Sylvan T. Runkel (1906–1995)

A good guide to Indiana wildflowers. This one is arranged chronologically by approximate date of blooming, which can be both good and bad. The only complaint I have about this is the shape, which renders it a little more difficult for carrying in the field. Oh, and the problems with editing; I know, I know, I'm being pedantic, but letters left out of too many words can make you learn to hate the book. Cost it half a star.

One of the strengths off the book is the descriptions. These are more show more technical than some field guides, but use terms that are accessible to the lay person, avoiding the jargon that can make taxonomy challenging for people who haven't learned the language. The pictures are okay, but I've seen better pictures of most of the species (and taken better pictures of some of t hem). show less

This is a very good, well written field guide to Iowa flowers, but the rectangular shape makes the book a bit clunkier for carrying in the field.

A well-designed reference to tallgrass prairie wildflowers, arranged by approximate blooming date which can be good or bad.

A good, useful reference to Iowa wildflowers, arranged chronologically by approximate flowering date.