Resources

Here are some of my favorite botanical and ecological resources relevant to the Quad Cities and Midwest in general:

QC Native Plant Groups

Are you in the QC and looking to connect with fellow native plant enthusiasts? Consider joining one (or both) of the QC’s native plant groups! These organizations also operate beyond the bounds of the QC through their many other chapters.

  • Illinois Native Plant Society – Quad Cities Chapter – “Dedicated to the study, appreciation, and conservation of the native flora and natural communities of Illinois.”
  • Quad Cities Wild Ones – “Native Plants, Natural Landscapes promotes environmentally sound landscaping practices to preserve biodiversity through the preservation, restoration and establishment of native plant communities.”

Online Plant Identification

  • Flora of North America Online – a monumental project to create one comprehensive resource on the vascular plants of North America
  • Keys to the Michigan Flora are also available online!
  • illinoiswildflowers.info – An incredible site with detailed species profiles for identification of the many plants native and introduced to Illinois and the greater prairie-forest border region.
  • MinnesotaWildflowers.info – A similar and equally valuable site for plant species profiles, photos, and identification tips for the plants of Minnesota. Applicable to the Upper Midwest, Illinois, and Iowa.
  • GoBotany – Native Plant Trust – Another great resource for plant identification and inforamtion. Native Plant Trust is located in New England and specializes in their flora, but a Midwestern naturalist will still find utility in this site.
  • iNaturalist – “A community for naturalists.” This is a great place to share your nature observations, learn new species, ask for ID help, and explore others’ observations!

Plant Identification Books

  • Flora of the Chicago Region: a Floristic and Ecological Synthesis. 2017. Gerould Wilhelm and Laura Rericha. Indiana Academy of Sciences, Indianapolis.
  • Vascular Flora of Illinois: A Field Guide. Fourth Edition. 2014. Robert H. Mohlenbrock. Southern Illinois University Press, Carbondale.
  • Field Manual of Michigan Flora. 2012. Edward G. Voss & Anton Reznicek. University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor.
  • Sedges of Indiana and the Adjacent States: The Non-Carex Species. 2009. Paul Rothrock. Indiana Academy of Science, Indianapolis.
  • Sedges of Indiana and the Adjacent States: The Carex Species. 2021. Paul Rothrock. Indiana Academy of Science, Indianapolis.
  • Northern Forest Atlas – Photographic Guides to Mosses and Sedges – Jerry Jenkins takes wonderful photos. These guides are great visual companions to more technical keys and guides.

Plant Distribution and Taxonomy

Plant Conservation Status Information