Since the publication of the first edition of Smartweeds to Hazelnuts in 1987, thirteen additional species and one hybrid have been discovered in Illinois.  In addition, numerous nomenclatural changes have occurred for plants already known.

This second edition updates the status of the Polygonaceae, Hamamelidaceae, Platanaceae, Fagaceae, Betulaceae, and Corylaceae in Illinois. Each of the newly discovered species has been added and is fully illustrated. Updated nomenclature as well as Illinois distributional data are included for each species. In addition to the fourteen new plant illustrations, the appendix contains new information on the descriptions and the geographical locations of plants in the first edition, and revised identification keys.

Robert H. Mohlenbrock and Paul M. Thomson Jr. have included a complete description, illustrations showing diagnostic features, distribution maps, and ecological notes for each plant included in this volume.

This new edition will be invaluable to scholars of botany as well as laypersons interested in observing plants in their natural habitat.

Now in hissixty-third year of plant study, Robert H. Mohlenbrock taught botany and plant taxonomy at Southern Illinois University for thirty-four years. His research has resulted in the publication of fifty-nine books and more than five hundred other publications. Since 1984, he has written “This Land,” a monthly column for Natural History. Mohlenbrock is a senior scientist for Biotic Consultants Inc., where he teaches weeklong wetland plant identification classes for government employees and consultants throughout the country.

Paul M. Thomson Jr. was the founding president of Blue River Community College in Independence, Missouri, and is currently the president and CEO of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation.