The Trees of Pennsylvania: A Complete Reference Guide

A GUIDE AND TRIBUTE TO PENNSYLVANIA'S TREES

"Trees of Pennsylvania: A Complete Reference Guide" is a fundamental source for the professional or hobbyist

Philadelphia, PA-- One of the primary goals of the book written by Ann Fowler Rhoads and Timothy A. Block, botanists at the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia is to enlighten readers about trees in the 21st century.

Published in November 2004 by the University of Pennsylvania Press, this extensively illustrated, user-friendly volume covers Pennsylvania's nearly 200 species, both native and naturalized. From alder to witchhazel, each tree is described in a concise, tabular format that includes the characteristics of leaves, bark, branches, flowers and fruit. The authors delve into such details as flowering and fruiting time, autumn leaf color, and the size of the largest specimen recorded within the state. They also inform readers about valuable historical, ecological, and economic information on each tree species, including how Pennsylvania's trees were used by Native Americans.

With accurately and extensively illustrated drawings by botanical artist Anna Anisko, and featuring color photographs, range maps, and keys to accurately identify trees, this guide reflects the extensive research mission nurtured by the Morris Arboretum.

The commonwealth's official arboretum is proud to sponsor Trees of Pennsylvania: A Complete Reference Guide, according to Paul M. Meyer, the F. Otto Haas Director of the Arboretum.

"In this age of rapidly disappearing natural resources, and with a need to continue to educate and inform the populace about the value of our flora, Trees of Pennsylvania strikes just the right balance between basic information and interesting particulars."

Rhoads, senior scientist of the Pennsylvania Flora Project, and Timothy A. Block, director of Botany, hope that this book will inspire folks to appreciate trees in all seasons and to take note of trees' characteristics, such as flowers -- both obvious and less conspicuous.

Previously, Rhoads, Block and Anisko collaborated on The Plants of Pennsylvania: An Illustrated Manual, also published by University of Pennsylvania Press.

Authors Dr. Tim Block (left) and Dr. Ann Fowler Rhoads (right), congratulate illustrator Anna Anïsko on the successful publication of this extensively illustrated work.

The book makes a wonderful holiday gift for those who teach or work in the natural sciences, environmental studies, forestry, tree maintenance, or landscaping, as well as anyone who enjoys trees. Five hundred and twenty pages in length and priced at $62.00 including tax and shipping, this volume features more than 520 black and white illustrations and 247 color images. It is available from the Gift Shop at The Gardens at Morris Arboretum by calling (215) 247-5777.

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