Plant Folklore is a collection of 120 stories that take the reader on a stroll through wild plants found in the hills of Appalachia. Each of these stories covers ancient myths, truths, and the history behind the origin & name of the plant.

Three sections are included in the book, the first being Spring Wildflowers, which includes a list, illustrations, and information about various flower species, with the descriptions of the multiple uses they served to early settlers in America. In addition to identifying each plant by its Latin name, the common names of the plants are also listed to dispel any uncertainty. Additionally, along with enhancing the interest of nature lovers, the pictures of flora and fauna in the book help distinguish between the different species while also clarifying the descriptions.

The second section focuses specifically on the wildflowers found in summers, which will particularly interest plant enthusiasts. In this section, you can find suggestions on precautions to take when planting flowers at home. There are 41 flowers listed here, including one native to America and one brought over by immigrants. It also mentions interesting myths and medicinal uses and warns of the toxicity of plants historically used in America in the early days. In the final section of the book, which addresses shrubs, trees, and bushes more commonly seen, the author reveals the shocking poisonous plants endemic to most people’s diets.

Throughout his book, author Connie Taylor’s knowledge of wild species is woven with folktales, cautions, origins, and blooming periods of flora and fauna. While Plant Folklore covers the fascinating wild plant species found in hills and forests, it also underscores the necessity of protecting them down the road.

As written in the introduction, the author of the book does not intend this book to become a guide to plant medicine. Instead, the author has causally related his knowledge of numerous plants, many of which were part of his childhood memories. A significant focus of the book is on conveying, in an engaging manner, the role that plants played during the early days in America. In addition to explaining the various beneficial medicinal uses of the native species, traded off with modern synthetics, there is a subtle admonition for modern men to disregard most of the native species as non-beneficial weeds.

Plant Folklore is a fascinating book that spreads across several genres. It is perfect for nature enthusiasts and anyone curious about different plants and stories associated with them.

Pages: 240 | ASIN : B07H6538QQ