Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants - by Foster & Duke

"A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America" by Steven Foster and James A. Duke - part of the classic Peterson Field Guides series. This is the reference for identifying wild medicinal plants in eastern and central North American forests, fields, and disturbed areas, with substantial identification, traditional use, and modern research information for each species.

About the Peterson Field Guides Series

The Peterson Field Guides series, founded by Roger Tory Peterson in 1934, has become one of the most authoritative field guide series in North America. The series uses Peterson's innovative identification approach (highlighting key field marks rather than full physical descriptions), making field identification more practical for non-specialists. The medicinal plants volume by Foster and Duke combines identification with substantial traditional use and modern research information.

Key Facts

Title

A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America

Authors

Steven Foster and James A. Duke

Series

Peterson Field Guides

Geographic focus

Eastern and central North America

Format

Field guide with identification photos and illustrations

Content

500+ medicinal species with identification, traditional use, and modern research

What's in the Book?

Each species entry includes: identification photos and illustrations; identification key features; habitat and range information; traditional use across multiple herbal traditions; modern research summary; safety considerations and contraindications; sustainability and conservation status. The book is comprehensive enough to serve as both a field identification reference and an introduction to medicinal use of identified species.

Frequently Asked Questions

What geographic area does it cover?
Eastern and central North America. For western North America, different references apply.

How many species are covered?
500+ medicinal species.

Who is James Duke?
One of the most influential modern ethnobotanists; author of multiple herbal references including "The Green Pharmacy."

Who is Steven Foster?
A major modern herbal photographer and ethnobotanist; co-author of multiple Peterson Field Guides.

Is it suitable for wild identification?
Yes; specifically designed for field use.

Does it cover traditional use?
Yes; each species entry includes traditional uses across multiple herbal traditions.