Roadside wildflowers of the Southern Great Plains

Abstract

The surprise of the Southern Great is color. From sheltered forest edges to open expanses of prairie, the floor of the Great is dotted with wildflowers in a paintbox of brilliant hues. Color is also the best starting point for identifying wildflowers, and this new field guide brims with color. It focuses on 239 species those species common enough to be called roadside wildflowers and includes 260 of the best color photographs available. To make identification easier for the nonbotanist, the guide is organized by color and then, within each color section, by blooming season. Each of the 239 species is pictured in full color and accompanied by a wealth of information: common and scientific names, a habitat and distribution summary, notes on economic uses and related species, and a concise, nontechnical plant description. (Unavoidable technical terms are defined in a brief glossary.) Many species accounts also include line drawings of fruits or other distinguishing plant characters. Simple keys are provided to allow readers with more training or interest in botany to identify plants by their characteristics. Although it's botanically accurate enough for the most seasoned botanist, Roadside Wildflowers of the Southern Great Plains is written and designed for nonprofessionals, vacationers, wildflower enthusiasts, weekend botanists, and anyone else eager to discover the secrets of the Great Plains.