This manual is intended for beginners in plant taxonomy and dendrology and others interested in identifying plants. Scientific terminology is held to a minimum. A key is included that relies on leaf, twig and stem characters. Fruits and flowers are included as necessary. Thus this manual is useful during most of the growing season rather than being restricted to time of flowering and fruiting.
Included are all of the native tree, shrub and woody vine species inhabiting the East Texas forest region. Also included are some naturalized species. Since this region represents the most southwestern extension of the pine-hardwood forests of the SE United States, these same native and naturalized species are generally present eastward. The manual is therefore useful to botanists and naturalists in nearby states to the north and east.