It’s that time of year when the paths I walk are lined with the shadow and silhouette of their summer glory: just the seedpods and dried flower heads of the wildflowers and weeds that played host to the pollinators of summer and fall. It can be tricky to identify these common plants in the winter when leaves and color have disappeared. But it can also be a fun game, a new way to stretch our minds and grow our capacity for plant identification.

Lauren Brown’s book was the first guide that helped me on my journey of learning the winter shapes of weeds and wildflowers. It is full of simple pen and ink illustrations that make it easy to compare what you are seeing in the field with what Brown is describing in the guide. Brown also includes a paragraph or two about each plant, giving further clues to proper identification — where this plant might grow, how it might be found during the winter season, which parts of the plant will no longer be visible in winter.

The book is arranged by family and includes a helpful introduction with practical tips for identifying plants outside of the growing season. The book is aimed first at the northeastern part of America, but can be useful to areas bordering that as well. A helpful glossary of terms is included with little illustrations. A one-page list of recommended books is also included.

I hope you will be inspired to pick up this book, or one like it, and expand your repertoire of winter weeds!