Changes that have occurred over the past decade in taxonomic thinking
and public attitude toward plants and wildlife in general are reflected
in this completely revised and updated third edition. This informational
guide is intended for anyone with a practical interest in plant
identification and the desire to understand the scientific basis of the
identification procedure. It enables the reader to identify all
flowering plant families normally found in the wild or in cultivation
(outside or under glass) in northern temperate regions. The text is
self-contained, with illustrated discussions of floral structure and
terminology. There are full bracketed keys (to the 272 families
included) with a comprehensive section explaining their use. The Engler
and Pranti system has been adopted as the basis for the recognition of
families and their taxonomic sequence. Also included are a glossary and
a chapter of further advice on identification.