Donald E. Schnell. Carnivorous Plants of the United States and Canada, 2nd Edition. Timber Press. 2002.

Adults and children alike are fascinated with carnivorous plants. Some imagine plants large enough to eat humans while others just like the idea of feeding mosquitoes, flies and other pesky insects to their plants. I even know some plant growers that purposefully keep one or two carnivorous plants on each plant shelf to help control fungus gnats!

The author begins the book by introducing us to the biology of carnivorous plants. There are eight unique characteristics that describe the relationship between the carnivorous plants and their habitats. These are: 1. The plants have weak roots (small root system) compared to the size of the plant. 2. The plants are often perennials rather than annuals. 3. They prefer acidic soil such as that found in bogs. 4. They cannot tolerate plant competition and grow where few other plants would survive. 5. They easily tolerate low nutrient soils because of their capacity to gain nutrients from insects and other animals. 6. Most North American carnivorous plants need a situation in full sunlight. 7. Some plants are dependent on fire to maintain their habitats. 8. These plants are able to lure (attract), trap and digest prey.

Carnivorous plants use various types of traps. Each type of trap is actually a modified leaf. Closing traps, suction traps, adhesive traps, and pitfall traps are the type traps found in North American carnivorous plants. The author describes how each of these works and presents some fascinating details. This chapter describes the types of habitats where carnivorous plants are found. This information is followed by notes on cultivating these plants both outside in the garden and indoors.

This one chapter is enough to cause gardeners to want to add one or two of these delightful and somewhat mysterious plants to their collection. Each of the remaining chapters discusses a single plant genus. The genera covered include: Venus flytraps, North American pitcher plants, California pitcher plants, Sundews, Butterworts, and Bladderworts. The next chapter discusses plants not normally considered carnivorous which may in reality fit this group of plants. Of course, as any good plant writer will do today, issues of conservation are discussed too.

The reader will find clear, full color photographs illustrating the plants along with maps showing their range in North America. I was able to go through the book and identify the few carnivorous plants that live in Michigan, my home state. It was really surprised to see that some of these unusual plants live clear up to the Arctic Circle.

Recommendation

This is a quality book. The reader will find clear, full color photographs illustrating the plants along with maps showing their range in North America. I was able to go through the book and identify the few carnivorous plants that live in Michigan, my home state. It was really surprised to see that some of these unusual plants live clear up to the Arctic Circle. I give this book my highest recommendation. Consider purchasing it for your favorite gardener.