Customer Reviews

A Field Guide to Trees and Shrubs (Peterson Field Guides)

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I like this book as an introductory reference guide to learning how to identify trees and shrubs. What makes it a strong book is the first chapter that shows you details about how to identify if a tree is, for instance, alternating or opposite, if the end buds are false or true, if the the pith is chambered or hollow, and the words used to describe the structure of leaves.

In addition there are great leaf identification pages, silhouette identification, and useful tips. I was excited when I actually found the fabled ash-leaf maple and could positively identify it. I'm enjoying this wonderful new hobby of learning the names of all the plants I see.

It's only weakness is that it has not been updated since 1986 so some of the tree species have been reclassified with new genetic information. That said, it's an amazing tool for the beginner and intermediate to start learning and exploring.