Categories of Plants

aggressive plant

A plant that, usually because of human-caused disturbances or introductions, spreads rapidly and can outcompete other plant species.

cultivar

A plant selected for a certain trait; i.e. flower color, foliage color, fruit color, shape, size, pest resistance, growth habit, disease resistance, longer bloom times, stronger stems, etc.

exotic plant

A plant not native to the continent in which it is now found.

Forb

A broad-leaved plant. Often used to describe wildflowers and other non-grass or non-sedge plants.

Genus

A scientifically designated group of related plants within a botanical family. It is the first word in a binomial scientific name.

hybrid

A plant created by cross-breeding two entirely different species to create a new plant. Occurs in nature and also via intentional cross breeding by people. Can be created with native and non-native species. Sometimes indicated by an X in its name. While rare, they can occur between two genera of plants, as well as between species.

invasive plant

An aggressive, non-native plant whose presence causes or is likely to cause economic harm or environmental harm. Grows and reproduces rapidly.

Legume

A plant in the pea or bean family. Bacterial nodules on the roots can fix nitrogen (transform gaseous nitrogen into nitrogen usable by the plant). 

native plant

Originally occurs within a region as the result of natural processes and is adapted to local climate and soils. Co-evolved with native insects and wildlife and are critical to ecosystem functions. 

naturalized plant

A non-native plant that does not need human help to reproduce and maintain itself over time in an area where it is not native. Often grows in areas altered by humans.

non-native plant

a plant introduced (intentionally or accidentally) to a new place or new type of habitat. Most introductions have resulted from human activities. Since they did not evolve locally over thousands of years, their presence can often have negative impacts on endemic ecosystems.

noxious weed

A plant that directly or indirectly causes damage to crops, livestock, poultry, irrigation, navigation, natural resources, public health, or the environment. In many states, the term has a specific legal definition. Many states have official lists and laws on these plants. Plants on these official lists are often non-native and invasive.

nativar

A cultivar derived from native parents and bred for a particular trait, typically resulting in a loss of genetic diversity. May have sterile flowers and produce no seeds.

Species

A group of organisms that share a genetic heritage, are able to interbreed, and to create offspring that are also fertile.