Armitage's Native Plants for North American Gardens

The popularity of native North American plants has soared in recent years, for many good reasons. Whatever draws you to native plants, you'll find no better or more authoritative guide than Allan Armitage. Widely acknowledged as one of the world's foremost horticulturists, Armitage describes more than 630 species and cultivars of perennials, biennials, and annuals that are native to the United States, bringing to each plant a wealth of practical knowledge and the full weight of his experience and expertise. Each entry includes a general description of the plant plus essential data you need to grow it successfully, including habitat, hardiness, correct garden site, maintenance, and propagation — all in a clear, easy-to-use format. Whether you are a native plant enthusiast or simply wish to use plants that work in the landscape, you'll find everything you are looking for in this readable, information-packed volume.

Media reviews of this book:

"If you love the beauty of North American plants, and wish to learn more about how to grow them, this book is sure to please."

—C. Colston Burrell, American Gardener, July/August 2006

"In encyclopedic fashion, Armitage critiques each species and its hybrids, embellishing the information with personal accounts of his experiences with these plants. Within the listings of this very complete volume, Armitage offers plant-care practices, flowering characteristics, site selection and preparation, hardiness, ornamental characteristics, regions where plants perform best and much more."

—Joel M. Lerner, Washington Post, May 20, 2006

"There is no question that Allan Armitage, professor of horticulture at the University of Georgia, is the reigning expert on herbaceous plants. ... Along with Armitage's other books, this is an essential source for the gardener."

—John Van de Water, Newark Star-Ledger, May 7, 2006

"[This] book is typical Armitage — full of chatty, strongly opinionated, and deeply knowledgeble discussions of both straight species and cultivars."

—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, March 12, 2006

"Horticulturist Armitage provides gardeners with a useful sourcebook listing hundreds of native plants available in the retail marketplace. ... the book's informative plant entries reach beyond comprehensive descriptions of native species to recommended choice cultivars. Armitage's frankly opinionated, consistently lively writing is illuminating."

—Alice Joyce, Booklist, March 2006

Customer reviews of this book:

"It's great! Easy to read and use, and great photos!"

—Sarah C. from Plano, Texas, June 15, 2007

"Great pictures along with concise information."

—Rita D. from Munster, Indiana, April 23, 2007

"This book is a must for serious gardeners."

—Margaret N. from Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, February 23, 2007

"A great aid to me in sucessfully expanding my woodland garden!"

—Alan M. from Hendersonville, North Carolina, February 9, 2007

"Excellent — he has such a great sense of humor that comes through all his books. Interesting and informative."

—Valerie H from Port Angeles, Washington, May 29, 2006

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An excerpt from this book:

On writing another native plant book: I walked to the library and drove to local bookstores to find books about native plants. From field guides to publications about the simple love of wildflowers, well-written and well-illustrated books were plentiful. Most were written by outdoor enthusiasts with far more knowledge than I, and most were written with a trail and backpack in mind, to satisfy the inquiring mind and help us better appreciate nature. Now that is all well and good, and I too enjoy the thrill of walking a mountain path and coming across a colony of galax or blue cohosh. Makes me feel a little like Meriwether Lewis even though I recently breakfasted at Bob Evans ...

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