You can never have too many gardening books, and it is always helpful to develop a good knowledge of plants and their characteristics in particular. It will help you make the most of weekend rides and collecting expeditions, as well as your own garden.
We’ve rounded up some of the best plant identification books available in the UK, from simple illustrated guides to detailed resource books and extensive glossaries of Latin names. they provide a lot of information about each species, going into detail about their defining characteristics, preferred conditions, and even the etymology of their names.
You are reading: Best plant identification books
so whether you’re interested in wildflowers and hedges, or what plants will thrive in your garden, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for.
best plant identification books
trees, leaves, flowers & seeds: a visual encyclopedia of the plant kingdom
For a comprehensive and accessible list of plants from around the world, look no further than this visual encyclopedia. it is designed to be engaging for children but also informative for adults.
Complete with detailed color photographs and illustrations, this manual covers plants of all sizes and origins, from seeds and flowers to cacti and trees. information is separated into groups, such as patterned, water-based, and carnivorous plants.
There are also answers to some of the most interesting questions in the world of horticulture, such as “what exactly is a flower?”
rhs encyclopedia of plants and flowers
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Inside the covers of this bulky hardcover book, you’ll find information on more than 4,000 plants, as well as a dictionary listing more than 8,000 varieties. Like the DK Encyclopedia before it, this RHS Reference Book chooses not to organize plants alphabetically; instead, they are sorted by type, size, and color.
In this latest edition, the authors added 1,400 more plant varieties, as well as helpful hardiness ratings to help readers plan their own gardens. Along with the text, each page has a selection of vivid photos to support the information.
rhs what plant where encyclopedia
This encyclopedia helps you learn and understand the different groups of plants, with a focus on establishing the ideal plan for your garden.
Adding photos and key information for each species, the book groups vegetation into categories and lists the best choices for different environments, such as clay soil, urban gardens, and windowsills. there are also “plant focus” pages, where you can learn more about specific varieties.
what’s that flower?: the simplest identification guide ever
- buy now on amazon (£6.30)
Because many varieties of plants look alike, it can be difficult to identify them correctly when you’re out and about. which is that flower is designed to eliminate confusion. presents groups of similar-looking flowers together on the page, making it easy to spot their differences.
also reveals the distinctive features to look out for when trying to identify plants, with reference to their forms and habitats. In total, this book covers more than 150 of the most common flowers in Europe.
rhs latin for gardeners: over 3000 plant names explained and explored
Latin for Gardeners provides a deep dive into the etymology of over 3,000 plant names, mentioning the pioneers who discovered the varieties and how they have shaped history.
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There’s also lots of practical information about each plant, with helpful pronunciation guides, as well as details on shape, color and fragrance. This book stands out from other botanical manuals, thanks to its beautiful color illustrations.
simplified plant names: their pronunciation, derivation and meaning
Simplified Plant Names has been around since the 1930s and has since become a popular and respected reference point among readers. In 2019, Adrian Stockdale published this revised edition of Arthur Johnson’s book.
Inside, you’ll find an extensive glossary of Latin plant names, with information on their meanings. An ideal reference tool, this concise book covers an impressive list of flora in less than 200 pages.
the world encyclopedia of wildflowers & flowers
If it’s wild flora you’d like to identify, try this comprehensive encyclopedia. mentions more than 1,730 of the world’s plants, from flowers and trees to aquatic and carnivorous species. all information is presented along with 3,800 photos, illustrations and detailed maps.
This guide pays special attention to geographic regions and plant habitats, as well as the changes different varieties have made to survive and thrive.
rhs genealogy for gardeners: plant families explored & explained
another of rhs’s beautifully illustrated manuals, this plant genealogy guide is accompanied by many detailed color drawings. it also provides a wealth of fascinating information, with insights into the origins and characteristics of more than 70 different plant families.
There are even tips to help you improve your own garden, with tips on how to grow specific varieties of plants in your outdoor space.
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