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Rare Wildflowers of Kentucky provides an introduction to Kentucky's signature rare plants with 220 full-color photographs by naturalist and award-winning photographer Thomas G. Barnes. The book draws attention to the beauty of Kentucky's old-growth forests, prairies, wetlands, and other habitats while focusing on the state's endangered flora.

The authors note that as of this year, 275 plant species in Kentucky are considered endangered or threatened, with more than 50 potential additions to the list. The book includes an overview of ecological communities and the ways in which they are threatened, an explanation of how various plants have become endangered, and suggestions for conservation and preservation.

The Bluegrass State's rare wildflowers take center stage with gorgeous color photography and descriptions, organized by habitat. Rare Wildflowers of Kentucky will appeal to any nature lover, and the inclusion of references, a complete list of scientific and common species names, and a list of each plant's endangered status makes the book especially useful to gardeners and to botanists and horticultural professionals.

Thomas G. Barnes is extension professor of forestry and wildlife specialist at the University of Kentucky. He is the author of Gardening for the Birds , Kentucky's Last Great Places , and Wildflowers and Ferns of Kentucky .

Deborah White is branch manager and senior botanist at the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission.

Marc Evans is senior ecologist at the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission.

Reviews:

"Beyond reading about the state's flora, Rare Wildflowersf of Kentucky offers its reader a unique opportunity to view many of these disappearing wildflowers seen infrequently by the average person." - UK News

"Two exquisite titles that reflect the unique native treasures found in the commonwealth." - Lexington Herald-Leader, referring to both Rare Wildflowers of Kentucky and Early Stone Houses of Kentucky

"Enlightened." - Lexington Herald-Leader

Wildflowers and Ferns of Kentucky, which Thomas Barnes co-wrote, has been the go-to resource for gardeners and others with an interest in these oft-neglected plants. Rare Wildflowers of Kentucky goes a step further, combining a well-researched plant guide with beautiful, coffee-table quality representations of the plant life. It's part reference, part art, and all entertaining.--Scott Coffman, www.courier-journal.com

The photographs in this volume are of such beauty that if Barnes ever decides to give up his job in academia, he should seriously consider becoming a professional wildlife photographer. More importantly, he combines that talent with a desire not just to inform but to educate. More than just a collection of pictures, however, "Rare Wildflowers" is educational.-Andrew McMichael, Bowling Green Daily News

The three authors have put together a beautiful, easy to read, inspiring collection of useful information and beautiful photos for everyone who is interested in conservation in Kentucky.-Mary Carol Cooper, The Cumberland

The large format does justice to the 220 lush color photos by Barnes, an award-winning photographer and naturalist.-Connie Krochmal, BellaOnline

This book is well written and is recommended for general naturalists, gardeners, horticulturists, lower-level biology undergraduate students, and concerned citizens interested in protecting rare plants.Dr. Nina L. Baghai-Riding, Plant Science Bulletin

"People will find the photography stunning."Natural Areas Journal