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How to ID

21 years ago

We are in the process of buying about 40 lovely wooded acres. We're trying to identify all the trees, shrubs & native plants. The trees are fairly easy but we're having a heck of a time with the shrubs and other things. Are there any good books out there for id? We live in the Midwest, zone 5. Color photos would be a big help. Been trying to do this on the internet but it's been tough.

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Comments (2)

Iris GW
21 years ago
You can start by looking for a book about native shrubs (I have found one for the Southeast US, for example). Not all of your shrubs may be native (there are plants that invade wild spaces), but it will be a start. Here's one from 1966 that you can get used copies of on Amazon : Recognizing native shrubs; by William Carey Grimm. Who knows? It may help. Ask your local/regional native plant society about books.

Identifying them when they are in flower is easiest, but identification through leaves is not bad. If you have a digital camera, posting questions on the Native That Plant forum here on GW is helpful.
waplummer
21 years ago
Petride's book on trees and shrubs is good, but no colored pictures. It will be easier in the spring when they have leafed out.
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