How to Identify Plants

After a visit to the poison garden, it is obvious that being able to identify plants is an asset. Today’s resource is a little book called How to Identify Plants, by H.D. Harrington. The book is published by Swallow Press books (Ohio University Press), with copyrights in 1957 and 1985; and illustrated by L.W. Durrell. Harold David Harrington (1903 - 1981) was a professor of botany and zoology at Colorado State University from 1944 through 1968, and the curator of the CSU Herbarium for 25 years. Harrington was an expert on edible and poisonous plants, grasses, and aquatic plants in Colorado and the West, and authored several books. His wife, Edith, was also a botanist, and assisted him with his specimen collecting forays and manuscripts. Two species are named in his honor – Penstemon harringtonii and Oenothera harringtonii.

The initial chapters describe why it is important to identify plants, and how plants are classified and named. The bulk of the book defines terms relative to plant parts, including the flower, inflorescence, underground parts, stems, leaves, fruits and seeds, and surfaces. Many illustrations enhance the definitions. Additional chapters provide helpful reference material, such as how to use keys to identify plants, how to collect and press plants, and what regional manuals and floras are available. The glossary provides access to the terms in alphabetical order.

This is a great book for beginners just learning the language of plants, and for experienced plant lovers who need a quick reminder of how to describe a leaf shape, or flower construction. The book is small enough to toss in a day pack, or keep on your desk.