Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie: The Upper Midwest

By Sylvan T. Runkel, Dean M. Roosa, Dean Roosa

Book Overview

This classic of midwestern natural history is back in print with a new format and new photographs. Originally published in 1989, Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie introduced many naturalists to the beauty and diversity of the native plants of the huge grasslands that once stretched from Manitoba to Texas. Now redesigned with updated names and all-new photographs, this reliable field companion will introduce tallgrass prairie wildflowers to a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts in the Upper Midwest.

Each species account is accompanied by a brilliant full-page color photograph by botanist Thomas Rosburg. In clear, straightforward, and accessible prose, authors Sylvan Runkel and Dean Roosa provide common, scientific, and family names; the Latin or Greek meaning of the scientific names; habitat and blooming times; and a complete description of plant, flower, and fruit. Particularly interesting is the information on the many ways in which Native Americans and early pioneers used these plants for everything from pain relief to dyes to hairbrushes.

Runkel and Roosa say that prairies can be among the most peaceful places on earth; certainly they are among the most beleaguered. Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie will inspire both amateurs and professionals with the desire to learn more about the wonders of the prairie landscape.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1587297965
• ISBN13: 9781587297960
• Release Date: June 2009
• Publisher: University of Iowa Press
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.2" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

An excellent reference

I just love this book and would recommend it without hesitation. I find myself referring to it again and again. Anyone who loves the wildflowers of the prairie is sure to enjoy the in-depth information it contains.

Nice guide to some common prairie flowers

I bought this book because I was working in an Iowa prairie and wanted a good guide to the wildflowers. This is it! Large color photos are arranged by general blooming time/season. The text gives information about the plant, habitats, seasons, as well as some interesting folklore or other uses of the plant. This book certainly doesn't contain all flowering plants of the prairie, but it's a great start and a handy reference, especially for cross-referencing. Full-color photos are good, often showing both flowers and leaves.