Untitled Flashcards Set

Cypress: A diverse group of trees and shrubs known for their durability and ability to thrive in wet environments. Species often have needle-like leaves and small, woody cones.

Juniper: Evergreen shrubs or trees with scale-like leaves. Junipers produce important oil and are used widely in ornamental landscaping, as well as in traditional medicine.

Mulberry: Deciduous trees known for their fruit, which attracts birds and pollinators. Mulberries can grow in various soil types, displaying heart-shaped leaves that can change color with the seasons.

Cottonwood: Fast-growing trees found near rivers and wetlands. They have broad, triangular leaves and are important for stabilizing riverbanks and providing shade.

Sweetgum: Deciduous tree known for its star-shaped leaves that turn vibrant colors in fall. Sweetgum produces spiky seed balls and is valued for its ecological benefits and ornamental uses.

Vitaceae (Grape Family): Includes species such as mustang grape, which can be resistant to certain fungal diseases, making it important for biodiversity and cultivation in various environments.

Four O’Clock (Mirabilis jalapa): A perennial plant characterized by its unique flowers that open in the evening. The leaves are distinctive, with one large and one smaller leaf alternating along the stem.

Comalinaceae: A family of flowering plants that includes species with unique reproductive structures and morphologies.

Asparagus: A perennial vegetable known for its nutrient-rich spears. Asparagus prefers well-drained soil and is a perennial crop, providing early harvests in spring.

Apiaceae (Carrot Family): Known for aromatic plants including carrots, celery, and parsley. This family features complex flower arrangements called umbels, and many species have culinary and medicinal uses.

Cocculus vine: A climbing plant known for its distinctive leaves and berries, often used in traditional dishes in certain cultures.

Laurel Tree (Lauraceae): Characterized by aromatic leaves and a growth habit that can range from shrub to tree. The bay leaf used in cooking is derived from this family.

Oleaceae (Olive Family): Includes olive trees and jasmine plants; trees are known for their fruit and aromatic flowers used in culinary and medicinal applications.

Juglandaceae (Walnut Family): Trees characterized by their compound leaves and hard-shelled nuts. Some species may display asymmetrical leaf ends, making identification easier in the field.

Redbud (Cercis canadensis): A small deciduous tree celebrated for its pink flowers that bloom early in spring. The heart-shaped leaves provide excellent fall color.

Fig Tree: Known for its unique fleshy fruit and in some species, an internal structure that provides habitat for pollinating wasps. The fig tree's flowers develop in an enclosed structure, leading to unique reproductive strategies.

Ilex: Commonly known as holly, these plants are recognized for their spiny leaves and bright red berries, often used in holiday decorations. Species like Ilex vomitorium are noted for containing caffeine-like compounds.

Maple genus (Acer): Known for their opposite, compound leaves, and sap used for syrup. Maple trees are notable for their autumn foliage and ecological importance as habitat for various species.

Hackberry: Trees characterized by asymmetrical leaves and corky bark. Hackberry trees are tolerant of diverse soil types and provide food for wildlife.

Chinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera): An invasive species in many regions; its seeds are toxic to fish and can disrupt local ecosystems; however, it has been used for its ornamental properties.

Liliaceae: A family of flowering plants that includes lilies and onions. Members of this family are often bulbous with significant ecological interactions.

Poaceae (Grass Family): This includes major cereal crops like wheat and is critical for global food security. Grasses have diverse growth forms, and many species are adapted to a variety of habitats.

Duckweed: A small aquatic plant known for its rapid growth and ability to purify water. Duckweed serves as a food source for various aquatic organisms and plays a role in nitrogen cycling in wetlands.

Valerian: A perennial flowering plant known for its sedative properties and used in herbal medicine for anxiety and sleep disorders.

Solanaceae (Nightshade Family): Includes important crops like tomatoes and potatoes. Many members are known for their production of alkaloids that can be toxic but also have therapeutic uses.

Hackberry: Notable for unsymmetrical leaves and corky, durable bark, this tree species is often a favorite for wildlife due to its berries.

Rosaceae (Rose Family): Leaves of this family often exhibit a distinctive almond smell. Many species within this family are cultivated for their beauty and fruit.

Phagaceae (Beech Family): Includes oaks, which are key components of forests and provide significant habitats. Oak trees are known for their acorns and unique leaf structures.

Cornus family (Dogwood): Recognized for their ornamental flowers and unique fruit structures. This family includes both shrubs and trees, widely used in landscaping.

Soap Berries: Noted for their pinnately compound leaves and alternation, this plant family is recognized for their economic and ecological importance.

Vitex (Chaste Tree): Distinguished by palmately compound leaves, this plant resembles marijuana. Vitex is often used in herbal medicine, especially related to menstrual health.

Moreaceae: Including species like bodark, which is used for its strong wood; it often possesses latex properties, providing ecological benefits in various landscapes.

Iris: Noted for their beautiful flowers and diverse species, defining characteristics include sword-like leaves and flower structures that are essential for gardens and ecosystems.

Poly Podadaceae: A family of ferns characterized by their distinct frond shapes and reproductive structures, crucial for diverse ecosystems.