Trees of Pennsylvania

by Charles Fergus

Common and uncommon tree species described in engaging detailCovers trees found in small woodlots, deep forests, backyards, and reverting fieldsWith populations of both northern and southern trees, Pennsylvania is home to a truly diverse array of species. This book describes more than 60 species of trees found in Pennsylvania and the northeastern United States in a straightforward, informative style. Includes identification details, range, growth patterns, seasonal adaptations, natural history, past and present uses, and current and future population trends, along with the author's personal observations of the trees themselves--what their nuts taste like, their barks feel like, or what it's like to see them in the wild. An invaluable addition to any nature-lover's library.

Genres: Nature

Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

I write a mystery series set in the 1830s in a rough-and-tumble county in backwoods Pennsylvania, where an "accidental" sheriff works to solve crimes while battling his own griefs and travails. My most recent Gideon Stoltz mystery, "Nighthawk's Wing" (Arcade Crimewise 2021), received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. It's the sequel to "A Stranger Here Below" (Arcade Crimewise, 2019), which just came out in paperback. I'm currently at work on a third in the series, with the working title "Lay This Body Down." The Gideon Stoltz mysteries take place during the Jacksonian era of American history, when our young nation was flexing its muscles and finding its identity.

Born and raised in central Pennsylvania, I now live on a farm in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. I love to spend time outdoors in all seasons, hiking, snowshoeing, and especially riding horses. I'm married to the writer Nancy Marie Brown. I have written many nature books, and my readers tell me my knowledge of natural history and wildlife helps inform my fiction.

Reviews

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book is like taking a walk through the woods of Pennsylvania with a knowledgeable guide at your side. Not your typical field guide - although it contains plenty of scientific information, it's also interspersed with anecdotes that make this an enjoyable read in addition to a valuable reference source.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A guidebook that reads like a well-crafted narrative and is wonderfully illustrated with pen and ink drawings of many of the described trees and tree features. Highly recommend. Most enjoyably readable guidebook I have ever come across.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. Full of local information so actually for a limited audience but great for those in PA!