| single name. For these reasons even amateur botanists are encouraged to use the scientific names whenever accuracy of communication is necessary. |
| The scientific name consists of three partsthe genus, the species, and the authority. The genus is a group name and consists of one or more related species. For example, Viola is the genus or group name for violets. Viola tricolor L. is one particular violet, the pansy, or Johnny-jump-up. The initial L. following the name stands for Linnaeus, who first described this species and is thus the authority for the name. In many cases the scientific name will refer to some peculiar characteristic of the plant. Certain ones of particular interest are explained in the description. |
| In general the sequence and the scientific nomenclature used in this book follow that of the Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas by Radford, Ahles, and Bell, University of North Carolina Press, 1968. This manual is the most recent technical manual published on the flora of the southeastern United States, and it follows the latest International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. |
| Most of the illustrations are close-up photographs of one or a few flowers. Although the most important characteristics used in the identification of flowering plants are found in the flowers, it is often helpful or even essential to have other information in order to make an accurate identification. This additional information is supplied in the descriptions that accompany the wildflowers illustrated. The descriptions contain primarily information useful in identifying the plant, such as the size and growth habit of the entire plant, the size and shape of the leaves, and the size, color, and any notable variation that might be expected in the flowers. This information is followed by a listing of the months during which the plant usually blooms in Alabama and adjoining states, the habitat in which it is usually found, and the geographic range of the species in the United States. For many species additional information is given, particularly if the plant is poisonous, edible, or has some other special significance. |
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