Great Plains Studies, Center for
Date of this Version
Spring 2013
Citation
Great Plains Research 23.1 (Spring 2013).
Abstract
Oklahoma is home to some 2,500 species of flowering plants. Patricia Folley has captured, in full color, some 200 striking and beautiful wildflowers. From the state wildflower (Gaillardia pulchella) to the state grass (Sorghastrum nutans), this wildflower guide covers plants growing in the Rocky Mountain foothills in the northwest to the cypress swamps of the southeast and a lot in between.
Each species is illustrated with at least two photos showing the entire plant in its habitat and a closeup of its flower. The text offers a short description, followed by the geographic area of the state where the species grows, flowering time, and typical habitat. Common and scientific names are provided, but not the family name. The organization of the book is taxonomic, with monocots first, then followed by dicots with families (not noted) and genera in phylogenetic order-an arrangement the nonbotanist is likely to find difficult to follow. An organization by flower color would have made using the book for identification purposes much easier. The color index in the back of the book is organized into four color groups, then alphabetically by common name. Unless you know the common name, finding your plant by flower color can take time.
Comments
Copyright © 2013 by the Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.