Wildflowers and Ferns of Red River Gorge and the Greater Red River Basin

by Dan Dourson, Judy Dourson

Overview

The Red River Gorge's intricate canyon system features an abundance of high sandstone cliffs, rock shelters, waterfalls, and natural bridges, making it one of the world's top rock-climbing destinations. The Gorge, known for its unspoiled scenic beauty and numerous hiking trails, is one of Kentucky's most popular natural destinations, attracting over 500,000 visitors a year. While books about hiking, climbing, and other recreational activities in the area are readily available, Wildflowers and Ferns of Red River Gorge is the first book specifically devoted to the biodiversity of the Gorge and its watershed.

Authors Dan and Judy Dourson introduce the geology and cultural history of the gorge but focus on the incredible diversity of both common and rare flora of this unique ecosystem. With over 1,000 color images and numerous illustrations covering over 1,500 species currently known to exist in the watershed, Wildflowers and Ferns of Red River Gorge is designed to be accessible to the casual hiker and of use to the seasoned naturalist. Rare and endangered species are highlighted as well as a few other important, but often ignored, non-flowering plant groups, including green algae, fungi, slime molds, lichens, and mosses. In addition, a small section on flowering woody vines, shrubs, and trees is included, making the book the most comprehensive natural guide to one of Kentucky's most well-known natural recreational areas.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781949669008
Publisher:	University Press of Kentucky
Publication date:	05/17/2019
Pages:	488
Sales rank:	708,815
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

Dan Dourson is a wildlife biologist who worked with the US Forest Service specializing in nongame management in Red River Gorge. He is the author of ten books, including Wild Yet Tasty: A Guide to Edible Plants of Eastern Kentucky; Land Snails of Belize, Central America; and Land Snails of West Virginia. Judy Dourson is an educator, researcher, field technician, and editor. She has served as Dan's field assistant, primary researcher, and editor and has coauthored several books with him, including Wild Yet Tasty: A Guide to Edible Plants of Eastern Kentucky.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 1

Prologue 4

Chapter 1 Prehistoric History 8

Chapter 2 Cultural History 12

Chapter 3 Geology 18

Chapter 4 Ecoregions 40

Chapter 5 Habitats of the Red River Basin 44

How to Use The Book 47

Chapter 6 Non-Flowering Organisms 48

Terrestrial Green Algae 48

Fungi or Mushrooms 49

Slime Molds 51

Lichens 53

Bryophytes 55

Chapter 7 Plant Life of Red River Basin 56

Chapter 8 Ferns, Club Mosses, Spike Mosses & Quillworts 62

Chapter 9 Grasses, Sedges & Rushes 118

Chapter 10 Wildflowers 124

Families of the Red River Basin 125

Color Key to the Wildflowers 127

Basic Vegetative Parts of Flowering Plants 129

Species Accounts 131

Chapter 11 Vines, Shrubs and Trees 394

Chapter 12 Expected or Uncertain Plants of RRB 418

Glossary 423

Bibliography 424

Species List 426

Index of Common Names 457

Index of Scientific Names 465

Safety Tips While in the Woods 474

About the Authors 477

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"In Wildflowers and Ferns of Red River Gorge and the Greater Red River Basin, Dan and Judy Dourson provide an in-depth review of botanical diversity in this fascinating region of eastern Kentucky. With its stunning photography, interesting text, and clear explanations, this book will appeal to naturalists of all backgrounds. Beginners will enjoy identifying plants they've discovered. Experienced naturalists will appreciate coverage of little-known species, several of which are specialties of the Red River region." — Robert Naczi, Curator of North American Botany, New York Botanical Garden

"The most noteworthy feature of this book is the photography — the images are outstanding, even breathtaking, in their clarity and detail and, together with the line drawings, are among the best illustrations ever published on the flora of the eastern United States. With modern nomenclature and up-to-date information on the status of the plant life (as well as comments on fungi, lichens, algae, and mosses), this book is a most welcome addition to the literature on the flora of Kentucky." — Ronald L. Jones, author of Plant Life of Kentucky: An Illustrated Guide to the Vascular Flora

"From state nature preserves to wild rivers to wilderness areas, the Red River watershed contains some of the most significant natural areas in Kentucky. The Doursons' book is an invaluable resource for those interested in the native species that call this place home." — Zeb Weese, Executive Director, Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves

Editorial Reviews

"LISTEN: Roberta Schultz reviews Wildflowers and Ferns of Red River Gorge and the Greater Red River Basin by Dan Dourson and Judy Dourson. Listen online here." —

"This is the first book specifically devoted to the biodiversity of the Gorge and its watershed. Authors Dan and Judy Dourson introduce the geology and cultural history of the gorge but focus on the incredible diversity of both common and rare flora of this unique ecosystem. With over 1000 color images and numerous illustrations, Wildflowers and Ferns of Red River Gorge is designed to be accessible to the casual hiker and of use to the seasoned naturalist...the book is the most comprehensive natural guide to one of Kentucky's most well-known natural recreational areas." — Northeastern Naturalist

"While this guide will definitely be useful for those intent on exploring th[e] beautiful [Red River Gorge] area of Kentucky, it also makes for great armchair exploring and could actually drive readers out of their chairs and into the Greater Red River Basin area, book in hand, to look for these plants." — The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries

"This book is an excellent addition to any collection of books on the flora of Kentucky or eastern North America. Anyone who loves photographs of wildflowers or ferns will enjoy looking through these pages." — Plant Science Bulletin

From the Publisher