About the Authors

Steven Foster, an acclaimed herbalist and photographer with over thirty years of experience, and James A. Duke, Ph.D., a former USDA botanist and author of definitive herbal references, have combined their expertise to create this essential field guide. Their deep knowledge of medicinal plants and commitment to accuracy make this book a trusted resource for Canadian naturalists, herbalists, and foragers. The authors emphasize sustainable harvesting and conservation, advising readers to avoid collecting rare species and to learn through observation and photography. This guide fosters appreciation for the natural world and encourages responsible stewardship.

What You’ll Learn

Within these pages, you will learn to identify native and naturalized medicinal plants such as echinacea, ginseng, goldenseal, black cohosh, and many more. The book explains which plant parts are used (roots, leaves, flowers, bark) and traditional preparation methods—teas, tinctures, poultices, and salves. It also covers the historical context of herbal medicine, from Indigenous practices to early North American folk remedies. Each entry includes botanical characteristics, habitat, range, and conservation status, highlighting threatened or endangered species. For beginners, the guide offers a glossary of botanical terms and an illustrated key to plant families. You will gain a deeper understanding of plant ecology and the role of medicinal herbs in both traditional and modern natural health, along with basic principles of herbal preparation, including drying, storage, and making simple remedies at home. The authors stress proper identification and caution against using any plant without certainty.

Key Features

This field guide is designed for practical use outdoors. Its compact size (4.75 x 7.5 inches) fits easily into a backpack or pocket, and the durable paperback binding withstands regular handling. It features full-colour photographs and detailed line drawings of each plant, along with range maps showing distribution across eastern and central North America, including Canada. Descriptions include plant height, leaf shape, flower characteristics, habitat, and blooming season. A standout feature is the inclusion of medicinal and edible uses drawn from historical and contemporary herbal traditions, along with notes on look-alikes and safety precautions, emphasizing responsible wildcrafting and sustainable harvesting. The guide covers trees, shrubs, vines, and herbaceous plants using the classic Peterson identification method with arrows pointing to key field marks. Each entry is cross-referenced for quick comparison, and the comprehensive index allows rapid lookup. To use the guide, note the flower colour and turn to the corresponding section. Each species account includes common and scientific names, appearance description, habitat details, and range maps, with photographs and drawings highlighting key features.

About This Book

This trusted Peterson Field Guide to medicinal plants and herbs of eastern and central North America provides detailed information on over 500 species, from the Atlantic coast to the Great Plains and from Canada to the Gulf states. Written by botanists Steven Foster and James A. Duke, it is part of the acclaimed Peterson Field Guide series known for accuracy and user-friendly design. The book covers plants in forests, wetlands, fields, and disturbed areas, organized logically by plant family and flower colour, with clear keys and cross-references for quick field identification. Whether you are a seasoned herbalist, a forager, or a nature enthusiast, this guide is an invaluable resource for identifying and learning about the traditional uses of medicinal flora.

Disclaimer: This book is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy. Use caution when foraging and always confirm plant identification with multiple sources.