Eastern Trees (Peterson Field Guides)

The successor to Petrides's classic Field Guide to Trees and Shrubs, this is probably the most beautifully illustrated and cleverly organized guide to trees ever published. 96-page color insert, illustrations and maps.

An authoritative book that includes every tree that grows wild in eastern North America, north to the Arctic Ocean and south to the Gulf Coast, including the tropical trees of south Florida and the Florida keys. Using the unique system of identification employed in the author's other tree books, the 455 trees of the region are divided into six major groups according to conspicuous characteristics. Within those categories, trees that look alike are brought together and compared in text and illustration, regardless of whether they are related or not.

The color plates, beautifully painted by Janet Wehr, emphasize details that may not be present or clearly visible in a photograph. Differences between trees that resemble each other are pointed out also in distinctive comparison charts. With range maps, keys, descriptions, and illustrations, the user can identify trees at any season, even in leafless condition. Technical terminology is converted into plain English. The values of trees and their use by wildlife, Native Americans, and campers also are discussed.