A Field Guide to Venomous Animals & Poisonous Plants of North America North of Mexico

Peterson Field Guides #46

by Steven Foster, Roger A. Caras

12mo, 1994, PP.471

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Field Guides, Nature, Education, Reference

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Best-selling author, photographer, consultant, and herbalist, Steven Foster, has 39 years of comprehensive experience in the herbal field. He started his career at the Sabbathday Lake, Maine, Shaker’s Herb Department—America’s oldest herb business dating to 1799.

As an international consultant in medicinal and aromatic plant technical and marketing issues, Foster has served on projects in Argentina, Armenia, Belize, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, England, Germany, Guatemala, Japan, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Peru, the Republic of Georgia, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam and elsewhere.

Steven has 17 books published. He is senior author of three Peterson Field Guides, , including A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs (with Dr. James A. Duke), 2nd edition, 2000, A Field Guide to Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs with Christopher Hobbs, (2002), and A Field Guide to Venomous Animals and Poisonous Plants of North America (with Roger Caras, 1995 and many other books. Other titles include Tyler’s Honest Herbal 4th edtion (with Varro Tyler) and the 1999 Independent Publisher's Association's Best Title in Health and Medicine—101 Medicinal Herbs. Foster is senior author of National Geographic’s A Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine (with Rebecca Johnson), a 2007 New York Public Library “Best of Reference.” He has also authored over 800 articles for numerous trade, popular and scientific periodicals. An acclaimed photographer with thousands ofimages in his stock photos files, Foster’s photographs appear in hundreds of publications. He is Associate Editor of HerbalGram, and Chairman of the Board Trustees of the American Botanical Council in Austin, Texas. Steven makes his home in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Reviews

[Pj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful field guide with clear descriptions and color photos of the most poisonous animals & plants. The introduction also presented the facts and likelihoods (not to be overly concerned to the point of not venturing outside) and what to do.
Being in Colorado and on paths with my dog, I thought this was a read well over due! Also, many backyard plants are poisonous!
I also learned that a short-tailed SHREW is a venomous animal!! Of course, descriptions are clear what really can kill you. (An adult human bitten by a shrew won't die)
Furthermore, the introduction was wonderful!
'An animal is either dangerous or harmless. In either case, the animal should be left in peace.'

[Alexis Aiman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very much information, just the description of the plant.

[Yael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, an exhaustive study of venomous animals and poisonous plants of North America, provides a wealth of photographs as well as b&w pen or pencil studies to go with descriptions of the creatures it discusses. For each organism it gives its common name (e.g., "Puss Moth Caterpillar"), its binomial scientific name (e.g., Megalopyge opercularis), a physical description, its usual habitat and range, and comments describing its method of delivering venom or poison to a foe or prey. Example: the Puss Moth Caterpillar. Also called Tree Asp. Densely hairy caterpillar with soft brown hair. Where found: Among trees, shrubs, orchards, and other vegetation from Md. to Fla., west to Mo. and Tex. Common in the South. Seen year round. Comments: Beneath the hairs are numerous poisonous spines, which can cause severe skin irritation and stinging. Each hair has its own supply of venom, sometimes contained in a single cell. Severity of reaction, ranging from a slight rash to shock, depends upon the individual's sensitivity. Sensitivity may increase with repeated exposure. Common symptoms include fainting, nausea, and vomiting, and in some cases severe shooting pains. (An exquisitely detailed pencil drawing of the puss moth is included on the facing page.) -- Ibid., p. 44. An excellent reference work -- I use it all the time for data on creatures living in California for our novels -- it's also wonderful for leisurely reading . . . if the shudders don't get to you first. In addition to its extensive entries on venomous animals and poisonous plants, it includes an index, a bibliography, and an introoduction. I find it indispensible for research, as well as a handsome volume whose photographs and drawings afford hours of aesthertic pleasure. Compact and durable, it makes a nice addition to any library, and is easily carried with one while traveling.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

with four kids and 2 dogs and 2 cats, all of whom have gotten into something at one time or another I've found this book more useful than I really wanted to. But it's a very easy to use guide, and I found it reassuring to see how few animals are really dangerous, how few plants are truly leathal. I've compared it to other sources, and it seems to have all the well-documented plants in it, except maybe some cultivated ones.

[Regina Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not all of them arethere, not the description I was looking for. Most of it is American inhabitants.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

good field guide. Interesting facts.