Land of Enchantment Wildflowers: A Guide to the Plants of New Mexico presents an informative and colorful journey through New Mexico, featuring about 200 of the state’s 4,000 species of plants that inhabit the varied ecosystems found at the intersection of the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts.

Willa Finley and LaShara Nieland, authors of a previous field guide of Texas plants, Lone Star Wildflowers, traveled throughout New Mexico and photographed commonly encountered plants in all stages of growth from spring through fall. They also visited with Native Americans to learn the extensive practical ways in which they and their ancestors have used the flora. The research is presented in a colorful, well-organized format, using easily understood language appealing to wildflower enthusiasts of all levels of experience. Its features include:

  • Easy-to-use format with plants grouped according to flower color, indicated by color bars along the page edges.
  • 456 full-color photos, all taken by the authors, including flowers, leaves and seedpods.
  • Origins of common and scientific names.
  • Historical and modern uses of plants for food, medicine, and other applications, along with archaeological findings.
  • Information about toxins and commercially valuable chemical compounds.
  • Interactions with wildlife and livestock, both positive and negative.
  • Landscaping uses, noting growth requirements, as well as deer resistance and butterfly attraction.
  • Over 100 butterfly and moth species identified, with description of their interaction with specific plants.

Lone Star Wildflowers: A Guide to Texas Flowering Plants, published by Texas Tech University Press, offers easy identification through color grouping and provides a wealth of insights, from the origin of scientific and common names to growth cycles, uses, history, and native lore.

In the field, by the roadside, or in the classroom, Lone Star Wildflowers reveals the science, ecology, and rich lore of Texas flowers with these helpful features:

  • Nearly 500 full-color flower photographs, grouped according to the color spectrum and further arranged by family
  • An “Exploring Further” section in each color category, showing details of seedpods, leaves, buds, and fruits
  • Current and historical uses of each species, including applications for landscaping, water conservation, traditional medicine, pharmaceuticals, and food
  • Information about plant toxins and range management practices affecting livestock and wildlife
  • Coverage of growth cycles throughout the seasons, depicting young plants, buds, mature seed heads, and fruits as well as flowers

Land of Enchantment Wildflowers: A Guide to the Plants of New Mexico and Lone Star Wildflowers: A Guide to Texas Flowering Plants are published by Texas Tech University Press in the Grover E. Murray Studies in the American Southwest series.