National Geographic Field Guide to the Trees of North America: The Essential Identification Guide for Novice and Expert

by Keith Rushforth

Ideal for backpacks and back pockets alike, this indispensable reference makes it easy to identify any tree commonly encountered between the Canadian Arctic and Mexico and from the Atlantic to the Pacific—more than 350 species in all. It's a natural for birders, hikers, and other outdoorsy types, but even confirmed urbanites will find plenty of information on city trees as well.


Concise yet comprehensive, the book's clear, methodical approach enables anyone to recognize trees at a glance. Developed in consultation with botanists from The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Cornell University's renowned Bailey Hortorium, it separates species into two fundamental types: conifers and broad-leaved, then organizes them into genera based on common characteristics, presenting each in its presumed order of evolution. Major differences between species groups are explained, with advice on which parts of a tree to examine when a closer look is required.


More than 1,000 annotated illustrations depict the height, shape, foliage, buds and seed of each species, with trees bearing a strong resemblance shown side by side to highlight their distinctive differences. The accompanying text and system of symbols provide the important details on features and habitat essential to quick, reliable identifications, while graphical keys indicate genus and species, listing both scientific and common names. The guide also includes a map charting tree hardiness and distribution based on widely recognized climactic zones; general information about individual species traits and history, a glossary; and more.

Genres: Reference, Nature, Nonfiction, Plants, Field Guides, Environment

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Miri Gifford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love looking at trees, and I've been really interested learning to identify them. This book was on sale at Barnes and Noble, but I also compared it to the Audubon and Smithsonian field guides, and actually liked this one the best. It's in full color, and most of the entries show the whole tree as well as closeups of the leaves, bark, and fruit. Love it.

[Kathy (McDowell) Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not enough pictures; doesn't show where trees grow naturally. Audubon field guides are far better.

[Alyson]

400 most common across NA; Only book I have seen with dichotomous key

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

National Geographic Field Guide to Trees of North America (Paperback)
by Keith Rushforth (National Geographic Field Guide to the Trees of North America by Keith Rushforth and Charles Hollis (National Geographic 2006) (582.16097). This is an intro to the trees of the United States. My rating: 7/10, finished 2007.

[Dawn Garrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this because I'm an artist and trees are one of my favorites to express emotion in drawings and paintings. slim field guide if you are indeed interested in taking it to identify trees. NatGeo never misses with books.

[Patrick\ · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you catch trees in little pictures? They tried. Not bad.