France Royer and Richard Dickinson. Weeds of the Northern U.S. and Canada. Lone Pine Publishing. 1999.

Have you taken a close look at "weeds" lately? As I read through this book, I couldn’t help but notice just how attractive some weeds are. Granted, others are so non-descript that there is no reason anyone would purposefully grow them.

This book provided several identification keys which make it easier for all gardeners. They include a key to mature plants, seedlings, and grasses. I find the pictures very helpful, particularly if you manage to do your weeding BEFORE the plants mature. The seedling key will help you sort out the weeds from those seedlings you really want to grow.

The bulk of the book consists of plant descriptions, organized by plant family and genera. Each description includes a “quick id” that briefly describes the leaves, stems and flowers, gives distribution, and tells who has designated it a weed. Common names (often many for the same plant) are also listed along with French names and scientific synonyms.

The descriptions are comprehensive. Every part of the plant, beginning with the seed, is carefully described. The authors include a section called “Reasons for Concern” which explains why the plant is classified a weed instead of a garden plant. I find it interesting that many of these plants serve as host to diseases we don’t want to attack our “cultivated” plants.

I must admit to having some problems with the plants described in this book. Baby’s breath, as just one example, is considered "a serious weed of roadsides, waste areas, and pastures [page 321]." I grow several species of baby’s breath in my rock garden and perennial border. Perhaps the saying that a weed is just a plant growing where it is not wanted is true. However, what possible objection can we have for plants that manage to cover ground where some of our more temperamental plants refuse to grow?