Practical Plant Identification

To help identify plants note any unique characteristics.

Practical plant identification begins with the purchasing of plant identification books or guides. Optionally, Internet sources can provide reliable identification information and images. Observe and determine primary features and characteristics, then refer to the identification resources.

Category

Identify broad categories, like grass.

Determine the broad category of the plant: Tree, woody shrub, herb, flowering plant, houseplant, weed, ground cover, grass or other.

Location

Location makes a difference.

Make note of the location. Include the location type, such as water, field or forest. Additionally, include the country, state or province and if it appears to be a prevalent species.

Plant Size

Note the size. Measure or estimate, if present, the diameter of a trunk, the height of the stems and plants, the spread or the width and the size of fruits or flowers.

Characteristics

Note the shape and size and types of leaves.

Identify and note the shapes, types or presence of leaves, bark or stems, flowers, fruits, vegetables and nuts. Observe and note identifying features of the roots.

Unusual or Other Characteristics

Gather information on any unique characteristics. This may include color, or an unusually shaped flower or fruit. Additionally, note growth site particulars, such as type of soil or if the plant attracts a particular insect, such as bees or butterflies.

References

• USDA: Plants and Crops
• University of Cincinnati: What Plant Family Is It?: J.Stein Carter: 1998
• Utah State University: Interactive Keys
• Eyewitness Handbooks Herbs: Lesley Bremness: 1994
• "The Tree Identification Book"; George Symonds and Stephen Chelminski; 1958

Resources

• Colby College: World Wide Flowering Plant Family Identification
• University of Tennessee: Woody Plant Identification
• Texas AgriLife Extension Service: Plant Identification