Booklist Review
As part of its advocacy for bees and other pollinators, the Xerces Society has described 75 groups of U.S.-native flowers, shrubs, and trees (and 25 non-natives) that provide food for pollinators. The book's impetus was a lecture given in 1936 to the Entomological Society of America by its president, Dr. Edith Patch. She foresaw the destruction of insect life by the burgeoning use of insecticides and forecast the need for the government to protect and restore habitat for pollinators on federal and private lands. Some of the suggested plants are native to specific regions of North America and will do best in their native locales. Both the natives and non-natives appear to have been chosen for their abundance of nectar or pollen, ease of cultivation, and long or staggered bloom periods within a genus. The descriptions are evocative and include their uses beyond food for pollinators, recommended species within genera, what insects are attracted, growth parameters, and planting locations and conditions. Each group is accompanied by a range map and several photographs. There are large images and one or more small ones cropped into hexagons reminiscent of bee honey and larvae cells. This is a stylish and informative book that may guide many a gardener in their efforts to benefit insects.--Scarth, Linda Copyright 2017 Booklist
Library Journal Review
Four experts from the Xerces Society-a nonprofit with the mission of invertebrate conservation-offer their all-star lineup of plants beneficial to pollinators. The 100 are divided into five groups: native wildflowers, native woody plants, introduced woody, introduced herbs and ornamentals, and native and nonnative bee pasture plants. Readers will learn about the requirements of each plant, growing zones, bloom time, the kinds of pollinators attracted, and usually some idea as to the honey yield and sugar content of its nectar. Geographical coverage is well balanced across all of the continental United States and Canada. Eric Lee-Mäder's introduction puts the book on firm footing with his mention of key historical insect preservationists and his review of the basic science of pollination. The catchy design reflects Storey's credo of "practicality": large, full-color primary images, minimal text, and purposeful graphics provide just enough information to get readers interested. VERDICT The authors' challenge of choosing just 100 plants is well met, though some readers will undoubtedly lament the absence of their own favorites. Gardeners concerned about their pollinator friends will be enthused, as will beginner apiarists.-Robert -Eagan, Windsor P.L., Ont. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
