Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

pt. 1. Introduction -- Overview of this book -- The physical setting of Kentucky -- Vegetation of Kentucky -- Floristic affinities -- Endemics -- Conservation status -- The status of old-growth forest in Kentucky -- A history of plant conservation in Kentucky -- A history of plant life in Kentucky -- Postsettlement changes in the plant life of Kentucky -- A history of floristic botany in Kentucky -- Current status of floristic studies in Kentucky -- pt. 2. Taxonomic treatment -- Introduction to the keys -- General key to vascular plants of Kentucky -- Pteridophytes of Kentucky -- Gymnosperms of Kentucky -- Dicotyledonae of Kentucky -- Monocotyledonae of Kentucky -- Epilogue. "Plant Life of Kentucky is the first comprehensive guide to all the ferns flowering herbs, and woody plants of the state. This long-awaited work provides identification keys for Kentucky's 2,600 native and naturalized vascular plants, with notes on wildlife/human uses, poisonous plants, and medicinal herbs. The common name, flowering period, habitat, distribution, rarity, and wetland status are given for each species, and about 80 percent are illustrated with line drawings. The inclusion of 250 additional species from outside the state (these species are "to be expected" in Kentucky) broadens the regional coverage, and most plants occurring from northern Alabama to southern Ohio to the Mississippi River (an area of wide similarity in flora) are examined, including nearly all the plants of western and central Tennessee." "The author also describes prehistoric and historical changes in the flora, natural regions and plant communities, significant botanists, current threats to plant life, and a plan for future studies." "Plant Life of Kentucky is intended as a research tool for professionals in biology and related fields, and as a resource for students, amateur naturalists, and others interested in understanding and preserving our rich botanical heritage."--Jacket.