HOR 255 Identification of Herbaceous Plants 1

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 2
Credits: 3

Identifies species and varieties of annuals, perennials, groundcovers, ornamental grasses, and bulbs grown in Oregon, focusing on spring flowering and greenhouse-produced plants. Stresses scientific naming of plants. Presents plant identification techniques that rely on recognition of visual details of form, texture, size, leaves, flowers, and fruit. Considers production and cultural requirements for individual species and varieties.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Identify species and varieties of herbaceous ornamental plants by scientific and common name, focusing on plants produced in the greenhouse and plants in the landscape with spring flowering habit.
Classify herbaceous ornamental plants based on a visual inspection of form, texture, size, leaves, flowers, and fruit.
Describe flower and leaf characteristics using commonly accepted botanical terms.
List important cultural requirements for individual species and varieties.
Discuss production 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 of Herbaceous Plants
- Life cycles - annual, biennial, perennial
- Plant families
- Plant genera
- Plant species
  - Varieties and subspecies
  - Cultivars
  - Hybrids
Plant Morphological Characteristics
- Leaves
  - Type
  - Arrangement
  - Venation
  - Shape
  - Bases, margins, and apices
- Flowers
  - Structure
  - Color
  - Size
  - Inflorescence type
  - Other identifying characteristics
- Fruits
  - Fleshy
  - Dry
    - dehiscent
    - indehiscent
- Stems and buds
Identification of Individual Species and Cultivars
- Scientific name
- Common name
- General description
- Special attributes
- Hardiness
- Cultural requirements in the nursery and landscape
- Production requirements