A new vegetation map of Kansas has been prepared, accompanied by a commentary. In the latter, some historical remarks on mapping the vegetation of Kansas are followed by a presentation of some basic aspects of vegetation. Comments on Kansas vegetation units, a discussion of vegetation boundaries, and the description of the vegetation types help the reader of the new vegetation map to appreciate its content. In an elaboration of the map legend, each vegetation type is described threefold: its physiognomy and structure, the dominant species (in English and Latin), and other characteristic components (Latin only). A brief comment on location and habitat and a photograph of each vegetation type complete the legend elaboration.