Harlow and Harrar’s Textbook of Dendrology

This book provides descriptive details of most of the commonly occurring trees in North America. It begins with several introductory chapters including an explanation of scientific classification, Latin nomenclature and pronunciation, scientific keys for summer and winter identification, descriptions of variation and environments, and details of reproductive morphology. The main part of the book then considers tree families and their individual members. Characteristic traits of families and trees are presented in text and charts for comparison. Individual entries are provided for most common trees, including Latin and common names, distinguishing characteristics, range, and a general description including uses and diseases. Black and white photographs are provided for most trees, and maps showing geographic distribution. End material includes a glossary, an extensive list of references, and an index.

This is a standard textbook for university-level courses in dendrology, or tree identification. Nevertheless, because it includes all the trees of North America in its scope, it may not be as useful for identification, particularly in the field, as regional guides. Its real strength is in the depth of detail in its descriptions, and its comparison charts of tree families and groupings. It makes an excellent general reference for forest ecology students and foresters.