“This book is written for all who share an interest in wildflowers.” Carol Gracie writes this statement in the preface for each of her two books: Spring Wildflowers of the Northeast (published in 2012) and Summer Wildflowers of the Northeast (published in 2020), both with the subtitle “A Natural History.”This subtitle is key, because these are not typical field guides. Instead, they are collections of both charming and rigorous essays about key plant groups in the northeastern United States and adjacent parts of Canada. They are a bit large for a backpack, but instead best for reading at home after seeing the plants in the wild. Unlike most guides, these are very enjoyable to read cover-to-cover.
Of course, most readers of the Leaflet do not live in the Northeast, but I still recommend these books. The selected genera or plant families often have northwestern representatives and the Gracie refers to these to compare similar natural histories.
The author has another stated purpose. “I’m certain that as you become more familiar with the natural history of wildflowers, you will want to become an advocate for their protection and conservation. Many of our once common wildflowers are now rare for many reasons.”
These books are also beautiful, with photographs (by the author) that are both artful and well-chosen to enhance the surrounding text. Further research is encouraged by an impressive appendix of references.Best of all, Gracie was a wonderful story-teller and these books will increase your love of wildflowers, their pollinators and other animal associates, and your appreciation of the impact on human medicine, gardening, and lore. Sadly, these are the last such books by this author as she died in the fall of 2021. It is a fitting tribute to her memory that in 2022 “Summer Wildflowers” won an Award of Excellence for Natural History and Field Guides from the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries.
Reviewed by Brian Thompson for the Leaflet, July 2022, Volume 9, Issue 7.