An expert forest ecologist unveils nature’s living giants, with stunning illustrations and innovative translucent overlays revealing their hidden wonders, from leaves and roots to ecosystems.

From purifying the air we breathe to communicating beneath the forest floor, trees are nature’s silent guardians. Their mysteries are beautifully brought to life in this book, offering a breathtaking journey through twenty remarkable trees from mighty oaks to mangroves.

From hidden root networks to towering canopies, explore the marvels of tree life: uncover the secret and sophisticated water systems that allow redwoods to soar; learn dendrology and discover how to age trees by their rings with the great bristlecone pine; experience the microclimate of the dragon blood tree, and the architectural beauty of the baobab. Every tree tells a story of survival, adaptation, and ecological wonder.

Perfect for nature lovers, tree enthusiasts, and curious minds, this book combines scientific insight with engaging storytelling. Shugart’s accessible essays illuminate everything from leaf structures to the latest discoveries in tree communication, connecting readers to the living, breathing ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.

About The Author

Herman H. (“Hank”) Shugart, Jr. is a renowned systems ecologist and W.W. Corcoran Professor of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia. A leading authority on forest ecosystems, he has authored over 400 publications and contributed groundbreaking research in forest simulation modeling. Salma Price-Nell is known for her passion for trees and natural forms, rendering wispy tendrils and gnarled trunks with delicate crosshatching and linework. With a huge social media following (including 268K+ on Insta), her work has been collected internationally, with pieces held in private collections across the UK, the United States, Europe, and Asia.