The Plants of Pennsylvania - 2nd Edition by Ann Fowler Rhoads & Timothy A Block (Hardcover)

About the Book

The second edition of The Plants of Pennsylvania is the authoritative guide to identifying the nearly 3,400 species of flowering plants, ferns, and gymnosperms native or naturalized in the Commonwealth. It features a complete reorganization into a genetic scheme that reflects recent advances in our understanding of plant relationships.

Book Synopsis

Pennsylvania, a state of diverse geography and geology, is rich in flora. The second edition of The Plants of Pennsylvania identifies the nearly 3,400 species of trees, wildflowers, ferns, grasses, sedges, aquatic plants, and weeds native to or naturalized in the Commonwealth.

Retaining the clearly written identification keys and descriptions that made the first edition such an essential reference, this new edition has been reorganized to reflect recent advances in our understanding of plant relationships. Families and genera are listed in a sequence determined by current studies of plant molecular genetics, thus providing new insights for the study of botany. In addition, species have been added to the book as a result of new discoveries. The botanical illustrations of Anna Anisko continue to complement the descriptions and add an element of beauty to the volume.

Developed in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Flora Project, and compiled by botanists at the Morris Arboretum, the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the second edition of The Plants of Pennsylvania is the authoritative guide to Pennsylvania's plant life. It will be indispensable to taxonomists, conservationists, ecologists, foresters, land planners, teachers, agricultural county agents, students, and amateur naturalists.

Review Quotes

"Finally, an illustrated guide to the flora of Pennsylvania written by highly respected authorities! A highly technical but user-friendly manual; every serious amateur and professional naturalist in Pennsylvania will want a copy."-- "Larry J. Schweiger, President, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, commenting on the first edition"

"Indispensable. . . . It covers all of Pennsylvania's vascular plants. . . . In addition to its usefulness in teaching, this book is a vital research tool. . . . Gardeners, amateur botanists, and naturalists will find The Plants of Pennsylvania to be practical, accessible, and a joy to use."-- "Rhodora"

About the Author

At the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, Ann Fowler Rhoads is Senior Scientist of the Pennsylvania Flora Project, Timothy A. Block is Director of Botany, and Anna Anisko is Botanical Illustrator. They are coauthors and illustrator of The Trees of Pennsylvania: A Complete Reference Guide, also available from the University of Pennsylvania Press.