Wildflowers of Iowa Woodlands
ISBN: 9781587298844
Platform/Publisher: Project MUSE / University of Iowa Press
Digital rights: Users: Unlimited; Printing: Chapters; Download: Chapters
Subjects: Plants Useful; Forest plants; Wild flowers;

This classic of midwestern natural history is back in print with a new format and new photographs. Originally published in 1979, Wildflowers of Iowa Woodlands introduced many naturalists to the beauty and diversity of the native plants of the wooded communities that once covered more than 6 million acres of the state. Now redesigned with updated names and all-new images, this reliable field companion will introduce woodland wildflowers to a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts in the Upper Midwest.

The species accounts are accompanied by brilliant full-page color photographs by Larry Stone, Thomas Rosburg, and Carl Kurtz. In clear, straightforward, and accessible prose, authors Sylvan Runkel and Alvin Bull provide common, scientific, and family names; the Latin or Greek meaning of the scientific names; habitat and blooming times; and a complete description of plant, flower, and fruit. Particularly interesting is the information on the many ways in which Native Americans and early pioneers used these plants for everything from pain relief to insecticides to tonics.

Iowa's original savannas, woodlands, and forests were cleared with amazing thoroughness, yet enough beauty and diversity remain to give joy to hikers, birders, and mushroomers. Wildflowers of Iowa Woodlands will inspire both amateurs and professionals with the desire to learn more about the wonders of today's woodlands.


Sylvan Runkel (1906-1995) was the coauthor of five books about midwestern wildflowers, including Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie and Wildflowers and Other Plants of Iowa Wetlands . A vigorous promoter of conservation for many years, he was honored in 1996 by the dedication of the Sylvan Runkel State Preserve. Alvin Bull (1925-1982) was the coauthor of three books about midwestern wildflowers, including Wildflowers of Indiana Woodlands and Wildflowers of Illinois Woodlands . He was vice-president of Farm Progress Companies and editorial director for the Indiana Prairie Farmer , Prairie Farmer , Wallaces Farmer, and the Wisconsin Agriculturist .
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