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Native Plant Identification Resources

Here are some resources to help with native plant identification in Connecticut

Books

• Native Plants of the Northeast: A Guide for Gardening and Conservation by Donald J. Leopold, Timber Press

Timber Press says, “Written by Donald J. Leopold, expert in horticulture, botany, forestry, and ecology...No other single volume on native plants has such comprehensive horticultural coverage as Native Plants of the Northeast: A Guide for Gardening and Conservation. Nearly 700 species of native trees, shrubs, vines, ferns, grasses, and wildflowers from the northeastern quarter of the United States and all of eastern Canada are included. Each plant description includes information about cultivation and propagation, ranges, and hardiness. An appendix recommends particular plants for difficult situations, as well as attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and other wildlife.”

• Native Plants for New England Gardens by Mark Richardson and Dan Jaffe, Globe Pequot Press

• Wildflowers of New England by Ted Elliman, Timber Press

Timber Press says, “Wildflowers of New England is for hikers, naturalists, gardeners, and anyone wishing to learn more about the region’s diverse wildflowers, or just wanting to know the answer to ‘What’s that plant?’ Ted Elliman, a plant ecologist for the New England Wild Flower Society, describes and illustrates more than 1,000 species commonly found in all six New England states, including annuals, perennials, and biennials, both native and naturalized. This helpful field guide uses a logical and convenient identification key based on flower color, petal arrangement, and leaf characteristics. One thousand color photographs help to confirm that you’ve got the right plant. The introduction includes an explanation of plant parts and information on plant names.”

Websites

• Connecticut Botanical Society, www.ct-botanical-society.org

• Go Botany: gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org