Flowering Plants: Asteraceae, Part 3 is the third and final volume in botanist Robert H. Mohlenbrock’s comprehensive sequence of books on the aster family in Illinois. In this volume, Mohlenbrock identifies 128 species in 49 genera with 11 hybrids and 57 lesser taxa. He provides an easy-to-use key to the genera and species and a complete description and nomenclatural and habitat notes for each plant, including its uses, if applicable. The book details the most important features of the species and includes common, locally used names. Synonyms that have been applied to species and lesser taxa in Illinois are given under each species.

In addition, Mohlenbrock has identified the overall range for each species in Illinois, compiled from various sources, including examinations of herbarium material and Mohlenbrock’s own field studies. The overall range for each species is given from the northeastern to the northwestern extremities, south to the southwestern limit, then eastward to the southeastern limit.

As important to amateurs interested in wildflower identification as to professional botanists and land planners, this last volume of Mohlenbrock’s Asteraceae is an essential addition to the esteemed Illustrated Flora of Illinois series.

Robert H. Mohlenbrock taught botany at Southern Illinois University Carbondale for thirty-four years. Since his retirement, he has served as senior scientist for Biotic Consultants, teaching wetland identification classes around the country. Among his more than sixty books are Vascular Flora of Illinois and Field Guide to U.S. National Forests.

“The sunflower or daisy family includes many of Illinois’ most beloved and recognized wildflowers, and so it is a pleasure to see them treated by Bob Mohlenbrock with such care and precision. This book will prove a useful guide for amateurs and professionals alike.”—Peter H. Raven, coauthor of Environment, ninth edition
 
“Flowering Plants: Asteraceae, Part 3 provides students and amateur and professional botanists with a concise and up-to-date understanding of this important group of species in the rich and highly diverse flora of the state.”—Richard P. Wunderlin, coauthor of Flora of Florida, volumes I, II, III, and IV