Book Review: Mosses, Lichens, and Ferns of Northwest North America  

Mosses, Lichens, and Ferns of Northwest North America / Dale H. Vitt, Janice Marsh, and Larry Bovey.Lone Pine Publishing; Reprint edition (March 29 2007) ISBN-13 : ‎ 978-1551055695

Mosses, Lichens, and Ferns of Northwest North America is a comprehensive guide that serves as a vital resource for nature enthusiasts, and botanists interested in the diverse plant life of the Northwest. The book is structured to explore non-vascular plants, primarily mosses, lichens, and ferns. It contains detailed descriptions and vivid illustrations of over 300 species. It covers  Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and surrounding areas. It’s divided into several sections, each focusing on a particular type:

Mosses – This covers a wide range of moss species, offering clear identification keys, descriptions of their morphology, ecology, and distribution patterns.
Lichens – The authors tackle the biology of lichens with a similar level of depth, discussing their symbiotic nature, ecological roles, and adaptations to various environments.
Ferns – The fern section is similarly thorough, highlighting the diversity of ferns and the specific environmental conditions they thrive in.

The book is particularly useful for readers interested in understanding how these plants interact with their environment, as the authors frequently link species to ecological factors like moisture, light, and temperature. I think it would be a great resource for anyone looking to study plant life from an ecological perspective.

What I really liked about the book is the detailed illustrations and photographs. One of the major highlights is the rich collection of photographs and line drawings, which make plant identification much easier. These visuals accompany clear and concise descriptions that aid both beginners and advanced botanists.

It also has great comprehensive coverage. The authors were thorough, not only discussing identification but also their ecological roles. This makes it an excellent reference for students, researchers, and conservationists. The technical terminology is explained, so it’s also a great tool for newcomers to plant identification.

Beyond identification, the book gives a deep dive into the ecological functions of mosses, lichens, and ferns. I feel this ecological focus is particularly valuable for readers interested in the environmental significance of these plants.

What I least liked about the book is that it only caters to a niche audience. The book’s appeal is somewhat limited to those with a specific interest in mosses, lichens, and ferns. Casual readers or those more interested in flowering plants may find it too focused on a specialized area of botany. With this it only has a limited coverage of other plant types. While it excels at its focus on mosses, lichens, and ferns, those seeking a more general guide to the plant life of the Northwest may find the coverage narrow. You may have to carry another book or two on your exploration. Personally, I love walking into the woods with my book in hand trying to identify a certain species. As a keen nature enthusiast, this book really helped.

Mosses, Lichens, and Ferns of Northwest North America is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of non-vascular plants in the Pacific Northwest. The combination of scientific rigor and practical field identification tools makes it ideal for botanists, students, conservationists, and nature lovers alike. Though its appeal may be narrower than a broader flora guide, its thoroughness in this specialized area of botany is unmatched, making it a must-have for anyone with a serious interest in the flora of this unique region.