There’s a stray seedling in your garden and you don’t know what it is? You suspect it might be a weed, but aren’t really sure? If so, I have a book I think you’ll really appreciate: the Identification Guide to the Weeds of Quebec by Claude J. Bouchard and Romain Nero.
This is hardly a new book (it was published in 1998!), but I’ve used it for years. And don’t let the end of the title (of Quebec) mislead you. Weeds are pretty universal. The weeds presented in this book are found throughout Eastern North America and in fact, most are common throughout North America. Even European gardeners will find it handy.

Why do I like this book so much? Because of the abundant photos (650 to identify 120 plants). Unlike most weed identification books, which just show the adult plant, this one includes 4 to 8 photos of each species, showing all the little details you need in order to recognize them: how the leaf is attached to the stem, the appearance of the root or rhizome (if that’s a factor in identifying it), and especially, what the seedlings and young plants look like. It’s at the seedling stage when a gardener really needs to know if that plant is a friend or a foe and so few sources share that information!
Of course, the book has other advantages. It also describes in writing the plant at all stages of growth and supplies measurements (there’s even a ruler incorporated into the back cover, ideal when you’re in the garden). There is also a handy illustrated guide to plant morphology at the beginning of the book (after all, who isn’t a bit iffy about plant parts?). It’s a pocket guide that really does fit in a pocket. Plus the cover is water- and grime-resistant (hey, it’s a field guide!) and the book has a spiral binding, so it remains open on the page you’re consulting. The people who put this guide together truly knew what a gardener would be looking for in a weed identification book!
Where to Buy It
You won’t find this book in your average bookstore. The easiest way of getting it is to order it directly from the publisher, the Quebec Reference Center for Agriculture and Agri-food (CRAAQ).
Details
Title: Identification Guide to the Weeds of Quebec
Product code: PEDI0133
Year: 1999
Pages: 264 pages
ISBN : 2-89457-174-7
Pingback: 9 bonnes raisons pour utiliser le paillis de sarrasin – Jardinier paresseux
I’m looking to buy a comprehensive book to ID weeds correctly (which this clearly is) BUT I live and forage in Cape Town South Africa. I know that distant countries share the same/similar plants – especially weeds – would this work for me?
It would work to a certain extent, but there is bound to be weeds found in your region and not in others. Try a book from Australia, if you can find one: a lot of the country has a similar climate and some of the same weeds.
I was so excited to see this and was off to buy a copy. Then I saw it is around $21 on your CN site and a whopping $195 on Amazon.
$195 on Amazon? That’s ridiculous! Order it from the address linked to the text.