Discover the fascinating world of Ireland's diverse and astonishing collection of native wildflowers. This new edition reflects the many changes to our botanical knowledge since The Wildflowers of Ireland was first published in 2014. There's updated information on the distribution of native wildflowers, along with more than 90 additional species, all beautifully photographed by the author. For ease of identification, the species are divided into colour categories and within each category the species are grouped by, for example, the number of petals in the flower or whether the species carries its flowers in a cluster or a spike. In easily understood terminology, focus is put on the main identifying features of each plant, by colour, size, shape of flower, leaf, habitat, flowering season, and where in Ireland it might be found. This is a must for enthusiasts of all ages and levels of experience.

'The Wild Flowers of Ireland' is an extensive guide to the country's plant life.

The first ever fully-illustrated, fully-mapped guide to the British and Irish flora. Its restriction to the British Isles alone allows far more detail and more local information, and identification which is made easier with the inclusion of extensive maps. Includes specific details about plants appearing in certain areas and coloured maps designed to make location and identification easy, this book also includes details of local specialities for the Isles of Scilly. Also featured is an illustrated survey of recently disappeared British and Irish plants, some of which may return. With over 2000 detailed colour paintings and more than 800 maps, this is the most extensively illustrated wild flower guide to Britain and Ireland yet. Coloured, boxed keys to plants in complex or difficult groups are provided to assist ID. The Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland features information about grasses, which are often omitted in other, shorter books, along with sedges, rushes, horsetails and clubmosses. Ferns, though not strictly speaking flowering plants, are also included too.

When Zoe Devlin was shown a wild orchid by a relative, the late Dr Kathleen Lynn, it sparked a lifelong interest in wildflowers. Here is Zoe's personal record of the wildflowers that adorn Ireland's countryside, presented so those without botanical knowledge can gain a greater understanding of the subject. Passionate about this often-overlooked part of our natural heritage, Zoe embellishes descriptions and photographs of the plants with herbal and literary references and related Irish folklore. She describes over 400 commonly found wildflowers as well as some not so-common and even rare species. This book creates a new awareness and wider picture of the world of wildflowers in Ireland. In presenting this book, Zoe Devlin says: 'Conservation of our wildflowers is of the utmost importance as they are now facing threats on several different sides', and she expresses a hope that 'through education and awareness of the diversity of our wildflowers, perhaps, just perhaps, the tide can be held back a little longer.' Zoe Devlin on Yellow-rattle: ...I first recorded this species in 1976 at Rossadillisk, County Galway. The plants were flowering in a beautiful old meadow by the sea, jostling for space among a number of other wildflowers, all crowded together, their heads swaying and tossing in the breeze. The hidden Corncrakes were calling 'Crex Crex' and it seemed as if time had passed it by altogether. It was both a sight and a feeling I shall never forget ...

In ancient Ireland there were 365 different parts to the body, and a different plant to cure each part. So the wild plants of Ireland are bound up in our culture and folklore from the earliest times. To arry a four-leaved shamrock brings luck in gambling, while putting nine ivy leaves under her pillow means a girl will dream of her future husband. Here plants are described in seasonal order, a perspective dating back to our ancestors. Different aspects of plant folklore are examined following a brief history of traditional herbal medicine in Ireland. Included are their roles in magical protection, in charms and spells (especially for love!), as emblems in children's games, and in Irish place names.

Where did the humble daisy orginate? Is it true dandelions and nettles were here before us? What should you do if you come face to face with a giant hogweed? What are the plants that make our forty shades of green? Where do they grow? This title aims to answer these and many more questions.

"Most books on wildflowers are concerned mainly with points of identification and distribution. The Wildflowers of Offaly is unique in the way it attempts to describe the character of the plants: their ecological preferences, their uses and the beliefs associated with them, and in particular the extraordinary diversity of the strategies they have evolved to ensure pollination and the production of seed. This is the book to consult when you have made a tentative identification of a wildflower and want to know more about its lifestyle. It is illustrated throughout in full colour with photographs and a selection of plates from many of the classic older floras of northern Europe."--Publisher's description.