The Encyclopedia of North American Trees [Paperback]

Sam Benvie (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 6, 2002

Gardeners and nature-lovers alike will find The Encyclopedia of North American Trees informative and easy-to-use. Descriptions of 278 species, listed alphabetically by their botanical names outline each tree's growing habits, its identifying characteristics, and its place in the environment. This meticulously researched and full color guide is essential for anyone who would like to grow native trees, and for those who want to understand and identify trees in their natural environment.

The Encyclopedia of North American Trees includes:

• Comprehensive introduction to tree genera
• 350 full color photographs
• Black & white illustrations of leaf shapes, bark textures, flowers, and mature fruit
• Illustrations of tree shapes
• Habitat and growing tips for landscapers and gardeners
• A tree-hardiness chart and zone map of the United States and Canada
• Index of common and botanical names, glossary, further reading and sources

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This new encyclopedia describes all, or nearly all, of the species of trees native to the whole of North America. (Benvie is also coauthor of The Gardener's Library, a series of books for North American gardeners.) A description, accompanied by one or more color photographs, is provided for each of the 278 species that meet the author's criteria for "tree," "species," and "native." Each tree's natural range, habitat, and physical appearance are included in the description, along with its economic and environmental value and other interesting facts. The book is arranged alphabetically by botanical (genus, species) name, with separate entries for major genera preceding their respective species. This reference does not include the botanical detail of field/identification guides such as John Laird Farrar's Trees of the Northern United States and Canada (Iowa State Univ., 1995). Nor does it parade page after page of cultivars, as do gardener/landscaper guides such as The Hillier Gardener's Guide to Trees and Shrubs (LJ 2/15/98) or Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs (LJ 11/15/97). Even so, Benvie's new work makes an attractive, interesting, and relatively inexpensive reference for general readers, students, gardeners, and others who have a particular interest in native species. A glossary, listings of arboretums and botanical gardens, suggestions for further reading, and some Internet site addresses are included. Recommended for high school as well as public and college libraries, owing to its readability and educational value.
-William H. Wiese, Iowa State Univ. Lib., Ames
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Benvie, who was a coauthor for the series The Gardener's Library, published by Key Porter Books, has written a tree encyclopedia for the layperson. The 278 species (the ones that are currently recognized, according to the author) are listed alphabetically by Latin name with the common name given in dark print at the top of the entry as well as on the top of the right-hand page. Each species is described in a page or less, mentioning the tree's natural environment, its tolerance to extreme or adverse conditions, its use or value, and so on. For the most common trees, a box lists key features--form, trunk, bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit. Additional larger boxes provide a detailed history of the species and line drawings of the leaves, buds, and flowers. Color photographs of the trees accompany the text on each page. A tree-hardiness map with a list of species and their resistance to cold, a small glossary, bibliography, and a directory of arboretums and botanical gardens with address, phone number, and URL are also included. The index lists common names, so there are 12 entries beginning eastern (eastern cottonwood, eastern larch, etc.) but not indexed under cottonwood, larch, redbud , and so forth. Because this encyclopedia does not include shrubs, it is less comprehensive than The Hillier Gardener's Guide to Trees and Shrubs (1997) or Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs (1998). North American Trees would be a good choice for small public and academic libraries that do not own the more expensive and comprehensive titles. REVWR
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (July 6, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552976416
• ISBN-13: 978-1552976418
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,372,147 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Okay Tree Book, June 19, 2000

By 

L. C. Hart (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of North American Trees (Hardcover)

Arranged alphabetically, this tree book gives usable information on 278 North American tree species. Although filled with color photographs, the pictures are somewhat small and sometimes lacking sharpness. It would have been more useful to have larger photographs with more clarity and detail. Still a good overall resource and reference book.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Encyclopedia of North American Trees, January 17, 2007

By 

Jazzywoman (Washington DC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of North American Trees (Paperback)

It was a gift for a coworker. I was able to look through it and was quite pleased.