From Plant Press, Vol. 27, No. 3, July 2024.
Smithsonian Trees of North America by W. John Kress, an indispensable illustrated source of information about hundreds of species of North American trees, will be published by Yale University Press on September 3, 2024. Nature lovers will relish the beauty and clarity of this authoritative guide to more than 325 common native and non-native trees.
More than a field guide, Smithsonian Trees of North America includes more than 300 range maps and 3,000 exquisite photographs of leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, and bark. It has an in-depth introduction to the biology of trees and their value, structure, evolution, classification, ecology, and conservation. The book has descriptions of each species, organized by genus and family. North American trees are presented from a planetary and evolutionary perspective, drawing on the latest technologies. Kress also reflects on the consequences of environmental change for the health of trees, now and in the future.
The Secretary of the Smithsonian, Lonnie Bunch III, says of the book, “Dr. Kress has deftly synthesized and presented this collected information in an accessible volume that will help people everywhere understand, appreciate, value, and conserve the planet’s trees that are so critical to our shared future.” Peter Raven of the Missouri Botanical Garden adds his praise, “A beautifully illustrated guide to the commonest trees of the United States and Canada—a ‘must have’ for any nature lover who wants to expand their horizons!”
An additional review by Peter Crane of Oak Springs Garden writes, “Irresistible for those who love trees and want to know more about them. In particular, the ‘best in class’ color photos, including more than 300 spectacular two-page illustrated spreads, set this book apart.”
Ten years in the making, Smithsonian Trees of North America marries science and art to provide an insightful and compassionate exploration of the diversity, structure, form, and beauty of trees. Visit <https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300185218/smithsonian-trees-of-north-america/> or these QR codes for more information:
Kress is Distinguished Scientist and Curator Emeritus at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, where he served as Curator of Botany. His research has taken him to more than forty-five countries to study the evolution and ecology of tropical plants. He developed the Leafsnap plant identification app and helped to develop the tool for DNA barcoding of plants.
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