The second volume of “Flora of Oregon” continues the excellent work of volume 1, released in 2015, by focusing on the families of dicots from A to F. The third and final volume, in preparation, will be about the remaining dicot families.
While the keys and botanical descriptions are the core of this work, like the previous volume there are some excellent additions. An introductory essay discusses the many considerations and importance of native plant gardens. An appendix provides a long list of native plants adaptable to gardens and their cultural needs. Maps show the most suitable regions within Oregon for each species, and these recommendations could easily be extrapolated to Washington.
Another essay – “Insects as Plant Taxonomists” – deeply dives into the interrelations between plant families and insect families, and how they have evolved together. The authors hope “to inspire curiosity and enlightenment about the many different insect activities that can be observed while outdoors.” A final essay introduces the process for creating herbarium specimens and their importance to taxonomists.
Excerpted from the Spring 2021 issue of the Arboretum Bulletin