I drove through Olympia this weekend and was admiring all the flowering trees there. Then, I had a self-realization: I'm bad when it comes to knowing trees.

Sure, I know a strawberry tree from a strawberry plant and a redbud from a rosebud but there are a whole lot of trees that just look like plums and maples to me.

My ID rate goes way up when it comes to Northwest natives. But, there's a book out there that shows me I still have a lot to learn.

Stephen Arno and illustrator Ramona Hammerly show how to distinguish one tree from another in their guide to identifying and appreciating Northwest trees. Arno, a forest ecologist, will talk about his recently updated book - "Northwest Trees: Identifying and understanding the region's native trees" - in a free book talk, slideshow and signing 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 at the Wheelock Library (3722 North 26th Street in the heart of the Proctor District).

Books will be available for purchase at the event. For additional information contact the Tacoma Public Library at 253-591-5666.

The guide provides an easy to use illustrated identification key based on the most reliable and non-technical features of each species, and features the latest knowledge on the ecology and human history associated with all (over 250 species) of Northwest trees.

Each tree featured has a story about its history and use and Hammerly's detailed black-and-white drawings of needles, cones, leaves, twigs, and fruits.