Released July 2008
[images:http://www.xidservices.com/databases]
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
Each geopolitical region north of Mexico is shown in association with its name. Single or multiple regions can be selected and marked using the "Yes", "No", "Or" commands from the main map by highlighting the "Geography" menu title and clicking on the region or by selecting the region(s) from the list below the "Geography" menu title.
All geography data is from the 2008 version of the Synthesis of the North American Flora, produced by the Biota of North America Program (BONAP) and used with permission of Dr. John Kartesz (www.bonap.org).
The BONAP database includes data for all vascular plants (native, naturalized, and adventive) of North America north of Mexico, and is the essential reference for anyone with a serious interest in this subject!
The legend image shows the meaning of the different colors on the BONAP distribution maps. If any of the colors have diagonal lines superimposed on them, this indicates a questionable report.
The sap of the plant a colorless liquid. Do not attempt to use this characteristic on dried specimens.
The juice of the plant a colored and often rather thick liquid. It is generally white but may also be orange and can dry a variety of colors.
A plant without spines or thorns. Keep in mind that a plant which has not yet flowered, may later have spiny flowers or fruits.
Many species use spines or thorns to protect or disseminate their fruits. The species selected here will be spineless elsewhere on the plant, i.e., puncturevine, yellow starthistle, jimsonweed, etc.
One of the easiest features to recognize. Many species protect themselves with spines or thorns on the leaves and/or stems, i.e., thistles, cactus, buffalobur, pricklepoppy, etc.
This category is used for those species which have spines or thorns on both the sexual and vegetative structures. This can be very diagnostic, but plants must be mature before it can be determined if the flower/fruits will be armed.
The majority of plants do not contain aromatic chemicals in their leaves. If the aroma of your specimen is slight (even grass has a minor odor), then it is not considered aromatic.
When the leaves and/or stems of these plants are crushed, they produce strong characteristic odors. Examples include: spearmint, sagebrush, and parsley. Aromatic plants are most common in the families Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Apiaceae.
An "annual" grows from seed, flowers, produces seed, and dies in one year. Check the root system. Since it has been in the ground for only a short time, it will be relatively delicate and light colored.
A "biennial" produces a rosette (PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY (Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Fig. 894, Pg. 85) during its first year. The second year it "bolts," flowers, produces seed, and dies. Look for rosettes and bolts in the field.
A "perennial" lives for more than two years and most do not flower their first year. Many perennials die back to the ground each year. Since the roots are several years old, they will be dark colored and more or less woody.
The entire plant beneath the surface of the water or only the tips exposed.
"Floating" plants may or may not have their roots attached to the ground. In either case, the majority of the plant rests on the surface of the water.
Plants whose stems lie flat upon the ground. This is very distinctive and important in identification. Note: some vines may be prostrate if they have nothing to climb upon.
These plants creep along the ground at the base and often for much of the length of the stem, but the tips of the stems eventually become erect.
An erect, narrow plant forming a "column" in general outline. The classic example is Lombardy poplar. Most coniferous trees, firs, spruces, etc. are columnar (narrowly pyramidal) in shape, while most broadleaved trees (ie. oaks, maples, etc.) are not. These same shapes apply to herbaceous plants.
A much branched, bushy plant which is round in outline. Woodiness is not inferred by this shape.
One of the most unusual and easy to recognize growth forms, the term "climbing" is included to differentiate from certain prostrate plants which are referred to as vines, such as "punturevine."
Usually only prostrate plants will be short enough to fall into this category at maturity (flowering).
Neither the seeds nor the whole plant are disseminated by the wind. These plants may use water, gravity, animals, etc., to disperse their seeds.
The plant's propagules spread by the wind. These will either be extremely small or have structures attached to the seeds which catch the wind.
These are the tumbleweeds. At maturity the plant breaks off at ground level and "tumbles" in the wind, dispersing its seeds as it goes. These plants are always somewhat spherical in shape.
These plants grow in, or under, standing or running water. They may be attached to the bottom by their roots or not.
These plants are found along shorelines, often within the zone of fluctuation so that they may be in the water at times and on the shore at others. Their roots can always reach the water table.
These are plants which grow in sites that are flooded during the wet season but dry out in the dry season. This can include flood plains, vernal pools, road ditches, etc.
The catch-all category for sites which are not particularly wet or dry; "mesic" means middle. Most farm ground, lawns, pastures, etc. fall into this category, as do the habitats of most plants.
Those plants which are restricted to extremely dry sites (also referred to as "xeric" sites). Cactus is the classic example of a plant adapted to an "arid" site.
"Herbaceous" stems die completely, or die back to ground level each year.
"Semi-woody" refers to perennial stems which are less rigid and thickened than normally considered "woody." Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus) is a good example.
A stem which persists year after year. Each year another layer of tissue is added (growth rings), and the stem becomes rigid and thickened. Trees, shrubs, and some vines (called lianas).
With only a few exceptions, virtually all plants have chlorophyll. See the discussion under "Chlorophyll Absent" in this menu.
VERY RARE, i.e., dodder and a few other parasitic or saprophytic plants. Lack of chlorophyll is an extremely diagnostic character.
A tight group of flowers in the inner angle between the leaf base and the stem. If the leaves are paired (opposite), the flowers may appear to go all the way around the stem.
Flowers arranged similar to: PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY (Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) Fig.1529 (Pg. 160) and arising from the inner angle of the leaf and stem. Note that each flower is on a short stalk. If no stalk is present, see "spike."
A spike is a long, narrow stem with the flowers attached directly to it along its length. An axillary spike arises from the inner angle of the leaf and the stem.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Fig.1007, Pg. 95
An umbel is a group of flowers whose stems arise from a common point (like an umbrella). An axillary umbel arises from the inner angle of the leaf and the stem.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figs. 1202-1203 Pg. 113
A small, often pendulous, cone-like cluster of flowers. Found in woody plants only and sometimes appearing before the leaves.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Fig. 156 Pg. 18
A large, umbrella-like cluster of flowers made up of small, umbrella-like clusters of flowers. The typical arrangement in the family Umbelliferae.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Fig. 1528d, Page 159.
A corymb is a flat-topped cluster of flowers where (unlike an umbel) the rays originate from different levels on the stem.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Fig.232, Pg.25.
Highly variable in shape, size, and the amount of branching. The critical feature is that the oldest (most mature) flower is at the end of the stem.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Fig. 1528, Page 159
A group of flowers tightly clustered together and often resembling a single, larger flower (sunflower is a good example). Typical of the family Compositae.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Figs. 426-427, Pg. 43
A cluster of flowers arising from the stem between the places where the leaves arise. This is very unusual and is not illustrated in PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X); however, Fig. 486, Pg. 49 shows an internode.
An elongate stem of flowers which arises from the stem between where the leaves arise (the internode).
See PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY (Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X: Fig. 842).
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Fig. 486, Pg. 49 shows an internode.
A highly branched group of flowers arising at the top of the plant. A common and variable inflorescence.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Fig. 1528e, Pg. 160
A highly branched group of flowers arising on the other side of the stem from where a leaf arises. Very uncommon.
Literally "scorpion-like" referring to a group of flowers which coil at the tip of the inflorescence like a scorpion's tail. Typical of the Boraginaceae but also occurring in a few other families.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Fig.941, Page 89
A cluster of flowers whose stems all arise from a single point forming an umbrella shape. See also "compound umbel."
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) Figs. 1202-1203, Page 112.
A single flower arising from the base of the leaf. Can be confusing as flowers can be subtended by small, leaf-like structures called "bracts." If you are unsure of the inflorescence type, be sure to use the "OR" mark in the menus.
A single flower terminating the main stem. This is the simplest of all of the inflorescence types.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Figure 1528e, Page 160.
An elongate group of flowers terminating the main stem of the plant. Each flower on a small, unbranched stem.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Figure 842, Page 81.
An elongate group of flowers terminating the main stem of the plant. Each flower attached directly to the main stem.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Figure 1007, Page 95.
The petals are the second group of structures from the outside of the flower and are often large and colorful. The petals may be stuck together or free from each other.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Fig. 1546, Pg. 162.
The petals are the second group of structures from the outside of the flower and are often large and colorful. The petals may be stuck together or free from each other.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Fig. 1546, Pg. 162.
The petals are the second group of structures from the outside of the flower and are often large and colorful. The petals may be stuck together or free from each other.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Fig. 1546, Pg. 162.
The petals are the second group of structures from the outside of the flower and are often large and colorful. The petals may be stuck together or free from each other.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Fig. 1546, Pg. 162.
The petals are the second group of structures from the outside of the flower and are often large and colorful. The petals may be stuck together or free from each other.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Fig. 1546, Pg. 162.
The petals are the second group of structures from the outside of the flower and are often large and colorful. The petals may be stuck together or free from each other.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Fig. 1546, Pg. 162.
The petals are the second group of structures from the outside of the flower and are often large and colorful. The petals may be stuck together or free from each other.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Fig. 1546, Pg. 162.
The petals are the second group of structures from the outside of the flower and are often large and colorful. The petals may be stuck together or free from each other.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Fig. 1546, Pg. 162.
The petals are the second group of structures from the outside of the flower and are often large and colorful. The petals may be stuck together or free from each other.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Fig. 1546, Pg. 162.
The petals are the second group of structures from the outside of the flower and are often large and colorful. The petals may be stuck together or free from each other.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Fig. 1546, Pg. 162.
The petals are the second group of structures from the outside of the flower and are often large and colorful. The petals may be stuck together or free from each other.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Fig. 1546, Pg. 162.
The petals are the second group of structures from the outside of the flower and are often large and colorful. The petals may be stuck together or free from each other.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X) : Fig. 1546, Pg. 162.
Petals not connected to each other.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1553, Page 163.
Petals grown together for less than 256f their length, thus forming a very short tube at the base.
Petals joined together to form a tube approximately half their length.
Petals joined together to form a tubular flower. The number of petals can be determined by counting the lobes at the end of the tube.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1552, Page 163.
Each petal with a shallow to deep notch at the center of the tip. Bilobed petals are common in the chickweed family.
The petal tips irregularly jagged with short teeth. This is an unusual characteristic.
Petal tips irregularly jagged, similar to "erose" but with much longer and narrower segments.
Petal tips abruptly or gradually tapered to a sharp point.
Petals with a broad, smooth, rounded tip.
Petal tips broad and blunt without rounded tips or angles.
Petal tips regularly toothed. This is very unusual. Check to see if your plant is in the Compositae family and what you're looking at is really a ray flower (it will have a seed attached at the base).
A flower in which the top and bottom and right and left sides are symmetrical (actinomorphic).
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1553, Page 163.
One-half of the flower will appear slightly different than the opposite half. Usually caused by two or more petals being fused together, or one petal being larger than the others
.
Irregular (zygomorphic) flowers can appear in various strange shapes such as orchids and snap-dragons. Also typical of legumes and mints.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figures 1577, 1581, 1582, Pages 166-167.
Sepals not joined to each other and attached only at the base.
Sepals joined only at the base, forming a small cup at the bottom of the flower.
Sepals joined for approximately half their length, forming a short tube around the petals (if petals are present).
Sepals joined for most of their length forming a tube. To count the sepals look for the lobes at the end of the tube.
Sepal tips with long, jagged, irregular margins.
Sepals coming to an abrupt, short point. If the point is spiny, use spine-like instead of pointed.
Sepal tips blunt with rounded outline.
Sepal tips forming spines or thorns. These can be used as a bur to disseminate the fruit or to protect the seeds.
Sepal tips blunt but not rounded.
Sepal tips with small, regular teeth.
Female flowers separate from the male flowers either on the same or different plants.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 756 Page 73 (female).
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1030 Page 97 (male).
Individual flowers that contain both male and female parts.
Stamens free from the petals. Attached only to the receptacle at the base of the flower.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1644, Page 176.
Stamens attached to the petals. This is most common in tubular flowers.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1643, Page 176.
Stamens free from each other.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1644, Page 176.
The filaments stuck to each other, forming a tube.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1650, Page 176.
The filaments stuck together forming two groups; commonly one group containing only one stamen.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1647, Page 176.
The anthers united in a ring, surrounding the ovary. Typical of the Compositae family but otherwise rare.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1645, Page 176.
Also called syncarpous. The ovary appearing as a single unit. It can have one to several stigmas and styles. A cross-section may reveal one or more sections.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1093, Page 103.
The ovary divided into numerous separate sections, each with its own style (apocarpous). This appears only in a small number of plants but is common in the buttercup and rose families.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Fig. 58, Page 8.
The petals and sepals attached at the base of the ovary or fruit.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 458, Page 46.
The petals and sepals forming a tube (called a hypanthium) and arising separately approximately halfway up the length of the ovary or fruit.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 716, Page 69.
Petals and sepals attached at the upper tip of the ovary or fruit. In other words, the ovary or fruit below the attachment of the petals and sepals.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 337, Page 34.
The typical fruit of the Compositae family. Therefore, a sunflower seed is a good example of an achene.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1733a, Page 187.
A fleshy fruit composed of many separate parts, such as raspberries or blackberries.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1733a, Page 187.
A black fleshy fruit.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1733, Page 187.
A blue fleshy fruit.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1733a, Page 187.
A green fleshy fruit. Many berries are green when immature but change to some other color when they ripen. Try to use a ripe fruit when possible.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1733a, Page 187.
A purple fleshy fruit.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1733a, Page 187.
A red fleshy fruit. Some fruits are red only at maturity while others are red when immature and change to another color as they ripen. Try to use a mature fruit.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Fig. 1733a, Page 187.
A white fleshy fruit. Many white berries are known or suspected to be toxic.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1733a, Page 187.
A fleshy fruit in any of the various shades of yellow, orange, tan, brown, etc. Be sure that this color has not been caused by decay.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1733a, Page 187.
A dry, hollow container (fruit) of seeds which, upon cross-section, shows no partitions.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 149, Page 17.
A dry, hollow container (fruit) of seeds which, upon cross-section, shows one partition and two chambers.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 149, Page 17.
A dry, hollow container (fruit) of seeds which, upon cross-section, shows three partitions and three chambers.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 149, Page 17.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 201, Page 22.
A dry, hollow container (fruit) of seeds which, upon cross-section, shows more than three partitions forming more than three chambers.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 149, Page 17.
A dry, hollow fruit much like a capsule but splitting down the side rather than at the tip. Common in the milkweed and buttercup families.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 388, Page 39.
Literally the fruit from the family Leguminosae. Often (but not always) similar to peas or beans in appearance.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 522, Page 51.
A thick-skinned (rind), dry to fleshy fruit with many seeds. Also called a "pepo." Typical of the family Cucurbitaceae.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 707, Page 69.
A hard, 1-seeded fruit which does not split open at maturity. Examples include walnuts, acorns, almonds, pecans, etc. but NOT peanuts (that's a legume).
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 619, Page 61.
The fruit consisting of 2, hard, one-seeded segments. A very
unusual fruit type (Phyla).
The fruit consisting of 4, hard, one-seeded segments. Typical of only a small number of families including borages, mints, and verbenas.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 620, Page 61.
A winged fruit. These can vary in size and shape, but all are meant to aid in wind dissemination of the seeds.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 916, Page 87.
A fruit which splits apart into sections at maturity. In the Umbelliferae family the fruits split into two parts. In some other families they split into many parts.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 935, Page 89.
Spores are produced only by extremely primitive plants such as ferns and horsetails. These are microscopic in size. Do not confuse them with pollen grains from other types of plants.
A small, dry fruit with 1 seed, similar to an achene, but generally with a thinner outer shell. Typical of the pigweed, lambsquarters, and some other families.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1228, Page 114.
Fruit or seed with appendages that would cause it to stick to passing animals.
Fruit or seed without the appendages that would cause it to attach to passing animals.
As in a dandelion where the leaves are all at the base of the flowering stem. A plant must have "bolted" before this arrangement can be determined.
See "scapose" PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 928, Page 88.
Only 1 leaf per node. These usually alternating from one side of the stem to the other.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1410a, Page 144.
Leaves at the base of the plant are alternate in arrangement. Those near the top, are opposite in arrangement. A very rare characteristic.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figures 1410a-1410b, Pages 145-146.
A group of leaves all apparently emerging from a single point. Commonly used to describe the needles of pine trees which may have up to five needles per fascicle.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 365, Page 36.
Two leaves originating from the same node on opposite sides of the stem. Plants with this arrangement sometimes have square stems.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 652, Page 64.
The leaves on the lower part of the plant are opposite in arrangement, and the leaves on the upper part of the plant are alternate in arrangement.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figures 1410a-1410b, Pages 144-145.
Three leaves emerging from around the stem at the same node. Whorled is one of the most unusual leaf arrangements and, therefore, very significant.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1410b, Page 145.
Four leaves emerging from around the stem at the same node. Whorled is one of the most unusual leaf arrangements and, therefore, very significant.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1410b, Page 145.
Five to eight leaves emerging from around the stem at the same node. Whorled is one of the most unusual leaf arrangements and, therefore, very significant in identification.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1410b, Page 145.
More than 8 leaves emerging from around the stem at the same node. Whorled is one of the most unusual leaf arrangements and, therefore, very significant in identification.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1410b, Page 145.
A leaf with only 2 leaflets; these paired at the end of the leaf stem. A very rare leaf type.
A leaf which is branched and branched again; the second division forming the leaflets. The first division is called the "pinnae." (Just in case you wanted to know.)
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 106, Page 13.
A pinnately compound leaf with no leaflet at the end and four or less pairs of leaflets.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1392a, Page 138.
A pinnately compound leaf with no leaflet at the end and five or more pairs of leaflets.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1392a, Page 138.
A pinnately compound leaf with a leaflet at the end and three or less pairs of leaflets.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1392a, Page 138.
A pinnately compound leaf with a leaflet at the end and four or more pairs of leaflets.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1392a, Page 138.
A compound leaf with 4 or 5 sections originating from a single point -- like the fingers from the palm of your hand.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 675, Page 66.
A compound leaf with 5 or more segments originating from a single point -- like the fingers from the palm of your hand.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 675, Page 66.
Leaf divided into many irregularly shaped, small segments. The primary segments radiating from a single point.
Similar to PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 691, Page 67 (though referring to another term).
Leaf divided into many irregularly shaped segments. The primary segments radiating outward along a central axis like the pieces of a feather (pinnate means feather-like).
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1399b, Pg 141.
A leaf which is neither compound nor dissected into small segments. This is the most common leaf type.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X):Note that both figures 985 and 986, Page 93, are simple leaves.
A leaf with 3 similar leaf-like segments. This is the classic clover leaf. This type of leaf is sometimes referred to as "ternate."
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figures 1160 and 1163, Page 108.
A compound leaf which is divided into three progressively smaller segments; the last set of segments are the leaflets.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1171, Page 109.
Stipules green and leaf-like, but very small; less than 2 mm long.
Stipules green and leaf-like; 2 mm to 4 mm long.
Stipules green and leaf-like, 4 mm to 10 mm long.
Stipules green and leaf-like; at least 1 cm long.
Glands are small, rounded structures which, in this case, appear at the base of the leaf stem (petiole).
No stipules found at the base of the leaf stem.
Membraneous stipules wrap around the main stem of the plant above the attachment of the leaf base. This is often indicative of the rhubarb family (Polygonaceae).
A membraneous stipule which wraps around the main stem of the plant above the attachment of the leaf base. This stipule has a loose, irregularly "torn" appearance at the tip. Often indicative of the rhubarb family (Polygonaeae).
A stipule which is dry and papery in texture. Caution: some membraneous stipules become dry and papery with age but were moist and pliable when young.
In some plants the stipules have been modified to form spines. This often results in a pair of spines at the base of each leaf.
The veins originating from the mid-vein, like pinnate veins, but then turning and running parallel to the leaf margin forming an arc. Therefore, these can be confused with both pinnate and parallel veins. Similar to the lower veins shown in:
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1396, Page 139.
The main veins originating from a central point at the base of the leaf and radiating like the fingers of your hand (i.e., like a maple leaf).
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 674, Page 66.
All of the veins running parallel to each other and the leaf margin. As in a grass leaf.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 685, Page 67.
The veins radiating to the sides of the main vein like the pieces of a feather (pinnate means feather-like).
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 701, Page 68.
No leaf stem present. The leaf blade appearing to attach directly to the branch or main stem.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 972, Page 92.
Petiole short, less than 254562620f the total length of the leaf (less than 1/3 the length of the blade).
Petiole from somewhat shorter to somewhat longer than the leaf blade.
Petiole at least 3 times as long as the leaf blade.
Heart-shaped with rounded basal lobes.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389a, Page 133.
Triangular, like the Greek symbol Delta.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389a, Page 133.
A long oval.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389a, Page 133.
With the lobes at the base flared outward like a spearhead.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389b, Page 133.
Narrow with the sides converging to a pointed tip.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389b, Page 133. Many lanceolate leaves are narrower than shown there.
Linear means "like a line": Long and narrow with parallel sides. Filiform means "thread-like" and is even more narrow than linear.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389b, Page 133.
Literally, shaped like a fiddle held by its neck with the base upwards. The terminal lobe is much the largest.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389b, Page 133.
The prefix "ob" means backwards. Therefore, this looks like a lanceolate leaf attached by its tip.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389c, Page 134.
The sides nearly parallel and the body of the blade 2-4 times as long as wide.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389c, Page 134.
The opposite of ovate, like an oval but largest near the tip and narrowed to a pointed base.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389c, Page 134.
Literally round, shaped like a dinner plate. Maybe somewhat indented at the attachment of the leaf stem.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389c, Page 134.
A compressed circle.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389c, Page 134.
The opposite of obovate. Like an oval but largest near the base and narrowed to a pointed tip.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389c, Page 134.
Three lobes spreading like fingers of your hand. Remember, lobes can be rounded, pointed, irregular, etc.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1162, Page 108.
Four or five lobes, spreading like the fingers of your hand. Lobes can be pointed, rounded, irregular, etc.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1399c, Page 142 (palmatifid).
A lobed leaf with more than 5 lobes originating from a central point at the base of the leaf.
A lobed leaf with the lobes radiating to the sides of the main vein like the sections of a feather (pinnate means feather-like). Think of the classic oak leaf or dandelion leaf.
Broadly rounded at the tip and broadly heart-shaped at the base, giving the general appearance of a kidney bean.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 869, Page 83.
Shaped like a diamond, the petiole attached at the point.
Like a dandelion leaf, with the lobes pointed backwards towards the base of the leaf.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 906, Page 86.
With the lobes at the base pointed backwards, like an arrowhead.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 913, Page 87.
Shaped like a spatula, the long, blunt instrument used to spread frosting. Broadly linear with a tapered base and a blunt tip.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1000, Page 94.
Gradually narrowed to a long point. "Attenuate" is more gradually tapered than "acuminate", but they are not distinguished here.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1391a, Page 136.
Abruptly narrowed to a short point.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1391a, Page 136.
With a small, stiff bristle at the tip.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1391a, Page 136.
With a short, non-spiny, pointed or nipple-like appendage in the center of the leaf tip.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1391b, Page 136.
The leaf tip with a deep or shallow indentation at the center of the tip.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figures 1391b-1391c, Pages 136-137.
"Obtuse" = rounded. One of those terms created by scientists to make themselves sound mysterious, which is somewhat "obtuse!"
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1391c, Page 137.
With 3 teeth at the tip. Big sagebrush is named Artemisia tridentata because its leaves have this kind of tip.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1159, Page 108.
Squared off at the tip.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1391c, Page 137.
With stiff hairs evenly spaced along the margin. These hairs sometimes occur along the whole margin but more often occur only at the base.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 168, Page 19.
Leaf margin with small, uniform, rounded teeth. Often somewhat wavy as well.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 239, Page 25.
Literally "toothed" as in the word "dentist." In this program, all large teeth are referred to as "dentate" regardless of orientation.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 275, Page 29.
"Entire" means smooth, without lobes, teeth, etc. This is a very common type of leaf margin.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 329, Page 33.
With the margin divided into obvious, large divisions.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 746, Page 72.
With the lobes extending inward greater than half way to the midrib.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 747, Page 72.
"Serrate" is the same root word as "serrated" and "serrations," all of which mean "like the teeth of a saw." Very similar to "dentate" but with the teeth pointed forward.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 970, Pg 91.
"Serrate" means "like the teeth of a saw." "Doubly serrate" or "biserrate" means with each of the larger teeth having smaller teeth along its margin.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1399a, Page 141.
"Undulate" and "sinuate" refer to a wavy leaf margin. These "waves" can be in 1 or 2 planes, i.e, the same plane as the leaf surface or at right angles to it.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1210, Page. 112.
The hairs directed forward towards the tip of the leaf or leaflet.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 54, Page 8. That illustration shows this type of hair on a branch.
The surface covered with a dense mat of short hairs giving it a white, grayish, or silvery appearance. Similar to "tomentose".
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 144, Page 17.
With tufts of loose, wooly hairs unevenly distributed over the surface.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 381, Page 38.
With no hairs. Often smooth and shiny.
Sticky, spherical structures which can tip a hair, like the head of a pin, or be attached directly to the surface. Glandular plants are often smelly.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 407, Page 41.
With a blueish-white, waxy film covering the surface. This film is easily wiped off with your finger. The fruit of many plums and the new growth of elderberry and box-elder are glaucous.
Hairs with a series of backwards pointing barbs. Leaves with this type of hair will readily cling to your clothing.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 410, Page 41.
Covered with long, somewhat stiff hairs. "Hirsute" literally means hairy and is often used to refer to men with beards.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 444, Page 44.
Stiff, bristly or prickly, nasty hairs. This type of hairiness is typical of the borage family.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 446, Page 45.
It is rather common to have more hair on the lower leaf surface than the upper leaf surface. This condition is more pronounced in some plants.
With a covering of very tiny, short, soft hairs. The diminutive of pubescent.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 817, Page 79.
Loosely used to mean any type of hairs, i.e., pubescent vs. glabrous. In the context of this program, "pubescent" means a covering of short, soft, hairs.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 818, Page 79.
Appearing to have small holes or pits in the blade surface.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 821, Page 79.
With the hairs pointed downward or toward the base.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 876, Page 84. This illustration shows retrorse hairs on a branch rather than a leaf.
Rough and scratchy like sandpaper. Squash leaves are a good example of this type of surface.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 923, Page 88.
A loose, granular substance on the surface. As if the plant had been sprinkled with cornmeal. These granules are sometimes sparkly. Typical of the lambsquarters family.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 945, Pg 89.
With long, soft, silky hairs which are ususlly bent or appressed. Combined here with "villous" which is the same type of hair somewhat more erect.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 969, Page 91.
Only a few hairs. They can be of any type.
Usually not covering the entire surface, but on the marginal lobes, tip, midvein, etc. Includes from very rigid structures to those unable to break the skin. As in thistles.
Literally "star-shaped." These hairs can be exquisite when viewed through a hand lens or microscsope and are only found in a few plant families.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1034, Page 97.
You will recognize these when you touch them! Generally plants with this feature are referred to as "nettles," however, some plants called "nettles" merely have spines. Stinginging hairs are actually hollow tubes filled with chemicals that irritate the skin when the tubes are broken.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1226, Page 114.
With short, stiff, flattened hairs. Very similar in texture to "scabrous."
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1053, Page 1053.
Densely covered with a matted tangle of soft hairs. Similar to canescent but with longer hairs.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1130, Page 106.
Under magnification these hairs look like small mining picks with their handles stuck in the ground. The two rays run parallel to the main vein.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 306, Page 31.
Hooked at the tip, giving the surface a velcro-like feel; hence clinging to clothing, fur, etc.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1209, Page 112.
With long, soft, somewhat erect, silky hairs. Combined here with "serecious," which is the same type of hairs but somewhat bent or appressed.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1252, Page 116.
The sides abruptly converging to a triangular base. Often referred to as "cuneate."
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1390a, Page 135.
Tapering and becoming very long and narrow.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1390a, Page 135.
Auricles are literally "ears" formed at the base of the leaf. "Auriculate" leaf bases are often very similar to hastate, saggitate, or cordate bases. Use the "or" command.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1390a, Pg. 135.
A "clasping" leaf is one without a leaf stem (petiole) which wraps around the branch at the point of attachment. Clasping the branch in this manner often forms auricles at the base.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 178, Page 20.
Literally "heart-shaped." With two, large, rounded lobes at the base. Leaves with cordate bases may or may not be cordate in overall shape.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1390a, Page 135.
With the basal lobes pointed out to the sides like an "arrowhead."
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1390a, Page 135.
The 2 sides of the leaf base very uneven. The leaf, therefore, appearing skewed or lopsided.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1390b, Page 135.
"Perfoliate" literally means "through the leaf." These blade bases wrap all the way around the stem causing this appearance.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389d, Page 134.
The 2 sides of the base coming together to form a curve.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1390b, Page 135.
"Saggitate" literally means shaped like a "spearhead." The two basal lobes pointing backwards.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1390b, Page 135.
"Truncate" means "square." Therefore, a "truncate" blade base is one where the sides form a right angle from the base.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1390b, Page 135.
Deltoid means "triangular," as in the Greek symbol Delta.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389a, Page 133.
An elongate oval.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389, Page 133.
Long and narrow, the sides converging to a pointed tip.
Often narrower than ilustrated in PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY (Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389b, Page 133.
Linear means "like a line": Long and narrow with parallel sides. Filiform means "thread-like" and is even more narrow than linear.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389b, Page 133.
Typical of an Oxalis leaflet. Literally heart-shaped and attached at the narrow end.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389b, Page 133.
Like a lanceolate leaf, but attached at the narrow end.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389c, Page 134.
The sides nearly parallel and the blade 2-4 times as long as broad.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389c, Page 134.
The opposite of ovate; broadest near the tip.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389c, Page 134.
Round, shaped like a dinner plate.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389c, Page 134.
A compressed circle.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389c, Page 134.
A compressed circle, largest near the base.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1389c, Page 134.
With 3 lobes, radiating like the fingers of your hand. Remember, lobes can be pointed, rounded, irregular, etc.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1162, Page 108.
With 4 or 5 lobes radiating like the fingers of your hand.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 674, Page 66.
A lobed leaflet with more than 5 lobes radiating from a central point.
A lobed leaflet with the lobes radiating to the sides of the main vein like the pieces of a feather (pinnate means
feather-like).
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figures 746-747, Page 73.
Leaflet attached directly to the leaf stem (rachis).
Leaflet stem (petiolule) is less than 1/3 the length of the leaflet blade.
Leaflet stem (petiolule) from somewhat longer to somewhat shorter than the leaflet blade.
Many large, herbaceous plants have hollow flowering stems. To qualify for this character the diameter of the open space should be at least twice the thickness of the walls which surround it.
A round stem, which has been somewhat flattened. Roll it between your fingers and this will become evident. This characteristic is uncommon in broadleaf plants, but important in grasses.
Many plants display prominent longitudinal ridges on the stem. However, this information is often lacking from written descriptions.
This is the most common stem cross-section shape.
Although many people think that a square stem infers a member of the mint family, there are actually many families with this characteristic. "Square" stems are usually accompanied by opposite leaves.
The "wings" of a stem are broad, flattened, longitudinal ridges. These often are extensions of the leaf bases. The difference between wings and ridges is a matter of degree. Use the "or" command if unsure.
No leaves on the flowering stems; such as a dandelion. In some cases this is technically incorrect as the "stem" is actually a peduncle. Use only for stems which originate at ground level.
"Greatly reduced" refers to the size relationship between the basal leaves and the stem leaves, with the stem leaves being much the smaller.
Virtually all trees and shrubs have leafy "stems" although they are often thought of as branches. If the leaves near the base are the same size as those above, the stem is "uniformly leafy."
A branched stem will have several inflorescences, at least one on each branch.
A simple stem terminating in an inflorescence; like a dandelion. Use this character only for stems which originate at ground level.
An enlarged, spherical stem base below ground. Although bulbs and corms are technically quite different, it is not necessary to distinguish between them in this program.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 124, page 15; Figure 223, Page 24
A cluster of narrow, string-like roots; these often much branched.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1278, Page 122.
Used here to denote any horizontal, underground, reproductive structures. In either woody or herbaceous species this often results in large, dense patches of plants.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 882, Page 84.
Roots appearing from the stem at the bases of the leaves. This is relatively common in aquatic and semi-aquatic species.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1280, Page 122.
A horizontal, above ground stem. As in the "runners" on a strawberry.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1045, Page 98.
The root an elongation of the main stem. While a taproot is often somewhat thickened it can be much narrower than illustrated in:
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1097, Page 103.
An enlarged, thickened root portion of the root system, as in a potato. These are starchy structures used for food storage and vegetative reproduction.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY
(Harris and Harris, 1994, ISBN# 0-9640221-5-X): Figure 1184, Page 110.
Herbaceous plants with simple, opposite leaves. Flowers tubular with 5 petals, symmetrical, or asymmetrical. Fruit a superior 2-celled capsule. Stamens 2 or 4. Very similar to the Scrophulariaceae.
Trees or shrubs with opposite leaves. The leaves usually palmately lobed and veined but pinnately compound in box elder. Fruit made up of two 1-seeded, winged fruits (called samaras).
Evergeen, perennial, herbaceous or semi-woody with a basal rosette of long, narrow leaves. Sepals and petals similar, yellow to white. This family is very similar to the Liliaceae.
Fleshy to succulent, often prostrate. Leaves simple, alternate, or opposite. Flowers inconspicuous in axillary clusters. Fruit a 1-5 celled capsule of many small seeds. Very similar to Molluginaceae.
Aquatic plants with milky juice. The leaves all basal with long petioles (leaf stems). Flowers with 3 petals, white to rarely pinkish, and separate carpels.
Herbaceous annuals or perennials. Leaves alternate or opposite. Flowers small and greenish, petals lacking. Each flower subtended by a small, usually spine-like bract. Ovary 1-celled and 1-seeded.
Similar to Liliaceae. Perennial herbs with bulbs, corms, or rhizomes. Flowers often in a simple umbel. The 3 petals and 3 sepals usually all showy. Leaves linear and parallel veined.
Shrubs or trees with milky or resinous juice. Many species dermal-toxic. Fruits 1-celled and 1-seeded, dry or fleshy. Leaves alternate, often compound.
Trees or shrubs. The leaves alternate and simple, often aromatic. Sepals 3, Petals generally 6 in 2 whorls, stamens many, carpels usually many and united in a dry or fleshy mass.
Flowers in simple or compound umbels. Herbaceous, often aromatic, annuals or perennials. Stems often hollow. Leaves simple to more often compound to dissected. Ovary inferior, fruit splitting into two, 1-seeded sections.
Perennial herbs, vines, or shrubs with milky juice and usually opposite leaves. Very similar to the milkweed family. Fruit often a pod of downy seeds. Many species are poisonous.
Trees and shubs, mostly evergreen with shiny and spiny leaves. The fruits bright red, single seeded, berries.
The flowers in a spike, wrapped in a sheath-like bract which is often colored.
Perennial, often woody, plants. The flowers small and greenish in simple umbels.
Large trees with unbranched single stems. The compound leaves borne only at the apex of the trunk, with the older senescent leaves often still present below.
Perennial shrubs, vines, or herbs usually with milky juice. Leaves simple, opposite, alternate, or whorled. Fruit a pod (follicle) with feathery parachutes called "coma" attached to the seeds; seeds often arranged like fish scales.
The flowers are arranged in heads which resemble a larger flower. There are two types of flowers (ray = ligulate and disk = tube). These can occur together or separately. Seeds often with hairs (pappus) attached. Same as Compositae.
Tiny, often reddish, floating plants with tiny, overlapping (imbricate) leaves. Reproducing by spores.
A family of only four genera world-wide and only one (Impatiens) in North America. Flowers strongly irregular, plants often of moist and/or shady habitats. Capsules explosively dehiscent.
Herbs or shrubs with mostly 4 or 5 whorls of 2-4 distinct members. Fruit a 1-several seeded follicle or berry.
Trees or shrubs with simple, petiolate, alternate leaves with serrate margins and pinnate venation. Male and female flowers separate. The male flowers in pendulous catkins.
Trees, shrubs, or woody vines. The large, showy flowers distinctly 2-lipped. Fruits are long, narrow, and woody with a central partition and winged seeds. Leaves opposite, alternate, or whorled.
Flowers tubular with 5 lobes. The flowers arranged in a coiled cluster (scorpoid cyme). Fruit of 4 nutlets. Leaves often bristly hairy.
Petals 4, free to the base. Stamens usually 6, (4 long & 2 short). The fruit a 2-celled superior ovary, either long and narrow (silique) or short & broad (silicle). Often with a "hot" taste.
A diverse family, from trees to annuals; flowers with 4 or 5 petals and stamens the same number as the petals.
Erect aquatic perennials to 1 meter tall, with fleshy stems and showy flowers. The flowers borne in a terminal umbel, each flower with 3 petals, 3 sepals, and 9 stamens.
Fleshy plants of arid environments. The leaves reduced to a variety of spines. Often confused with some of the spurges which occupy the same sites and are similar in apearance, but have milky juice.
Two genera: Cabomba and Brasenia
Glabrous aquatic perennials with rhizomes. Flowers borne near or at the water surface, usually with three petals and three sepals.
Considered by many to be a sub-family of the Fabaceae (Leguminosae). The most distinctive features of this group are: sepals separate to the base and the upper petal smaller than the side petals.
Petals united, flowers regular to strongly irregular. Ovary inferior, fruit usually a capsule of 2-5 cells. Leaves simple, alternate, or all basal. Milky juice sometimes present.
Flowers inconspicuous, leaves alternate. In the U.S. represented only by marijuana, an annual with palmately compound leaves; and hops, a perennial vine with 3-lobed leaves. Both species glandular.
Foul smelling herbs or shrubs. Very similar to Cruciferae. Petals 4, stamens 6 to many, leaves usually trifoliate or palmately compound. Fruit a 1-celled capsule, often with a prominent stipe. In some references, this family is spelled Capparidaceae.
Foul smelling herbs or shrubs. Very similar to Cruciferae. Petals 4, stamens 6 to many, leaves usually trifoliate or palmately compound. Fruit a 1-celled capsule, often with a prominent stipe. In some references, this family is spelled Capparaceae.
Leaves opposite; trees, shrubs, or vines often with pithy stems. Petals united, stamens attached to the tube. Flowers regular or irregular, ovary inferior, fruit often a berry.
Annual or perennial herbs. Leaves simple and entire, usually opposite. Petals 4-5, often bilobed at the tip. Fruit a 1-celled capsule, styles 2-5.
Trees, shrubs or woody vines with simple membraneous to leathery leaves. The flowers small and white, greenish, or purplish. The ovary subtented by a glandular disk.
Submerged aquatic plants with whorled leaves which are divided into narrow, three forked divisions. Common in quiet waters.
Flowers tiny, greenish, petals lacking. Leaves often covered with a whitish mealy substance. Fruit 1-celled and 1-seeded, plants often found in alkaline or saline soils.
Leaves opposite, simple, usually sessile and punctate. Stamens many, styles 3. Fruit a capsule, seeds very small. Same as Hypericaceae.
Annual or perennial herbs with simple, alternate, parallel veined leaves. The leaf base forming a tubular sheath. 3 green sepals and 3 white or colored petals. Fruit a 2 or 3 celled capsule.
The flowers are arranged in heads which resemble a larger flower. There are two types of flowers (ray = ligulate and disk = tube). These can occur together or separately. The seeds often have a parachute-like group of hairs called a "pappus" attached. Same as Asteraceae.
Herbs, or more often vines, climbing by twining stems. Petals united to form a tube or funnel. Fruit a 1-4 celled capsule, commonly with 1-4 seeds. Juice sometimes milky.
Perennial herbs, shrubs, or small trees. Leaves opposite with arcuate venation. Flowers small but sometimes subtended by showy bracts. Sepals, petals, stamens all 4. Fruit a 1-2 seeded berry.
Some authors separate the genus Corylus (hazelnuts, filberts) from the family Betulaceae and place it in this family.
Succulent, glabrous herbs or shrubs with entire, simple leaves. Petal tips usually pointed. Petals, sepals, and separate carpels all 4-5. Plants of arid environments.
Petals usually 4, free to the base. Stamens usually 6 (4 long and 2 short). The fruit a 2-celled superior ovary, either long and narrow (silique) or short and broad (silicle). Often with a hot taste. Same as Brassicaceae.
Climbing or trailing herbs with alternate leaves and usually tendrils. Leaves palmately veined and rough (scabrous). Fruit a gourd (pepo), melon, or berry, sometimes a spiny capsule. Often bitter.
Evergreen trees or shrubs with overlapping scale-like or needle-like leaves. Plants pungently aromatic. Some authors include this family in the Pinaceae.
Delicate twining, parasitic vines. Due to lacking chlorphyll the vines are a distinctive yellow to white. The leaves small and scale-like. Flowers small, yellow to white.
This family is broken out of the Polypodiaceae (the fern family) by some authors based on having hairy rhizomes and branches arising from the petiole.
Perennial vines from large fleshy rhizomes or tubers. Flowers unisexual, usually on different plants. Flwers with six similar tepals.
Similar to Asteraceae, flowers in dense heads, petals united, ovary inferior. Leaves opposite, entire to pinnately lobed. Herbaceous plants with four distinct stamens.
Represented here only by persimmon, a shrub or tree to 60 feet tall. Leaves thick and dark green, the blades oval to oblong 7-15 cm in length. The fruit a yellowish-brown berry 2-6 cm diameter.
Shrubs or small trees. The leaves and young stems covered with shiny peltate or stellate hairs causing a golden or silvery color. Fruit a 1-seeded, pithy berry.
Distinctive erect, herbaceous plants with hollow, ridged, silicaceous stems. Some stems apparently naked, tipped by a spike of spore producing structures, others with whorled branches.
A very diverse group. Mostly shrubs with evergreen leaves. Plants prefering cool acidic soils.
Herbaceous annuals or perennials with milky, often acrid, juice. Leaves alternate, opposite, or whorled. Flowers often subtended by showy bracts. Fruit a 3-celled capsule.
Fruit shaped like a pea or bean. Leaves often compound. Tendrils sometimes present. Flowers regular or irregular. A very large and variable family. See also Mimosaceae, Caesalpiniaceae and Papillionaceae.
Trees or shrubs with separate male and female flowers. The male flowers in catkins, the female flowers in the leaf axils of the new growth, forming acorns. Leaves alternate, simple, petiolate, often pinnately lobed.
Flowers showy and strongly irregular in racemes or panicles. Leaves dissected. Annual to perennial, herbaceous plants with watery juice.
Annual or perennial herbs with 5 white, blue, or purple to pinkish petals. Fruit of 5 carpels, long beaked, the carpels separating at maturity. Leaves with prominent stipules.
Shrubs with alternate, palmatetely lobed or toothed leaves. The berries borne in racemes. Those species with spines are called "gooseberries" those without spines are called "currants".
Myriophyllum. Emergent aquatic plants, the submersed leaves whorled and divided into linear pinnate segments. Flowers inconspicuous in whorls of 4-6 in the axils of the upper leaves.
Shrubs or small trees with opposite, palmately compound leaves.
Erect rhizomatous herbs of aquatic or semi-aquatic sites. The leaves linear and entire, in whorls of 4 - 12. Flowers inconspicuous, solitary in the axils of the upper leaves.
Submerged aquatic plants with simple, entire leaves. Flowers surrounded by a spathe of one to three bracts.
Herbaceous plants; the flowers in scorpoid cymes or solitary. Stamens often exserted. Fruit a one-celled capsule. Petals united, the stamens attached to the tube near the base.
Leaves opposite, simple, usually sessile and punctate. Stamens many, styles 3. Fruit a capsule, seeds very small. Same as Clusiaceae.
Perennials with linear, parallel veined leaves. Flowering stems erect, flowers in terminal racemes or panicles. Petals apparently 6, showy; stamens 3, ovary inferior.
Trees with large, alternate, pinnately compound leaves. Male flowers in catkins, female flowers solitary or clustered at the tips of the branches. Fruit a nut surrounded by a fleshy or woody husk.
Flowering stems naked, flowers in terminal spikes or racemes. Leaves all basal, long and narrow, round in cross section. Plants of moist, often alkaline, sites.
Flowers tubular, regular to strongly irregular, often verticillate. Sepals forming a tube. Leaves opposite, often toothed, stems square. Plants often aromatic. Same as Lamiaceae.
Flowers tubular, regular to strongly irregular, often verticillate. Sepals forming a tube. Leaves opposite, often toothed, stems square. Plants often aromatic, fruit 4 nutlets.
Aromatic, often evergreen, trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, simple. Fruit a red or blue, single-seeded berry.
Fruit shaped like a pea or a bean. Leaves usually compound, tendrils sometimes present. Flowers regular or irregular. A very large and variable family. See also Mimosaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, and Papillionaceae. Same as Fabaceae.
Very tiny, floating aquatic plants often consisting solely of two to four very small (<5 mm) oval leaves and 1 or more fibrous roots.
Lentibulariaceae (bladderwort family) aquatic or semi-aquatic, carnivorous plants. There are three genera, Genlisea, the corkscrew plants, Pinguicula, the butterworts, and Utricularia, the bladderworts. The flowers highly irregular and commonly yellow to orange.
Herbaceous perennials with parallel to arcuate venation. Flowers showy with 3, or apparently 6, petals. Ovary superior, stamens 6. Roots commonly bulbs or corms, occasionally rhizomes.
Leaves alternate, glaucous, linear and entire. The flower parts ALL in multiples of 5.
Petals yellow to orange, stamens many. Herbaceous plants with rough clinging leaves. Ovary inferior, fruit a cylindrical, 1-3 celled capsule.
A diverse family, from trees to annuals, flowers with 4 or 5 petals and stamens the same number as the petals.
Flowers regular, petals 4-7, from a long hypanthium which is free from the ovary. Leaves mostly opposite. Plants of wet sites. Style 1, fruit a 2-6 celled capsule.
Leaves palmately veined, simple to palmately lobed, alternate and stipulate. Petals 5, stamens many, forming a column (monodelphous). Carpels 2 to many. Pubescence often stellate.
Small, creeping, herbaceous plants of wet habitats. The sac-like spore producing structures originating from the leaf axils.
Large annuals, with sticky-fuzzy, round leaves. Petals united, flowers irregular and showy. Fruit a large horned capsule, which splits into 2 segments at maturity.
Primarily tropical plants with distinctive leaves. The leaves are opposite with 3 to 7 arcuate main veins.
Trees and shrubs, usually with alternate, pinnately compound leaves. They are often aromatic and commonly evergreen
Vines of the southeastern U.S. with separate male and female flowers, no thorns or tendrils, and simple alternate leaves. Fruit a one-seeded berry.
Glabrous aquatic perennials with emergent or floating leaves.
Considered by some authors to be a subfamily of the Fabaceae. Distinguished primarily by its 2-3 times pinnately compound leaves and its dense clusters of flowers with exserted, showy stamens.
Annual herbs with narrow, simple leaves. Flowers small, arising from the leaf axils. Considered by some authors to be a subset of the Aizoaceae.
Trees or shrubs with milky juice and separate male and female flowers. Leaves alternate and simple or palmately lobed.
Evergreen trees or shrubs with clusters of axillary flowers forming one-seeded purple fruits. An escaped ornamental in California.
Trees or shrubs with aromatic foliage. The tiny flowers, without petals or sepals, are borne in unisexual catkins. The leaves bearing both glandular and non glandular hairs.
Submerged aquatic plants with opposite or whorled leaves. The flowers solitary in the leaf axils with one carpel and one stamen.
Large, floating-leaved aquatic plants. Visually and taxonomically very similar to the Nymphaceae (water lily). Distinguished by having seeds with a large embryo and no perisperm.
Annual or perennial herbs with opposite, simple leaves. Flower clusters subtended by large, 5-parted or 5-lobed bracts.
Large floating-leaved aquatic plants. Plants arising from large tuberous rhizomes. The flowers solitary and showy on long stalks.
Trees or shrubs with opposite, pinnately compound leaves. Flowers in pendulous clusters from the axils of the previous years growth. Fruit 1-seeded and winged (samara) = Fraxinus (ash).
Annual to perennial herbaceous plants. Petals white, yellow, or pinkish purple. Ovary inferior, fruit a 2-5 celled capsule. Flower parts often in fours.
A very large familt of plants with very few weedy members. The flowers showy and irregular. The inferior ovary and peduncle making a prominent twist during development.
Somewhat fleshy. Parasitic on the roots of many species; lacking chlorophyll and leaves. Flowers irregular, stamens 4; fruit a superior 1-celled capsule. Very similar to the Scrophulariaceae
Annual or perennial herbs with stolons, rhizomes, or scaly bulbs. Leaves ternate (trifoliolate) with obcordate leaflets. Fruit an elongate 5-celled capsule. Leaves with a distinct sweet-sour taste.
Annual to perennial herbs with milky or watery juice. Sepals 2-3, petals commonly 4 but sometimes 6, 8, or 12. Stamens numerous, ovary superior. Fruit 1-celled capsule opening by valves or pores.
Considered by many to be a sub-family of the Fabaceae. Flowers strongly irregular, with large upper banner, lower keel and two smaller wing petals.
Trees shrubs or tendril bearing vines. Commonly with a distinctive, brightly colored, fringed corona. The pistil with three carpels forming a berry or capsule.
Large annuals with sticky-fuzzy leaves. Petals united, flowers irregular and showy. fruit a large horned capsule which splits into two segments at maturity. Same as Martyniaceae.
Only Phytolacca included here. A hairless, perennial herb to 9 feet tall with simple, alternate leaves 10-30 cm long. Flowers in racemes 4-8 inches long. Fruit a juicy, purple berry.
Evergreen trees with resinous wood and foliage. Leaves needle-like to linear and spirally arranged or in fascicles. Male flowers in small, soon deciduous cones. Female flowers in woody cones.
Herbaceous plants mostly with basal leaves. Small flowers in spikes terminating the naked stems. Leaves with parallel veins. Fruit a 2-celled capsule, seeds mucilaginous when wet.
Only the genus Platanus (sycamore) included here. Large trees with scaly bark and alternate, large, palmately veined leaves. Fruit a pendulous ball of brown, hairy achenes.
Sepals and petals tubular, often elongate. The fruit a superior, three sectioned capsule.
Annual to perennial herbs or vines. The weedy genera with sheathing membranous stipules (ocreae). Both the flowers and fruit appearing triangular in cross section.
Non-flowering plants with all basal leaves. Spores produced from structures on the backs of the leaves. Most species non-weedy.
Aquatic to semi-aquatic, annual to perennial herbs. Leaves alternate sheathing at the base, with or without blades. Flowers apparently with 6 petals, these fused at the base forming a tube.
Fleshy plants with simple, entire leaves. Flowers with 4 or 5 petals but only 2 sepals. Styles 2-7, fruit a capsule.
Submerged aquatic plants with prominently stipular leaves. The flowers perfect with floral parts in fours. Inflorescence a pedunculate spike.
Herbaceous annuals or perennials with simple, usually entire, basal or opposite leaves. Stamens 5, free from and opposite the petals. Style 1 with a capitate stigma. Fruit a 1-celled capsule.
Large annuals with sticky-fuzzy leaves. Petals united, flowers irregular and showy. Fruit a large horned capsule which splits into 2 segments at maturity. Same as Pedaliaceae.
Herbaceous annuals to perennials usually with 0, 5 or many petals and numerous stamens. The carpels separate, forming achenes or follicles. Stipules lacking.
Flowers bearing a large, sterile disk between the perianth segments and the stamens. The pistil is elongate and often open terminally even while immature.
Shrubs or small trees. Leaves simple with arcuate venation. Fruit a capsule or berry-like, with 1-4 seeds.
A large and very diverse family, including annual and perennial herbs, trees and shrubs. Some common characters include: numerous stamens, 5 petals, stipulate alternate leaves, hypanthium present.
Herbs or shrubs, with opposite to whorled leaves. Flowers small with 4 white petals and 4 stamens. Ovary inferior of two, united, 1-seeded carpels.
Submerged perennial aquatics with linear leaves. Each flower with 2 stamens and 4 pistils.
Aromatic herbs or usually woody plants. Leaves often compound. Spines or thorns often present. Stamens twice as many as the petals.
Trees or shrubs often found along the margins of water courses or other wet areas. Leaves alternate, simple, short, petiolate. Male and female flowers in catkins on separate trees.
Small floating plants reproducing by spores.
Partly to wholly parasitic plants with simple, entire leaves and three to six stamens. Perianth segments green, white or purple and connate.
Trees, shrubs, or vines with alternate, ternate to pinnately compound leaves. Flowers in axillary or terminal panicles, stamens 8-10.
Somewhat thorny shrubs or small trees. The leaves simple, alternate to fascicled, dark glossy green on the upper surface and densely covered with white to brown hairs on the lower.
Rhizomatous herbs with simple, alternate or mostly basal leaves. Flowers in a conical terminal spike subtended by conspicuous white bracts. Plants of wet, often alkaline meadows. (Anemopsis)
A true fern, the plants rhizomatous and climbing, thus spreading both horizontally and vertically and often overwhelming all adjacent vegetation. This species was commonly sold as a houseplant but has escaped and is extremely aggressive in warm climates. Sporangia in two series along the veinlets.
A large and extremely diverse family. Some common characteristics include: petals united, stamens attached to the petals, flowers often irregular and showy. Ovary superior, fruit 2-celled capsule.
Ailanthus a smooth barked tree often forming colonies. Leaves odd-pinnately compound with 11-41 leaflets. Each leaflet with a single glandular tooth at the base. Fruit winged with 2-5 seeds.
Recently split from the Liliaceae and containing only the genus Smilax. Members of this genus are vines which are often woody and/or spiny. Fruit a berry.
The 5 petals united, stamens attached to the petals. Style 1, ovary superior, forming a 2-celled capsule or berry. Plants often unpleasantly aromatic. Many species containing toxic alkaloids.
Erect rhizomatous herbs of aquatic, often marshy habitats. The flowers borne in several dense head-like clusters near the tip of the stem. The upper flower clusters are male, the lower ones female.
Glabrous, more or less succulent, annual herbs of salty soils. The inflorescence a dense terminal spike.
Plants woody or herbaceous with simple alternate leaves. Sepals and petals three to five, pistil one and superior, fruit a capsule.
Delicately branched shrubs or small trees with tiny, juniper-like leaves. Flowers pink, very small, but showy in mass. Usally found in wet areas, particularly in alkaline soils.
Floating annual aquatic herbs with large horned fruits. The flowers with 4 petals ( sometimes treated as a member of the Onagraceae).
Herbaceous plants with palmately lobed or compound leaves. All plant parts with a sicy flavor. The flowers are strongly irregular and often very large and showy.
Aquatic to semi-aquatic plants with erect stems and leaves. The leaves very long, flattened, and linear, with parallel veins. Flowers tiny, in terminal spikes. Seeds tiny, fluffy and windblown.
Trees or shrubs with simple, alternate leaves. The leaves often scabrous and oblique. Flowers small, greenish to yellowish, petals lacking. Fruit winged or berry-like.
Flowers in simple to compound umbels. Herbaceous, aromatic, annuals or perennials. Stems often hollow. Leaves simple to more often compound or dissected. Ovary inferior, fruit splitting into two 1-seeded sections. Same as Apiaceae.
Annual to perennial herbs, sometimes with stinging hairs. Flowers tiny, greenish, with no petals, in axillary clusters, male and female flowers separate. Leaves often serrate or dentate margined.
Herbaceous plants with opposite leaves. The petals fused above the inferior ovary. Flowers commonly (but not always) irregular.
Herbaceous plants with opposite, entire leaves, and square stems. Petals 5, united into a tube. Flowers regular or irregular. Fruit of 4 nutlets. Similar to Lamiaceae.
Annual or perennial herbs with simple, alternate, prominently stipulate leaves. Flowers strongly irregular with 5 separate petals. Fruit a superior 3-celled capsule.
Evergreen aerial parasites of trees.
Perennial vines with alternate leaves and tendrils opposite the leaves. Flowers small and greenish, arranged in panicles arising opposite the leaves. Ovary superior, fruit a 1-4 seeded berry
Submerged rhizomatous aquatic herbs with linear leaves. The inconspicuous flowers unisexual, male and female flowers often in the same leaf axils.
Herbs or shrubs with opposite, compound or dissected leaves. Flowers with 5 petals and 10-15 stamens. Fruit a 4-5 celled capsule, berry, or schizocarp.
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An aromatic perennial with leaves very similar in shape to those of stinging nettle. The volatile compounds of this plant have a strange, drug-like effect on members of the cat family. It is occasionally grown as a crop which is sold for tea or for stuffing cat toys. Note the prominent square stem typical of the mint family.
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Similar in many regards to many of our wild roses, but this species tends to be more herbaceous, often woody only at the base. It is an extremely variable species and tends to hybridize with several other native roses. It is a common, although not particularly aggressive, species throughout the Great Plains.
= Rosa pratincola per South Dakota Weeds.
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Also known as "rough pigweed." The terminal spike is much shorter and broader than on the closely related Amaranthus powellii, Amaranthus palmerii, or Amaranthus hybridus. The taproot and often the lower stem base are reddish in color; hence the common name. As with all members of this genus, the flowers are small, green, and subtended by small spines.
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Usually found along the margins of lakes and streams. The flowers in white, umbrella-like clusters; the stems often with purple blotches and arising from a cluster of tuberous roots. If the stem base and root is cut in half length-wise, you will see it is divided into small chambers. From the walls of these chambers, a shiny, yellow substance is exuded. It is EXTREMELY TOXIC. It is very similar to Cicuta douglasii which occurs only in WA, OR, ID, MT, NV, CA, BC, AK and Mackenzie Canada and has elongate cells formed by the small veins on the under-side of the leaf; those of Cicuta maculata are round or square.
= Cicuta bolanderi
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A very weedy biennial from a white taproot. The leaves divided into many small segments and the stem covered with purple blotches. This species often forms dense stands, over 6 feet tall, along stream courses but can grow in a variety of sites. The white flowers are in small, umbrella-shaped clusters, and the whole plant emits a musty "mouse nest"-like odor. This is the same species which killed
Socrates, and human poisoning is common.
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Also called "Queen Anne's lace," this is the wild ancestor of our cultivated carrot. Due to this close relationship, wild carrot is of much concern in areas where carrot seed is grown since the crop could be pollinated by the weed. The flowers are white and arranged in flat topped clusters (compound umbels), often with a purple to black flower at the center. The flower clusters fold up at maturity, forming a "bird's nest" of bur-like seeds. Beneath the umbel there are several conspicuous branched bracts which distinguish this species from some "look-alikes."
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Cow parsnip is a native plant of moist, rich soils in the Western U.S. Its populations have fallen dramatically since the European colonization of the west due to the fact that this species will not survive cultivation or grazing by cattle. Despite the fact that this species is not at all weedy, it often appears in weed books, most likely because it is easily identified and photographed.
= Heracleum lanatum
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Achillea lanulosa (western yarrow) is so similar to common yarrow that some authorities consider them to be the same species, although technically Achillea lanulosa is native and Achillea millefolium is European. Note the flat-topped clusters of small, white flowers and the fern-like aromatic leaves. These species can grow in a great variety of pasture, range, and wasteland situations from sea level to 10,000 feet. Although this species is common, it is not particularly aggressive and is often symptomatic of over-grazing. Pink flowered forms are cultivated and occasionally occur in nature.
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This is a common weed of mesic annual cropland. Its most distinctive features include: the small "daisy-like" flower heads with yellow-orange centers and white rays, the finely divided leaves, and the extremely strong and unpleasant odor when the foliage is crushed. In the Pacific Northwest this species is often erroneously referred to as "dog fennel," a name reserved for Eupatorium capillifolium in the mid-west. In the 2000 edition of Weeds of the West it says "flowers 3/4 inch in diameter." However, this is actually the measurement of the heads.
Similar to Anthemis arvensis and Anthemis austriaca but much more aromatic.
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= Centaurea repens.
The word "repens" in the scientific name means "creeping" and refers to the creeping root system of this rhizomatous perennial. The roots are usually black and scaly. The bracts beneath the flower heads are membranous and translucent. Note the EXTREMELY bitter taste of the leaves.
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An extremely aggressive weed in dry habitats, this species often forms extensive monocultural stands. The stiff spines beneath the flower heads are often greater than an inch long. Each head produces 2 types of seeds, some with fluffy attachments for wind dissemination and the other without such attachments which fall near the parent plant. After seed shed, the prominently white, fuzzy receptacle remains and has earned the plant the common name of "cotton-top thistle" in Britain. The plant is very toxic to horses. In some areas it is called Barnaby or Barnaby's thistle.
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Flower heads with yellow centers and white rays. An aggressive, creeping perennial which is extremely competitive with grasses, particularly in low fertility, acidic soils. Application of nitrogen will help to favor the grasses.
= Chrysanthemum leucanthemum
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This weedy, tap-rooted perennial is the same species famous for its use in chicory coffee. The hairy basal leaves form a rosette, and the stem leaves are quite small. The coarse, branched stems give the plant a skeleton-like appearance. One of a very few species having blue flowers and milky juice.
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One of the most serious weeds of crop and forest land in the Western United States. Its spread is primarily from creeping root stocks which are distributed by cultivation and gophers. The "snowstorms" of fluff from patches of this species have caused many feuds but actually contain very few viable seeds. This is an extremely variable species, some varieties with entire, spineless leaves. An excellent description of these varieties can be found on page 239 of Ontario Weeds.
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This thistle has extremely stiff spines and often pointed leaf lobes. It is a biennial and, even in the rosette stage, can be distinguished from other thistles by its rough scratchy upper leaf surface. See also the photos on page 225 of the California Growers Guide which are misidentified as Scotch thistle.
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Also called mare's tail, this species does not develop its small, white flower heads until mid to late summer. The leaves can be either entire or lobed. At all stages of growth, the leaves have stiff "ciliate" hairs along the margins. A very common weed along roadsides, this species has developed resistance to certain herbicides.
= Erigeron canadensis, Leptilon canadense
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The wild ancestor of today's cultivated sunflower. The lowest leaves are opposite but most above are alternate, and all are scabrous (rough and scratchy). The flowers are in large heads with yellow ray flowers and brownish disk flowers. This species is common in dry wasteland and natural areas, blooming from mid to late summer.
= Helianthus lenticularis
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Despite the branched, several-flowered stems and rough hairy leaves, this species is often called dandelion. In wet climates or well watered lawns, it is an exceptionally troublesome weed.
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This rhizomatous perennial is a native weed of dry, alkaline soils in the Western U.S. The most distinctive feature is the pendulous flower heads which occur singly in the leaf axils.
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= Matricaria matricarioides, Chamomilla suaveolens
This low growing annual is often confused with mayweed (Anthemis cotula) but can easily be distinguished by its pleasant, sweet odor and lack of ray flowers. It is often found in compacted soils, such as paths and driveways, with prostrate knotweed.
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The scientific name comes from the Latin "onos" for donkey and refers to the supposed effect of causing flatulence in donkeys. (Make up your own common name!) An enormous biennial with rosettes to 6 feet wide and plants 6-12 feet tall. The leaves and stems are covered with white, cobwebby to felty hairs, and the stems have prominent, spiny wings. This species can grow in a great variety of soils and sites. The photos on page 225 of the California Growers Guide are actually bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare); however, the text on the back seems to be accurate for Scotch thistle.
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A common annual weed of disturbed sites. The leaves are pinnately lobed, and the small heads of yellow flowers are without ray flowers. The bracts immediately beneath the heads display the small, black tips which are typical of the genus. This species is more toxic to horses than tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) but is seldom consumed in large quantities due to the small stature of the plants.
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This species is a very prickly annual with clasping stem leaves and milky juice. It is one of the very few yellow flowered "thistles." It can easily be confused with annual sowthistle which is also prickly, but much less so than prickly sowthistle. The rule of thumb is that if you wonder which one it is, it's probably not prickly sowthistle-- 'cause you would know if you touched it!
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Common tansy was imported as a medicinal herb but has since been shown to be carcinogenic. It is an extremely aggressive, rhizomatous perennial which often forms monocultural stands in pasture and waste land. It is often confused with tansy ragwort because of misuse of the common name rather than any similarities between the plants. Common tansy is an aromatic perennial without ray flowers. Tansy ragwort is a non-aromatic biennial with ray flowers.
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Probably the most commonly recognized weed. This species was intentionally imported by the pioneers for its large number of useful properties. The leaves are high in vitamins and can be eaten raw or cooked. The flowers are used to make wine, and the roots can be used as an excellent substitute for coffee. It is a major competitor for pollinators in orchards. This is a taxonomically difficult group due to microspeciation via apomixis.
The seeds of this species are olive to tan, while those of T. laevigatum are reddish.
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= Xanthium pensylvanicum, Xanthium italicum, Xanthium orientale
The common cocklebur is often found in areas that are saturated in the spring. Seedlings are easily identified by digging up the coarse bur which remains attached to the root system. Each bur contains 2 seeds, one of which germinates in the spring, the other in the fall. The cotyledon leaves are extremely toxic, and deaths in swine are common as the species is well adapted to grow around hog wallows.
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Houndstongue has small, but beautiful, dark red to reddish-purple tubular flowers. The four nutlets are covered with hooked bristles which allow the seeds to be dispersed by passing animals. Recent evidence has shown this species to be toxic to livestock due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The entire plant has a sweetish musty odor which some people say smells like dirty socks and others claim smells like hot buttered popcorn!
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The only mustard in North America with a triangular fruit. One of the first plants to bloom in the spring, often over wintering as a rosette. The leaves are pinnately lobed and have both simple and branched hairs.
The rosette photo in Weeds of Southern Turfgrasses is incorrect, likely Erodium sp.
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This species is closely related to pinnate tansymustard (Descurainia pinnata), and both species have very similar finely dissected leaves. Under magnification, it can be seen that the leaves are covered with small, star-shaped hairs. The fruits of flixweed tend to be longer and narrower than those of pinnate tansymustard, which are bullet shaped.
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This rhizomatous perennial commonly forms dense stands, choking out other vegetation in sub-irrigated areas. It produces large, rounded clusters of small, white flowers and is sometimes called "tall white-top." This plant has recently been used in the dried flower trade; the fruiting plants being sold as "beige lace." This is a tremendous potential means of spread of this aggressive, weedy species. Chew the mature seed pods or the root to see why this plant is called "pepperweed."
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Technically this is the same species as cultivated radish (the word "sativus" means "cultivated as a crop"). The flowers vary from white to yellow or purple, and the 4 petals have prominent dark veins.
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The seedling of this species is misidentified in the 1991edition of Weeds of the West (that's yellow starthistle) but correct in the 1992 edition. Also known as "Jim Hill mustard" for the railroad man which it followed throughout the west. The seed pods, which are up to 4 inches long but only about 2 mm wide, are a distinctive feature of this species. Second only to Russian thistle in its prevalence as a tumbleweed in most areas. When the plants bolt in the spring, the flowering stalks of the larger plants can be peeled and eaten, raw or cooked.
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The photo on page 260 of the 1991 edition of Weeds of the West is misidentified as Silene noctiflora. This was correctly changed to Silene alba (= S. latifolia) in the 1992 edition. The same misidentification is made on page 69 of the 1979 Nebraska Weeds. This is particularly humorous since the text says "the two are easily mistaken for each other." An excellent photo (correctly identified) can be found on page 143 of Weeds of Alberta.
AS in the above examples, white cockle is VERY commonly confused with nightflowering catchfly. THe easist way to distinguish the two is the long acuminate sepal tips on S. noctiflora.
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"Stellaria" means "like a star" referring to the small, white flowers with five deeply lobed petals. The specific epithet "media" means "middle," like the median strip of the highway, and refers to the fact that the stems have a single longitudinal line of hairs. If the stems are broken gently and pulled apart, they reveal an elastic core which, rumor has it, small chicks will strangle on. Hence, the name "chickweed."
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A highly variable annual. The new growth, even seedlings, and lower leaf surfaces are covered with a white, mealy substance which is easily wiped off. At maturity the stems are often red striped, as is common in this family. The leaves of this species have been used as raw or cooked greens, but livestock occasionally suffer nitrate poisoning from consuming it in large quantities.
= Chenopodium lanceolatum, Chenopodium dacoticum
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Also called "red belvedere" and "burning bush." This species has developed resistance to the triazine herbicides which were commonly used along road and rail rights-of-way and has since formed profuse stands in many such sites. Although introduced as a forage crop, under certain conditions the plant can accumulate toxic levels of nitrate. At maturity many of the plants break off and become "tumble-weeds." The soft, hairy leaves resemble those of Bassia hyssopifolia.
= Kochia scoparia
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= Salsola kali var. tragus, Salsola pestifer
This is the classic "tumbleweed" of ghost towns in the western movies. Probably imported as a silage plant for arid regions, the young growth is succulent and edible to man or livestock. At maturity the plant forms a spiny sphere, detaching at the base and tumbling in the wind spreading seeds as it goes. The seedling leaves are extremely narrow and linear; they can be mistaken for grass seedlings without close examination.
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This perennial produces a toxin which, when consumed, causes white-skinned animals to develop massive skin lesions when exposed to the sun. The leaves are small, hairless, and opposite. When held up to the light, one can see numerous "perforations" which are actually clear, window-like glands that produce the toxin. Three biocontrol agents have been released on this species; the most noticeable is an iridescent black beetle which feeds on the leaves.
Also called goatweed and Klamathweed.
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= Convolvulus sepium, Convolvulus repens
Very similar in appearance to field bindweed but much larger in all features. This species does not tolerate cultivation but is very aggressive in ornamental and native shrubs. The base of the flower is enclosed in a pair of bracts.
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The scientific name "convolvulus" comes from the same root word as "convulsion" and refers to the manner in which the plant climbs by writhing and wrapping itself around any plant or object nearby. The species has a tremendous root system which allows the plant to stay green, even when everything around it has dried out. Seeds from this species can easily live for 50 years in the soil. This feature, when combined with the massive root system, makes it one of the worst crop weeds.
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In the spring the fruiting stalks of field horsetail emerge from its creeping rhizomes. They are slender and tubular, white to pink in color. Later in the season the vegetative stalks of the plants appear. These are often described as looking like small (< 1 foot tall) Christmas trees. These stems are very flexible and have several whorls of long, narrow branches. This stage of the plant contains chlorophyll and is green throughout.
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One of the worst possible weeds of range and pasture land, as well as being highly destructive to native ecosystems. This species spreads from an extensive root system, has seeds that will survive for 75 years in the soil, and is full of a toxic, milky juice which can cause permanent blindness if it comes into contact with the eye. Look for the many long, narrow, stem leaves and the pink buds on the root system. When the seed pods mature, they can "spit" the seeds up to 15 feet. The plants often occur along stream courses where the seeds and root fragments are water borne.
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= Euphorbia maculata, Euphorbia supina. Therefore, look on both pages 88 and 89 in the 1979 Nebraska Weeds; pages 250 and 252 in Common Weeds of The United States; and pages 48 and 50 in Identifying Seedlings and Mature Weeds.
One of many annual spurges. The stems mostly prostrate but sometimes ascending. The leaves normally bearing a central spot of dark purple and the stem hairy with soft hairs. S.W.S.S. lists Euphorbia humistrata as a separate species from Euphorbia maculata but lists both species as = Euphorbia supina. Suffice it to say that these are extremely similar species and that confusion exists.
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= Vicia angustifolia
An introduced perennial crop, now escaped and widely established. Distinguished from the other Vicia species by its 12-25 mm long flowers which occur in groups of 1-3 in the leaf axils.
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Also known by the common names of "storksbill" and "cranesbill" in reference to the long, pointed fruits which are typical of the geranium family. The leaves of this species look and smell very much like carrot leaves even though carrot is in a different family. Redstem filaree is well adapted to dry rangeland and often provides valuable forage for sheep but can be a troublesome weed in many situations.
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Despite being a member of the mint family, this annual weed is not aromatic. Under warm spring conditions, it produces a small but beautiful two-lipped, tubular, purple flower with a speckled mouth. Under cooler conditions, these flowers do not open, instead they pollinate themselves while remaining closed and thus guarantee seed production whether or not the weather is suitable for the insects which pollinate them.
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This rhizomatous perennial species often forms solid stands in aquatic to semi-aquatic sites. Introduced (and still sold) as an ornamental for its showy spikes of purple flowers. It has invaded hundreds of thousands of acres of wetlands in the Northern United States. The plant has no value for wildlife, and many of the species which it displaces are valuable species.
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This European annual can be found in a variety of sites from waste ground to annual crop. The leaves are palmately divided, but each segment is pinnately lobed. The flowers have 5 large, yellow petals, each of which has a purple base which gives the flower a purple center. Note the way the stamens are clustered together; this is typical of the mallow family. Also known as flower-of-an-hour.
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Also known as buttonweed and cheeseweed. Listed as an annual by many references, it can also be a perennial. Note the column of stamens typical of the family. The plant shown as Malva rotundifolia on page 120 of South Dakota Weeds 1966 is actually Malva neglecta.
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Leaves with 3 leaflets (like a clover); each leaflet shaped like a heart attached at the narrow end. Leaves often dark purple and with a pleasant, sour taste. The flowers are yellow with 5 petals. This species is common in a variety of usually shady sites. The 1979 Nebraska Weeds mentions Oxalis europaea but this is a synonym for Oxalis stricta despite the fact that it is listed by WSSA.
= Oxalis europaea
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These fibrous rooted perennials have a long, leafless, flowering stem with a short spike of flowers at the tip. The main veins of the leaves are almost parallel and, as inferred by the scientific name, the leaves are lanceolate. This species is a common weed of lawns and pastures.
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A fibrous rooted perennial, common in lawns and pastures. The leaves with a broad, oval blade and distinct, parallel veins. The flowering stem is leafless with the spike of flowers occupying greater than half its length.
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= Plantago purshii
This native annual is common in dry disturbed sites. It is seldom more than 6 inches tall and is soft-hairy throughout. The flowers borne on the terminal spike are translucent white.
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Prostrate knotweed is common and beneficial in areas of highly compacted soils such as paths and driveways. The tiny, axillary flowers are an interesting combination of pink, green, and white. Polygonum aviculare is much less common than Polygonum arenastrum and likely most of the P. aviculare reports for North America are actually P. arenastrum. Polygonum arenastrum has leaves of the same size on the main stem and branches, whereas P. aviculare has much larger leaves on the main stem than the branches.
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This plant's specific name "convolvulus" is the same as the genus name for field bindweed, and to the casual observer they may appear similar. However, field bindweed is a perennial with showy, tubular flowers and no stipules. Wild buckwheat is an annual with inconspicuous flowers and sheathing stipules. Wild buckwheat is a common weed of cultivated crops.
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Also known as "sheep sorrel" and "sour dock." The specific epithet "acetosella" is derived from the same root word as acetic acid which is vinegar and refers to the pleasant sour taste of the leaves. The leaves are often arrowhead-shaped with prominent basal lobes.
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The "curly" in curly dock refers to the wavy leaf margin. At the base of each leaf stem is the prominent membranous "sheathing stipule" which is characteristic of this family. Despite common names like "Indian tobacco," this is a European species brought over by the settlers. The young leaves make an excellent, tangy, cooked green, and the red-brown mature fruits can be used in baking.
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A prostrate annual with fleshy, often brownish-colored leaves. The leaves are edible, however some people find their somewhat mucilaginous texture disagreeable. The small, yellow flowers form a capsule-type fruit which produces a large amount of tiny, black seeds. A very common weed of flower and vegetable gardens.
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A viny, annual weed with down-turned barbs on the stem and 5-8 narrow, barbed leaves per whorl. Each leaf has a small spine at the leaf tip, and the plant stem is often square. The fruit is a pair of round burs, sometimes referred to as "monkey balls."
= Galium spurium
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This rhizomatous perennial has narrowly linear leaves and prefers moist, rich soils where it is very competitive with pasture grasses. The spurred flowers have a distinct orange blotch in the throat.
= Linaria linaria
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A very distinctive biennial due to the large, soft rosette leaves and the cylindrical, yellow flowering spikes to 6 or 8 feet tall. This plant was intentionally imported for its medicinal properties. The dried plant material is smoked to dry up fluid in the lungs caused by pneumonia-like ailments. It is still harvested for use in some areas. This species prefers dry sites and is often found in sandy or gravelly soils.
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While the small, heart-shaped fruits are typical of the genus, the linear leaves and white flowers are a combination of characters sufficient to distinguish purslane speedwell from all other species of the genus. The specific epithet "peregrina" means "migratory" and refers to the rapid invasive characteristics of the species.
The photos on pages 514, 515 of Weeds of Nebraska and the Great Plains 1994 are actually this species rather than Veronica arvensis as listed.
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Black nightshade is a common annual weed of cultivated cropland. As with many of the nightshades, the fruit is a berry, green when immature but black when ripe. This species is very similar to hairy nightshade, the major difference being that as the fruit matures in hairy nightshade (Solanum sarrachoides), the sepals become enlarged and cover the lower half of the fruit whereas in black nightshade they enlarge only slightly. Some sources lump this species with eastern black nightshade (Solanum ptycanthum).
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Buffalobur is native to the American southwest where it evolved to grow in the highly disturbed areas caused by the buffalo wallows. The leaves have large, rounded lobes and are spiny, particularly on the lower midrib. The flowers are yellow with 5 petals forming a tube about 1 inch broad. One of the anthers is much longer than the other four. The fruit is a somewhat spherical, spiny capsule. Buffalobur has spread to virtually every state in the U.S. as a contaminant in seed.
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One would be hard pressed to find anyone with enough interest to look in a weeds book who doesn't already know what a cattail looks like. Ewell Gibbons referred to this plant as the "supermarket of the wilds." The pollen from the male flowers makes a fine flour substitute while the "grain" from the female flowers is high in protein. The "fluff" can be used as padding, insulation, or tinder, and the leaves can be woven to form mats, baskets, roofs, etc.. The young stalks, which taste like cucumbers, are called "Russian asparagus," and the roots provide a starchy meal.
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= Urtica procera, Urtica gracilis, Urtica lyallii
The name "urtica" is the same root word as the medical term for hives (urticaria), which refers to the skin reaction caused by contact with this plant. The stiff hairs on the stem contain a small drop of formic acid which is extremely irritating to the skin, but the irritation is short lived. The young growth of the plant is an excellent cooked green (much like spinach), and the older stems have historically been used as a fiber source for ropes and clothing.
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Other non-standardized common names include goatheads and sandbur. This species is prostrate with even pinnate leaves and small, yellow flowers. The circular fruit breaks apart to form 5 triangular segments, each with 2 spines. These spines are very rigid and easily penetrate shoes and tires, thus the name "puncturevine."
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= Ipomoea hederacea var. integriuscula
Flowers blueish to purple on the outside, white to yellow within. Leaves either entire or 3-lobed. It is pictured on pages 290 and 291 of Weeds of the West but is misnamed as Ipomoea hirsutula in the 1991 edition. The photos on pages 292 and 293 of the 1991 Weeds of the West are also Ipomoea hederacea but are misidentified as Ipomoea purpurea. In the 2000 edition of Weeds of the West the plant shown as Ipomoea nil on page 286 is actually Ipomoea purpurea, note the acute sepals in comparison with those of Ipomoea
hederacea.
The name Ipomoea nil has been used both as a synonym for Ipomoea hederacea and for a separate horticultural species (tall morningglory) which is distinguished by larger flowers and the sepals erect rather than spreading.
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= Polygonum natans
In water or wet soil. Flowers pink, plants rooting at the nodes. The membranous stipules occasionally with a herbaceous "skirt" arising from the upper margin.
Polygonum amphibium var. emersum = Polygonum muhlenbergia, Polygonum coccineum.
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This shrub is native throughout much of the drier regions of the U.S. It often forms large patches due to spread from the roots. Fruit a red, hairy berry covered with short hairs which are coated with a sour substance; can be used to make lemonade.
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This creeping species makes an excellent ground cover but is very aggressive and often becomes weedy in lawns. It is known to most gardeners as "gill-over-the-ground" and is commonly brought in for identification. The spelling for the genus is often given as Glecoma.
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Parasitic annuals with twining stems. The entire plant lacks leaves and chlorophyll and, therefore, has a distinctive yellowish white color.