This book was the answer I was looking for in my journey of trying to learn more about plants. Instead of focusing my attention on learning just plant species specifically. Switching focus as a beginner I started learning the families and the familiar characteristics each species share of that family. I found this to be the easiest way for me to learn because when i looked up the plants i knew in the book I not only got introduced to that plant. But its family and how the other members could often be used for the same applications. It gave warning if the family had known toxic members or lookalikes. The book is filled with guides such as introducing you to botany terminology. It has wonderful images not plain line drawings. One thing i really love about the book is the personal touch added to the book to make it not just feel like simply a guide. Another feature I really loved was the fact you can look up plants by common names or scientific names making it easy to look up specific plants. The principles in this book can be utilized all over the world. The book itself is used by botanists all over the world.
I recommend this book for anyone into plants no matter your experience level. Pair it with other guides specific to your area for a new perspective on learning plants.
About the Author in my own words,
Thomas Elpel is an author, botanist, survival and primitive skills instructor/practicionor, Go green guru, and so much more. Botany in a day is only one of many books Tom has written. Tom is a good friend, mentor, role model, And teacher. I spent time at his school in Montana and had some of the best experiences of my life all while learning along the way. If there were more Toms in the world it sure would be a much better place! You can checkout all Tom has to offer right here
-Sam Smith
FORAGING THE MOUNTAIN WEST
I'm not aware of any foraging book quite like this. Many foraging books focus on plants and mushrooms but in a hunter gatherer scenero you would take advantage of any resource available to you. (responsibly of course) This book also dives into some great topics of harvesting often overlooked resources available to most people who keep an open mind and want to save some big bucks. This book talks about the harvest of dumpster diving and road kill scavenging. Activities I have delightfully taken part in. the book covers poisionous plants, fruits, and mushrooms. If you are in the mountains of the western united states this book is highly recommended.
About the authors in my own words.
Thomas Elpel is an author, botanist, survival and primitive skills instructor, long distance backpacker, Long distance canoe paddler, Go green guru, and so much more. Foraging the mountain west is only one of many books Tom has written. He has several video series, AND Tom is a good friend, mentor, role model, And teacher. I spent time at his school in Montana and had some of the best experiences of my life all while learning along the way. If there were more Toms in the world it sure would be a much better place! You can checkout all Tom has done right here
Kris Reed, Although I didnt know him very long because he was on a long distance hike during my time at Green University LLC when Kris did show up I tried to take any time I could to talk and learn from him. Kris is a primitive skills instructor, co author, he has also collaborated with tom on a botany card game, another book, and several videos. Kris is passionate about fitness and nature, and is also a long distance backpacker, and minimalist. Kris is a wealth of knowledge, and i felt privileged to learn from him.
I look forward to learning more from both of them in the future, and I consider both of them family. - River Camp Tribe.
-Sam Smith