Mary Sue, I think that family information IS helpful. I always find it interesting to learn what is related to what (if only to keep my brain active). I understand that it won't necessarily help in determining how to grow a particular plant, but it could be a jumping off point for learning more about a particular genus/species. When we had multiple conflicting at The New York Botanical Garden, our tendency was to favor authorities from the part of the world where the plant grows naturally. Carlo Carlo A. Balistrieri (carlob@ridgewoodpower.com) The Gardens at Turtle Point 79 Turtle Point Road Tuxedo Park, NY 10987 Zone 6 (845.351.2049)