with the last section of the book which lists plants by 57 different categories: flowers for hanging baskets, plants for autumn color, container plants, variegated trees and shrubs, flowers for drying, plants for acidic soil, plants to attract bees and butterflies, plants for coastal gardens, plants with scented foliage, trees for small gardens, etc. I found this section extremely interesting and useful.

There are many houseplants listed here, in particular plants that are grown outdoors in the warmer zones and in containers in the cooler zones, eg, Norfolk Island Pine, but the primary focus of the book is on outdoor plants. A number of plant "families" receive several pages of discussion such as dahlias, scented geraniums and fuchsias, etc, the largest of which covers roses (ie, floribundas, climbing, hybrid tea, rambling and miniature).

I should point out that this is not an expensive coffee table book with large, lavish pictures of beautiful plants. It is, however, chockfull of information -- a very informative book at a very affordable price. Amazon says this is a paperback book which isn't quite accurate; the cover is actually composed of two pieces of thin cardboard, the outside of which is glossy -- my point being that it is sturdier than the average 670 page paperback. ... Read more

Book Description

This is an exciting time to produce an overview of the systematics and evolution of the fungi. Molecular and subcellular characters have given us our first view of the true phylogeny of the fungi. The systematic chapters present detailed illustrated treatments of specific fungal groups with the authors' interpretation of the systematics of that group as well as a survey of specific economic, ecological, morphological, ultrastructural, molecular and cultural data. Other chapters, in addition to treating techniques useful in modern mycology, provide the reader with views of the place of the fungi among the Eukaryotes and relationships within the Mycota. Volume VII, Part A, includes an overview of the fungal hierarchy, Pseudomycota, Chytridiomycota, Zygomycota, Ascomycota and their yeasts, and anamorphic states. Volume VII, Part B, includes the Basidiomycota and their yeasts, and chapters on speciation, molecular evolution, preservation, computer techniques, and nomenclature. ... Read more

Book Description

Thoroughly revised, this edition summarizes the field of fungal physiology from a dynamic, experimental perspective. Integrates molecular genetics with biochemistry and development of fungi. Reorganized into 14 chapters it describes the latest contemporary experimental approaches to fungal research as well as future developments. ... Read more