Water and Wetland Plants of the Prairie Provinces

Patrick W. Colgan is the former director of Research and Natural Lands
at the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Lahring, whose childhood involved snagging plants with his fish hooks,
has produced a very comprehensive and attractive resource on the plants
of the prairies. The book begins with an overview of the biogeography of
the region, including its watersheds, climates, and ecozones, and
considers special issues such as alkaline sloughs and waterbirds as
distributors of plants. Wetland ecology is well examined in terms of
water levels, the physiology of living underwater, the impact of
wetlands on water quality and climate, and the control of invasive
plants such as loosestrife and aquatic plants.

Under plant classification and nomenclature, issues of identification
are discussed and keys to families presented. The species are organized
by ferns, monocots in two groups, and dicots (shrubs and herbs). For
each species, common and Latin names are given, as are description,
habitat and distribution, special features, related species, and
hardiness zone. The clear text is accompanied by excellent photographs
and figures. Even the endpapers are used, and the book is pocket-sized.

Whether you are a hiker through wetlands or a gardener installing
increasingly popular water features, you will find this fine guide very
timely. And since most of these plants also occur outside the prairies,
this is a reference that can be used across the country.