HOR 227 Winter Plant Identification

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Credits: 4

Identifies species and varieties of woody landscape plants, focusing on conifers and broadleaf evergreens with ornamental value. Stresses scientific naming of plants. Presents plant identification techniques that rely on recognition of form, structure, and visual details of leaves, needles, cones, fruit, and bark. Considers cultural requirements for individual species and varieties.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Identify species and varieties of woody ornamental plants by scientific and common name, focusing on conifers and broadleaf evergreens.
Classify conifers and broadleaf evergreens based on a visual inspection of leaves, fruit, needles, and cones.
Describe leaf, needle, and cone characteristics using commonly accepted botanical terms.
List important cultural requirements for individual species and varieties.
Spell all scientific and common names correctly.

Content Outline

Plant Naming
- Scientific names
- Common names
Horticultural and Botanical Plant Classification
- Woody plant families
- Woody plant genera
- Woody plant species
  - Varieties and subspecies
  - Cultivars
  - Hybrids
- Classification by Growth Habit or Physiological Characteristics
Plant Morphological Characteristics
- Leaves (angiosperms)
  - Type
  - Arrangement
  - Venation
  - Shape
  - Bases, margins, and apices
  - Persistence
- Stems and Buds
  - Terminal bud
  - Lateral buds
  - Leaf scars
  - Lenticels
  - Bud scales
  - Terminal bud scale scar
  - Pith
- Needles (conifers)
  - Shape
  - Arrangement
  - Stomatal bloom
  - Other identifying characteristics
- Fruits (angiosperms)
  - Fleshy
  - Dry
    - Dehiscent
    - Indehiscent
- Cones (conifers)
  - Shape
  - Color
  - Scale characteristics
  - Stem attachment
  - Persistence
Identification of Individual Species and Cultivars
- Scientific Name
- Common Name
- General Description
- Special Attributes in Winter
  - Winter twig identification of deciduous woody plants
  - Cones
  - Persistent fruit
  - Bark
- Hardiness
- Cultural Requirements in the Nursery and Landscape