Guides

Two problems with field guides: they list some plants that don't grow here, and they don't list all the plants that do. (Claude Phillips' Wildflowers of Delaware and the Eastern Shore has been out of print for years, and doesn't reflect changes to Delaware's flora since the 1970's.) These guides are an attempt to remedy that. Only plants that are currently found wild in Delaware are listed. I've tried to give identifying features that are easily visible, and can be described in non-technical language. Photos showing distinguishing features are included, if I have them.

To use these guides to identify a plant, you first need to know its genus — the first part of its scientific name. So if your field guide tells you it's a fleabane, the guide to Erigeron will tell you which it is.

I've just started on these. The flora of Delaware includes about 800 genera and 200 families; only a few are available here, as listed below. I'd appreciate any comments; please e-mail me at


Anacardiaceae	Cashew family	Rhus	Sumac

Apiaceae	Carrot family	Osmorhiza	Sweet-cicely

Araceae	Arum family	Arisaema	Jack-in-the-pulpit, Green dragon

Araliaceae	Ginseng family	Aralia	Aralia
		Hydrocotyle	Pennywort
		Panax	Ginseng

Asteraceae	Aster family	Arctium	Burdock
		Aster	Aster
		Bidens	Tick-seed, Beggar-tick, Spanish-needle
		Cirsium	Thistle
		Erigeron	Fleabane
		Eurybia	Aster
		Eutrochium	Joe-Pye weed
		Helianthus	Sunflower
		Hieracium	Hawkweed
		Lactuca	Lettuce
		Prenanthes	Rattlesnake-root
		Sonchus	Sow-thistle

Balsaminaceae	Jewel-weed family	Impatiens	Jewel-weed

Brassicaceae	Mustard family	Cardamine	Bittercress, toothwort

Cannabaceae	Indian Hemp family	Humulus	Hops

Commelinaceae	Spiderwort family	Tradescantia	Spiderwort

Cucurbitaceae	Gourd family

Euphorbiaceae	Spurge family	Acalypha	Three-seeded mercury

Caryophyllaceae	Pink family	Spergularia	Sandspurry

Gentianaceae	Gentian family	Gentiana	Gentian
		Sabatia	Marsh-pink

Juglandaceae	Walnut family	Juglans	Walnut & Butternut

Lamiaceae	Mint family	Teucrium	Germander

Melastomataceae	Melastoma family	Rhexia	Meadow-beauty

Plantaginaceae	Plantain family	Veronica	Speedwell

Polygonaceae	Smartweed family	Persicaria	Tearthumb, Smartweed

Ruscaceae	Ruscus family	Polygonatum	Solomon's seal

Violaceae	Violet family	Viola	Violet