C

cabana

small building, simple structure or tent-like structure found on beaches or around swimming pools and used as bathhouses

caerulea(-is, um)

1. blue, 2. Example: Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) has blue flowers

caespitose

1. a plant growing in tufts, 2. Example: Rebutia (Rebutia marsoneri)

calcarate

1. spurred, as in the flower of Aquilegia, 2. Examples: Golden Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha ), Heidi Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris), Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

caliciole

found growing only in limestone soils

calyptra

1. lid-like or cap-like, 2. a term for the cap of a moss capsule

calyx

1. a term describing the cluster of sepals, 2. Examples Salvia Black and Blue (Salvia guaranitica)

cambium

tissue or cells capable of unlimited growth

campanulate

1. bell shaped flowers, 2.Example: Peachleaf Campanula(Campanula percisifolia)

campylotropous

ovules bent over at a 90 degree angle to the stalk which appears to be attached to the stalk

canadensis

1. Canadian, 2. often used to represent northeastern USA, 3. Examples: Red Bud (Cercis canadensis), Canadian Ginger (Asarum canadensis)

canaliculate

having a longitudinal (lengthwise) groove or channel

canariensis (-is,-e)

1. of the Canary Islands, 2. Examples: Canary Island Ivy (Hedera canariensis)

candida

1. white, 2. Example: White Prairie Clover(Dalea candida),

cane

1. a woody stem arising from the ground usually long and pliable, 2. a hollow or straight stem of plants such as raspberry, reeds, roses, etc.

canescent

1. covered in short white hairs that are usually white or gray, very fine and short 2. gray hoary pubescence

canus (-a,-um)

Ash colored, off white

cap

1. the top of a toadstool mushroom, 2. calyptra

caperatus (-a, -um)

wrinkled

capillaceus (-a,-um)

1. slender, 2. with fine hair

capillatus (-a, -um)

with fine hair

capitate

forming a dense compact cluster of smaller flowers

capitellate

diminutive of capitate

capitulum (pl. capitula)

1. a dense, compact flower head of small stalkless flowers 2. a composite head, 3. Example: Kiss-Me-Over-The-Gate (Polginum oriental)

capsule

1. a dry fruit produced from a compound pistil and the seed pod splits along several seams, 2. examples:poppy, iris, violets, orchids, lilies, snapdragons, etc., 2. Examples:European Euonymus ( Euonymus europaeus), Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum ), Flower-of-an-hour (Hibiscus trionum)

cardinalis(-a,-um)

1. red, 2. Example: Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) has red flowers

carina

a keel

carinal

referring to a keel

carinate

keeled

carnivorous plants

insectivorous

carotene

Orange, yellow and red accessory pigments found in most photosynthesizing cells.

carotenoids

Orange yellow or red pigments found in all photosynthesizing cells. They are fat soluble and don't break down as quickly as chlorophyll. For this reason many of the fall colors are produced during the end period of leaf senescence. There are two type of carotenoids carotenes and xanthophylls.

carp (-a,-o,-us)

1. relating to the fruit (greek)

carpel

1. unit of the female part of the flower, 2. the seed bearing part of the flower, consisting of the stigma, style and ovary, 3. unit of the gynoecium

carrion flower

1. a term loosely used to describe flowers the smell like rotting meat to attract pollinators, 2. Example:

cartilaginous

hard and tough but flexible

caruncle

water absorbing appendage

caryposis

1. a dry indehiscent fruit, 2. seed coat is completely fused with the pericarp, 3. examples:corn, wheat, rice, oats, etc. The next time you go to a movie ask for box of popped caryposis with butter!!!

catkins

spike-like inflorescence consisting of scaly bracts, usually unisex and often pendulous

cattails

the complex flower spike of a Cattail

caudex

1. swollen base of a plant, 2. swollen base part of stem

cell

1. the common denominator of life, 2. the smallest living unit of organisms

central vein

same as mid rib

centre lobe

center lobe of a leaf

chamber

a hollow space

chambered

with hollow spaces as in a chambered stem, pith, etc.

chartreuse

1. green-yellow coloration, 2. Example: Chartreuse Coleus (Coleus blumei)

chasmathum (-a,-us)(kas-MAN-thee-um)

1. with wide open or gaping flowers, 2, Example: Wild Oats Grass (Chasmanthium latifolium )

chemeosynthesis

1. the process of attaining energy from inorganic compounds, 2. synthesis of organic compounds from energy attained from inorganic compounds

chemical scarification

the process of modifying the hard impervious seed coat (scarification)to allow water to inter the seed by soaking the seed in chemicals or water

chloro

1.a prefix meaning green, 2. greek origin

chlorophyll

1. green pigment found in chloroplasts, 2. responsible for light energy absorption in autotrophs, 3. dissolves in alcohol

chloroplasts

plastids that contain the green pigment chlorophyll

chlorosis

1. an abnormal yellowing of plants from the lack of chlorophyll , 2. usually caused from the lack of a mineral such as iron chlorosis in Pin Oak, molybdenum chlorosis in Poinsettia, etc.

chordate

1. heart-shaped, 2. Examples of plants with heart shaped leaves: Limelight Philodendron (Philodendron Limelight), Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomea batatus Margarite), Houttuynia Chameleon (Houttuynia cordata Chameleon)

Christmas Pine

1. a type of lycopodium, 2. name comes from the fact the plants were gathered for Christmas decorations

chromosome

A macromolecule found in the nucleus of eukarytic cells that is made up of genes. DNA forms the molecular structure of a chromosome and has the genetic code.

chrysantha(-us,-um)

1. gold, golden, 2. Example: Golden Columbine(Aquilegia chrysantha) has golden yellow colored flowers

chunk bark

1. pieces of bark usually rot resistant species like Cypress or Redwood that is used as a decorative landscape mulch, 2. small pieces of bark used in epiphytic or orchid mixes

ciliate

fine hairs along the leaves edge, often form a fringe

cinerea(-us,-um)

1. smoky gray, ash colored

circumboreal forest

Spruce or Fir forest found in the higher latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere.

citrina

1. yellow, 2. Example: Citrina Passion Flower (Passiflora citrina)

cladode

1. a flattened stem which could function as a leaf, 2. Examples: Wild Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), Bunny Ears Cactus(Optunia microdasys)

cladophyll

1. a flattened stem that looks like and acts like a leaf, 2. cladode

clasping

1. sessile leaf base clasps around the stem, 2. Example: Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)

class

the third largest division in the classification system of all living organisms

classification

A system by which all living organisms are placed into a basic eight step system consisting of domain, kingdom, phylum (division), class, order, family, genus, species.

clavate

1. having the shape of a club, 2. gradually widening toward the apex of the leaf, spadix, etc., 3. Examples:Jack in the Pulpit (Arisema triphyllum)

clavellate

1. diminutive of clavate, 2. shaped like a small club

clavicle

a tendril

claviculate

having tendrils

claviform

clavate

clavuncle

a stigmatic cap

cleft

1. the bottom or lower part of a sinus, 2 a leaf that is cut about half-way to the midrib or base

climax

The final, stable stage in succession which will develop naturally in a given environment. As in a Beech forest.

climber

a class of vigorous growing roses which do not attach themselves but must be tied on to the supporting structure

clinging roots

adventitious roots that form along the stem of a vine that holds onto a surface by clinging (English Ivy)

clinging disks

a tendril of a vine that ends in a disk which fastens itself to a surface with a cement-like substance (Virginia Creeper, Boston Ivy)

cloche

1. a structure used to protect plants from rain, wind, and light frost. They also can be used to provide added warmth for early season plantings.

clone

Plants arising originally by vegetative propagation from one plant . These plants will be genetically identical

club moss

1. a type of lycopodium, 2. name comes from the club-like , cone-like strobili

clustered

1. three or more flowers gathered closely together in a single or branched group, 2. similar to glomerate, 3. Examples: Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), Clustered Bell Flower (Campanula glomerata)

coarsely serrated

1. leaf margin is coarsely serrated (saw tooth), 2.Examples: American Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)

coccinea(-us)

1. dark red, scarlet, 2. Example: Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea), Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea)

coelestina

1. pale blue, 2. Example: Bartram's Ixia(Calydorea coelestina) has blue flowers

columnar

1. shaped like a column, 2. Examples: Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis )

compacta(-um)

1. used to describe a compact variety of a plant, 2. compact, 3. Example: Compact European Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus compactum)

coma

1. tuft of hair on the tip of a seed, 2. the tuft of bracts on the top of a fruit like a Pineapple (Ananas comosus), 3. the head of a tree

comal

pertaining to a coma

comatose

has a coma or pertaining to a coma

comatose

the place at which two carpels join each other

common name

1. a name given to a plant by any person or group of people for any reason, at any time 2. plants may have many common names depending on local edible, medicinal, structural uses or could be trade names, 3. scientific name (opp)

comose

has a coma or coma like

complanate

1. flattened, 2. Example: the seed pod of a Locust tree

complete

1. with all parts as with a flower having sepals, petals, stamens and pistils

complete fertilizer

a fertilizer that contains the major plant nutrients (N)nitrogen. (P)potassium, (K) potassium

composite

1. daisy family of flowers (Asteraceae), 2. a flower head made up of small flowers growing together 3. Examples: Purple Coneflower (Echinacea), Shasta Daisy Becky (Leucanthemum), Cup Plant (Silphinum perfoliatum), 4. Search for more members of the Asteraceae

composite flower

composite head

composite head

1. a compact inflorescence consisting of small central florets called disc flowers surrounded by a ring of ray flowers with their strap-like petals, 2. flowers of the Asteraceae family

compost

decomposed vegetative material, used as organic matter in gardens

compost pile

the pile of organic material that is allowed to decompose to create compost

composting

the process by which vegetative material is decomposed

compound

having two or more like parts

compound fruit

1. a fruit developing from several ovaries in either a single flower or multiple flowers, 2. a fruit developing from multiflowers is a multiple fruit, 3. a fruit developing from a flower with several ovaries is a aggregate fruit.

compound layering

1. a form of layering similar to simple layering except more than one point is touching the soil, 2. same as serpentine layering

compound leaf

1. a leaf were the blade is divided into leaflets, 2. Examples: Grape Ivy Ellen Danica (Cissus rhombifolia), Poison Ivy (2) (Toxicodendron rybergii), Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum)

compound ovary

an ovary with two or more carpels

compound pistil

a pistil composed of two or more carpels

compound umbel

1. a form of an inflorescence called an umbel, 2. an umbel with compound flowers called umbellets

compressed

flattened

cone

1. a cluster of scales, 2. fruit of conifers, 2. Examples: Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana), Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

conelet

1. first year cone, 2. young immature cone, 3. Examples:European Larch (Larix decidua)

conglomerate

rounded small pebbles or larger boulders cemented together by hardened clay

conifers

1.generally referring to a cone bearing plant and most but not all have needles, 2. Examples: Spruce (Picea), Fir (Abies) , Redwood, Cypress, Arborvitae (Thuja), Yew (Taxus), Pine (Pinus), etc.

coniferous

referring to conifers, bearing cones

connate

joined or attached, fused

connate perfoliate

pair of leaves joined at the base, surrounding the stem

contractile root

1. specialized root designed to contract during adverse conditions and pull the plant down to an appropriate position, 2. can be found in many succulent plants such as Haworthia (Haworthia), Lithops,Livng Rock (Pleiospilos bolusii ) etc.

convolute(- ed)

1. rolled with two edges towards each other, 2. coiled or twisted laterally, 3. usually referring to leaves or petals

cordate(-a)

1. heart shaped, 2. the shape formed at the base of the leaf when the leaf curves back from each side of the petiole, 3. Examples: Red Bud (Cercis canadensis Covey)

coriaceous

leather-like tough

cork

the protective outer tissue of bark

cork cambium

layer of cells within the bark layer that produces the cork

corky ridges

elongated ridges of soft springy wood

corm

1. similar in appearance to bulbs but dissimilar in structure, 2. short swollen underground stem surrounded by the previous years leaf bases, 3. common corms are crocus and gladiolus

cormels

small corms formed around the base of the stem

cormlets

small immature corms formed around the corm

corolla

1. a collective term for the inner whorl of a flower, 2. all of the petals of a flower

corona

the outgrowth of the perianth, trumpet of a Daffodil

cortex

1. latin for shell, 2. tissue in roots and stems immediately inside of the epidermis

corymb

1. flat-topped or rounded top cluster of small flowers arising from different points on the same stem, 2. a type of inflorescence called a raceme where the lower pedicels are longer than the upper , 3. cyme, 4. Examples: Korean Mountain Ash (Sorbus alnifolia), Diabolo Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), Achillea hybrids (Achillea millefolium), White Dome Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens Dardom)

cotyledon

1. seed leaf, not true leaves, 2. the primary leaves of an embryo

crenate (crenatus)

1. rounded teeth on the margin, 2. convex teeth, 3. scalloped, 4. Example :Old Gold Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis ), Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus)

crenulate

with small rounded teeth along the margin of a leaf

crenulatus

diminutive of crenate

crested

cristate

crispapte

having curled or ruffled margins

crisped

1. wavy edge or margin, 2: Eaxamples: Prince Rupert Scented Geranium (2) (Pelargonium crispum), Lemon-scented Geranium (Pelargonium crispum)

crispus

1. having the margin irregularly divided, 2. curled, wavy or crinkled edges of a leaf, 3. Example: Curly Dock (Rumex crispus)

cristate

1. from the latin word cristatus meaning with appearance of a comb, plume or brush, 2. crested form of fasciation developing from a single growing point, 3. Examples: Jewel Box Celosia (2)(Celosia argentea cristata), Cocks Comb Celosia(Celosia argentea)

crocea

1. yellow, 2. Example: Amanita crocea a yellow colored mushroom

crosier

shaped like a bishops staff or shepherds hook

cross pollination

the transfer of pollen between two different plants

crown

1. the base of the plant where the stem and the rootstock join, 2. the entire rootstock, 3. the upper part of the rootstock from which the new shoots will arise, 4. referring to the corona of some flowers

crown gall

A tumor us growth of tissue caused by a bacterium. The deformation of the tissue will disrupt the movement of water and nutrients and could evenly kill the plant.

crustose lichens

1. a lichen growth form, 2. forms highly colored crusty patches on rocks and trees

cryophicic

cold loving

culm

the stem of grass or sedge

cultivar

1. a cultivated variety, 2. a clearly distinguishable cultivated plant that when propagated will retain it's characteristics.

cunneate

1. leaf base tapering to the petiole in the shape of a wedge, 2. sometimes applied to petals, 3. Example Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)

cup

1. the receptacle which holds the seed of an acorn, 2. in narcissus (Daffodils), when the corona is shorter than the outer segments of the perianth

cupulate

having a cup-shaped sheath which encloses or partially encloses the fruit

cupule

a cup

cupuliform

cup-shaped

curd

referring to the dense cluster of immature flowers that form the head of cauliflowers, brussels sprouts, etc.

curled

crispus

cushion

referring to a small dense plant that from's a dome-shaped mound plant

cusp

sharp point formed from an extended margin of a leaf

cuspidate

1. abruptly pointed, 2. having a cusp or a thorn at the apex

cuticle

waxy layer on the leaf or stem of a plant

cutin

forms the plant's cuticle

cuttings

a method of propagation when a portion of a stem, root, modified stems or leaf is cut from the parent plant and forced to root

cyaneum

1. blue, 2. Example Allium cyaneum has cobalt blue flowers

cyanthiform

1. in the form of a cyanthium, 2. cup-shaped

cyanthium

An inflorescence found in the Euphorbia genus. Consists of a cup-like involucre containing a single pistil (female flower) surrounded by the male flowers, each with a single stamen.

cyclic

occurring in apparent cycles or whorls

cylindrical

1. shaped like a cylinder, 2. Examples of plants with cylindrical parts: Variegated Corn Cob Euphorbia (stem) (Euphorbia mammillaris variegata), Creeping Red Sorrel (seed pod) (Oxalis corniculata), Purple Prairie Clover (floral spike) (Dales purpurea), Chives (leaves) (Allium schoenoprasum)

cyme

1. a flat topped or rounded determinate inflorescence in which the terminal flower blooms first, 2. corymb, 3. Example:Weihenstephaner Sedum (Sedum kamtschaticum var floriferum Weihenstephaner), Snoshoni Viburnum (Viburnum plicatum var tomemtosa ), Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)

cymose

1. cyme-like, 2. has flowers in a cyme

cymule

1. a section of a compound cyme, 2. a small cyme

cynarrhodium

1. a fleshy hollow fruit enclosing achenes, 2. a rose hip fruit, 2. Example: Rose (Rosa)

cyst

any thick walled resting spore

D

daffodil

1.common or English name for members of the genus Narcissus, 2. a spring blooming plant that grows from a bulb

dalles

a dell

damping off

a fungus disease attacking seedling, the seedling will collapse and die, usually caused by wet conditions and over crowding

deadhead

to prune out faded flowers

deadman

a tie, timber or slab of stone that is put at a 90 degree angle into the slope to anchor the wall

deca

prefix meaning ten

decamerous

has parts arranged in sets of ten

decandrous

has ten anthers

decapetalous

has ten petals

decaphyllous

has ten leaves

decasepalous

has ten sepals

decaspermous

has 10 seeds

deciduous

1. a deciduous plant normally loses its leaves at the approach of winter, 2. falling after the completion of a normal function, 3. opposite of evergreen

declinate

declined

declined

curved downward

decompose

1. to separate into simpler elements, 2. to rot or decay, 2. to under go chemical break down

decomposer

Any organism such as bacteria or fungus that breaks down (decompose) dead plants and animals (organic material). This process recycles the organic substances.

decompound

1. repeatedly and often irregularly compound into numerous leaflets, 3. more than one compound 3. Example: Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria )

decumbent

1. a stem laying on the ground with ends ascending, 2. Example: Spring Cinquefoil (Potentilla neumanniana )

decurrent

1. extending down the stem, as in a leaf clasping a stem for most of it's length, 2. the lower portion of the leaf lies flat against the stem

decurved

declined

decussant

1. arranged in pairs along the stem and each pair is at right angles to the pair above

deflexed

bent sharply downward or backwards

deflorate

being past the flowering time

defoliation

1. stripping of leaves from a plant, 2. using a herbicide to remove the foliage from a plant, 3. shedding of leaves

dehiscence

the opening at the maturity of fruits and anthers

dehiscent

1. opening at maturity and releasing or exposing it's contents, 2. some dry fruit are called dehiscent since they spit open a maturity, 3. Example: Field Penny Crest (Thlaspi arvense), Flower-of-an-hour (Hibiscus trionum)

dehiscent dry fruit

1. dry fruit that splits open at maturity, 2. Example: Sunburst Hypericum (Hypericum frondosum ), Flower-of-an-hour (Hibiscus trionum)

dehiscent fleshy fruit

a fleshy fruit that splits open at maturity

dell

a river gorge with nearly vertical walls

deliquescent

breaking into smaller, finer branches

deltoid

1. shaped like a equilateral triangle, one of the sides being a base, 2. commonly used to describe a leaf, 3. an irregular shaped triangle, 3. Examples:Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)

dendriform

tree-like

dendroid

tree-like

dendritic

tree-like

dendrochronology

The study of tree rings to determine the age of the tree and inference of the trees age to the climate.

dendrology

the study of trees

dense

1. crowded together, thick, compact, 2 .Example:Asselyn Norway Spruce (Picea abies Asselyn)

dentate(dentatus)

1. having sharp teeth on the margins usually pointed outwards, 2. coarsely toothed with sharp teeth pointing outwards

denticulate(denticulatus)

1. having small teeth, 2. diminutive of dentate

dentition

the arrangement of teeth on the edges of leaves

denuded

nake from the loss of covering

deeply cut

1. deeply cut, 2. deeply divided, 3. Example: Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisifolia )

deeply divided

1. divided, 2. Examples: Wood Anemone (Anemone quinquefolia), Philodendron Xanadu (Philodendron xanadu ), Cardon (Cynara cardunculus),

dermal

skin

determinate

1. the main stem of the plant ends in a terminal flower stopping the further development of the axis (height of the plant), 2. a plant such as a determinate tomato plant has a predicted height, 3. in reference to inflorescence in which the terminal flowers bloom first, 4. opp. indeterminate

di

prefix indicating twice, two fold, double

diadelphous

stamens united into two, often unequal, sets by their filaments

diaphragmed

pith which is solid with transverse bars of denser tissue at intervals between the nodes

diazotroph

an organism that can fix nitrogen

dibble

1. to make a small hole for planting seedlings or seeds, 2. a tool used to make a small hole

dichotomous

1. branched or forked into two or more or less equal parts, 2. Examples: Gingko (Gingko biloba)

dicot

short form of dicotyledon

dicotyledon

1. a plant having two cotyledons , 2. a subclass of Angiosperms

dicotyledonous

a dicot plant

dieback

when tips, shoots, canes, etc. die due to disease or weather damage

diffuse

1. loosley or widely spreading form

digitate

1. having lobes, divisions or veins that radiate from one point like the fingers of a hand, 2. palmate

dingy

neither white nor brighly colored, as applied to pubescence

diploid

1. the 2n chromosome number stage, 2. having two sets of chromosomes, 3. the basic number of chromosomes for the organism

dioecious

1. when a plant has staminate and pistillate flowers on different plants, 2. a type of plant with male and female plants such as many Holly (Ilex), Blueberry, Gingko, etc., 3. Example: Mountain Everlasting (Antennaria dioica ), WInterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata ), Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum), Chenille Plant (Acalypha hispida)

disarticulating

1. Falling away by abscission, leaving a clean cut scar, as with most leaves, many flowers, some twig tips, etc.

disc flowers

1. small central flowers of a composite head

disc shaped

1. almost circular in outline, 2. orbiculate

discoid

chambered pith

disk

1. an enlarged tip, 2. as in the disks of Boston Ivy tendrils

dissected

1. deeply cut into narrow segments, 2. Examples:Flixweed (Descuraina sophia)

distal

1. toward or at the tip or far end, 2. toward the apex, 3. away from the base

distal leaflet

leaflets furthest away from the junction of the petiole and the stem

distichous

arranged in two opposite rows, 2 ranked

diurnal

flowers that open only during the day

divaricata (-um, -us)

1. spreading, 2. Example: Spreading Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster divaricatus)

divided

cut, lobed or separated to the base or midrib

division(propagation)

a form of propagation in which the mother plant is separated into smaller clumps or plants

division (taxonomy)

The largest undivided category of classification of organisms within the plant kingdom. Equivalent to phylum in the animal kingdom.

Dog Vomit Fungus

nick name for Slime Mold

dormancy

dormant

dominant

an animal or plant exerting considerable influence on an area or other plants or animals

dormant

1. a state of suspended growth as in seeds, 2. not in an active state of growth, 3. a resting period such as the winter

dorsal

1. pertaining to the back side of a leaf or organ, 2. abaxial, 3. opp. ventral

double dormancy

1. seeds that have two dormancy factors, 2. factors are usually hard seed coat and a dormant embryo (seed dormancy)

double flower

A flower with the normal complement of petals is called single. A flower with more than the normal amount of petals is referred to as double.

double leader

a tree that produces two leaders or shoots at the apex

double-nose

1. a term describing a Narcissus bulb with two growing points, 2. used to determine the size of a Narcissus bulb

double serrated

1. leaves that have smaller serrations on the larger serrations, 2. small teeth on the large teeth 3. Examples: American Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), Whitespire Birch (Betula platyphylla japonica)

downy

1. having soft hair, 2. Examples: Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhia)

driftless area

area in Wisconsin (USA) that is unglaciated

drip line

drip zone

drip tip

a pointed leaf tip, helps drain the water from the leaf

drip zone

the area beneath a tree occupied by the roots into which water drips from the leaf canopy

drooping

1. bending or hanging down, 2. pendulous, 3. Example: Gray Headed Coneflower (Ratibda pinnata), Turks Cap Lily (2)(Lilium superbum), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

draught

a period of dryness

drum

flat-topped variety of cabbage

drum head

drum

drumlin

an oval shaped hill formed at the base of a glacier made of glacial till

drupaceous

1. consisting of drupes, 2. like a drupe, 3. bearing drupes

drupe

1. a fleshy fruit with a single pit or stone, 2. seed is contained in a hard stone surrounded by a fleshy layer and skin, 3. Examples: peach, plums, olive, cherries, almonds, Brazil nut, etc., 4: Eamples:Wintergreen Hawthorn(Crataegus viridis), Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)

drupel

a druplet

druplet

a small fruit as in the individual segment of a raspberry

drupeole

a little drupe

drupiferous

having drupes

dry fruit

1. pericarp is dry at maturity, 2. fruit that is dry at maturity

dry wall

a wall in which the stones are fitted together with out the use of mortar

dry well

a hole filled with loose rock into which water will drain and seep into the soil

duct

the part of a plants vascular system carrying air water, lipids, etc.

duff

incompletely decomposed organic matter

dumetose

bush-like in from

dumose

1. bush-like, 2. full of bushes

duramen

heartwood

dwarf

1. very small. 2. a term used to describe the comparison of a smaller plant to the mature size of the plant

dyad

a group of two

E

e

a prefix meaning away from, without

echinocarpa

1. bearing spiny fruit, 2. acanthocarpa

ecosystem

system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment

ectozoochory

1. When plants develop hooks, spines, ect. on a seed, that attach to animals, for the purpose of dispersing the seeds., 2. Examples: Agrimony (Agrimonia gryposepala)

edge

the part of an ecosystem near its perimeter

edge

border around planting beds

edge

margin

egg

1. female reproductive gamete that will develop into the seed, 2. found in the ovary, which is part of the pistil or the female part of the flower

elliptic(elliptical)

1. narrow oval, broadest at the middle and narrower at the two ends, 2. Example: Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis ) , Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus), Bunch Berry (Cornus canadensis)

ellipsoid

elliptical in section, shaped like a football

embryo

an immature plant found within a seed

encrusted

covered with a hard limey crust

endemic

native to or confined to a restricted area. A plant is said to be endemic to an area if it is found growing nowhere else.

endentate

1. without teeth, 2. entire

English plant support

a type of plant support frame

ensiform

sword shaped like the leaves of an Iris

entire

1. completely smooth-edged, 2. lacking teeth or crenations on the margins, 3. no marginal division, 4. endentate, 5. Example: St. Johns Wort (Hypericum calycinum)

envelope

envelope of a flower, formed by the calyx or corolla or both.

epappose

without a pappus

epetiolate

without a petiole, 2. sessile

epetiolulate

without a petiolue, 2. a sessile leaflet

ephemeral

1.Plants such as annuals that complete their entire life cycle in a very short period of time, 2. Annuals that grow in the desert and wild flowers that grow in the shade of deciduous trees are ephemeral plants.

ephemeral pond

1. a pond lasting only a short period of time, 2. Also called vernal or temporary pond

epi

greek prefix often referring to the outer or outer most

epicarp

1. outer most layer or skin of a fruit, 2. exocarp

epidermal

1. having to do with the outer layer, 2. referring to the epidermis

epidermis

outer layer of cells which form a protect sheath for many parts of the plants, such as the epidermal layer of the leaf

epigeal

the cotyledons are raised above the soil during germination

epiphyte

1. a plant growing on another but is not parasitic to the host, 3. plants growing in trees such as Bromeliads, Orchids, Christmas Cactus, etc., 3. Examples: Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidosis gaetneri) Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgessi), Staghorn Fern (Platycerium), Birds Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

epiphytic mix

a well drained growing media for epiphytes

equisetum

genus name for horsetails

eradicate

to eliminate

erect

1. upright growing habit , 2. Example: Lemon Scented Geranium (Pelargonium crispum),Prince Rupert Scented Geranium (Pelargonium crispum)

erose (erosus)

the margins are irregularly toothed , jagged or notched as if chewed by an animal

erosulate

more or less erose

esker

a narrow ridge consisting of sand and gravel deposited by a glacier

espalier

1. a plant trained to grow in two dimensional fashion, 2. plant trained to grow on one plain, flat

etaerio

1. aggregate cluster of ovaries all derived from a single flower, 2. aggregate fruit

ethylene

1. a gas formed from the ripening of fruit, 2. many plants need this to stimulate the production of a flower

etiolation

A condition in plants, usually caused by lack of light where the plant has long internodal stretch, elongated stem and pale colors.

eu

greek prefix that means true or real. Such as eubacteria or the true bacteria.

eukaryotic

1.a cell that has a nucleus, 2. an organism that has a nucleus, 3. cells with a nucleus contained in a membrane, 4. opposite prokaryotic

Euonymus crown gall

A gall disease of Euonymus caused by a bacteria. Forms large tumorous, disfiguring growths on the stems of the plants.

Euonymus scale

A scale insect (Unaspis suonymis) that creates large colonies of white scale on many types of Euonymus.

evenly pinnate

1. a pinnate leaf that ends without an odd leaflet or tendril, it ends in matched pairs, 2. abruptly pinnate

even-pinnately compound

1. a pinnately compound leaf that ends without an odd leaflet or tendril, it ends in matched pairs, 2. abruptly pinnate, 3. evenly pinnate

evergreen

plants that hold onto their foliage throughout the entire year.

everlastings

flowers that retain their shape, size and form when dried. Some plants dry naturally like Strawflowers, Baby's Breath, Globe Amaranth, etc. Some are easy to dry like Yarrow (2), Celosia (2), Tansy, Globe Thistle etc. Most any plant can be dried.

excelsa

tall

exine

the outer layer of a pollen grain or spore wall

exfoliating

1. pealing off in layers, woody plants can have exfoliating bark, 2. Examples: Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera), Amur Chokeberry (Prunus maackii ), Lace Bark Pine (Pinus bungeana), Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)

exfoliating epidermal tissue

1. the epidermal tissue pealing off in layers , 2. Example: Seven Sons Flower (Heptacodium miconides)

exocarp

1. the outer most layer of a fruit wall, 2. epicarp

exotics

1. alien, 2. a plant primarily of European or Asian origin that was accidentally or intentionally introduced into an area

exotic species

exotics

exserted

1. extending beyond, protuding, 2. included (opp)

extirpated

to remove from an area

extra axillary

above rather than in the axil

extrose

1. facing outward, 2. turned toward the outside

eyes

axillary buds located at the nodes on tubers, rhizomes, etc.

eye

1. center of a flower which has a different shade or color from the rest, 2. Example: Dianthus Artic Fire (Dianthus deltoides), Strawberry Parfait Dianthus (Dianthus chinensis)

F

fairy ring

ring of fungus growing in rings outward from a central point

falcate

sickle shaped

fall

1. petals of an iris that droop, 2. outer whorl of the perianth of an iris

family

1.a taxonomical classification unit that contains organism that are closely related, 2. a group of genus, 3. the fifth step in the classification system of living organisms

fan

1. shaping a plant into the form of a fan, 2. a form of espalier

fans

1. used to describe the side shoots of a rhizome of an Iris (Iris germanica), or a division of Daylily (Hemerocallis), etc. when divided are cut back into the shape of a fan

farinose

covered with a meal-like powder

fasciated

abnormally much flattened or crested growth

fasciation

1. an abnormal growth such as cristate or monstrous, 2. when stems abnormally grow together

fascicle

a cluster or a bundle

fascicle root

1. a cluster of roots, 2. tuberous roots

fascicle sheath

a tubular structure, often made of leaves or bracts, which surround a stem or other plant organ

fastigiate

1.clustered, parallel and erect giving a room like appearance, 2. often applied to the growth from of a plant, 3. Examples: Columnar Oak (Quercus robur fastigiata), Sentry Ginkgo (Ginko biloba fastigiata Sentry), Islels Fastigated Spruce (Picea abies fastigiata Isles)

faucal

referring to the throat of a calyx or corolla

fauces

the throat of a calyx or corolla

faveolate

1. pitted, honeycombed, 2. such as the surface of a peanut

favose

faveolate

female

the part of the flower called the pistil

female flower

1. a flower lacking stamens, has functional carpels, 2. a pistillate flower

fen

an area like a bog but is alkaline as not acidic like a bog

fenestrate

1. a translucent area, 2. a window like opening or perforations, 3. Example with openings:Window Leaf Plant (Monstera obliqua), 4. Examples with translucent areas: String-of-Beads (Senecio rowleyanus), Baby Toes (Fenestraria rhopalophylla)

fern

1. A primitive seedless vascular plant that is a member of the plant division Pterophyta ., 2. Example: Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis), Rabbit Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis ), search for more ferns

ferox

1. latin meaning fierce, 2. very thorny, 3. Example: the leaflets of Encephalatorus ferox are thorny

ferruginous

1. the color of iron rust, 2. impregnated with iron

ferrugo

rust disease of plants

fertile

1. capable of germination, 2. soils capable of supporting quality plant growth

fertile flower

1.Such as in Hydrangea or Viburnum the non-showy flowers of the inflorescence (corymb) or (cyme), 2. Examples: Hydrangea Teller Blue (Hydrangea macrophylla Blaumeise), Variegated Lacecap Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla Variegated)

fertile frond

1. The frond (leaf) of a fern where the spores are produced. Usually the are distinctly different from the sterile frond. 2. Example : Purple Stem Royal Fern (2) (Osmunda regalis purpurasens), Staghorn Fern (2)(Platycerium), Japanese Shield Fern(Dryopteris erythrosora)

fertility

being fertile

fertilize

1. the fusion of the pollen (male gamete) with the ovule (female gamete) to form a seed, 2. pollination, 3. impregnation, 4. to use a fertilizer

fertilizer

1. A substance incorporated into the soil or growing media to improve the fertility, 2. could be natural organic (manure, compost, bone meal, etc) or synthetic manufactured (ammonia, potassium chloride, etc. , 3. could be in a solid or liquid form

fertilizing

to fertilize

fertilizing the air

to add carbon dioxide to the air

fertilization

the act of fertilizing a flower

fetid

1. having or emitting an unpleasant odor, 2. stinking, 3. Examples of plants with flowers that produce a fetid odor: Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus ), Purple Passion Plant (Gynura tomentosa)

fibrous

a root system consisting of more or less thin roots branching from the base of the plant

fiborus root system

fibrous

fiddlehead

a young, edible, tightly coiled fern frond that resembles the spiral end of a violin (fiddle)

fig

the fruit of figs called a syconium

filament

1. the that supports the anther, 2. part of the stamen

filiform

thread like, long and slender

finely serrate

1. small teeth or fine serration, 2. Example: Balsam Popple (Poppulus balsmifera)

fissure

1. in vertical furrows, 2. used to refer to the texture of bark

flabellate

fan shaped

flabelliform

flabellate

flaccid

limp, flabby, lacking turgor pressure

flange

a projecting rim or edge

flare

used to describe Iris flower falls having an outward horizontal curve

flat topped cyme

1. a cyme in which the florets form a flat top, 2. Examples: Compact Europen Cranberry Bush (2)(Viburnum opulus compactum)

flava

yellow

flavescent

yellowish

fleshy

thick and pulpy, succulent

fleshy aggregate fruit

1. an aggregate fruit formed from a cluster of many pistils from one flower, the fruit is soft and fleshy, 2. pericarp is soft at maturity

fleshy fruit

1. all or most of the ovary wall (pericarp) is soft at maturity , 2. a fruit that is somewhat juicy or pulpy

fleshy rhizome

rhizome

fleshy spine

1. a soft spine, 2. Example: Aloe vera (Aloe vera)

flexuose

1. zigzagged, having curves or bends, 2. Examples: Devils Backbone (Pedilanthus tithymaloides variegatus ), Morus Unryu (Morus australis Unryu)

flexuous

flexouse

floral envelope

a collective term for the calyx and corolla of a flower

floral sheath

1. tissue surrounding, enclosing the flower, 2. a tubular calyx

floral tube

1. an elongated tubular portion of the perianth

flore plene

double flowered

florescence

the flowering period of a plant

floret

1. a small flower, 2. one flower of an inflorescence, 2. Examples: Aloe vera (Aloe vera), Hosta Sea Spirit (Hosta Sea Spirit)

floribunda

1. a characteristic of plants producing flowers in clusters, 2. a classification of roses

floriferous

1. having many flowers, 2. flower bearing

flower

The reproductive organ of an angiosperm, consisting of at least the stamen, pistil or both and may have associate parts such as petals and bracts.

flowerhead

a crowded cluster of stemless or nearly stemless flowers, that are either disk florets or ray florets

floccose

tufts of soft, wooly hair

fluted

grooved

foetid

fetid

foliage

referring to the leaves of a plant

foliage plants

1. plants grown mainly for their foliage, 2. flowers may be insignificant or difficult to produce

foliar

relating to or applied to leaves

foliar feeding

to feed the plants through their leaves, usually through a foliar spray

foliar spray

a liquid nutrient applied to the plant in the form of a fine spray

foliate

1. leaf-like, 2. having leaves, 3. leafleted

foliaceous

leaf-like in color and form

folious lichens

1. a lichen growth form, 2. forms circular patterns of leaf-like thalli that overlap, the edges are frequently crinkled, common on the bark of trees

follicle

1. a single ripened ovary that splits open along one seam, 2. a dry fruit formed from a single carpel that splits along one seam, 3. examples:peony, columbine, milkweed, etc.

forb

a broadleaf herbaceous plant

forma

The lowest category of taxonomic rank. Differences may be very minor such as color of the berry.

form

the structure or position of the petals that determines a flowers overall form

formal garden

1. a garden laided out in a geometeric design, 2. Example: Zinnia Garden

formation pruning

1. the pruning of trees, shrubs and other plant material into desired patterns, 2. topiary, 3. espalier

fragrans

1. fragrant, 2. Example: Corn Plant (Dracaena fragans Massangeana)

fringed

1. with hairs or bristles along the margins, 2. Example: Fringed Gentian (Gentianopsis crinita)

frond

1. the leaf-like part of a fern, 2. a fern leaf, 3. Example: Sensitive Fern (Oneclea sensibilis ), Ghost Fern (Anthyrium nipponicum ), 4. also sterile frond, fertile frond

frost crack

A long vertical crack in the bark of a tree that is caused by frost or cold splitting a stressed area.

fruit

1. a broad botanical term that refers to the seeds and their surrounding covering, 2. a ripened ovary

fruitescent

becoming shrubby

fruiticose

1. shrub-like, shrubby, 2. Examples: Potentilla fruiticosa (1), (2),

fruiticose lichens

1. a lichen growth form, 2. the thalli are usually branched forming small shrub-like organisms, can hang from branches

fulvous

1. tawny, 2. dull yellow

fungus (pl. fungi)

1. a member of the Fungi kingdom, which consists of mushrooms, toadstools, puff balls, ringworm, athletes foot, etc. 2. organisms that are plant-like but lack chlorophyll and many are saprophytes

funiculus

1. seed stalk, 2. the stalk that holds the ovule to the wall of the ovary

funnelform

1. a flower shape that widens upward, 2. the corolla widening outward, 3. the corolla is shaped like a funnel

furcate

forked or branched

furfuraceous

scaly or scruffy

furrowed

1. having longitudinal channels or grooves, 2. Example: Bur Oak (Quercus macrocephala), Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), 3. impressed

fuscous

color of grayish-brown

fused petals

1. with petals fused that form a tubular flower, 2. Examples: Cream Gentian (Gentiana alba ), Closed Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii)

fusiform

1. spindle shapes, 2. tapering to each end from a smaller, narrower mid-section

G

gall

1. A tumorous growth on a plant caused by a parasite such as fungus, bacteria, insects, etc., 2. a bare spot in a field

gall weevil

A beetle whose grubs attacks members of the Brassica (cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, etc.) and cause small pea size galls on the plant.

gametangium (pl gametangia)

a structure in which gametes are produced

gamete

a sex cell being either male or female, when they unit a new individual (embryo) can develop

gametophore

a stalk on which a gametangium is borne

gazebo

small structure, usually roofed, 4, 6 or 8 sides and open sided located in gardens, parks or yards

gametophyte

the haploid (n) gamete producing stage of an organism that exhibits alternation of generation

gemmae

Groups of cells that are formed in the gemmae cup. When detached from the thallus they are able to form a new thallus. This is a from of asexual reproduction in Liverworts.

gemmae cup

Small cups formed on the surface of a Liverwort's thallus in which the gemmae are formed.

gene

A unit of heredity that is coded by the DNA. Gene's make up the chromosome.

genus

1.a taxonomical classification unit that contains organism that are closely related, 2. a group of species, 3. the sixth step in the classification system of living organisms

geotropism

either the negative (growth away from), or the positive(growth toward) responce of plants to gravity

germinate

1. seeds beginning to grow, 2. seeds sprouting, 3 The germination rate of seeds can be affected by all or some of the following factors: temperature, light, moisture, growing media, amount of light, dormancy factors, etc.

germination

germinate

giganteum

1. large, 2. Example: Giant Allium (Allium giganteum)

glabrous

1. without hairs of any kind, 2. smooth

glandular

hairs with enlarged glands at the tips

glaucescent

becoming glaucous

glaucous

1. covered with a whitish or bluish waxy coat, usually caused by a removable powder or fine wax, 2. Examples: Sedum Donkey's Tail (Sedum morganianum ), Giant Coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima)

globose

1. round or spherical shape, 2. Examples:Globe Amaranth All Around Purple (Gomphrena globosa)

globose berries

1. round or spherical berries or berry-like fruit, 2. Example:Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisema triphyllum ), Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)

globular

1. circular

globular stem

1. a circular almost ball shaped stem, 2. Example: Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)

globular flower head

1. a flower head made up of many small flowers in a globular shape, 2. Examples: Common Thrift (Armeria maritima), Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis )

glochid

1. small barbed spines or bristles (bristle-like spines )found on some species of cactus, 2. Example: Bunny Ears Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)

glomerate(-a)

1. in dense, compacted clusters, 2. often applied to flower clusters, 3.Examples: Clustered Bell Flower (Campanula glomerata), Grape Hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum)

glomerulate

arranged in very small dense clusters

glomerule

1. a dense small cluster

glossy

1. shiny reflective surface, 2. Example: Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp petiolaris)

glume

a stiff chaff-like bract pair found at the base of a grass spikelet

glutinous

1. sticky, 2. viscid

gnawed

erose

gonous

a greek suffix meaning angled

graft

the process where a scion (shoot) is attached to a rootstock to create a new plant

grafted cactus

1. the process of by joining two separate but compatible varieties of cactus plants, 2. Examples: Grafted Cactus

grain

1. a dry indehiscent fruit, seed coat is completely fused with the pericarp,2. Examples:corn, wheat, rice, oats, etc. The next time you go to a movie ask for box of popped dry indehiscent fruit with butter!!!

graminaceous

grass-like or grassy

granular

1. minutely rough, 2. covered with small granules

granular structure

roughly spherical soil structure

granuliferous

producing grain or grain like seeds

gravitropism

1. A growth movement (tropism) by which plants roots grow towards the gravitational pull. Stems have a negative gravitropism and grow away from the gravitational pull.

gravel

a mixture of very small stones, rock fragments and sand

greenwood

New growth on woody plants that as it hardens takes on the color of the mature wood. The leaves will loose the early growth color and the stems will become more slender

greenwood cuttings

1. cuttings taken from the greenwood of woody plants, 2. cuttings taking a bit later than softwood cuttings, at this time the growth is starting to take on the appearance of the mature plant

grid plant braces

a type of plant support frame made of a wire ring with a wire grade through which the plant will grow

grooved

marked with a long narrow channel

ground color

1. in primulas the ring of color next to the center in gold laced polyanthus, usually black, brown or red, 2. Example: Primula Gold Lace (Primula elatior Gold Lace)

ground cover

1. used to describe low, dense growing plants, 2. Examples: Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis), Vinca (Vinca minor), Ajuga (Ajuga reptens)

ground pine

1. a type of lycopodium, 2. name comes from the fact they look like small pine trees

gum

a sticky resin

gumbo

a term used to refer to adobe soils

gymno

naked

gymnosperms

a class of plants that form their seed in an exposed condition, many times this is a cone

gynoecia

1. the production of pistillate flowers, 2. imperfect flowers

gynoecium

1. collectively the female part of the flower, 2. collectively all the carpels of a flower

gynophore

a stalk bearing a pistil above the point of stamen attachment, 2. a central stalk in some flowers that bears the gynoecium

gynostegium

A characteristic and complex structure formed by the fusion of the stigma and stamen. A typical feature for members of the Milkweed family.

gypsophiles

1. plants which thrive or live in a gypsum rich soil, 2. Examples: Creeping Baby's Breath Rosea (Gypsophila repens Rosea)

gypsum

A common rock that occurs naturally in sedimentary rocks formed under heat and pressure from sediments in ocean salt water or by evaporation. Two of the nutrients used by plants from gypsum are sulfur and calcium.

H

habit

the general shape or outline of a plant

haft

1. a narrow base or winged-like stalk of some petals, 2. in an Iris flower the upper part of the falls that connects to the rest of the flower, the shoulders next to the beard

haft

the handle of a tool

hairy

1. with long hairs, 2. pubescent

haploid

1. the n chromosome number stage, 2. having one sets of chromosomes

hardiness

1. the resilience of a plant to cold, draught, disease, etc., 2. hardy

hardwood

timber from broad leaved trees, 2. opposite softwood

hardwood cuttings

1.cuttings taken from the mature wood of trees and shrubs, 2. cuttings taken from conifers in the fall in early winter or deciduous plants when they are dormant

hardy

1. the ability of a plant to with stand the cold, draught, heat or other environmental factors of an area, 2. hardiness

haustoria

1. root-like suckers of parasitic plants, 2. Example of plants that have haustoria: False Toadflax (Comandra umbellata)

head

1. a flower with a densely packed cluster of stalkless flowers, 2. capitulum

heart-shaped

1. shaped like a heart, 2. chorate

heartwood

1. the inactive, deadwood at the center of a tree or a branch, no longer conducts water but does provide support, 2.the center portion of a trunk, made of secondary xylem that is dark color and inactive

heath

sandy, acid, peaty soils

heaving

1. the process of plants being lifted out of the soil during the winter time by the alternation of freezing and thawing, 2. commonly occurs in late planted material that hasn't had the chance to root in

hedge

1. barrier or fence formed by bushes or small trees growing together, 2. a closely planted row of shrubbery

heel

1. a small piece of bark and wood attached when a shoot is pulled from the parent plant

heeling in

1. covering the base or roots of a plant with soil or mulch for a short time, 2. temporarily storing plants in a layer of mulch

heirloom

1. a plant or seed variety that has been passed down through generations, 2. antique or old varieties

helicoid

coiled like a spiral or helix

helmet

hood

heliotropism

1. A term describing the bending of plants towards sun light. Phototropism has replaced this term since plants also bend towards artificial light. 2. a type of tropism

hemi

meaning half

hemisphere

shaped like half a sphere

Hepaticophyta

A plant division consisting of nonvascular plants commonly called Liverworts. There are about 8,000 species of these distributed throughout the world.

hepaticous

liver colored

herb

1. one whose aerial stems are soft and succulent without appreciable parenchymatous xylem tissue, 2. a plant not woody in texture

herbaceous

soft, green containing little woody tissue

herbaceous cuttings

cuttings taken from a herbaceous plant

herbaceous plant

in general a soft stemmed plant, non-woody plant

herbicide

a chemical used to kill vegetation

hesperidium

1. fleshy berry-like fruit with a hard rind, 2. Orange, lemon, lime

heterostylic

flowers with styles of different lengths in the same species

heterozygous

where both genes of a gene pair are different therefore the plant will not breed true

hilum

the scar of a seed at its point of attachment

hip

1. fruit or seed pod of a rose, 2. cynarrhodion, 3. Examples: Rose (Rosa)

hippocrepiform

in the shape of a horse shoe

hirsute

1. covered with coarse dense hairs, rought to the touch, 2. pubescent with short stiff hairs

hirsutulous

1. slightly hirsute, 2. diminutive of hirsute

hirtellous

slightly hirsute

hispid

covered with stiff, dense hairs,

hispidulous

1. slightly hispid, 2. diminutive of hispid

hoary

covered with short whitish or grayish hairs

hollow

1. pith with a central cavity, 2. an opening in a woodland, 3. a small circular valley

hooded

arching over and partially concealing

horns

1. a tapering projection resembling the horn of a cow, 2. found on the inside of some types of Milkweeds, 3. long pointed growths protruding unpward from the ends of the beards in Iris flowers

Hornworts

A primitive nonvascular plant in the plant kingdom. Grouped together with the 2 other divisions of nonvascular plants called Bryophytes. The name comes from the that their mature sporophytes resemble miniatures cattle horns. Found mostly growing in moist shaded areas.

horsetail

A primitive plant that is a member of the plant division Sphenophyta and genus Equisetum. Also know as scouring rushes. Seedless with primitive leaves and ribbed stems that contain silica.

hortensis

a type of hydrangea inflorescence also called mophead

host

a plant that a parasitic plants derives it's nourishment from

humifuse

spreading along the ground

humistrate

lying on the ground

humus

1. the loose, crumbly material that is formed from the decaying of organic matter, 2. the finale stage of organic matter being broken down in the soil

husk

1.tough outside covering of a fruit or seed, 2. the shell, 3. Example: Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)

hyalescent

somewhat hyaline

hyaline

1. thin, membranous transparent or translucent, 2. An example is Hyaline Hyphomycetes a conidial fungi which are not darkly pigmented, colonies may be colorless or brightly colored

hybrid

the offspring resulting from a cross between different varieties, supspecies, species or genera

hypanthium

A cup or tube bearing floral parts above the base, and often above the top, of the ovary of a flower and many times encloses the pistils

hypocoty

1. lower part of the stem below the cotyledon, 2. axis of the embryo below the cotyledon, 3. the stem of the seedling between the roots and the cotyledons

hypogeal

1. a type of seed germination in which the seed leaves stay below the ground, 2. cotyledons stay below the ground

hypogynous

the sepals, petals and stamens are attached to the receptacle of the flower below the ovary

 

I

imbricate

1. scales which over lap like shingles, 2. valavate (opp)

imperfect flower

An unisex flower that has an androecium (stamens) or a gynoecium (pistils) but not both the reproductive organs in the same flower.

incised

1. irregularly, deeply and sharply cut, 2. Examples: Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

include

1. not protruding, 2. exserted (opp)

increase

1. new fans growing from the side of a rhizome, 2. a term used in the culture of Iris

indehiscent

a fruit which does not split or open to release the seed, corn, rice, hazelnut, etc.

indehiscent dry fruits

fruits that do not split open at maturity

indeterminate (opp. determinate)

1. plants whose stems can grow indefinitely such as an indeterminate tomato plant which has no predicted height

indeterminate inflorescence

an inflorescence in which the lower or outer flowers bloom first

indigenous

1. plants native to an area, 2. where they are naturally found, 3. not exotic or alien

indumentation(indumentum)

1. occurrence of hairs or down on a plant, 2. wooly or pubescence

indurate

hardened

inequilateral

with unequal sides0

impressed

1. as if marked by pressure, 2. furrowed

inferior

1. attached beneath, 2. superior (opp)

inferior ovary

when the ovary is beneath the point of attachment of the other floral organs

inflated

swollen or expanded

inflated calyx

1.calyx inflated to form a ballon-like structure, 2. Example: Flower-of-an-hour (Hibiscus trionum )

inflorescence

1. a cluster of florets creating a flower, 2. types are composite head, corymb, cyme, panicle ,spike, spadix, raceme, umbel,

infra

1. a prefix meaning below, within

inorganic

1. minerals, 2. not natural or artificial. 2. composed of material other than animal or plant matter. 3. opp. organic

inrolled

1. involute, 2. rolled or curled inward

insect

1. a small invertebrate animal, 2. the body is divided into segments

insect trapping leaves

modified specialized leaves of insectivorous plants that have the ability to trap and digest insects

insecticide

a chemical used to kill insects

insectivorous

1. plants which use insect trapping leaves to capture and digest insects to supplement their nitrogen requirement, 2. plants such as Bladderwort, Venus Fly Trap, Pitcher Plant, etc.

integer

entire

integerrimus

1. totally free of marginal divisions, 2. quite entire

internodal prickles

prickles that occur between the nodes on a stem

internode

the space between two nodes

introduced

Plants that have been accidentally or deliberately brought to a region. These plants were not part of the pre-settlement flora of the region.

introse

1. directed inward, 2. turned towards the inside

invasive

1. plant species are plants that quickly invade an area, 2. a species that is invasive is one that has been introduced and become a pest in its new location, spreading (invading) by natural means.

invertebrate

an animal lacking a backbone

involucel

1. a secondary involucre, 2. diminutive of an involucre

involucral

of the involucre

involucrate

having an involucre

involucre

1. a whorl of bracts that are closed underneath a flower or inflorescence, 2. any structure that surrounds the base of another structure, 3. example: Teasle (Dipsacus sylvestris)

involute

1. with the margins rolled inward toward the upper side, 2. revolute (opposite)

iridescent

1. displaying many colors, 2. Example: Persian Shield Plant (Stobilanthes dyerianus)

irregular flower

1. zygomorphic flower, 2. a flower in which all parts are not similar in size

isadelphous

with diadelphous stamens of equal number in each bundle

Isoetes

1. genus for Quillworts, 2. found in the plant division Lycophyta

J

jacket

1.the outer coating or covering of a potato, 2. the skin or epidermis

jag

a sharp division or clef in a leaf margin

joint

1. a node, 2. a point on the stem from which the bud grows

jointed

having nodes or joints

Jonquil

1. a name often misused to for Daffodils, 2. division VII of Daffodils called Jonquilla Daffodils, 3. a type of Daffodil

Jonquilla

a division of Daffodils

jugate

having leaflets or leaves in pairs

jugum

a pair of opposite leaves

junciform

rush-like in form

juvenile

A distinctly immature stage in the development of certain plants. Many parts of the plant differ from the adult form. Common examples are English Ivy, Pothos, etc.

K

karyogram

a picture of all the chromosomes of an individual arranged in homologous pairs

karyotype

1. all of the chromosomes within a nucleus, 2. the physical appearance of the chromosomes, including number, shape, size, etc.

keel

1. a form similar to the bottom of a boat, united to form a keel, 2. bottom joined petals of some leguminous flowers, 2. a projecting rigid

keeled

1. ridged like the keel of a boat, 2. having a keel

kelps

a type of brown algae

kernal

1. edible part of a nut, 2. a seed within a hard shell

key

key fruit

key fruit

1. small indehiscent fruit with a wing, 2. samara

kill back

the death of the upper portion of a plant, the roots remaining may send up new shoots

kingdom

1. the second highest step in the classification system of living organisms, 2. the kingdoms are:plant, animal, true bacteria, fungi, archaebacteria and protista

knees

1. upward growing root of trees that grow in very wet soils allowing the roots to breath, 2. aerial roots, 3. pneumatophores

knees

a joint as in the stem of grass

L

labiate

1. lipped, 2. applied to flowers with lips

lace

used to describe Iris flowers which are very frilled or have crimped serrations on the outer edges of the petals

lacecap

A type of hydrangea flower with a flat round flower head with centers of fertile flowers surrounded by outer rings of sterile flowers (ray flowers). Center flowers are not showy, however the outer rings of sterile flowers have showy sepals (sepalous clusters). 2. Examples of Hydrangea with lacecap flowers: Teller Blue Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla Blaumeise), Variegated Lacecap Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla Variegated)

lacerate

irregularly cut or clefted as if torn

laciniate

1. fringed, 2. jagged, 3. cut into narrow segments or lobes

lacuna

1. a cavity anywhere in a plant, 2. a large multicellular cavity, 3. a pit or a depression

lamina

another term for blade

lanate

1. wooly, 2. usually matted

lanceolate

1. lance shaped, 2. much longer than wide, 3. widest below the middle and tapering to the apex, 4. similar to ovate but narrower , 5. Example: Princess Flower (Tibouchina urvilleana ), Sanders Dracaena (Dracaena sanderiana ), Aglaonema (Aglaonema brevispathum hospitum), Giant Purple Hyssop (Agastache scrophulariaefolia), Bloodleaf (Iresine lindenii)

lateral

attached to the side

lateral branch

a branch originating from the side as opposed to the tip or apex

lateral bud

buds growing in the axil of the previous seasons leaf, axillary bud

lateral lobes

the lobes below the centre lobe

lateral meristem

area along the side (lateral) of a stem where cells divide

latex

1. the milky sap of plants, 2. Example: Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima ), Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia splendens), Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica). Benjamin Fig (Ficus bejamina)

laticifer

tubes or channels containing latex

lactiferous

1. milky, 2. having a latex sap

latifolia

1. broad leaved, 2. Example: Common Cattail (Typha latifolia)

layer

a stem that has been layered

layering

1. the development of roots on a stem while it is still attached to the plant, 2. an artificial or natural method of plant propagation

leader

a shoot growing at the apex or tip of a plant

leaf(pl. leaves)

the main organ of photosynthesis

leaf axil

where the petiole of the leaf attaches to the stem

leaf cutting

1. an asexual method of propagation using the whole leaf or parts of the leaf, 2. Examples: Sansevieria

leaf margin

edge of the leaf

leaf mold

composted leaves used to add organic matter to the soil

leaf primordium

a lateral outgrowth from the apical meristem that develops into a leaf

leaf scar

1. the scar left after a bud or leaf falls off a stem, 2. Examples: Washington Palm (2) (Washingtonia robusta)

leaf sheath

the lower part of a leaf which envelopes the plant, common in grass

leaf stalk

the petiole

leaf tendril

a tendril developed from the entire leaf primordium

leaf tip tendril

a tendril developed from the apex of a developing leaf

leaflet

1. division of a compound leaf. 2. a foliar element of a compound leaf, 2. Example: European Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia)

leaflet tendril

a tendril developed from a single leaflet or several of the distal leaflets

leafy stipules

leaf-like green stipule that acts as foliage

leaves

plural form of leaf

legume

1. pod fruit of the pea and bean family (Fabaceae and other families), 2. a member of the legume family (Leguminosae)

leguminous

1. plants in the Leguminosae family, 2. pod forming, like a legume

lemma

outer bract of a grass flower

lenticel

a pore or break in the bark to allow the exchange of gases, aeration pore

lenticular

1. shaped like a bean, 2. shaped like a double convex lens

lichen

A symbiotic relationship of a fungus and alga living together in a thallus. The alga supplies the food for the fungus and thallus, while the fungus provides protection from the sun for the alga and produces a substrate that accelerates photosynthesis.

ligule

1. a membrane at the junction of the leaf sheath and leaf base, 2. common to many grasses

lime pitted

1. having a deposited of lime on the leaves, usually on the edges, 2. encrusted

limestone

A sedimentary rock consisting mostly of calcium carbonate, used in landscapes to make walls and walks. Often the source for the calcium carbonate is the remains of aquatic animals that have settled to the bottom.

limestone soils

soils whose origin is of limestone and is usually of a basic ph

line breeding

the practice of breeding from related seedlings of recrossing the progency of two parents,thus concentrating the good and the bad genes

linear

1. long and narrow leaf shape, sides almost parallel, 2. Example: Grass-Leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia), Variegated Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum vittatum)

lips

1. labiate, 2. having two segments or projections such as in the flower of an Iris, Orchid, etc.

liquid fertilizer

1. a form of fertilizer that is in liquid form, 2. the nutrients are dissolved in water and applied to the plant in a liquid form.

Liverwort

A primitive nonvascular plant in the plant kingdom. Placed in the division Hepaticophyta and grouped together with the two other divisions of nonvascular plants called Bryophytes. It's name comes from the fact that early herbalists believed the flat thallus looked like a liver and it could be used to treat aliments of this organ.

lobe

a division of a leaf or calyx, cut to about halfway between the midrib and margin

lobed

having lobes

lobed seed pod

a seed pod with lobes that separate when dry

lobulate

with lobules

lobules

1. small lobes or a lobe- like subdivision of a lobe, 2. small outgrowths usually from the edge or margin of a lichens thallus

locule

1. a small cavity, 2. a cell of an ovary containing the ovules, 3. a cell of the anther containing the pollen

loculus

locule

lodicule

rudimentary scales at the base of the ovary of a grass plant flower

loment

a seedpod that is divided into segments and each segment contains a single seed

lustrous

1. shiny or glossy, 2. Example: Summersweet Clethera(Clethera alnifolia, Rusty Blackhaw (Viburnum rufidulum)

lutea

1. golden yellow, 2: Example: Lollypop Plant (Pachystachys lutea ) has golden yellow flowers

lycophyta

A division of vascular plants containing the Club Mosses (lycopodium) and Quillworts (Isoetes)

lycopodium

1. A group of primitive vascular plants that have simple roots, stems and leaves, 2. also known as Ground pine, Club moss and Christmas Pine, 3. member of the plant division lycophyta, 4. genus name for this group of plants

lysis

greek meaning loosening

M

macro

1. prefix meaning large or long,

macracanthus

having large spines

macranthus

having large flowers

macrocarpus

1. large fruit, 2.Example Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) referring to the large fruit (carpa)

macrocladous

having long branches

macrophyllus

having large leaves

macropodus

having a stout stalk

macrorrhizus

1. with large roots, 2. Geranium macrorrhizum has a large thick root system

macrospermus

having large seeds

macrostachyus

having long or large spines

macrurus

having a large tail

maculata

1. spotted, 2. Example: Wild Geranium ( Geranium maculatum), Lamium Pink Pewter (Lamium maculatum)

male

the part of the flower called the stamen

male flower

1. a flower having a stamen but lacking the pistil, 2. a staminate flower

manure

animal waste that is incorporated into the soil to improve the soil's fertility

manure tea

soaking manure in water and using this water as a liquid fertilizer for plants

Marchantia

A common thalloid type of Liverwort.

margin

the edge of a leaf, petal, etc.

mature

a later phase of growth characterized by flowering, fruiting, and a reduced rate of size increase

meadow

1. field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay, 2. a field with grass and often wild flowers in it

mealy bug

a sap sucking insect, forms masses of cotton-like material around themselves, mealy color from the waxy material around their body

megaspore

a spore that develops into a female gametophyte

meleagris

1. spotted, 2. Example: Guinea Hen (Fritilaria meleagris)

meristem

1. a region where cells actively divide and grow, 2. where plants roots grow (root tip), plants grow in length (stem tips) and woody plants in diameter (vascular cambium)

meristematic tissue

Cells or group of cells that have the ability to divide. In plants these tissues consist of densely packed small cells that can keep dividing to form new cells

meso

1. a prefix meaning middle, 2. of Greek origin

micorphyll

1.tiny scale like leaves, 2. a leaf having a single unbranched vein not associated with a leaf gap

microphylla

1. small leaved, 2. Example: Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla )

microspore

a spore that develops into the male gametophyte

midrib

1. the central vein running from the petiole to the tip of the leaf, 2. the main vein of a leaf, 3. the central stem of a pinnate leaf to which the leaflets are attached

milky

having a white latex sap

mono

greek prefix meaning one

monocarpic

flowers only once than dies

monocot

1. plants that have only one seed leaf, 2. members of the following groups of plants are monocots, grasses, lilies, bromeliads, orchids, iris, etc.

monocotyledon

Having only one seed leaf.

monoecious

1, have unisex flowers (male and female) on the same plant, 2 Examples of monecious plants: Redroot Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus)

monogeneric

1. a family containing one species, 2. monotypic,

monopetalous

having a single petal or the petals are united into one

monophyletic

derived from one single ancestral line

monopodial

the growth of the stem or the rhizome is not branching

monotypic

1. A taxonomic division that has only one subdivision, 2. Example:Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a monotypic genus of the Onocleaceae family, the Gingko (Ginkgo biloba) is a monotypic, genus of the Ginkgoaceae Family.

monstrous

a type of fasciation in which the abnormal growth is forming from multiple points

moor

1. a boggy area of land usually peaty and dominated by grasses and sedges

mophead

1. A type of hydrangea flower when the sterile, showy flowers form more or less a solid head or dome. The nonshowy fertile flowers are inside the inflorescence., 2. hortensis 3. Examples of Hydrangea with mopheads: Hydrangea Endless Summer (Hydrangea macrophylla Endless Summer), Hydrangea (Hydrangea grandiflora),

morpho

shape

mor

1. humus formed under acid conditions , 2. forest humus that has formed a layer of organic matter that is distinctly different from the mineral layer of soil beneath

moss

a primitive seedless, nonvascular plant that is in the division Bryophyta

mottled

1. having spots or patches of color, 2. Example: Yellow Trillium (Trillium luteum)

mound layering

1. A form of layering that involves cutting the plant to the ground during the dormant period and than covering with soil. The new shoots will root and can be removed from the mother plant by division., 2. same as stool layering

mucilaginous

slimy

mucronatic

having a fine slender tip

mulch

1. any substance applied to the surface of the soil to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, decorative, etc., 2. can be organic or inorganic

multifid

with many narrow segments, clefts or lobes

mushroom

1. a term used to describe most types of fungus, 2. the physical habit of the fruiting body of a club fungus (Basidiomycetes)

mutant

1. the plant that posses the mutation, 2. a sport

mutation

a change in plant habit, leaf shape, fruit, flower, etc. of a plant caused by a change in the genetic material of the plant

multiple fruit

1. a fruit formed from a cluster of many ripened ovaries of a cluster of flower on the same inflorescence, the core will be the fleshy stem axis of the flower, 2. Examples: Pineapple (Ananas cosmosus) , White Mulberry (Morus alba)

mummy

a dried shriveled fruit

Myxomycetes

the subkingdom of Slime Mold

N

naked

1. buds lacking protective scales, 2. flower lacking perianth, 3. lacking hairs, appendages or other structures

nana

1. small or dwarf, 2. used to describe a smaller version of a plant, 3. Examples: Silver Mound (Artemesia schmidtianna nana ), Dwarf Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris glauca nana), Japanese Garden Juniper (Juniperus procumbens nana), Blue Artic Willow (Salix purpurea nana)

napaceous

napiform

napiform

turnip shaped

Narcissus

the genus name for all the bulbous plants in the Amaryllis family

nascent

being formed

nastic movement

plants response caused but not directed by an external stimuli. Such as opening and closing of flower.

narrowly lanceolate

1. lanceolate leaves that are long and narrow, 2. Example: Cheddar Pink (Dianthus gratianapolitanus)

native

1. an indigenous species, 2. plants found naturally occurring in a given area

natural hybrid

a hybrid plant produced by natural causes in the native habitat of the plant

naturalized

an alien or exotic plant that has established itself in a given area

nivalis

latin referring to snow

nectar

a liquid produced by a flower to attract pollinators

nectary

a nector producing gland

needle

a narrow stiff leaf of a conifer

needle shaped leaves

leaves shaped like a needle

needle-like leaves

1. margins of the leaves are strongly rolled giving the appearance of a tubular leaf, 2. Examples Yucca

negative geotropism

a growth responce away from gravity, usually erect or up

negative tropism

a growth response (tropism) away from the stimulus

neglecta

in Iris flowers a blue or violet bitone

nervate

1. leaves having ribs, 2. arrangement of the foliar veins

nerve

1. the midrib of a leaf, 2. Example: Nerve Plant (Fittonia verschaffectii argyroneura)

nervure

one of the principle veins of a leaf

net veined

1. a net like network of veins, 2. reticulate, 3. Example: Red Veined Nerve Plant (Fittonia verschaffectii Red Veined)

neuration

the distribution of the nervures in a leaf

neuter

lacking functional stamens or pistils

neutral

neuter

neutral

1. a substance that has a ph reading of 7.0

neutral flower

sterile flower consisting of perianth without any essential organs

neutral soil

a soil with a ph of 7.0

nidulent

1. embedded within pulp, 2. within a cavity

nidus

1. means nest, 2. Example: Birds Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

nigra

1. black, 2. Example Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra) has dark bark

nitrogen fixation

The process by which atmospheric nitrogen is changed to ammonia by a diazotroph. A common diatrophic organism is rhyzobium bacteria.

nivea(ous)

white

nocturnal

1. flowers which open in the night and are closed during the day,2. Example of a nocturnal flowering plant, Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis)

nodal

at or pertaining to a node

nodal prickles

1. prickles that occur at the nodes on a stem, 2. Examples: Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum)

nodding

1. to bend over, 2. Example: Nodding Onion (Alliums cernuum)

node

point of attachment to the stem of a bud, leaf, side shoot, etc.

nodose

1. knobby, 2. knotty

nodular

having nodes, 2. having small nodes

nodule

a small swelling found on the roots of legumes

nodulose

diminutive of nodose

nog

the remaking stump of a branch after it has been cut from a tree

non-indigenous

1. plants that are not native to an ecosystem or to a geographical region; includes exotic, nonnative, transplanted species, 2. indigenous (opposite)

non-native

plants or animals originating in a part of the world other than where they are growing

non-tunicate bulb

a bulb without a naturally occurring tunic, has perennial roots

non-vascular

1. primitive plants lacking the vascular tissue of xylem and phloem, 2. nonvascular plants such as moss, hornworts and liverworts are called bryophytes

notched

1. indentation or v-shaped incision of a petal or leaf, 2. pinked, 3. Examples: Beefsteak (Iresine herbstii ), Malva (Malva alcea Fastigiata)

noxious

harmful

noxious weeds

plant species that have been designated noxious by law

NPK

Chemical symbols for the three main plant foods: N=nitrogen, P=phosphorus and K=potassium

nuciferous

bearing or producing nuts

nuciform

nut shaped

nucleus

The part of a eukaryotic cell that contains the genetic material of the organism. Very loosely considered the brain of the cell.

nude

naked

nudicaul

a leafless stem

nuisance plants

pest species of plants, may or may not be non-native or exotic

nuisance plant list

the official list of nuisance plants, usually designated by law

numerous

usually means more than ten

nut

1. a one seeded dry fruit in which the hard pericarp forms the shell, 2. Examples:walnut, hickory, pecan, etc., 2. Examples:Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)

nutlet

1. diminutive of a nut, 2. a thick walled achene, 3. Example : Little Leaf Linden (Tilia cordata)

nux

a nut

nyconastic

movement or folding of leaves because of the absence of light

nyctigamous

flowering at night

nyctigamous

opening at night

nyctitropism

1. leaves of a plant changing position at night, 2. reaction of leaves to the absense of light, 3. Examples of leaves that close at night, Prayer Plant, Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica)

O

ob

prefix indicating the inverse

obocordate

1. like cordate but the notch is at the apex and the tip is cordate

obolanceolate

1. broadest above the middle tapering to the base, 2. inversely lanceolate, 3. Example: Blue Artic Willow (Salix purpurea nana)

oblate

1. shorter from the base to the apex as opposed to the middle, 2. flattened at the poles

oblique

1. commonly called lopsided leaf bases, one side of the base is larger that the other, 2 Example: Dragon Wing Begonia (Begonia x hybrida)

oblong

1. a shape that has parallel sides and between two to four times longer than broad, commonly used to describe a leaf, 2. Example: Gold Variegated Salvia (Salvia officinalis)

oblong-orbiculate

a shape that is basically oblong that is almost as long as wide and appearing nearly round, commonly used to describe a leaf

oblong-ovate

a shape that is oblong but the sides curve in at either end, commonly used to describe a leaf

obovate

1. a shape the is basically ovate in outline but with the attachment at the narrow end, commonly used to describe a leaf, 2. like ovate but larger toward the distal end, 3. Example : Summersweet Clethera (Clethera alnifolia), American Smoke Tree (Cotinus obovatus)

obovoid

a shape similar to a egg with the stem at the narrow end, commonly used to describe leaves, fruit and petals

obpyriform

a shape roughly pear shaped with the stem at the narrow end

obscure

not easily made out

obsolescent

1. in the process of disappearing, 2. almost obsolete, 3. an organ that is still evident but not functional

obsolete

1. no longer functional, 2. gone

obotruncated

1. decapitated, 2. head removed

obtuse

1. blunt or rounded at the end or tip, 2. when a leaf or petal is rounded at the apex or base

obverse

when a leaf is narrower at the point of attachment than at the apex

occidentalis

1. western, 2. Examples: Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)

ochrea

1. a tubular sheath formed by the fusion of two stipules at a stem node, 2. a characteristic of the Polygonacea family, 3. ocrea

ocrea

ochrea

odd pinnate

odd pinately compound

odd pinnately compound

1. a pinnately compound leaf with an odd number of leaflets, 2. Example: Box Elder (Acer negundo)

odorata

1. fragrant, 2. Example: Sweet Violet (Viola odorata)

offset

1. a side-shoot growing from the mother plant, usually below the surface and will develop its own roots while still attached, 2. Example: Aloe vera (2)(Aloe vera)

offshoot

1. a side-shoot or branch, 2. same as offset but mainly applied to branches or stems rather than the main rootstock

old garden rose

types of garden roses that existed before 1867

oleraceae

1. latin for vegetable , 2. Example: Portulaca (Portulaca oleraceae)

oligo

a prefix meaning few

onion set

a set

open pollination

1. wind pollinated, 2. pollination by natural means

opposite

attachment of leaf or branch at a node at opposite sides of the stem

opportunistic

1. plants that will colonize a given area and can become dominate and lower bio diversity, 2. the colonization of an area by these plants many times is short lived

orbiculate

1.almost circular in outline, 2. disc shaped

order

the forth step in the classification system of living organisms

ordure

1. anything unclean, 2. dung, manure, etc.

organ

a plant part with a specific function such as a root, leaf, flower, etc.

organelle

small organs of a cell

organic

1. compounds containing carbon derived from decomposed animals or plants usually originates as a living organism, 2. opp. inorganic

organic matter

1. the material derived from the decaying of vegetative material, animal manures, woody material, etc. 2. makes up 5% by volume of good natural soils, provides the soils with a source of nutrients, food for soil organisms, helps builds soil structure, etc.

osier

any type of willow whose twigs are used for baskets, furniture, etc.

osier bed

a place where osiers (willows) grow and are harvested

osmunda

A growing media component made from chopping the dried stems of certain species of ferns. Used in Orchid or epiphytic mixes.

osmunda fibre

see osmunda

out crossing

breeding outside a pure line, introducing fresh genes to try to create a different breeding line

outcrop

a section of underlying rock stratum that is exposed to the surface

oval

1. twice as long as broad, 2. widest at the middle, both ends rounded, 3. Example: Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarapa)

ovary

1. found at the base of the pistil and contains the ovules, 2. part of the pistil of a flower

ovate

1.egg shaped leaf similar to oval, 2. leaf widest toward the base or below the middle and attached at the widest end, 3. Examples: Balsam Popple (Populus Balsmifera), Silver Plectranthus (Plectranthus argentatus), Japanese Lilac (Syringia reticulata), Vernal Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)

ovate-coradate

a leaf of ovate shape with a cordate base

oviod

egg shaped, applying to three dimensional objects like a seed

ovulate

Since the flowers of a conifer lack pistils this is the seed-producing flower.

ovule

1. the body which will contain the seed after fertilization, 2. egg containing unit of the ovary, seed develop here after fertilization

ovulum

an ovule

own root

1. a plant that grows on its own roots propagated from cuttings or seeds rather than grafting, 2. often applied to roses

P

pachy

thick

pachycarpous

having large thick fruit

pachycladous

having thick branches

pachyphyllous

with thick leaves

pachycaul

having a swollen base to the stem

pad

referring to the flattened stem (cladode) of a Cactus, especially Oputia

pagina

a flat surface

paired

occurring in twos

palate

the raised appendage on the lower lip of the corolla which completely or partially encloses the throat

pale

a pointed piece of wood used as a fencing stake

pale

a bract protecting the flower in a spikelet of grasses

palea

a scale on a fern leaf or stem

paleaceous

chaffy in texture or chaff-like

paleontology

the study of extinct plants and animals

palmate (ly)

1. radiating in a fan-like fashion from a common point as in palmate compound leaves or palmately veined, 2. in the form of a hand where as the petiole is the arm, radiating point the wrist and the digits are the veins or leaflets, 3. Example: Washington Palm (Washintonia robusta)

palmately compound

1. compound leaf where the leaflets attach to one point on the apex of the petiole, 2. Examples: Bottle Brush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora), Lupines Minarette (Lupines hybrid)

palmately lobed

1. The lobes of the leaf are divided from a central point, 2. leaflets radiating out from a common point, 3. Example: Castor Bean ( Ricinus communis ), Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

palmately trifoliate

having three leaves joined at the apex of the petiole

palmate venation

1. the veins originate from the base of the leaf and radiate out, like the fingers of a hand, radiating out from the wrist, 2. Example: Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

palmatifid (palmatified)

a leaf cut palmately about halfway to the leaf-stalk

palmatipartite

a leaf cut palmately but separated nearer than halfway to the leaf-stalk

palmatisect

a leaf palmately cut almost to the leaf-stalk

palynology

study of fossil pollen and spores

pan

1. a shallow dish, 2. in general a flower pot which the height is about half the diameter

pan

a compacted horizontal layer of soil

pandurate

in the shape of a fiddle

panduriform

pandurate

panicle

1. an indeterminate inflorescence that is highly branched, 2. a branched raceme, 3. Examples: Horsechest Nut (Aesculus hipposcastranum), Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora), Lilac (Syringia)

paniculate

1. arranged in a panicle, 2. bearing panicles

pannose

covered in smooth dense felt-like fur-like hairs

papillate

covered in minute, glossy, rounded projections

papillea (pl. papillae)

usually a small rounded protuberance

papilionaceous

1. flowers with a banner petal, two winged petals, and two connate, keel petals, 2 .leguminous flowers, 3. Examples: White Wild Indigo (Baptisia alba var macrophylla), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

papilio

latin for butterfly

pappus

1. a mass of feathery hairs, bristles, scales, etc. found attached to seeds that can assist in their wind dissemination, 2. Example: Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)

papula(e)

a small pimple-like projection on a plant, usually referring to the stem

papulose

papillate

papyraceous

paper-like or paper thin

par

Greek, besides

parasite(-ic)

A plant that unites organically with another and derives nutrition directly from the host plant.

parallel venation

veins run parallel with each other, common in monocots, grass, orchids, iris, Lily family, etc.

parenchyma

1. thin walled undifferentiated cells. 2. makes up pith, soft tissue of fruit, cortex, etc.

paripinnate

1. a pinnate leaf in which all of the leaflets are paired, 2. evenly pinnate

paroecious

A bisexual plant in which the male and female reproductive organs are found on the same flower.

parrot

1. a class of tulips, 2. Example: Parrot Tulips (Tulipa Parrot)

parted

1. cut or divided not quite to the base, 2. deeply cleft

parthenocarpy

1. production of a fruit without setting seed, 2. seedless fruit

parthenogenesis

development of an egg cell into an embryo

parson (greek)

1. leek, 2. Chives (Allium schoenprasum)

patella

saucer-shaped apothecium, can be found in Fungus or Lichens

patch

1. a small piece of ground often attached to the cottage or farm, 2. an area where a group of plants are growing

pathogen

An organism such as a virus, bacteria, fungus that has the ability to a disease.

pathology

the study of diseases

pea gravel

pea stone

peastone(pea stone)

gravel either rounded or broken with a diameter of about 3/8 of an inch or the size of a pea

peat

1. Peat is made of incompletely decomposed plant remains, which accumulate in waterlogged soils over thousands of years. It occurs because the natural processes of decay are prevented by the acidic water logging and depleted oxygen, 2. although not totally correct it is interchanged with peat moss .

peat block

peat removed from a bog in blocks

peat bog

1. Any of certain other wetland areas, such as a fen, having a peat substrate.

peat moss

1. a brown fibrous material that is the main component of many growing media's, made from partially decomposed plants, has a high water holding capacity, acid in ph, low in nutrients, 2. sold in compressed bales or loose bags and used as a soil conditioner

peat pot

a rottable growing container, made of peat moss that is directly planted into the soil

pectinate

set with projections like the teeth of a comb

ped

1. a natural unit of soil structure, 2. units of soil structure that are separated from each other by natural planes of weakness

pedate

the lateral two lobes of a palmately divided leaf are two cleft

pedicel

1. the stalk of a single flower in a clustered, 2. the stalk of afloret in an inflorescence

pedicel tendril

a tendril developing from a pedicel

pedigree

1. a family tree, 2. an ancestor line

peduncle

the stalk or stem of a flower, the flower maybe single or in an inflorescence

peduncle tendril

a tendril developing from a peduncle

peltatus (-a,-um)

1. shield shaped, 2. attached to the lower surface away from and not at the margin, 3. Examples: May Apple (Podophyllus peltatum) , Nasturium (Tropaeolum majus)

pendant

pendulous

pendent

pendulous

pendulous(-a)

1. dropping, dangling, hanging, etc. 2. Examples: Fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrid), Fuschia (Fuchsia triphylla), Weeping White Pine (Pinus strobus pendula), Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)

penniform

feathery

pensile

pendulous, hanging down

pentamerous

having five parts or members

pepo

1. a large many seeded berry with a hard epicarp, 2. Examples: melon, cucumber, gourds, pumpkin, etc.

perennial

1. plant that lives for more than two years, 2. plant that can live indefinitely after flowering

perfect flower

1. when the stamen (androecium) and pistil (gynoecium) are found on the same flower, 2. a flower that contains both male and female reproductive parts, 3. bisexual

perfoliate

1. where the bases of two opposite leaves wrap completely around the stem, 2. Example: Cup Plant (Silphinum perfoliatum)

pergola

1. a structure with open wood-framed roofs, supported by regularly spaced posts and often covered with plants, 2. provides for a shaded walkway or passageway, 3. Examples: (1)

perianth

1. a collective term for all the sepals and petals of a flower, 2. a collective term for the calyx and corolla of a flower

pericarp

1. wall of a ripened ovary, 2. the outer skin of a fruit

perlite

1. a white, light , dusty component of growing media's, made from volcanic lava, 2 neutral to basic in ph, no nutrients, holds three to four times it's weight in water

perula

perule

perulate

1. with a perule, 2. scale bearing as in a scaly bud

perule

a leaf bud scale

pes

foot

petaloideus(-a,-um)

petal-like

petals

1. member of the inner set of floral leaves, 2. non-reproductive part of a flower, colored or white and serving to attract pollinators

petiolaris(-e)

has a leaf stalk (petiole)

petiolate

has a petiole

petiolatus (-a,-um)(opp sessile)

has a leaf stalk (petiole)

petiole

1. stalk or stem of a leaf, 2. usually an extension of the central rib of the leaf

petiolule

stalk of a leaflet of a compound leaf

petrification

the process of turning wood into stone

petrified wood

wood that has been turned into stone by the process of petrification

persistent

1. remaining attached after other similar parts are normally dropped, 2. Example: Red Oak (Quercus rubra) leaves are persistent

ph

1. a measurement of acidity, 2. a mathematical expression of the amount of hydrogen ions per liter of distilled water, 3. a scale where a substance that measures more than 0 and less than 7 is acid, 7.0 being neutral and greater than 7 to 14 being basic

phenotype

the visual, physical appearence of a plant regardless of genetics

phloem

1. a vascular tissue, 2. transports nutrients through the plant

photo

light

photomorphogensis

1. how light effects the development of a plant, 2. photomorphogenic responses are most obvious in germinating seedlings but light affects plant development in many ways throughout all stages of development 2. photo-light, morpho-shape, genesis-beginning

photosynthesis

The process by which a plant takes in carbon dioxide from the air, water from the soil, using the energy from light to create a sugar called glucose and oxygen is given off.

photosynthesizing

cells or organisms that carry out the process of photosynthesis

phototropism

1. A growth movement (tropism) by which plants bend towards a light source. Stems exhibit a positive phototropism where as roots exhibit a negative phototropism 2. heliotropism, 3. Example: Parkers Variety Yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Cheddar Pinks (Dianthus gratianapolitanus)

phyllo

prefix meaning leaf

phyllocad

1. a flatten stem that looks and functions like a leaf, 2. cladode

phyllode

1. like a leaf, 2. a flattened extended petiole that resembles the blade of a leaf, 3. cladophyll

phyllotaxy

arrangement of leaves on a stem or on an axis

phylogeny

race pedigree

physical scarification

the process of modifying the hard impervious seed coat to allow water to inter the seed (scarification)by nicking, sanding etc. the seed

phyto (Greek)

meaning plant

phytogenetics

the study of plant genetics and breeding

phytogeography

the biogeography of plants

phytotheoraphy

using plants of medicinal value as a cure for an illness or aliment

phytopathology

the study of plant diseases

phylum

the second largest division of the classification system of living organisms

picta (pictum, pictus)

1. painted, often variegated, 2. Example: Croton (Codiaeum variegatum pictum), Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium nipponicum pictum)

pigment

colored chemicals found in plants, many have specific functions for the physiology of the plant

pinked

notched

pinetum

woody plant collection emphasizing conifers

pilose

1. when the surface of a leaf or other structures has sparse, soft straight hair, 2. shaggy

pin

a heterosylic flower with fairly long styles and and short stamens

pin-eyed

in Primulas, when in a flower where the female style and stigma are visible in the throat or center are above the stamens

pinna

a leaflet

pinnate (pinnatum, pinatus)

1. a leaf with the leaflets or lobes arranged on both sides of the axis or rachis in pairs, 2. Examples: Box Elder (Acer negundo), Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra), American Elder (Sambucus canadensis)

pinnately compound

1. compound leaf with the leaflets arranged along each side of a common axis, midrib or rachis, 2. Examples: Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica)

pinnately lobed

a leaf with the lobes arranged pinnately

pinnately trifoliate

1. compound leaf with three leaflets, Example: Three Flowered Maple (Acer triflorum)

pinnate venation

1. a leaf with the veins arranged on both sides of the main vein, usually in pairs, 2.Example: Doublefile Viburnum (Viburnum plicatum var tomemtosa), Korean Mountain Ash (Sorbus alnifolia)

pinnatifid

1. pinnately lobed half the distance or more to the midrib but not reaching the midrib, 2. Example: Philodendron Xanadu (Philodendron xanadu), Sensitive Fern (Oneclea sensibilis )

pinnatilobate

having pinnately arranged lobes

pinnatisect

pinnately clefted to the midrib

pinnule

1. the pinnate division of a pinna (leaflet) in a bipinnately compound leaf

pisifera (pisiferous)

literally pea bearing or having things in the shape of a pea

pistil

female part of the flower, made up of stigma, style and ovary

pistillate flower

1.a flower lacking a stamen, 2. a female flower, 3. Example:Rhizmatous Begonia (2) (Begonia rhizomatous )

pit house

a greenhouse in which the walls are buried in the ground

pith

1. parenchyma tissue at the center of the stem, surrounded by the central cylinder of vascular tissue 2. spongy tissue in the center of stems of dicotyledonous plants

pithy

a term sometimes used descibing a plant with a large pith

plaited

from latin plicare meaning to fold as in leaves or branches

plantlet

1. tiny plants produced on the leaves, tips of stolons, etc., can drop off and root or root while still attached, 2. Example Piggy Back Plant (Tolmiea menziesii ), Spider Plant (Chlorophytum General Data) 3. viviparous

plant support frames

a generic term for any of a number of wire grids and frames that are used to support plants, 2. related names, English plant supports, grid plant braces

plasmodium (pl plasmodia)

multinucleated masses of protoplasm lacking cell walls

plasmolysis

1. the loss of turgor pressure, 2. a plant wilting, 3. loss of water in the cells of a plant and they shrink causing a plant to wilt

plastid

organelle in a plant cell that stores the plant's pigments

platanoides

1. like platanus or Sycamore, 2. Example: Crimson King Maple (Acer platanoides Crimson King)

platy structure

1. a form of soil ped (structure) in which the peds are laid flat on top of each other forming plate, 2. most common in compacted soils

plicata

in Iris flowers stitched margins of color on the rim of the petals usually having a white or yellow ground color

plicate

folded like a paper fan, such as the leaves of a palm

plume

1. feather-like erect inflorescence, 2. Examples:Astillbe have plume-like inflorescence,

pluvia

1. of rain, 2. flowers after a rain

pneumatophores

1. Slender, erect outgrowths from the roots of plants growing in very wet soil conditions, such as Mangroves. Being negatively geotrophic they can grow upward, 2. aerial roots, 2. knees

pod

1. any kind of dry dehiscent fruit, 2. outer protected shell around the seeds of legumes, 3. Example: Blue Wild Indigo (Baptissia australis )

podophyllus (-a, -um)

1. having a stout stalked leaves, 2. Example: May Apple (Podophyllum peltatum)

pollen

male sex cells of a plant, develops from a microspore

pollen grain

individual unit of pollen

pollen sac

area in anther where the pollen is produced

pollen tube

an outgrowth of the pollen grain that carries the pollen from the stigma to the ovule

pollinate

see pollination

pollination

1. transfer of pollen from the anther to the pistil in angiosperms, 2. in gymnosperms pollen transfer from a male cone to a female cone

pollinator

a term loosely used to describe organisms that pollinate

pollinia

a mass of fused pollen produced by many orchids

polgamous

when perfect flowers and staminate and or pistillate flowers are on the same plant

polychroma

many colors

polyclonal cultivar

a cultivar representing two or more distinct clones

polymorphic

1. many different shapes on the same plant, 2. Example:White Mulberry (Morus alba)

pome

1. A fleshy fruit, such as an apple, pear, or quince, having several seed chambers and an outer fleshy part largely derived from the hypanthium, 2. a fleshy fruit derived from an inferior compound ovary consisting of a modified floral tube surrounding a core, 3. Examples: Amerlanchier Autumn Brillance (Amelanchier x grandiflora Autumn Brilliance), Cotoneaster Blackburn (Cotoneaster apiculatus Blackburn), European Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia)

pomaceous

pome-like

porandrous

with anthers opening by pores

positive geotropism

a growth response toward gravity usually down

positive tropism

a growth response (tropism) in the direction of the stimulus

post harvest dormancy

seeds that are dormant when collect but become viable after dry storage (seed dormancy)

post harvest physiology

science relating to fruit and vegetable storage and quality

potting soil

loosely used to describe a growing media for potting plants which may or may not have soil as one of it's components

pouch

a swollen, hollow sack shaped petal

powdery mildew

1. a form of fungus that attacks plants creating a powdery effect on the leaves, 2. a fungi belonging to the class Ascomycetes or Sac Fungus

PPAF

plant patent applied for

praecox

flowers early in the season

pratense

growing in meadows

precocious

premature flowering or fruiting

precocity

precocious

pre-emergent herbicide

a herbicide that is applied to the soil and it prevents the germination of weed seeds

premorse

ending abruptly

pricking-out

transplanting seedlings from a seed flat into a larger container, garden, nursery bed, etc.

prickle

1. sharp thorn-like out growth from the epidermis or bark, 2. Example: Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica), Teasle (Dipsacus sylvestris), Bed Straw (Galium aparine)

primary dormancy

conditions that occur within the seeds at the time of maturity that prevents germination (seed dormancy)

primine

the outer coat of an ovule

prisms

prismatic soil structure

prismatic

columnar, flat topped, six sided soil peds

primocane

a biennial shoot of a Raspberry, Blackberry, Gooseberry, or any other bramble

proboscis

long beak of an insect used to probe and obtain food

procumbens

1. trailing, 2. Example:Alleghany Pachysandra (Pachysandra procumbens), Zinnia Manadarin Orange (Sanvitalia procumbens )

procumbent(-a)

1. laying flat on the ground but not rooting at the nodes, 2.prostrate

projected

extending outward

prokaryotic

a cell or an organism that lacks a nucleus

proliferous

bearing plantlets or bulblets usually from the leaves

propagation

methods by which plants are increased in number by cuttings, seeds, division, layering, etc.

prophyl

first leaf on a shoot

prophyl tendril

a tenril developing from a prophyl

prop root

1. a supportive root growing from an above ground stem, such as in corn, Mangrove tree, 2. a type of adventitious root

prostrate

1. lays flat on the ground, 2. procumbent, 3. trailing

pseudo

1.false , 2. used as a prefix such as pseudopod (false pods or appendages as in Amoeba), pseudobulb (bulb like structures on certain species of Orchids), etc.

pseudobulb

1. bulb like in appearance but not a true bulb, 2.common in some types of Orchids

pseudocopulation

The attempt of males to copulate (mate) with the flowers of plants that look and smell like the female of the species.

psilotophyta

A division of primitive vascular plants called Whisk Ferns. The sporophytes have neither true leaves and lack roots. It consists of stems and rhizomes that are evenly forked.

pteris

1. fern, 2. Example Table Fern (Pteris cretica)

ptero

prefix meaning wings

Pterophyta

A plant division of primitiveseedless vascular plants. There are approximately 11,000 species. They all reproduce by spores and their leaves are called fronds.

pubens (um)

1. downy, 2. Example: Scarlet Elderberry (Sambucus pubens)

puberlulent

when the surface of a leaf or other structures are minutely pubescent

pubescent

covered with soft hair

puffball

1. a type of a fungus that forms a papery thin, dry skin, that when ruptured will puff a blast of spores into the air, 2. a fungi in the class Basidiomycetes or the Club Fungus

pulch

pretty

pulvinatus (-a,-um)

cushion-like

pumilus(-a,-um)

1.dwarf, 2. Examples:Picea pumila(Picea abies pumila), Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)

punctatus (-a,-um)

1.spotted, 2.Example: Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata) has spotted leaves

pungens

1. sharp-pointed, 2. Example: Colorado Spruce (Picea pungens), Colorado Spruce has sharp, spiny needles

puniceus (-a,-um)

reddish

purpuratus (-a,-en,-um)

1. purple, 2. Example: Purple Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus purpuratus)

purpurea

1. purple, 2.Example:Crimson Pygmy Barberry: ( Berberis thunbergii var atropupurea nana), a purple foliage Barberry, Purple Sage (Salvia officinalis purpurea), Purple Cone Flower(2) (Echinacea purpurea)

pycnoxylic

1. wood in which there is little or no parenchyma tissue among the xylem, 2. Examples are conifers and flowering plants, 3. (opp) mannoxlic

pyramidal

1. pyramid shaped, 2. cone shaped, 3. Example: Little Leaf Linden (Tilia cordata)

pyramidalis

1. pyramid-shaped, 2,Example: Pyramidal Arborvitae ( Thuja occidentalis pyramidalis)

pyrene

a fruit stone or a pit of a drupe or a druplet, a nutlet

pyrethrum

an insecticide made from the crushed flower heads of some Pyrethrum species such as Dalmatian Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium) or Persian Chrysanthemums(2) (Chrysanthemum coccineum),.

pyriform(-e,-us)

pear-shaped

Q

quadra (-tus, -um)

in four or fours

quadrangularis

having four angles

quadriauritus

having four ears

quadricolor

having four colors

quadridentatous

four-toothed

quadrifidus

cut into four

quadrifolius

four-leaved

quadripartus

parted four ways

quadripinnatifid

four times pinnately cleft

quadrifadiatus

has four flower rays

quadrivalvis

four-valved

quarternary hybrid

a hybrid derived from four different grandparental individuals

quercifolius (-a, -um)

have leaves like an Oak

quercinus (-a, -um)

relating to Oaks

quick dip

referring to treating cuttings with liquid rooting hormone as opposed to a dry rooting hormone

quienscence

when seeds will not germinate or other parts of the plant will not grow until the proper environmental conditions required are present

Quillworts

1. a primitive plant belonging to the genus Isoetes, 2. found growing in areas where they are partially submerged in water

quincunx planting

planting four young plants to form the corners of a square with a fifth plant at its center

quinone

a growth inhibitor

quite entire

1. totaly free of marginal divisions, 2. integerrimus