Characterized by an abundance of pavement, reflected heat,
polluted air and contaminated soil, our cities and towns may seem
harsh and unwelcoming to vegetation. However, there are a number of
plants that manage to grow spontaneously in sidewalk cracks and
roadside meridians, flourish along chain-link fences and railroad
tracks, line the banks of streams and rivers, and emerge in the
midst of landscape plantings and trampled lawns. On their own and
free of charge, these plants provide ecological services including
temperature reduction, oxygen production, carbon storage, food and
habitat for wildlife, pollution mitigation, and erosion control on
slopes. Around the world, wild plants help to make urban
environments more habitable for people.
Peter Del Tredici's lushly illustrated field guide to wild urban
plants of the northeastern United States is the first of its kind.
While it covers the area bounded by Montreal, Boston, Washington,
D.C. and Detroit, it is broadly applicable to temperate urban
environments across North America. The book covers 222 species that
flourish without human assistance or approval. Rather than
vilifying such plants as weeds, Del Tredici stresses that it is
important to notice, recognize, and appreciate their contribution
to the quality of urban life. Indeed their very toughness in the
face of heat islands, elevated levels of carbon dioxide and
ubiquitous contamination is indicative of the important role they
have to play in helping humans adapt to the challenges presented by
urbanization, globalization and climate change.
The species accounts 158 main entries plus 64 secondary
species-feature descriptive information including scientific name
and taxonomic authority, common names, botanical family, life form,
place of origin, and identification features. Del Tredici focuses
especially on their habitat preferences, environmental functions,
and cultural significance. Each entry is accompanied by original
full-color photographs by the author which show the plants'
characteristics and growth forms in their typical habitats. Wild
Urban Plants of the Northeast will help readers learn to see these
plants-the natural vegetation of the urban environment-with fresh
appreciation and understanding."
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