A comprehensive guide to Ontario trees. 

Featuring more than 1,400 vibrant photographs and illustrations, this visually rich and inviting field guide describes the trees likely to be encountered in Ontario, whether on a hike in the woods or on a walk down city streets. Covering both naturally occurring and cultivated species, this book features an illustrated glossary of botanical terms, distribution maps, and photographs depicting distinctive characteristics of individual tree species. With diagnostic descriptions for quick recognition of trees by their component parts, and easy-to-use identification keys covering summer and winter conditions, A Field Guide to Trees of Ontario is a must-have for tree enthusiasts—novices and experts alike. Carry it with you wherever you may find trees, which is practically everywhere.

James E. Eckenwalder retired from the faculty of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto in 2017. He was Curator of the university’s vascular plant herbarium until it was incorporated into the Royal Ontario Museum collections in 1986 and has since been a Research Associate at the Museum. He is a taxonomist by training and inclination with a particular focus on trees. He is the translator and editor of Tree Bark: A Colour Guide (2003), an editor of Flora of North America, Vol. 2 (1993) and Poplar Culture in North America (2001), and author of Conifers of the World: The Complete Reference (2009) and numerous scientific articles and book chapters on conifers, poplars, morning glories, and other plants.

Deborah A. Metsger has been Assistant Curator of Botany in ROM’s Department of Natural History since 1982. She is acting Curator of the Green Plant Herbarium (TRT), and communicates all things botanical in ROM galleries, exhibitions, public programs, and popular publications. She is also Curator for ROM’s native plant gardens and Trees for Toronto. She was lead curator for ROM exhibition Florals: Desire & Design (2020–22). Deb’s botanical interests include documenting Ontario flora, maple taxonomy, and the intersections of science, art, and culture as expressed in plant motifs in the decorative arts. Her publications include Managing the Modern Herbarium (co-editor, 1999), The ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario (co-author, 2004), and Trees, Shrubs and Vines of Toronto (co ordinating author, 2016), part of the City of Toronto Biodiversity Series.

Timothy A. Dickinson retired from ROM in 2014 as Senior Curator Emeritus of Botany. He remains an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto. He and his graduate and undergraduate students have studied floral development and, mainly, the evolution and systematics of hawthorns (Crataegus). He is interested in how taxonomists have perceived species in the genus, and in how a better understanding of hawthorn reproductive biology can make for a more robust taxonomy. He has also worked with others on tamarack (Larix laricina) and Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) and some related species, and done fieldwork all over North America and in Jamaica. Tim is one of the co-authors of The ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario (2004).

Sarah H. Hodges gained her BTEC National Diploma in Botanical Horticulture and Garden Design at Capel Manor College, London, UK. She went on to work at the Chelsea Physic Garden and then at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Following a move to Washington, DC, she gained a professional photography accreditation. A transplanted Englishwoman, Sarah currently lives in Toronto with her husband and daughter and continues to pursue her passion for design and gardening