Wildflowers of the Western Plains

Stretching from western Texas and eastern New Mexico up through Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, the Dakotas, and into Canada, the vast western plains often appear sparse and dry to the casual observer. But a closer look, especially after spring rains, discerns flowers of all colours, sizes, shapes, and fragrances. These forgotten flowers, never before the main focus of a field guide, come into bloom inWildflowers of the Western Plains.Organized by plant family, the guide presents 186 species of wildflowers, accompanied by vivid colour photographs. Each entry includes both the Latin and the common names and a description of the plant, flower, fruit, and range. As a special feature, the guide includes Native American botanical folklore, legends pertaining to the wildflowers, and medicinal uses of native plants. The author's personal observations and occasional recipes round out this delightful array of information.

Zoe Merriman Kirkpatrick, a Texas naturalist, has been studying and photographing western wildflowers for more than twenty-five years. Her public slide shows have increased people's awareness of the beauty and fragility of the western plains and generated many requests for a field guide to these remarkable flowers.