Trees and Shrubs of Alberta

Leila I. Wallenius is a reference librarian at Laurentian University.

This is a good guide to 77 native and naturalized species of Alberta.
Wilkinson has included only the most common or distinguishable members
of difficult families such as Willow, and has limited the shrubs to
those greater than 30 cm high or readily recognized as having woody
stems.

Keys are included for the conifers, because many of their features are
not easily distinguished in photographs. Wilkinson states that no key is
provided for deciduous species because of their size and complication.
Their features are more easily identified in photos and description, so
those with similar features can be found together. The illustrated
terminology and glossary clarify any botanical terms unfamiliar to the
user.

The species descriptions provide clear details on habitat and range,
reproductive structures, fruit (deciduous only), leaves, and growth
habit. Each entry also includes a distribution map, guide to habitats,
and ethnobotanical information. The habitat information is limited to
the undisturbed natural regions: Prairie, Aspen Parkland, Boreal Forest,
and Rocky Mountains, which is divided into Montane, Subalpine, and
Alpine.

This is an attractive field guide and will be useful to amateur and
experienced naturalists in Alberta.