Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas Albert E. Radford, Harry E. Ahles, C. Ritchie Bell Originally published in 1964, this is still the bible for many of us. If a plant was known to exist in the Carolinas, it's in this book, along with a detailed description, a map of its range, and perhaps a line drawing. (An invaluable reference — plan on keeping a bookmark tucked in the glossary of botanical terms.) The University of North Carolina Press.