Product Description

In this greatly expanded and revised edition of his classic treatment, Donald Schnell examines in detail the 45 species and numerous hybrids of carnivorous plants that grow in the U.S. and Canada. Information on each species includes an identifying description, the preferred habitat, the range in which it can be found, and the season for flowering and trapping, making this book a useful field guide as well as a fascinating source of leisure reading. With a full array of maps, drawings, and 200 color photos, this volume promises to enrich every enthusiast’s library with a wealth of information. Hobbyists will find cultivation tips as well. Schnell gives detailed instructions for growing these plants.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #272453 in Books
• Published on: 2002-05
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 468 pages

Review
"It was worth the wait! At long last, we have a greatly revised and expanded edition." -- Susan Farrington, St. Louis Carnivorous Plant Society Newsletter, Spring 2002

"If you want to explore the botany, ecology, and horticulture of a fascinating subset of North America's magnificent flora, this book is a must."—C. Colston Burrell, Horticulture, April 2003 (C. Colston Burrell Horticulture )

"In this splendid addition to the botanical literature, pathologist and dedicated naturalist Schnell provides valuable new information based on his more than 40 years of fieldwork ... Many maps, drawings, and 200 truly excellent color photographs, virtually all by the author, contribute greatly to the wealth of textual information and therefore to the usefulness and importance of this book. Highly recommended for every library's collection of botanical materials for both scientists and hobbyists."—Choice, December 2002 (Choice )

"Twice as large as the original and filled with some 200 incredible photographs, it is effectively a new book."—John Van de Water, Newark Star-Ledger, November 12, 2002 (John Van de Water Newark Star-Ledger )

Experienced carnivorous plant enthusiasts and interested beginners alike will find [everything] they need for selecting and growing carnivorous plants successfully. -- The American Gardener, Oct. 2002

This is by far the most authoritative, complete treatise of [carnivorous] plants available. -- Chris Teichreb, Vancouver Carnivorous Plant Club Newsletter

[This book] is a 'must' for any reference librarian which specializes in botany or nature. -- The Bookwatch, August 2002

[This book] will provide every enthusiast's library with a wealth of information. -- Biology Digest, September 2002

About the Author
Donald E. Schnell is a pathologist and a dedicated naturalist. His fieldwork on carnivorous plants spans over forty years; he has published over thirty papers in refereed botanical journals as well as many popular articles on his favorite subjects. He was a founding coeditor (with J. A. Mazrimas) of the Carnivorous Plant Newsletter and is a member of several botanical societies.

A native of Ohio, he received his medical education at Ohio State University College of Medicine. After completing his residency in pathology and serving as a physician in the U.S. Army, he established his practice in North Carolina.

Dr. Schnell continues to avidly pursue his interest in the carnivorous plants of the continent, traveling and photographing in the company of his wife, Brenda. He lives and works in Pulaski, Virginia.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
The Genus Sarracenia was named after Michel Sarrazin (1659 - 1735), who has been called the founder of Canadian science. A French naturalist and surgeon, he became acquainted with the French botanist Tournefort and sent him examples of the New World northern pitcher plant, Sarracenica purpurea, after being appointed as surgeon-major in Quebec. Sarrazin contracted ship's fever while attending patients at Hotel Dieu and died in 1735 (Anonymous 1984).

The genus Sarracenia Linnaeus is in the family Sarraceniaceae, which also includes Darlingtonia Torrey and the South American genus Heliamphora Bentham. Several others and I have informally concluded that the differences between those three genera, which together comprise the entire family Sarraceniaceae, are of such a degree that Darlingtonia and Heliamphora probably should be placed in their own families. The main commonality is that all three are New World pitcher plants; however, there are significant floral and vegetative differences among the genera.

There seems to be nothing subtle about pitcher plants. Their general appearance begs attention, and when we encounter them we are almost startled. But once we look for awhile, then wander among them, we can begin to peel apart layers of subtlety and see many little secrets that collectively fit these plants so neatly into their bog habitat -- and we still do not know all the secrets.

Customer Reviews

Excellent field guide to North American carnivorous plants
The book is a nice in-depth look at the carnivorous plants that are native to the United States and Canada. The coverage is expecially thorough for Sarracenia, although still adequate (and probably more extensive than any other book available) on Drosera and Pinguicula.

The pictures included are mostly excellent, showing the plants in habitat when possible, instead of just using cultivated plants. And although the distribution maps may be a bit dated, they are helpful to understand the general areas where the plants might be found. Also, included with each section is some basic cultivation advice that I've found very helpful.

This isn't a book for a novice grower of carnivorous plants, but rather for someone who's been growing them for a while and wants more information on their native habitats and environments, as well as more technical information on each plant. An excellent book.

Lends to easy use by lay gardeners as well as researchers
This expanded second edition of Carnivorous Plants Of The U.S. And Canada is a 'must' for any reference library which specializes in botany or nature: it provides photos and comments on the natural history of a variety of carnivorous plants, from common species to rarities. It's organization and language lends to easy use by lay gardeners as well as researchers, while photos and vivid descriptions of plant biology make Carnivorous Plants Of The U.S. And Canada an excellent library reference.

Excellent
This book will surely replace Dr. Schnell's first edition as the bible for North American carnivorous plants. Excellent photos, descriptions, and distribution maps. It is a book needed by all CP'ers.