Flowering plants come in an infinite variety of colors, sizes, and shapes—from the bold sunflower, to the elegant orchid, to the delicately beautiful Queen Anne's lace. There may be a third of a million species, and more are still being discovered. In spite of all their differences, various kinds of flowering plants also show many similarities. Species that are alike in some basic ways can be grouped into families.

Author-artist Carol Lerner examines twelve of the world's largest and most familiar plant families. The concise, informative text explains how to recognize characteristics shared by members of these families. The striking, full-color illustrations—drawn in exceptional detail from living specimens—focus on plant parts, highlighting those that can be seen easily and are most helpful for identification.

As enlightening as it is lovely, this exquisitely illustrated botanical guide is a fascinating introduction to the world of plants.

From the dust jacket