A Naturalist's Book of Wildflowers: Celebrating 85 Native Plants in North America

by Laura C. Martin

A charmingly illustrated keepsake and guide to native, wild plants of North America. In this exquisitely detailed naturalist’s handbook, Laura C. Martin provides profiles of 85 wild plants and flowers found across North America, each accompanied by lovingly illustrated and charming watercolor paintings. With dozens of notes, arrows, and details, each chapter encourages the reader to look at the plants as a naturalist would―opening up a whole new way of seeing nature. Martin gives details on where the plants can be found, how they grow, how to identify them, and what natural properties they each have. The handbook features plants from across North America, including the Purple Coneflower, found along the East Coast from Quebec to Florida, and the Opuntia (prickly pear) cacti found in Mexico and America’s Southwest. In addition to the wildflower profiles, readers will find information on growing native plants, instructions for plant crafts, tips for conservation, and ideas for activities with children. They’ll also discover recipes for teas, herb mixes, tinctures, and salves using the plants described. Crafts and activities include making dyes, simple baskets, wreaths, and crowns. A Naturalist’s Book of Wildflowers is a gift book and field guide in one, with its treasure trove of handy information and beautiful colored drawings. 100 color illustrations

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Gardening

288 pages, Paperback

Published March 23, 2021

Reviews

[Dee]

This beautifully written and hand drawn celebration of wildflowers is a joy to dip into and out of each. It would also make peaceful bedtime reading before you drift off to sleep.

The 85 native wildflowers are organized by color. Each entry explains the wildflower’s medicinal uses, how it can be grown in the garden, usefulness for pollinators, etc.

It is a jewel of a book. The illustrations are lovely.

[Misti]

This is a lovely little field guide to add to any naturalist's collection! The drawings are beautiful and I love the detailed information the author gives with insight into species that might be local to your area.

[Chelsea]

Beautiful book with lots of interesting facts. Like how Castilleja coccinea/Indian Paintbrush is hemiparasitic and needs to be planted in a host plant for it to grow! Explains why my seeds never sprouted.

[Selena]

Wish the font on the pictures was easier to read, but the drawings were lovely and the book was great!

[Cody]

Should not use the word North in the title. The whole book was focused on the U.S. with barely a mention of Canadian plants.

[Ashley]

Great information, beautiful and clear illustrations. And a well put together book! I hope to add this one to my keep shelf!

[Halley]

Excellent flower drawings! A nice overview of info on many native wildflowers. I especially liked the backstories on how many plants were named.

[Crystal]

Decent book