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 encountered in the region, including perennials, annuals, and biennials, both native and naturalized.
This helpful field guide uses a logical and convenient identification key based on flower colour, petal arrangement, and leaf characteristics. One thousand colour photographs help to confirm that you've got the right plant. The introduction includes an explanation of plant parts and information on plant names. Covers Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
Ted Elliman has been engaged in plant conservation in the Northeast for forty years. As a plant ecologist at the New England Wild Flower Society in Framingham, Massachusetts, he conducted botanical inventories, natural community surveys, and invasive species control programs. Elliman worked as a contract ecologist for the National Park Service, and he has written numerous articles on botanical subjects for conservation organizations, scientific journals, and state and federal environmental agencies.
Founded in 1900 as the Society for the Protection of Native Plants, the New England Wild Flower Society is the nation's oldest plant conservation organization and a recognized leader in native plant conservation, horticulture, and education. The Society's headquarters, Garden in the Woods, is a renowned native plant botanic garden in Framingham, Massachusetts, that attracts visitors from all over the world. From this base, 25 staff and more than 700 volunteers work throughout New England to monitor and protect rare and endangered plants, collect and preserve seeds to ensure biological diversity, detect and control invasive species, conduct research, and offer a range of educational programs.
"An excellent field guide [...] a must-have book for both plant lovers and folks who are curious about the natural landscape of this region."
– Coastal Home
"A functional field guide that promises to be useful to both professionals and amateurs interested in New England flora."
– Choice
"Wildflowers of New England, written by Ted Elliman, a botanist and plant ecologist for the New England Wild Flower Society, and published earlier this year, is a great tool that can enhance your enjoyment of the outdoors [...] Elliman describes the plants in clear, concise language. Like his prose, the photographs offer clear close-ups that aid in identifying plants."
– Portland Press Herald
"Chances are, any plant you come across in the region you'll be able to find in Elliman's 448-page guide."
– The Providence Journal
"This book not only has beautiful and helpful images – the introduction is a veritable course in botany [...] Wildflowers of New England is a substantial little book, in many ways, but the heavy, shiny cover, complete with ruler marking, is tough enough to take on hikes for frequent onsite referrals."
– The Recorder