The Sibley Guide to Trees

The definitive field guide to the trees of North America featuring maps detailed illustrations and information on more than 600 species of trees from the preeminent bestselling author and illustrator A beautiful masterful and much-needed work that will henceforth be our guide to the North American trees.Edward O. Wilson The Sibley Guide to Trees is an astonishingly elegant guide to a complex subject. It condenses a huge amount of information about tree identificationmore than has ever been collected in a single bookinto a logical accessible easy-to-use format. With more than 4 100 meticulous exquisitely detailed paintings the Guide highlights the often subtle similarities and distinctions between more than 600 tree speciesnative trees as well as many introduced species. More than 500 maps show the complete range both natural and cultivated for nearly all species. No other guide has ever made field identification so clear. Highlighted features include: leaves (including multiple leaf shapes and fall leaf color) bark needles cones flowers fruit twigs silhouettes Trees are arranged taxonomically with all related species grouped together. By focusing on the fundamental characteristics of for example oaks or chestnuts or hickories the Guide helps the user recognize these basic species groups the same way birders recognize thrushes warblers or sparrows. In addition there are essays on taxonomy on the cultivation of trees and on conservation issues reflecting Sibleys deep concern with habitat preservation and environmental health. An important contribution to our understanding of the natural world The Sibley Guide to Trees is a necessity for every tree lover traveler and naturalist.