Weeds of Canada and the Northern United States

Marcia Sweet, former editor of the Queen’s Quarterly, is an
information consultant and freelance editor.

This well-organized, comprehensive reference tool is small enough to be
portable and has a water-resistant cover. The handbook gives
“important technical information, including germination temperature,
seed, dimensions, seed production and distribution” for 175 plant
species. It includes detailed descriptions and more than 750 full-color
close-up photographs and 150 line drawings of plants at various
stages—roots, fruit, blossoms, and more. Common English, French, and
alternative regional names are provided. The authors explain why each
weed is undesirable but do not discuss the ecological value and
potential economic uses of weeds.

The authors aim “to create knowledgeable readers who can apply
selective and appropriate controls and avoid broad-spectrum treatments
that may be inefficient or even harmful.” Society must deal with the
danger of pesticides to humans and other life forms; a future edition
might address more strongly biological, genetic, and other alternatives
to chemical control. A list of agricultural chemicals and their
potential hazards would be a useful reminder to those who handle them.

Although the book’s target audience is commercial growers, it will
also provide guidance to home gardeners and landscapers, as well as
horticultural specialists of all kinds.