Customer Reviews

Invasive Plants: Guide to Identification and the Impacts and Control of Common North American Species

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is an outstanding reference for homeowners, hikers, naturalists, and botanists trying to learn more about what plants are invasive in their backyards,neighborhood parks, and forests and what to do about them. I especially like the pictures -- most useful for identification. And not only can you learn to identify invasive plants, but the book has informative sections for each species on why that species is a problem and how to control it. I really liked the fascinating stories behind the plants. Once you take a look at this book, you will start seeing invasive plants everywhere.

This book is much more than a field guide. The authors provide practical advice on eradicating invasive species, as well as fascinating histories of how the invasive plants got here in the first place. It's amazing how many of them were brought over for gardens! The guide is thorough, covering both terrestrial and aquatic species. Recommended for anyone with pesky invasive plant problems, be it a homeowner or a natural resource manager.

Although I am not a professional botanist to point out technical errors I have found this book to be very useful. Each plant species covered has a "Name and Family" section which includes the common and scientific name along with the common and scientific name of the family. There are also brief "Identifying Characteristics", "Habitat and Range", "What it does in the Ecosystem", "How it came to North America", "Management" and a "For More Information" section which refers to literature and/or web sites. I wanted a book that could help me quickly identify plants along roadsides and disturbed habitats that are typically known to be invasive. My interests involve edible plants and this book helps me determine if the plant I am curious about has any edible parts because it allows me to identify the plant and then cross reference it in other books or on the internet once I know the species. Lots of photographs (at least 2/species usually more) to help spot that plant you are looking for and they usually show enough features of the plant to help identify it. From an ecological standpoint I think it is great to have this book at the fingertips of those looking to restore natural habitats on their own property or our nature preserves. Finally!, a book that can assist us all with the massive problem of invasive plants.

Book contains great photographes, historical information, and treatmeant options. Also including both upland and aquatic plants makes this book great for anyone working with Invasive Species.

A++++++++++++++

i own several weed and wildflower weed identification books. this one is nearly impossible to use for ID'ing plants and flowers. the table of contents does not list the sections used to categorize the plants that are included in the book. there is no way to find each section except to thumb carefully through the book. the categories used are also not very helpful for quick ID. if you are looking for an ID book, i dont recommend this one. if you are interested in reading more about plants you have already identified, this book is fine.

I am an outdoor educator and have taken a strong interest in recent months to educate others about the causes and effects of non-native invasive species as it relates to outdoor recreation. This book is a great reference book with lots of great color photos, how the species was introduced, what it does to the soil and surrounding environment and for some, the associated health concerns to humans, and how to get rid of them. It also has a great reference to various herbicides. I highly recommend this book and found it very easy to use despite others comments here. If just a tiny fraction of our population only knew the devastating effects of non-native invasives, perhaps....

This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to identify, understand and redress some of the problems America faces from the introduction of Invasive plant species. This book has good identifying photos of many common invaders, tells how they got here, difficulties in eradicating them, and their impact on the North American landscape. It is filled with very factual, interesting information. It is not just a dry, "science-y" textbook type of book at all- it is a very interesting read. Anyone planning a garden should consider giving this book a read and really think about that what they might be planting may contribute to the devastating consequences some of these invaders have on the native ecosystems that make North America beautiful. A definite "must read" for those wishing to know more about the need to plant native flora in our yards and gardens.

Next to habitat loss and degradation by human action, invasive plants are the biggest cause of decline in wildlife populations. Learning to identify them and how to eradicate them is fundamental to restoring habitats for wildlife. This guide is very helpful in achieving that knowledge.

I love that the authors have included a "what it does to ecosystems" section for every plant because we taxpayers are spending billions of dollars every year in the control and removal of invasive plants. When we understand the damage that these plants can do to native ecosystems, maybe we won't be so eager to continue to plant them.

This is a great resource and a wonderful addition to any gardeners or naturalists library.

I am very pleased with the purchase of this book. It is very helpful with my research on invasive plant species. A good field guide for outdoor identification.