Dendrology- Veg Morph Overview

vegetative

habit, leaves, twigs, buds, bark

Reproductive

flowers, fruits, seeds, cones

tree

Woody plant, Single unbranched stem for several feet above the ground, Minimum height of 15-20 feet at maturity

Shrub

Woody plant, At maturity, has several erect, spreading, or prostrate stems arising from a central location, Bushy in appearance

Vine

Climbs on host plant by: Twining around host, using arial roots, using tendrils. Normally, do not have a stand-alone upright stem

Excurrent

central dominant stem; narrow, symmetrical crown. (most conifers)

Decurrent

repeatedly forking stem

repeatedly forking stem; spreading crown (many broadleafs)

Persistent

evergreen, green foliage on tree at all times (most conifers)

Deciduous

All leaves drop after one growing season (most hardwoods)

Marcescent

Deciduous but dead leaves do not drop immediately (American beech)