Vascular flora of Alberta: an illustrated guide. 2020. illus. VI, 618 p. gr8vo.

his book contains illustrated keys to all of the native and naturalized vascular plants known to grow wild in Alberta. The keys provide series of descriptions and illustrations that are designed to guide the user to the names of unknown plants. They begin with large groups, based on form and taxonomy, and continue through families and genera, eventually leading the user to the species name. With updated taxonomy, this 2nd edition includes 16 new or revised families and over 100 new species. There are also new keys to all of the subspecies and varieties that have been found in Alberta.

Inside you will find:
• Key features for identifying vascular plants in 126 families, 680 genera, 2,114 species, 122 subspecies and 109 varieties.
• Diagnostic line drawings for each family, genus, and species – over 3,000 illustrations.
• Labeled drawings illustrating the key characteristics of each family.
• Currently accepted scientific names, along with alternate names used in recent local floras.
• The status of all rare native species & exotic weeds as of January 2025.
• An illustrated glossary defining technical terms.

This 2nd edition builds on the 1st edition, supplemented by the research done for “Vascular Flora of Alberta: Illustrations and Maps” (Kershaw and Allen 2024). The illustrations will help new botany students to understand and succeed in their quest to identify the vascular plants of Alberta, and the updated taxonomy and status is critical for all serious plant enthusiasts.