Manual of Grasses for North America by Mary E. Barkworth - Comprehensive Guide to Grass Identification, Classification & Ecology | Perfect for Botanists, Landscapers & Nature Enthusiasts

This volume is a compact version of Volumes 24 and 25 of the Flora of North America North of Mexico and despite its size is still less bulky to carry around and to use than the two larger volumes. If you are interested in identification of grasses this volume is a welcome update of Hitchcock's Manual of the Grasses of the United States 2nd edition revised by Agnes Chase. The use of abbreviations in the discussion text to save space takes a little getting used to but if you are familiar with grass or plant identification manuals the abbreviations used are logical and easily become second nature. The actual keys throughout the manual are fully spelled out eliminating any misunderstanding of their text. I found the spiral binding a welcome change in using the manual by allowing the manual to lie flat without the need for a marker to keep your place. All in all I would recommend this manual to those wanting to identify grasses.