Starting with plants

[fairplay]

Originally Posted by Dorts

I second that. Without doubt the best pocket guide available, (1st. edition).
I couldn't be without it!
Dorts.

Hi Dorts,

Must confess I have never been 'hot' on wild flowers as much as I would like to be. I do have the above mentioned book, but mine is 1993 reprint - is this any different from the 1st Edition (1974) ?

Also, I have heard of Clive Stace's 'New Flora of the British Isles' being described as the 'bible' of British wild flowers, yet this hasn't been given a mention. Would that be because it is a bit 'heavy' in both meanings of the word ?

Cheers,
Neil.

[King Edward]

I did mention Stace in my post above, but not by author so I see why you might have missed it.

Stace is very comprehensive in species covered, including even very rare aliens (in some instances, including species naturalised at just one site in the country). Since so many species are included, the descriptions are quite short and condensed, and the number of illustrations is limited (mainly of specific diagnostic features, e.g. seeds of umbellifers).

The book is also rather too heavy to carry into the field, especially if you have other items to carry as well - it's a book much more suited to keeping at home and using to ID specimens later, and for general reference (e.g. for up-to-date names).

There is a much lighter field version, which has the same species coverage but has the descriptions condensed even further into the keys. The field flora is most useful when you know pretty much what plant you're looking (to genus/family), but aren't sure of the species - it's not a good choice for a beginner wanting to ID lots of unknown plants from scratch. Essentially, you'd probably look to get this one once you were familiar with the main version, and wanted the portable version for taking into the field - I wouldn't get this one first.

One thing Stace doesn't include is all the individual apomictic (asexual) microspecies of dandelions, brambles etc., which for 99% of people is probably not very important.

In summary, it's a very useful book to have for someone who has the patience to collect and take the time to examine and key out a specimen later.

[pleb]

I agree with Dorts. Stace's 'Field Flora' is always in my bag since I normally know the genus or at least the family, ( and it is also a very useful book if you know the plant but can't remember its name )

However Stace has brought out a new edition of his main Flora with quite a few name changes so my Field Flora is now a little out of date.

I often take the Vegetatative Flora as well which I always find useful, but two books and a camera and food and drink and I start to feel weighed down.

Signature link hasn't been activated yet. Anyone know anyone with any influence around here?

phil

[fairplay]

I thank y'all !

Neil.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by fairplay

Hi Dorts,

Must confess I have never been 'hot' on wild flowers as much as I would like to be. I do have the above mentioned book, but mine is 1993 reprint - is this any different from the 1st Edition (1974) ?

Also, I have heard of Clive Stace's 'New Flora of the British Isles' being described as the 'bible' of British wild flowers, yet this hasn't been given a mention. Would that be because it is a bit 'heavy' in both meanings of the word ?

Cheers,
Neil.

I recommended Stace above, though didn't give full title + it's selection was also reinforced by Dorts! An essential purchase for any serious botanist, but not one for a beginner.

[King Edward]

NB. I'm not Dorts.

[fairplay]

Originally Posted by King Edward

NB. I'm not Dorts.

I reckon he must be sleeping off his Xmas excess.

Neil.

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by fairplay

Hi Dorts,
Must confess I have never been 'hot' on wild flowers as much as I would like to be. I do have the above mentioned book, but mine is 1993 reprint - is this any different from the 1st Edition (1974) ?

Also, I have heard of Clive Stace's 'New Flora of the British Isles' being described as the 'bible' of British wild flowers, yet this hasn't been given a mention. Would that be because it is a bit 'heavy' in both meanings of the word ?
Cheers,
Neil.

Hi Neil.
The book both aeshna5 and myself mentioned is-
'Wild Flowers of Britain & Ireland'. (Domino Guides). by Blamey, Fitter & Fitter.
Published by A&C Black. First published 2003. It just happens to be the volume I find most usefull.
I also use as a back-up-
'The Wild Flowers of the British Isles' by Garrard & Streeter. Published by Midsummer Books. 1998Edition. This is a much larger, (non-pocket) book with excelent illustrations.
Both of these are still occasionally available and worth seeking out.

Regards to 'Stace', much has already been said. I use it mainly for the more difficult species, or for information not found in the other books mentioned, and agree it is not really a book for the beginner.
Dorts.