Native Plants of the Midwest

February 15, 2017

The sheer number of beautiful photographs in this volume provide an excellent way for readers to browse and become inspired by the beauty of native Midwest plants. Containing a handful of introductory chapters on the history and complexity of the Midwest landscape, the first part of this book resembles a gardening memoir and might confuse readers looking for specific recommendations. Branhagen (director of horticulture, Powell Gardens; The Gardener's Butterfly Book), a landscape architect by training, delivers practical advice for native plant selection and placement; for example, "Design with Native Plants" is an excellent introduction to the process of inventory, analysis, and scheme. The remainder of this book is comprised of plant profiles categorized by type; the author does not attempt to profile all native Midwestern plants but instead provides "descriptions and photographs of the most garden- and landscape-worthy Midwestern native plants.... A compilation of the best native plants for gardening and landscaping." VERDICT Gardeners wishing to learn more about native Midwest plants from an experienced professional will appreciate the blending of growing recommendations along with the author's personal experiences using each plant.--Kendra Auberry, Indian River State Coll. Lib., Port St. Lucie, FL

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2016
Gardeners considering adding native plants to their gardens should be sure to start with the well-written introduction rather than being tempted by the 677 photographs of many of the native trees, shrubs, and forbs that are included. Branhagen defines native as he uses the word and differentiates it from wild, as in wildflower. While encouraging the use of native species, he also discourages collecting in the wild and reminds gardeners that some natives do not do well in captivity because they need particular habitats with specific neighbors (plants, insects, and animals). The bulk of the book is divided into chapters from the largest plants to the smallest, with several special groups. Shade trees are followed by evergreens, large and small trees, and shrubs; then vines and prairie, woodland, and wetland perennials; and finally, ground covers. Bulbs and annual and biennial plants follow. Most of the succinct entries include a general comment about the species or its range within the Midwest, how to grow it, its landscape use, and ornamental attributes. Some include notes and related plants, including cultivars. Interspersed in some of the chapters are block lists of suggested plants for special situations, such as Vines for a Traditional Landscape and Small Trees for Traditional Landscapes. There are also lists of ground covers for sunny and shady locations and ornamental shrubs and perennials for full-sun and wet conditions. Despite the growing interest in milkweeds, and the book's coverage, the index doesn't carry the common names of milkweed species, using instead the term Asclepias. As more people are incorporating more natives in their landscapes for their own pleasure, pollinators, and birds, this book will be used by novice and experienced gardeners alike.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)