The natural and cultural history of an iconic plant The palmetto, also known as the cabbage palm or Sabal palmetto, is an iconic part of the southeastern American landscape and the state tree of Florida and South Carolina. In The Palmetto Book, Jono Miller offers surprising facts and dispels common myths about an important native plant that remains largely misunderstood.Miller answers basic questions such as: Are palms trees? Where did they grow historically? When should palmettos be pruned? What is swamp cabbage and how do you prepare it? Did Winslow Homer's watercolors of palmettos inadvertently document rising sea level? How can these plants be both flammable and fireproof? Based on historical research, Miller argues that cabbage palms can live for more than two centuries. The palmettos that were used to build Fort Moultrie at the start of the Revolutionary War thwarted a British attack on Charleston-and ended up on South Carolina's flag. Delving into biology, Miller describes the anatomy of palm fronds and their crisscrossed leaf bases, called bootjacks. He traces the underground "saxophone" structure of the young plant's root system. He explores the importance of palmettos for many wildlife species, including Florida Scrub-Jays and honey bees. Miller also documents how palmettos can pose problems for native habitats, citrus groves, and home landscapes. From Low Country sweetgrass baskets to Seminole chickees and an Elvis Presley movie set, the story of the cabbage palm touches on numerous dimensions of the natural and cultural history of the Southeast. Exploring both the past and present of this distinctive species, The Palmetto Book is a fascinating and enlightening journey.

This book is a dictionary of British (native, naturalised and cultivated) plants and the folklore associated with them. Unlike many plant-lore publications Vickery's Folk Flora tells us what people currently do and believe, rather than what Victorians did and believed. The result is a vivid demonstration that plant folklore in the British Isles is not only surviving but flourishing; adapting and evolving as time goes by, even in urban areas. Each entry includes: - The plant's English and scientific (Latin) name, as well as significant local names. - A brief description of the plant and its distribution, and, in the case of cultivated plants, a history of their introduction to the British Isles - Information on the folklore and traditional uses of the plant, arranged where possible in a sequence starting with general folk beliefs (superstitions), use in traditional customs, use in folk medicine, other uses, and legends concerning individual representatives of the plant. In addition to the major entries there are a number of minor entries for feast days, diseases and other subjects which direct readers to relevant major entries, e.g. St. George's Day, on which red roses are worn; dandelions are gathered; and runner beans are planted.

To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Coronation, HRH The Prince of Wales called for the creation of new wildflower meadows. The Coronation Meadows project, led by Plantlife and in partnership with The Wildlife Trusts and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, is working to achieve this goal, and in this book renowned photographer Hugo Rittson Thomas captures the extraordinary results of this important conservation project. Wildflowers for the Queen is a captivating photographic celebration of the vast array of Coronation Meadows now found across Britain, with stunning studio portraits highlighting the diversity of wildflower species, from the colourful cowslip to the eccentric snake's-head fritillary, from the multifaceted ragged robin to the elusive bee orchid. Rittson Thomas takes us on a remarkable journey through some of the most beautiful wildflower meadows, from the Viking meadows of Muker in Yorkshire's rolling dales to the unique culm grass meadows of Cornwall. Rittson Thomas also photographs a wide range of rare wild orchids, including the monkey, bee, man and lady orchids, encouraging us to discover the rich botanical heritage of the wildflowers and unique meadows of Great Britain.

The second in a series of books in association with the Royal Institution on their world-renowned Christmas Lectures, this time exploring the secrets of the natural world - with a foreword by Sir David Attenborough. Following on from the success of 13 Journeys Through Space and Time, which took us on a voyage of astronomical discovery through past Christmas Lectures given at the Royal Institution on space and space exploration, this book turns our attention to our own planet and the animals, plants, fish, insects and all the other living things that inhabit it - how they've evolved and the vital roles they play in the intricate webs of life on earth. Taking eleven of the most exciting and revealing Christmas Lectures on the natural world given at the Royal Institution, including Sir David Attenborough's animal-packed Lectures from 1977 and Richard Dawkins's explosive series on the evolution of life, we take an illuminating look at more than a hundred years of scientific exploration to discover the origins of life on our planet and the mysteries so far uncovered.

A beautiful gift book commemorating the nation's most cherished springtime tradition, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, through original works of art from the Library of Congress collections Experience the splendor of the annual spring viewing of the nation's sakura (cherry blossoms) with this stunning keepsake book. Original artwork, photographs, and objects from the Library of Congress collections illuminate the story of these landmark trees and how they came to the nation's capital as a symbol of friendship with Japan. More than one million visitors from the US and abroad gather each year to enjoy Washington's glorious profusion of cloud-like blossoms and join in the festivities. Cherry Blossoms: Sakura Collections from the Library of Congress showcases exquisite watercolor drawings of blossom varieties among the original cherry trees, Japanese woodblock prints by such master artists as Kiyonaga and Hiroshige, early 3-D stenographs and contemporary photos of the Tidal Basin cherry blossoms, mementos from a former cherry blossom princess, posters of the festival, and more. These works offer the opportunity to explore Japanese culture while celebrating Washington's beloved cherry blossoms.

Offers an account of plant-hunter and explorer Frank Kingdon-Ward's 1933 expedition to the south-eastern corner of Tibet that was significant for his geographic revelations. This work presents descriptions of the grand mountain ranges he traversed, the hardships overcome and the plants, fauna and people he encountered, along with photographs. This account of plant-hunter and explorer Frank Kingdon-Ward's 1933 expedition to the south-eastern corner of Tibet was as significant for his geographic revelations as it was for the wealth of plant species with which he

North Carolina's 1.2 million acres of national forestland are some of our state's most distinctive and botanically diverse areas. Veteran nature writer Johnny Molloy welcomes you to enjoy these beautiful and often surprising wild areas, guiding you safely there and back again. Molloy renders the sometimes primitive trails accessible to both beginner and more intrepid hikers, from families with small children to dedicated wilderness wanderers. Spotlighting the best hikes in all four of North Carolina's national forests--Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie, and Croatan, ranging from the mountains to the coast--this book includes some of the state's most heralded destinations and invites you to explore many lesser-known gems. Features include A hike summary, including distance, time, and difficulty of each trip Detailed instructions to keep you on the trail GPS coordinates of every trailhead, a narrative of the hike, and can't-miss features A cultural and natural history of each area Best seasons to go Fees and permits, as well as contact information for each area Photos and maps to orient you

RHS Genealogy for Gardeners is part of the bestselling series that includes RHS Latin for Gardeners and RHS Botany for Gardeners. This informative, easy-to-understand and beautifully designed reference book explores plant families and the plant family tree in unparalleled detail. From roses (Rosaceae) to rhubarb (Polygonaceae) and carrots (Apiaceae) to camellias (Theaceae), RHS Genealogy for Gardeners unlocks a wealth of practical information, helping you to identify, select and cultivate plants from over 70 families most familiar to gardeners. Along with details about the size, range, origin and appearance of each family, feature boxes highlight interesting facts and provide useful growing tips. Whether you are a gardener, horticultural student, budding botanist or plant enthusiast, RHS Genealogy for Gardeners will help you understand and appreciate the extraordinary diversity and unrivalled splendour of the plant kingdom.

"I think that I shall never see, a poem lovely as a tree." The poet, Joyce Kilmer understood the beauty of our sturdy environmental companions. Trees is the essential pocket-sized, folding guide to familiar North American trees. This beautifully illustrated guide Identifies over 140 familiar species organized by family. Created and printed in the USA, this guide was updated in 2012 with a new cover design and updated species selection. The quality of our environment - the air, soil and water - depends on trees. Durable and lightweight, this guide is the one to keep with you on your next outdoor adventure.

A Modern Library Paperback Original

During the first years of the twentieth century, the British plant collector and explorer Frank Kingdon Ward went on twenty-four impossibly daring expeditions throughout Tibet, China, and Southeast Asia, in search of rare and elusive species of plants. He was responsible for the discovery of numerous varieties previously unknown in Europe and America, including the legendary Tibetan blue poppy, and the introduction of their seeds into the world’s gardens. Kingdon Ward’s accounts capture all the romance of his wildly adventurous expeditions, whether he was swinging across a bottomless gorge on a cable of twisted bamboo strands or clambering across a rocky scree in fear of an impending avalanche. Drawn from writings out of print for almost seventy-five years, this new collection, edited and introduced by professional horticulturalist and House & Garden columnist Tom Christopher, returns Kingdon Ward to his deserved place in the literature of discovery and the literature of the garden.

Can you tell which plants are safe to eat? Which trees are best to shelter under a storm? How do you tell a deciduous and coniferous tree apart? In his charming new book, bestselling author of The Hidden Life of Trees Peter Wohlleben takes you on a journey of discovery. From learning what creatures lurk beneath tree roots to finding your way around the woods without a compass, this is a captivating guide to navigating the wonders of the wild.

The Garden Interior shows the inner workings of the heart and mind of a gardener and how gardens raise up the gardener as much as the gardener tends and raises up the garden. This memoir details one family's story and is filled with beautiful observational writing, humor, and nostalgia about growing up in the 1960s and '70s, plus delicious and unusual recipes you will be longing to try. Gardens make us more than we make them, and you'll come away from The Garden Interior a better and more engaged gardener by understanding the rich interior life of this beautiful discipline and craft.

Colorado's unique landscape, from rolling prairies and shrublands, woodlands and mountain forests and alpine tundra is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals. The Nature of Colorado includes a memorable essay by James C. Rettie, who worked for the National Forest Service in 1948. In a flash of brilliance, he converted the statistics from an existing government pamphlet on soil erosion into an analogy for the ages. His essay inspires us all to recognize the fleeting time and fragile state of the natural world around us. This field guide introduces readers to common plants and animals and highlights the diversity of species found in Colorado with more than 350 full color illustrations and maps featuring the major wildlife viewing destinations and parks in different parts of the state. Checklists and full indices are provided so that serious citizen scientists and nature watchers can track their viewing experiences. Made in the USA.www.waterfordpress.com

For a generation, the Basic Illustrated series has been as much a part of the outdoors experience as backpacks and hiking boots. Information-packed tools for the novice or handy references for the veteran, these volumes distill years of knowledge into affordable and portable books. Whether you’re planning a trip or thumbing for facts in the field, Basic Illustrated books tell you what you need to know. Learn how to: Forage for wild plants and herbs and identify edible berries Treat a variety of ailments and illnesses, from colds to heart disease and more Distinguish between edible and nonedible parts of plants Moderate your intake of certain plants and herbs to avoid physical illness Make delicious desserts, herbal teas, and other healthy recipes

Where mountains meet ocean in Alaska's Alexander Archipelago, white skeletons of dead yellow cedar trees stand prominently amidst a verdant landscape of old-growth forests. Researchers spent nearly three decades deciphering the cause of the majestic species' death and uncovering climate change as the culprit. Lauren E. Oakes, a young scientist at Stanford University, was one of them. But even as she set to record the demise of a species, she soon found herself immersed in an even bigger, and totally unexpected, story: how the people of Alaska were adapting to the tree's disappearance, and how the tree itself, seemingly doomed, was adapting to a changing world. In Search of the Canary Tree is the story of six years that Oakes and her team spent in the Alaskan wilds, studying thousands of trees and saplings along the archipelago of southeast Alaska. Far from losing faith in the survival of our woodlands, she discovered the resiliency of forgotten forests, flourishing again after years of destruction and decomposition. And, through deep encounters with loggers, naturalists, Native weavers, and enthusiasts of the yellow cedar, Oakes discovered how the people of Alaska were determined to develop new relationships with the emerging environment. Where many scientists and commentators have found in climate change an unmitigated disaster, Oakes found beacons of hope even in the disorienting death of a species. Above all else, Oakes shows us that, although we can respond to climate change with either fear or denial, we can also find in it a new world, and one that doesn't necessarily have to be for the worst. Eloquent, insightful, and deeply heartening, In Search of the Canary Tree shows how human and natural resilience can help preserve ourselves, even in our rapidly changing world.

Indiana Dunes, located on the picturesque coast of Lake Michigan, is one of the most biologically diverse parks in the US national park system. Keen hikers can spot white mayapple blooms, orange-fringed orchids, pink lady slippers, and more. Wildflowers of the Indiana Dunes National Park offers visitors a unique handbook highlighting over 160 of the common and exceptional wildflowers found along the trails of Indiana Dunes National Park and the surrounding area. This accessible field guide bypasses the dry nature of many wildflower guides. In addition to the usual scientific species names, descriptions, and bloom periods, Nathanael Pilla and Scott Namestnik offer deeper narratives-folklore surrounding the flowers, look-alikes, animals associated with the plants-that will be remembered much more easily than the length of a petal. Illustrated with over 350 color photographs, Wildflowers of the Indiana Dunes National Park will be an asset to the casual hiker of Indiana Dunes National Park, a useful tool to the experienced botanist, and a delight to anyone interested in wildflowers.

Plants of Northern California is the complete guide to the rich and unique flora of Northern California. From lush riparian forests along the rivers and streams to oak woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, and the ephemeral pools known as vernal pools, this handy volume enables both amateur and professional to quickly and accurately identify Northern California plants. Descriptive text that includes blooming period, elevation, and habitat Species organized by color and family Plant characteristics in easy-to-understand terms Notes that include ethnobotanical uses, history, and other interesting facts Glossary of botanical terms

Mushrooms: A Falcon Field Guide covers 80 of the most common and sought-after species in North America. Conveniently sized to fit in a pocket and featuring full-color, detailed illustrations, this informative guide makes it easy to identify mushrooms in the backyard and beyond. Each mushroom is accompanied by a detailed listing of its prominent attributes and a color illustration showing its important features. Mushrooms are organized in phylogentic order, keeping families of mushrooms together for easy identification. This is the essential source in the field, both informative and beautiful to peruse.

There is currently much concern about our trees and woodlands. The terrible toll taken by Dutch elm disease has been followed by a string of further epidemics, most worryingly ash chalara - and there are more threats on the horizon. There is also a widely shared belief that our woods have been steadily disappearing over recent decades, either replanted with alien conifers or destroyed entirely in order to make way for farmland or development. But the present state of our trees needs to be examined critically, and from an historical as much as from a scientific perspective. For English tree populations have long been highly unnatural in character, shaped by economic and social as much as by environmental factors. In reality, the recent history of trees and woods in England is more complex and less negative than we often assume and any narrative of decline and loss is overly simplistic. The numbers of trees and the extent and character of woodland have been in a state of flux for centuries. Research leaves no doubt, moreover, that arboreal ill health is nothing new. Levels of disease are certainly increasing but this is as much a consequence of changes in the way we treat trees - especially the decline in intensive management which has occurred over the last century and a half - as it is of the arrival of new diseases. And man, not nature, has shaped the essential character of rural tree populations, ensuring their dominance by just a few indigenous species and thus rendering them peculiarly vulnerable to invasive pests and diseases. The messages from history are clear: we can and should plant our landscape with a wider palette, providing greater resilience in the face of future pathogens; and the most `unnatural' and rigorously managed tree populations are also the healthiest. The results of an ambitious research project are here shaped into a richly detailed survey of English arboriculture over the last four centuries. Trees in England will be essential reading not only for landscape historians but also for natural scientists, foresters and all those interested in the future of the countryside. Only by understanding the essentially human history of our trees and woods can we hope to protect and enhance them.