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Rating: 
Summary: Great for East of the Rockies
Review: Overall, the information contained in the book is excellent. It is well-presented, well-organized, and very thorough. However, I was disappointed to find it is best suited for use by those who live in USDA Hardiness zone 5 or farther north. I live and work in zone 6, which is really the fringe of the area addressed in this book. Species native to the southeast are included only if they are hardy over a wide range. (For example, Southern magnolia is omitted in this book, as are loblolly and slash pines and yaupon holly.)I have a degree in landscape architecture and prefer to use native plants in planting design. This book has been helpful, but will never replace my dog-eared copy of Know It and Grow It--a reference far more suited to my region.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent reference book (within its range)
Review: Overall, the information contained in the book is excellent. It is well-presented, well-organized, and very thorough. However, I was disappointed to find it is best suited for use by those who live in USDA Hardiness zone 5 or farther north. I live and work in zone 6, which is really the fringe of the area addressed in this book. Species native to the southeast are included only if they are hardy over a wide range. (For example, Southern magnolia is omitted in this book, as are loblolly and slash pines and yaupon holly.) I have a degree in landscape architecture and prefer to use native plants in planting design. This book has been helpful, but will never replace my dog-eared copy of Know It and Grow It--a reference far more suited to my region.
Rating: 
Summary: Most Used Reference Book
Review: This book has excellent info on each plant within its text. I am a native plant landscape designer and soil requirements, natural habitats, associate plants (communities), urban tolerance, flower & fruit development are a few of the plant categories I use on a daily basis. The line drawings are also superb for knowing the form the plant will take in the landscape and how the flowers & fruit will appear. This book is used so much, my pages are starting to fall out. I hope they create a new version soon! This book is a 'must' for all landscape designers & architects --- it's a great tool.
Rating:
Summary: Most Used Reference Book
Review: This book has excellent info on each plant within its text. I am a native plant landscape designer and soil requirements, natural habitats, associate plants (communities), urban tolerance, flower & fruit development are a few of the plant categories I use on a daily basis. The line drawings are also superb for knowing the form the plant will take in the landscape and how the flowers & fruit will appear. This book is used so much, my pages are starting to fall out. I hope they create a new version soon! This book is a 'must' for all landscape designers & architects --- it's a great tool.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent ink-line illustration;form, leaf, flower and fruit
Review: This comprehensive volume puts all the information needed to choose native plantings in one handy reference source. The book is divided into two parts, Trees, Shrubs, and Vines, with each part further divided into two sections. The first describes different factors normally considered in selecting plantings, classifying over 250 woody plants by these characteristics. Classifications include: Visual characteristics: form, branching, foliage, flower and fruit. ÐEcologicla relationships: most suitable habitats, including flood and shade tolerance. ÐCultural requirements: soil, hardiness, silvical characteristics, urban conditions, similar and associate species. The second section is an encyclopedia of native woody plants. Each MASTER PLATE includes the plants scientific and common name, plus all of the plants characteristics as described in the first section. Also included are a map showing the plants native region; a drawing of its twigs, leaves, flowers, and fruit; a photo of its bark, and a photo or line drawing of its crown without leaves. Thus, you can find the information you need in one of two ways: you can choose the plant characteristics you want and look them up in the first section to find the plantings that fit your needs. Or you can look up the specific plants in the second section to learn if their characteristics are appropriate for your landscape No other book on native plantings provides as much information, as usefully organized, as this one does. Landscape architects, ecologists, park personnel, botanists Ðanyone interested in natural landscapingÐwill find this to be an invaluable reference that greatly assists in choosing and nurturing native trees, shrubs, and vines. harlen d. Groe
Rating:
Summary: Great for East of the Rockies
Review: This is a very useful book for those living in the appropriate area. The book contains information on native trees and shrubs in Eastern and Central United States. Native trees and shrubs found west of the Rockies are NOT included in this book.
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