Illustrations of Alien Plants of the British Isles

The flora of Britain is in constant flux. While we lose native species from land use changes, trade with other countries has led to a slow infiltration of our flora by species of foreign origin. Quite often these species cause major problems. Think of rhododendrons in Wales or the invasive pond weeds taking over canals and other waters. By the end of the nineteenth century, about 1,000 species of aliens had been identified. Several books had been published by 1928 listing about 2,000 species.

The Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI) is the leading national society for those seriously...