“Der illustrierte Pflanzenführer” - Book Recommendation
- Important: All images are the courtesy of the publisher! -
For all nature enthusiasts and hobby painters, I have a special book recommendation today: "Der illustrierte Pflanzenführer."
This essential reference for plant identification has been expanded, updated, and now shines with a new layout.
It offers detailed information on 1,500 illustrated species and is a must-have for anyone interested in the local flora of Germany and its neighboring countries.
This comprehensive guide to plant identification is only available in German, but there are likely similar guides in other languages featuring local flora.
Feel free to share any recommendations for other plant guides in the comments below the article.
About the Authors
Dr. Thomas Schauer
Dr. Thomas Schauer is a vegetation scientist and bioengineer with over 35 years of experience at the Bavarian Water Management in Munich.
He has published numerous articles on ecological, conservation, and vegetation topics and is an expert in local plant life.
His extensive knowledge and deep understanding of vegetation enrich the book with scientific accuracy and valuable information for all plant lovers.
Claus Caspari
Claus Caspari, born in Munich in 1911, was the son of the renowned painter and caricaturist Walther Caspari.
After an apprenticeship as an art dealer and passing interpreter exams in several languages, he dedicated himself increasingly to naturalistic plant and animal painting from 1949 onwards.
Self-taught to perfection, he is considered one of the most renowned and detailed German illustrators of plants and animals.
His delicate and lifelike illustrations give the book a special visual depth and accuracy.
Stefan Caspari
Stefan Caspari, born in Munich in 1951, is the son of Claus Caspari.
After studying law and training as a photographer, which he completed with a master's certificate, he has been working as a freelance photographer and artist since 1978.
He received his artistic training from his father and developed a naturalistic-realistic style.
His illustrations in the book are characterized by an authentic and lifelike depiction that captures the beauty and aesthetics of the plant world.
Der illustrierte Pfanzenführer - Contents
Structure of the Plant Guide | 1
Introduction | 2
Notes on Using This Plant Guide | 4
Further Explanation of the Identification Features Used in the Text | 8
Brief Characterization of Habitats | 10
Explanation of Technical Terms (Plant Structure) | 16
Portrait Section:
Flowers white | 22
Flowers yellow | 124
Flowers red | 228
Flowers blue, purple, violet | 322
Herbs with Green, Brown, or Inconspicuous Flowers | 398
Grasses, Trees, Shrubs, and Dwarf Shrubs | 446
Index - German Names | 544
Index - Scientific Names | 561
Introduction of Authors | 574
Why This Book is a Must-Have
"Der illustrierte Pflanzenführer" presents over 1,500 plant species from Germany and neighboring countries.
Flowers, grasses, trees, and shrubs are depicted in unique, detailed color illustrations.
Claus and Stefan Caspari, the well-known German plant illustrators, have created the brilliant illustrations that will delight every plant lover's heart.
Easy Identification for Beginners and Advanced Users
The division of plants by flower colors and shapes provides a brilliant and simple identification system.
Whether you are a beginner or already experienced in plant identification, this system makes it easy to recognize and identify different plant species.
The exact descriptions, supplemented by information on flowering time, habitat, and occurrence, offer all the important information at a glance.
A Look Inside the Book
The book begins with an introduction and notes on usage, followed by a detailed explanation of the identification features and technical terms used in the text.
The division of the portrait section by flower colors is particularly practical, allowing you to quickly and easily find the plant you are looking for.
Flowers white
Flowers yellow
Flowers red
Flowers blue, purple, violet
Herbs with Inconspicuous Flowers
Grasses, Trees, and Shrubs
Thanks to the color-coded portrait section (see image), you won't need to search long but will quickly find the plant you're looking for.
Additionally, the book offers detailed notes on usage that make plant identification easier:
Plants with radial flowers: The flower consists of 3 or 4 petals.
Plants with radial flowers: The flower consists of 5 or more petals.
Plants with mirror-symmetrical flowers.
Plants with small flowers in dense inflorescences.
These explanations are beautifully illustrated with examples, making them easy to understand and visually appealing.
Explanation of Technical Terms (Plant Structure)
The book also provides a detailed and illustrated explanation of technical terms that are helpful for identifying plants:
Surface formations of the plant: spines, hairs, bristles, etc.
The leaf: foliage leaf, bract, involucre leaf, etc.
Leaf attachment: petiolate, sessile, etc.
Leaf venation: pinnate, netted, or parallel venation.
Leaf parts: blade, petiole, leaf axil, etc.
The flower: perianth, calyx, corolla, etc.
Special formations of the flower: spur, palate, etc.
Flower gender: unisexual, etc.
Fruits: berry, pod, etc.
Shoot axis or stem and their shape: angular, etc.
Special forms: runners, tuber, etc.
The back cover also offers valuable explanations on:
Flower structure
Leaf arrangement
Shape of simple leaves
Shape of compound leaves
Leaf margin
Inflorescences
At the end of the guide you can find indexes for the german and the scientific names of the plants as well as short introductions of the authors.
My Highlights from the Book
Cover Design:
The new layout not only makes the plant guide informative but also aesthetically appealing.
Every space is used to provide valuable information for the user.
Structure:
The plant guide is clearly structured and easy to use.
The arrangement by flower colors and shapes allows quick access to plant identification, even for beginners.
Detailed Illustrations:
The acurate and vivid drawings make it easy to identify plants without a doubt.
The illustrations are so detailed that they are often even more precise than photos, excellently highlighting botanical features.
Conclusion
"Der illustrierte Pflanzenführer" is beautifully illustrated, very detailed, and easy to use.
The colorful drawings are precise and appear particularly lifelike, making plant identification significantly easier.
Whether you enjoy painting or simply love nature, this book will delight you and help you discover and appreciate the beauty of local flora.
This plant guide is only available in German, but there are likely similar guides in other languages featuring local flora.
Please also share any other recommended plant guides for other countries in the comments below.
Further Information & Book Details
And now, if you want to get this plant guide for your next exploration tour, here are the key details::
Book Details:
Title: Der illustrierte Pflanzenführer
Edition: 10th Edition 2020
Publisher: BLV, and Imprint of GRÄFE UND UNZER Verlag GmbH
Paperback: 576 pages
Language: German
ISBN-10: 3967470059
ISBN-13: 978-3967470055
Extras: 1.700 high-quality, colored illustrations of 1.500 species
Links:
Amazon (non-affiliate link): Der illustrierte Pflanzenführer von BLV
I hope this book recommendation makes you curious about "Der illustrierte Pflanzenführer."
Enjoy discovering and identifying plants!
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You have a plant guide you´d recommend? Maybe in another language and for other regions?
Write it in the comments below!