Native Plants of the Midwest: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best 500 Species for the Garden

by Alan Branhagen

Native Plants of the Midwest , by regional plant expert Alan Branhagan, features the best native plants in the heartland and offers clear and concise guidance on how to use them in the garden. Plant profiles for more than 500 species of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, ground covers, bulbs, and annuals contain the common and botanical names, growing information, tips on using the plant in a landscape, and advice on related plants. You’ll learn how to select the right plant and how to design with native plants. Helpful lists of plants for specific purposes are shared throughout. This comprehensive book is for native plant enthusiasts and home gardeners in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, northern Arkansas, and eastern Kansas.
 

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Plants, Reference, Nature, Horticulture

440 pages, Hardcover

Published November 16, 2016

Reviews

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish some of the info (sun, water, height) were laid out in table format, but this has been the best book I've read so far about selecting native plants in Ohio.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guide to Midwest native plants with interesting anecdotes from the author about where he has seen and gotten to know some of the plants, frequently mentioning Powell Gardens near Kansas City, Missouri, where the author is director of horticulture. Occasionally, the description omits the size or some other horticultural detail, but for an easy to use and comprehensive reference, I have not seen a better book.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting but it would have been nicer (for me) to have them arranged by light conditions required or better cross referenced for that. I have deep shade in one area and partial shade in the other, and it required much reading to determine what was useful for me. It was a good book. I just had very defined needs.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that it had some plants/trees that I was not aware of listed but was also disappointed that he has some invasive listed in this book. I recommend you know use another knowledgeable source to see what plants are invasive in your area before you think about planting something from this book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed, clear, and thorough discussion of native plants. As another reviewer noted, it would be nice to have size, shade requirements, etc in a quick table or bulled note at the top of each entry, but overall it was well-written and easy to read and understand.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never “finish “ this book but I have to own it. It’s my new plant bible/wish book.

[Angie Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice reference book.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the end all, be all of encyclopedic knowledge of native plants, but a great start and comprehensive on the plants included. It's easy to hear the author's passion for native gardening.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Easily one of my favorite native plants of the Midwest guides. I had borrowed it from the library, but need to buy it for my personal library.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book! It makes me want to plant ALL the things. I'll be referencing this for many moons to come.

[Katie Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alan Branhagen sets his book up in a very easy look up format. The book starts out with an Introduction and other chapters that discuss selecting, designing and a guide to the plants in the book. The main part of the books are chapters on trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, groundcovers, bulbs, and annuals and biennials. Each of the plant chapters and set up with an introduction on the topic, followed by an individual plant. The individual plants are then broken down into further sections that may include: an introduction, how to grow, landscape use, ornamental attributes, related plants, and notes.

While I found this book to be interesting in the beginning, the plant chapters (the majority of the book) became a bit monotonous from being set up exactly the same. I do, however, understand that this could help those using the book for the intended use easier access to the information. I did love the pictures. Who doesn't like pictures of pretty plants? I do wish that instead of a stand alone Hardiness Zone Chart, Hardiness Zone maps were included.

Thank you Timber Press and NetGalley for the ARC to give an honest review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you live in the Midwest (as in, Ohio) and have a piece of property, big or small, this is a book you will want to own. There is too much to absorb on a checked-out-from-the-library reading. The book is beautiful, informational and well-organized. Makes you want to find your nearest purveyor of native plants and get acquainted.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive guide to best plants for the Mid-West. Lots of great info in easy to read style with specific info about each plant. Would be a great gift.

[Lorilin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best resources for identifying and choosing Midwest plants for your garden. Shrubs, flowers, trees, you name it, it's in here. I reference this book again and again.