Description
Book SynopsisCharacterized by an abundance of pavement, reflected heat, polluted air and contaminated soil, our cities and towns may seem harsh and unwelcoming to vegetation. However, there are a number of plants that manage to grow spontaneously in sidewalk cracks and roadside meridians, flourish along chain-link fences and railroad tracks, line the banks...
Trade Review"A thorough identification aid for all urban plants found in the northeastern temperate climates, including the most invasive weeds and wildflowers that will thrive in the cracks and crevices in the hardscape of cities.... The most thorough work I've seen on the subject."
* The Washington Post *
"A field guide that makes a sneaky case for appreciating the mixed lot of plants that succeed in our degraded environment."
* The New York Times *
"Del Tredici approaches his subject with a scientist's eye for detail, yet makes it very readable. His book honors 158 herbs that manage to flourish in wayward places.... Del Tredici introduces these innovative species as immigrants with histories of their own, adapting to roadsides and abandoned lots. Even pushy plants do have virtues, assisting with oxygen production, carbon storage, temperature reduction, erosion control, and wildlife food and habitat."
* American Herb Association Quarterly *
"Del Tredici's book will be a great resource for those working on greening our industrial landscapes.... I can envision creative park managers, urban planners, DIY urban restorationists, permaculture practitioners, neighborhood activists, and others running to this field guide to get ideas for free, readily available seed mixes for speeding up the greening of landfills, abandoned yards, decaying asphalt, and unused railroad lines."
* Ecological Restoration *
Table of ContentsForeword by Steward T. A. Pickett
IntroductionFERNS
Dryopteridaceae (Woodfern Family)
Dennstaedtiaceae (Brackenfern Family), 26HORSETAILS
Equisetaceae (Horsetail Family)CONIFERS
Taxaceae (Yew Family)WOODY DICOTS
Aceraceae (Maple Family)
Anacardiaceae (Cashew Family)
Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)
Betulaceae (Birch Family)
Bignoniaceae (Trumpet Creeper Family)
Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
Celastraceae (Stafftree Family)
Elaeagnaceae (Oleaster Family)
Fabaceae = Leguminosae (Pea Family)
Fagaceae (Beech Family)
Moraceae (Mulberry Family)
Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Rutaceae (Rue Family)
Salicaceae (Willow Family)
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Simaroubaceae (Quassia Family)
Solanaceae (Nightshade Family)
Ulmaceae (Elm Family)
Vitaceae (Grape Family)HERBACEOUS DICOTS
Aizoaceae (Carpetweed Family)
Amaranthaceae (Amaranth Family)
Apiaceae = Umbelliferue (Carrot Family)
Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
Asteraceae = Compositae (Aster Family)
Balsaminaceae (Touch-me-not Family)
Brassicaceae = Cruciferae (Mustard Family)
Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)
Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family)
Clnsiaceae (Mangosteen Family)
Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory Family)
Cucurbitaceae (Gourd Family)
Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)
Fabaceae = Leguminosae (Pea Family)
Lamiaceae = Labiatae (Mint Family)
Lythraceae (Loosestrife Family)
Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
Onagraceae (Evening Primrose Family)
Oxalidaceae (Woodsorrel Family)
Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)
Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed Family)
Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family)
Polygonaceae (Smartweed Family)
Portulacaceae (Purslane Family)
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Rubiaceae (Madder Family)
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Solanaceae (Nightshade Family)
Cannabaceae (Hemp Family)
Urticaceae (Nettle Family)
Violaceae (Violet Family)MONOCOTS
Commelinaceae (Spiderwort Family)
Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
Iridaceae (Iris Family)
Juncaceae (Rush Family)
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
Poaceae = Gramineae (Grass Family)
Typhaceae (Cattail Family)APPENDICES
I. Plants Covered in This Book That Are Included in Dioscorides' De Materia Medica
2. European Plants Listed by Josselyn as Growing Spontaneously in New England in the Seventeenth Century
3. Shade-Tolerance Ratings of the 32 Trees Covered in This Book
4. Species Suitable for a Cosmopolitan Urban Meadow
5. Key Characteristics of Important Plant FamiliesGlossary
Bibliography
Index
