The Complete Language of Trees: A Definitive and Illustrated History (Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia)

The Complete Language of Trees is a comprehensive encyclopedia covering over 400 tree species. Each entry includes the tree's scientific and common name, visual depiction, characteristics, and historical and folkloric properties from mythology and legends. Examples of included lore: the Hackberry Tree encourages continuous effort; the Manchineel Tree is so toxic that smoke from burning it can cause blindness; medieval peoples placed Bird Cherry bark on doors to ward off plague; Washi paper is made from Paper Mulberry inner bark; and Pando, a Quaking Aspen colony spanning 108 acres, is technically a single tree. The book is organized with two indexes—one by common tree name and one by meaning—to help readers connect time in nature with mental health improvement. It follows the format of Dietz's earlier works, The Complete Language of Flowers and The Complete Language of Herbs, applying the tradition of floriographies (symbolic dictionaries of nature) to trees. The book is designed for gardeners, environmentalists, and nature lovers.