Newcomb's Wildflower Guide

The media could not be loaded.  The top spine of the book is torn. This was a new book so I’m disappointed to get it already worn. It’s not worth it to send back and wait for another.

I love the outdoors, but until recently was unable to identify much beyond maybe a dozen or so trees and a few birds. One day I got tired of looking at the undergrowth in woods and only being able to say "those are plants," and decided to buy a field guide to start learning them. I did some research and eventually hit upon this guide as one that was not only thorough, but good for beginners to wildflower identification in my area. I was not disappointed.The book's greatest asset by far is its key; it allows you to get very close to the species you're looking for based on a few easily identifiable characteristics (the arrangement and type of leaves, and the number of petals) that even a total novice can understand. Once you've found the correct page to start on, it lists plants by genus and provides reasonably good pictures and short descriptions. There have been a few times where I've failed to identify a plant through Newcomb's, identified it some other way (e.g. iNaturalist), and then come back to Newcomb's and realized I had missed some important feature. The key is very good.Newcomb's also possesses an excellent index that lists plants both by common name and scientific name. Once I started to get the hang of things, I found this index extremely helpful if I had a hunch about a plant's genus, since I could find it in there and go directly to its species without going through the key.The book is not without its faults, however. For example, the genera are not always correct, and some species really are missing. For example, the genus of American Asters, Symphyotrichum, is listed under Aster, and it appears that Persicaria longiseta is completely absent (this has caused a decent amount of confusion for me, because the book invariably leads me to spotted lady's thumb instead). Both of those are, I think, a simple result of the guide's age, and are neither fatal to its quality nor to your botanical learning.Another criticism I have seen is that the book does not organize plants by taxonomic relationships. For a serious botanist this is undoubtedly a real problem, but I think that might be a strength for some beginners. I can only speak for myself, but I've used other guides that *were* organized by families and found them somewhat confusing. The process of learning plants just by their morphological characteristics has given me enough points of reference that now those taxonomic relationships make more sense. Therefore, I would caution anyone new to botany who is questioning buying Newcomb's on that basis -- try it out. It's not an expensive book, and it will get you out there in the woods and fields. Learning about nature by sight, touch, and smell is the fundamental thing; let the taxonomy come later.

This book has so much information but the format and organization of the material is very tricky to figure out.

Be sure to read the beginning of the book to learn the helpful method for identifying various herbs and wildflowers. It’s really fun, like a little detective work.

The best field guide every. Simple easy to use and accurate. I have tried many guides over the years. They always frustrated me beyond my perseverance. On my first try with a flower I new I was successful. So shocked I tried three more flowers with instant success. The joy I felt was so wonderful. This book is a must for those who want to name and know the wildflowers in their area. Bravo to the author and illustrator. You will always hold a place in my heart for what you have given me in this guide. Thank-you Bonnie

I'm new to identifying plants. Previously I just would google it and search through photos online forever. I was a bit nervous to see how this book worked as I had gotten a tree and shrub book that was very very involved and difficult to understand. however, this book has a great intro to tell you everything you need to know and great pictures to describe everything you are looking for. Great system. So easy to use. I did 4 practice flowers last night of just pictures of flowers from online and correctly keyed them each time. Love it! All you have to be able to see are the flower petals, leaves and to say if it's a flower vine or shrub and you'll get to your answer. Same chart every time and every term is described and illustrated plus a glossary. They were even so kind as to put some flowers in multiple places in the book when there was a strong chance a novice would describe it one way when it technically is truly another. Anticipating my mistakes for me! Easy Peasey

This book will allow you to readily identify the great majority of wildflowers and shrubs. It is not comprehensive and doesn’t pretend to be (such a book would be impractical and unnecessarily confusing), but you will be delighted by how quick and useful it is. I’ve kept the book close at hand for quite a few decades now. On-line sources such as ‘Picture This’ offer can do much more, but internet access is not always available when you’re in the field.

If you ask me what my favorite book of all time is, I'd probably say Newcomb's Wildflower Guide. I've spent hours with this book. I am not a botanist, and this book has helped me identify hundreds of plants. The book uses a key based on plant parts and it is genius. I have a dozen other wildflower field guides, and this one is without a doubt the best. This is the one I can't live without. I have three copies--one for the car, one for the bicycle, and one at home.

Great Book. There is a key system which you have to learn in order to identify plants. So you need to know that before buying. However, I am told that once mastered you will never go wrong on your id of a plant. Lots of black and white plus colored pics. The key system does not rely on color like many books do. This is a good thing. IT teaches the core of learning how to identify plants by leaves, stems, flowers etc etc. The most valuable aspects. But must take time to read and learn.

Product has very few color pictures.

Went camping at Fort Ingall, QC and saw so many wildflowers we had never seen before. This guide identified them all for us. We would have been so frustrated without it. Want to give this guide a good run for your money? Head to Fort Ingall on Lac Temiscouata in mid July.

This book is a gift to a friend . i have had my own copy for years and since it one of my favorite books re: wildflowers , I just wanted to share .I have used this book with friends ( young and old) and with students in my Biology classes . A great resource .

A very good book !