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Here is a list of books we will be carrying this year:
Gardening with Prairie Plants
Sally Wasowski
This has long been a book I refer to again and again. It has it all, inspiration plus information about perennials, trees, shrubs and grasses of the prairie. Maps, great pictures and a conversational writing style make this a book to curl up with.
Wildflowers and Grasses of Kansas
Michael Haddock
In the absence of a color field guide for Oklahoma (are you listening, OU Press?) we will offer one of the guides for Kansas. I like this one because it includes grasses and most of the plants are also common to OK.
Medicinal Wild Plants of the Prairie
Kelly Kindscher
This is a wonderful source book for anyone who is interested in what, and how, plants were used by those who have gone before us. Includes cultivation, habitat, scientific research, medical history, Anglo uses, Native American uses and much more for 100 plants. Very readable.
Edible Wild Plants of the Prairie
Kelly Kindscher
This ethnobotanical guide provides a real wealth of information about how plants were used as food sources by Native American tribes. Includes range maps, cultivation and habitat information, scientific research and descriptions of 75 prairie plants.
Butterflies of North America
Jim Brock and Kenn Kaufman
This is a comprehensive guide to more than 2,300 images of butterflies, has a convenient index and good range maps. Lists brood times and larval host plants, also shows similar species side by side for comparison.
Field Guide to Insects of North America
Eric Eaton and Kenn Kaufman
I am in a constant quest for the perfect insect guide, this one comes closer than any I have found. There are over 2,300 very clear photos and helpful information to help i.d. all those insects we see in our yards. The immense number of insects in our world prohibits this from being completely comprehensive, but this book allows us to at least zero in on the right family and genus.
The Life Cycles of Butterflies
Judy Burris and Wayne Richards
Technically, this book is geared towards the younger among us, but anyone who is enthralled by the stages of a butterflies’ life will enjoy—and learn—from this book. There are more than 400 stunning photographs covering 23 common butterflies and helpful information about rearing butterflies and larval and nectar plants.
Bringing Nature Home, How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens
Douglas Tallamy
When native plants disappear, insects disappear, then birds and other animals are left without a food source. Tallamy lays out his argument in support of planting natives and then gives practical ways to provide a welcoming environment for wildlife of all kinds. I highly recommend this book.
Forest Trees of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture and Forestry
If we can’t have Wayne Chambers along when we’re trying to identify trees, then this is the next best thing. Nice line drawings and information as to the range, descriptions of leaves, bark, fruit and uses by wildlife. Inexpensive enough to keep a couple of copies around. Includes the Oklahoma Champion Tree Register.
Caterpillars in the Field and Garden
Allen, Brock and Glassberg
This is an indispensable book for those who are serious about providing a habitat for butterflies at every stage of their development. Some moth larvae are also included. Lists the host plants, habitat, information about butterfly biology and of course the wonderful range map for each species.
Listed below are books that we don't carry but are highly recommended.
Books about gardening with natives:
Growing and Propagating Wildflowers Wm Cullina
Books to inspire:
Noah’s Garden Sara Stein
Butterfly and Moth Field Guides:
Butterflies Through Binoculars, Jeffrey Glassberg
Field Guide to North Am Butterflies Audubon Guide
Golden Guide to Butterflies and Moths
Butterflies and Moths of Missouri Richard and Heitzman
Peterson First Guide to Caterpillars
Insect/Pollinator Guides
I haven’t found the perfect insect guide, these may be helpful even though they are very general
Peterson First Guide to Insects
Golden Guide to Insects
Plant Field Guides:
Oklahoma Wildflowers Doyle McCoy
Roadside Trees and Shrubs McCoy
Roadside Fruits of OK McCoy
Field Guide to OK Plants Tyrl, Bidwell and Masters
Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers Ladd and Oberle
There are also many good field guides for MO, AR, KS and TX; depending on your location you might want to seek those out.
Books about nature that make you want to go meet the author:
Second Nature Michael Pollan
Anything by Sue Hubbell or Amy Stewart