Newcomb's Wildflower Guide by Lawrence Newcomb
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Book Reviews of Newcomb's Wildflower Guide
Book Review: Newcomb's is the best handy field reference
Summary: 5 Stars
As an outdoor field biologist, I have worked with a variety of wildflower field guides. Newcomb's is my favorite because it gives the most comprehensive and systematic key that relies heavily on vegetative (non-flowering) parts. It starts with petal numbers, then quickly goes into factors of "leaves oppostive or alternate", "leaves toothed or lobed." If you like tree leaf keys, you will like Newcomb's. It is especially useful when identifying small plants at restoration seeding sites, non-flowering plants, and plants recovering or impacted by heavy deer browsing.Book Review: You will like this book
Summary: 5 Stars
Although this fieldbook at first seems a first cousin to the Peterson guide it differs in one very significant way -- it has a key which even those who never took (or don't remember) Plant Taxonomy 390 can use without frustration-- what does "hispid" mean anyway? Anyone can key a plant to at least a short list of probables without difficulty. And the drawings (which I usually prefer to photographs) are clean and clear. My approach (having had Plant Taxonomy many years ago) is to have lots of books with lots of pictures. This book is a very welcome addition to my collection.Book Review: Perfect Guide for the Southern Appalachians
Summary: 5 Stars
I've noticed from other reviews that this guide is seen to be specific to the northeast. When I first wanted to learn about wildflowers I took a workshop in the western NC mountains and this was the the required text. Every wildflower that we identified was in the book. It seems that the cooler mountain elevations offer the same climate found in New England and Canada. Also, learning by leaf type makes it a lot easier to identify the plant when it's not blooming. I've had a copy of it in my car for the last 10 years and intend on keeping it there.Book Review: Review of Newcomb's Wildflower Guide
Summary: 5 Stars
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide is for the serious wildflower enthusiast. Flower identification is accomplished by using the "keys" (which are explained) in the front of the book. The "key" will direct the user to the proper page for identification. It does not rely on flower color as the primary characteristic and includes flowering shrubs and vines. The geographic area studied is Northeastern and North Central North America. I own other guides but find this one is the easiest to use when I have no idea what plant I am trying to identify.Book Review: Wildflowers made easy: an indispensable reference.
Summary: 5 Stars
If you're going to buy just one book on wildflower identification, this is it. While not foolproof, this system is the best I've seen. It beats by far other methods using color and shape of flower, as used in the Audubon and Peterson field guides (though both the latter have their place, and you should get both if you're really serious).A most unique aspect of this book is that it includes shrubs as well as plants normally considered wildflowers, adding greatly to its utility for the amateur observer.