The Guide to Florida Wildflowers

The division of flowers by color makes this really easy to use. It is very extensive in the amount of flowers in the book. It doesn't have them all, though.

I can't get over the amazing range of wildflowers growing in Central Florida. Finding this book was a thrill, as now I can identify them all. There's forsythia salvia, pinkish horsemint, beach sunflower, pine lily, and so many more. Unfortunately not all of the photos are clear enough to aid in identification. For each flower, he provides the scientific and common names, a brief description, flowering time, habitats, geographical range, color photo, and miscellaneous comments. The descriptions of the leaves and growth is very scientific and doesn't mean much to someone who doesn't know the difference between a bract or a pedicel. I should devote some time to reading and understanding the front section of the book (Structural Characteristics of Wildflowers).

The Guide to Florida Wildflowers by Taylor has been most helpful to me, a photographer, in identification for cataloging of my images. The book is well organized and probably one of the most complete on the subject of Southeastern wildflowers that I own or have been able to borrow. The only drawback, which presents itself as a major problem at times, is that many of the images in the book are ill-defined. The flowers in some of the images are either out of focus (ex: Buttonweed, pg. 105) or so small in relation to the picture (ex: White Lobelia, pg. 107) that even a magnifying glass is of no use. Overall though, I give the book a very good rating. I have read a great many books on the subject of wildflowers and have yet to find anything to replace it. MAB

The organization of this book (by flower color) makes it so incredibly easy for you to find the flower you're looking at or for. The photos are clear and helpful, as is the writing. A very handy guide to finding sturdy, attractive, and low-maintenance flowers for a butterfly garden or easy-care back yard as well as being a superb field guide.

I have used this book to identify many wildflowers in my neighborhood and undeveloped areas. It is well-organized by flower colors. Also included are excellent and clear sketches regarding flower parts. I highly recommend it for the natural hobby botanist.