The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

I'm looking for a good reference either a book or website on Plants and trees for a beginner so I can learn all the different names, species etc

HI Bruce, it really depends on what you are looking for, and how much of a beginner you are. For very early beginner the Andrew Crowe books are a good way to start http://www.wheelers.co.nz/browse/category/hot-topics/new-zealand-plants/. If you have a bit more money, or like a beautifully illustrated book then look out for a large format glossy about native trees (e.g. http://www.pottonandburton.co.nz/store/new-zealand-s-native-trees-standard-edition) My personal favourites are still Trees and shrubs of NZ by Poole and Adams, Small leaved shrubs of NZ by Wilson and Galloway, Field guide to Native trees by Dawson and Lucas, and Field guide toe Stewart Island plants by Wilson (which includes a whole range of non-native species too). And also an illustrated guide to common weeds of NZ by Roy, Popay, Champion, James and Rahman - to help figure out which are not native. Some of these are out of print so you may have to look in second hand shops

In terms of website, you have posted your question on the forum of the web site with the best information about native species

Actually I was in exactly the same situation as you Bruce earlier this year and it is hard to know where to start. I bought one of the Andrew Crowe books but it wasn't as helpful as I hoped. It isnt because the book isnt very clear, it certainly is. The issue is that it only covers a small number of trees. I use the Field guide to native trees by Dawson and Lucas that Astrid recommends and have found that to be excellent. The main difficulty being working out whether the tree in question is a native or not and if not how to identify it. To help with the exotics I bought JT Salmons books of exotic conifers and exotic broadleafs in New Zealand. Other books on exotics weren't as helpful because they aren't focused on the ones you typically see in NZ and can be overwhelming,

When your a beginner as I am it's hard to know where to start. I guess start at the beginning and work from there. The website forum has get me as a nonmember but I have joined up.

Hi Bruce, you have had some pretty good advice there from Rhys, the Dawson book is a must, plain language and great pictures. If you log in before you enter the forum, your status as a member should show up. Cheers P.S. please vote for your favourite plant and least favourite weed on the home page...