Must Have for the Hydrophyte Enthusiast
This is an oldie but a goodie. The Fassett Manual of Aquatic Plants is, as the title states, a manual of aquatic plants. The book covers the regions eastward north to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and south to Virginia, westward north to Minnesota, south to Missouri. I am in Toronto, Canada, and this reference book was sufficient to identify all the plants I studied in my region save a few species (Yet, the genera and or families were detailed).
The book is to be used two major ways. The first is as a taxonomy key. Visually following the provided key until the specific plant is narrowed down from a general field. Magnification using low powered dissection microscopes and or magnifying glass are required for some finer details to separate species but not for general identification. The second use is to set context for a plant in its respective habitat. A list of wildlife, fish, and such are related to their use of plants as food, shelter, to lay eggs, and such. A glossary at the back of the book is helpful for both uses.
The most exciting aspect of this book is its illustrations. They are black ink line drawings where key identification features are indicated as are magnification levels used to illustrate specific details that differentiate certain species from one another. The drawings are excellent. The labels are informative and helpful for taxing out species. Illustrations include flora, seeds, root/tuber/growth structures, variations between young and old growth, male and female parts, and such.
The revised editions includes notes that correct or update taxonomical information that Dr. Fassett had incorrectly made or other errors. The original text is not altered. The revised notes are in keeping with international standards in taxonomy and place plants into correct families, genera, and such that Fassett had otherwise incorrectly named/grouped. The preface to the revised edition explains the editions and rational. The other features of the book remain.
This book was one of a few necessary resources I required while doing field work as an undergraduate. Yet. I am able to use it more casually in my hobby of building an aquatic garden at home (bog and pond all native plants) and while camping/hiking in local areas. It can be used quiet accurately by the enthusiast as well as for a hobby to the level of genera and most species. It is not able to be the sole taxonomy resource, although, and ought to be supplemented if used for post secondary research work.