Montana Native Plants and Early Peoples
Popular Native Plant Book Now in Easy to Use Format
Montana Native Plants and Early Peoples , one of the best guides to Montana botany and Native American uses of Montana's native plants, has been re-issued in an easy-to-use format by the Montana Historical Society Press.
First published in 1976, the book was oversized and not conducive to taking to the field. The new issue is more compact making it easier to carry while hiking or to leave in the glove compartment of a vehicle.
"Montana Native Plants and Early Peoples has been one of the Press's best-loved books," Martha Kohl, former editor of the Montana Historical Society Press, said. "However, the first issue lent itself more to the coffee table than the pack. We are pleased to offer this new, easy-to-use format."
The book now includes a detailed index and also has been updated to reflect changes in the field of botany in the past twenty years.
The book, written by Jeff Hart, includes large, detailed illustrations rendered by Jacqueline Moore.
Hart interviewed Native Americans from various Montana tribes to determine the cultural uses of trees and plants ranging from building material to foodstuffs to medicine.
Narrative on the cultural uses for each species is followed by a description of the plant and its habitat and range.
"Science has verified the effectiveness of many of the medicines Native Americans made from plants," Kohl said. "I was amazed to learn that so many different plants were used for so many different purposes."
Copies of Montana Native Plants and Early Peoples are available for $14.95 paperback and can be ordered from the Montana Historical Society Museum Store plus shipping by calling toll-free 1-800-243-9900.
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