Since the publication of the first edition more than thirty years ago, The Flora of Alberta has become the standard guide for naturalists, botanists, and all those interested in the wildlife of the province. It provides an inventory of 1775 known vascular plant species – ferns, conifers, and flowering plants – that are native to Alberta, or if non-native, that have become established and grow wild in the province. All are grouped according to genus and family, with descriptions of species, genera, and families.

Keys are provided to allow for the identification of all the known species, along with information on habitats in which species generally occur. The text for each species includes the chromosome number and indicates the geographical distribution in North America.

Also included are 1158 provincial distribution maps, showing the locations of native species, and two specially prepared maps of the province – one indicating the distribution of major soil groups, the other distribution of major vegetation types.

In the years since its initial publication The Flora of Alberta has been revised, updated, and considerably expanded while retaining the original format and purpose that have made it indispensable to a wide range of readers.