Ten Plants That Changed Minnesota - by Mary Hockenberry Meyer & Susan Davis Price (Paperback)

About the Book

A book to inspire Minnesotans of all ages to learn about and reflect on the ten plants, chosen by experts and citizens, that have most impacted our state.

Book Synopsis

"If we cannot name and recognize plants, how can we value them and realize how essential they are to our environment and our well-being as humans?" --from the Introduction

In 2012 a committee of experts chose the ten plants that most changed Minnesota from nearly five hundred citizen nominations, hosted by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The idea that plants, as few as ten, could shape a state and how it developed economically, culturally, and historically, is at the core of the Ten Plants that Changed Minnesota project, which also includes a companion website and a popular freshman seminar at the University of Minnesota. With careful review by more than thirty experts and scientists and with research drawn from newspaper and journal reports, historical photos, diaries, and interviews, Mary Hockenberry Meyer and Susan Davis Price highlight the importance of the selected plants and their impact--both positive and negative--in the development and future of our state. The plants are the apple, alfalfa, the American elm, corn, lawn or turfgrass, purple loosestrife, soybeans, wheat, wild rice, and white pine.

Review Quotes

"Since the beginning of the human race we have used plants as food, then shelter, then medicine, then for the enhancement of life, and we should know more about them. Educational, timely, and interesting."
Peter J. Olin, Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota, Director Emeritus, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

"Minnesotans are fortunate to be able to enjoy and learn from this fascinating book. Every state would benefit from a similar effort."
Peter H. Raven, President Emeritus, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis

"An illuminating, exhilarating look at the development of Minnesota, where plants share center stage with humans as historical actors. Filled with fascinating facts and scientific advances to celebrate as well as important environmental cautions, this is a must-read for anyone who loves Minnesota."
Mary Wingerd, author of North Country: The Making of Minnesota

"This is a book for everyone. Plant enthusiasts will enjoy the in-depth look at each plant and its uses, history buffs will appreciate the historical importance of each plant, and all of us can benefit from the authors' insights into the importance of these and all plants--not only in Minnesota's past but as all of us look to the future."
Melinda Myers, author of Midwest Gardener's Handbook