Wildflower Folklore

Beautifully illustrated, but this was a "former library book", meaning half the first page was missing (wish libraries didn't do this when they discard books!) Didn't realize when I ordered; love the book anyway. Just read descriptions carefully before you order.

If you've ever thought about the common names of plants, wondering how they got those labels, this lovely book may answer some of your questions. Divided into sections by flower color, this book covers botanical, historical, practical, and mythological information about more than 100 common varieties of wildflowers. Black and white botanical drawings complement the text. A pleasant, engaging compendium to return to again and again.

More than 100 wildflowers are sketched and profiled here. And after the technical descriptions comes the neat stuff: how the flowers were named, and/or stories about the uses early settlers and native peoples had for the plant. People are interested in details like that, and most guidebooks don't include them. Not only do they give us a more personal connection to another species, but knowing such information makes it easier to remember and identify the flower. Naturalists and volunteer nature trail leaders should try to snag a copy of this book for their reference shelves. Just make sure to mark it so that it doesn't get permanently "borrowed" by a colleague!

The Author demonstrated a thorough knowledge in each plant portrayal. The contents was interesting and quite educational. I would recommend that any wildflower lover should expand their horizans and read this book.