When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy

As a respected academic, plant biologist, Beronda Montgomery sees how her affection for trees offers an opportunity to share science and politics. When Trees Testify describes her admiration and respect for the several species of trees detailed in the book, and links each to the history of Black Americans. It is a guilt trip for white Americans., though Montgomery’s successful career attests to changing behavior and attitudes; her writing is powerful, but never didactic.

Trees are material evidence of the past, silent and in their message acknowledging medical, spiritual, artistic, and educational characteristics. The generously illustrated pages pay tribute to these attributes.

Montgomery blends her scientific and cultural knowledge, her close love for generations of her own family, and a reminder of historical cruelty. The pages are are linked with negative historical happenings, especially in Arkansas, the author’s home state. Besides events in almost contemporary decades, none are more symptomatic of the past than the Elaine massacre in 1919.

The book is packed; it is hard to choose a single example of the gifts bestowed by trees. Despite the downside, looking forward, When Trees Testify is a treat to read.