Introductory Comments<\/h2>\n
Learning to identify 127 woody landscape plants will be challenging for many. Begin by grouping the plants and studying together those having similar characteristics. This booklet has divided these plants in groups of trees, shrubs, and vines and groundcovers. You might consider breaking these groups down further into evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. Other groupings you might create could be based on seasonal interest. For example, learning all plants together based on similar flower or fruit colors. Experiment with your own groupings to see what works best for you.<\/p>\n
Next, study the plant images available on the CD (and internet links), and then begin associating each picture with the correct plant common name. Once you can associate names with plants, then begin learning the size, flower color, light and soil moisture requirements, and the other characteristics presented for each plant.\u00a0Getting to know plants by sight and familiarity is like getting to know your neighbors, and you will be surprised at\u00a0how rewarding this recognition can be.\u00a0 Then you’ll want to learn more about the ornamental characteristics of each\u00a0plant and how it can be used in the landscape.<\/p>\n
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Plant Selection<\/h2>\n
Selecting plants to fulfill the intent of the landscape design requires knowledge about the broad landscape characteristics and site requirements of plants. Although many different methods might be followed in plant selection, there are five \u201cplant selection issues\u201d that should always be considered for each plant, 1) esthetics, 2) adaptation, 3) function, 4) maintenance, and 5) cost. Plant esthetics <\/b>relates to the plant\u2019s appearance on the site, and how it combines with other landscape elements. Major esthetic considerations for an individual plant are color (leaf, flower, fruit, and bark), form, texture, and size. Choosing plants that quickly grow too large for the intended site is a common mistake. Adaptation<\/b> relates to the plant\u2019s ability to grow and thrive in particular site conditions. Important considerations include plant adaptation to winter and summer temperature extremes, sun vs. shade, wet soil vs. dry soil, optimum soil acidity or alkalinity, and wind tolerance. Function<\/b> in the landscape relates to the plant\u2019s role in the environment. For example, the plant may be needed to provide shade, prevent soil erosion, or provide a barrier to wind, traffic noise, or an undesirable view. Important maintenance<\/b> issues include the requirement for pruning to maintain a desired size or habit, the need for insecticides or fungicides to control pests, irrigation water to support drought susceptible plants, or the clean-up needed under plants that drop many twigs or fruits. Finally, the\u00a0cost<\/b> of the plants themselves and their maintenance is obviously an important consideration.<\/p>\nWoody Landscape Plant Descriptions<\/h2>\n
On the following pages you will find information on 127 unique woody plant species that you will be expected to know for examination purposes. For more information on these and other landscape plants, see Michael A. Dirr\u2019s book entitled \u201cManual of Woody Landscape Plants\u201d and\/or Harrison L. Flint\u2019s book \u201cLandscape Plants for Eastern North America\u201d, and the internet links referenced below.<\/p>\n
Special Terminology Used in the Plant Description Pages that Follow<\/h2>\nOrigin<\/h3>\n
Plants are classified here as native, exotic, or hybrid. Native<\/b> indicates the plant is found in natural populations growing in North America. Exotic<\/b> indicates plants introduced to North America from other continents. Hybrid<\/b> indicates the plant is the result of a cross between two different species. The \u201cx\u201d used in scientific names simply indicates that the plant is of hybrid origin.<\/p>\nZone<\/h3>\n
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This refers to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones<\/b> established by the U.S. National Arboretum describing the average coldest temperature in winter. The numbers provided in the plant descriptions of this packet identify the Northern-most zone in which the plant will grow without regular winter damage. To access the USDA Hardiness Zone map in color and further information on hardiness zones, go to:\u00a0\u00a0https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Provided are examples of common landscape usages of these plants. This list is not inclusive of all possible functions and uses.<\/p>\n The sizes listed here are to be considered loose approximations of each plant\u2019s mature and functional size. Mature sizes listed are typical height and spread ranges attained at developmental maturity, at which time growth rate slows considerably in most cases. The size attained by plants growing in especially good or poor conditions may vary accordingly. Variation in plant genotypes, as would occur for example in seed propagated stock, or in cultivars, may also influence functional sizes.<\/p>\n Provided is a short description of the general shape and growth habit of a typical mature specimen. As for size, the form and growth habit can be influenced by genotype and environment.<\/p>\n Described are one or more major seasons of interest, and the associated esthetic feature. The most distinctive traits are usually colorful flowers, foliage, fruits, and stems, and as such, these are emphasized in this category. It should also be considered however that plants often possess interesting forms and textures, and numerous other subtle visual characters that influence plant esthetics in various seasons.<\/p>\n The optimum exposure to solar radiation for each plant is presented as either full sun (more than 6 hours direct sunlight), partial shade (2 to 6 hours of direct sunlight), or shade (less than 2 hours of direct sunlight). Shade does not mean complete darkness, but instead complete to nearly complete screening from direct sunlight.<\/p>\n This description should be thought of as a range of soil moisture conditions in which the plant grows well. Importantly, the term \u201cwet soil\u201d used here does not mean standing water (unless indicated), but instead a very moist soil approaching water saturation.<\/p>\n Loosely defined, plants generally have one or more limitations or weaknesses as it relates to usage in the landscape. Presented are important limitations that should be considered during the plant selection process.<\/p>\n A plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding. As a reflection of the genetic diversity available, the number of useful cultivars (and varieties) for each species is classified as none, limited, or many. This classification is subjective, being partially influenced by cultivars available in the nursery trade.<\/p>\n A plant species that occurs in natural plant communities in a particular area without human introduction. Native plant species have formed symbiotic relationships with native wildlife and offer the most sustainable habitat, as compared to non-native species. Native plant species are defined both regionally and within a state.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tReview and Study Questions<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnswers to Review and Study Questions<\/a><\/p>\n 1. A Study the images and descriptions that follow to prepare for the plant identification portion of the IAH Certification Exam.<\/p>\n (Reader Note: Click on any figure from this chapter and use the right and left arrows to scroll through all figures. You can treat them like flash cards for memorization!)<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1. White Fir, Abies concolor<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Origin: <\/strong>Native<\/p>\n Zone: <\/strong>4<\/p>\n Function: <\/strong>Screen, specimen<\/p>\n Height: <\/strong>30-50\u2019<\/p>\n Spread: <\/strong>15-30\u2019<\/p>\n Form: <\/strong>Regularly pyramidal<\/p>\n Seasonal Interest: <\/strong>All<\/em>– Evergreen<\/p>\n Light: <\/strong>Full sun<\/p>\n Soil Moisture: <\/strong>Medium<\/p>\n Limitations: <\/strong>Performs poorly on heavy clay soils<\/p>\n Cultivars: <\/strong>Limited<\/p>\n Figure 1. White Fir, Abies concolor<\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2. Paperbark Maple, Acer griseum<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Origin: <\/strong>Exotic<\/p>\n Zone: <\/strong>5<\/p>\n Function: <\/strong>Patio tree, specimen<\/p>\n Height: <\/strong>20-30\u2019<\/p>\n Spread: <\/strong>15-30\u2019<\/p>\n Form: <\/strong>Open, rounded head<\/p>\n Seasonal Interest: <\/strong>All<\/em>– Exfoliating bark. Fall<\/em>– Red foliage.<\/p>\n Light: <\/strong>Full sun to partial shade<\/p>\n Soil Moisture: <\/strong>Medium<\/p>\n Limitations: <\/strong>Slow growth rate<\/p>\n Cultivars: <\/strong>Limited<\/p>\n Figure 2. Paperbark Maple, Acer griseum<\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3. Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Origin: <\/strong>Exotic<\/p>\n Zone: <\/strong>5<\/p>\n Function: <\/strong>Specimen, patio tree, bonsai, accent in border<\/p>\n Height: <\/strong>20\u2019<\/p>\n Spread: <\/strong>20-30\u2019<\/p>\n Form: <\/strong>Upright to weeping, mound-like<\/p>\n Seasonal Interest: <\/strong>Summer<\/em>– Textured foliage. Fall<\/em>– Red foliage<\/p>\n Light: <\/strong>Full sun to partial shade<\/p>\n Soil Moisture: <\/strong>Medium<\/p>\n Limitations: <\/strong>Needs some protection from winter wind and sun<\/p>\n Cultivars: <\/strong>Many<\/p>\n Figure 3. Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum<\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4. Red Maple, Acer rubrum<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Origin: <\/strong>Native<\/p>\n Zone: <\/strong>3<\/p>\n Function: <\/strong>Shade, street tree<\/p>\n Height: <\/strong>40-60\u2019<\/p>\n Spread: <\/strong>30-60\u2019<\/p>\n Form: <\/strong>Upright, ascending branches, oval head<\/p>\n Seasonal Interest: <\/strong>Spring- <\/em>Red flower clusters. Fall<\/em>– Red foliage<\/p>\n Light: <\/strong>Full sun to partial shade<\/p>\n Soil Moisture: <\/strong>Medium to wet<\/p>\n Limitations: <\/strong>Somewhat weak-wooded, may become chlorotic in alkaline soils<\/p>\n Cultivars: <\/strong>Many<\/p>\n Figure 4. Red Maple, Acer rubrum<\/em><\/p>\n ,\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t5. Sugar Maple, Acer saccharum<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Origin: <\/strong>Native<\/p>\n Zone: <\/strong>4<\/p>\n Function: <\/strong>Shade, street tree<\/p>\n Height: <\/strong>60-75\u2019<\/p>\n Spread: <\/strong>40-60\u2019<\/p>\n Form: <\/strong>Upright with oval to round head<\/p>\n Seasonal Interest: <\/strong>Fall<\/em>– Golden-orange to scarlet foliage<\/p>\n Light: <\/strong>Full sun to partial shade<\/p>\n Soil Moisture: <\/strong>Medium<\/p>\n Limitations: <\/strong>Does not perform well on poor compacted soils<\/p>\n Cultivars: <\/strong>Many<\/p>\n Figure 5. Sugar Maple, Acer saccharum<\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t6. Amur Maple, Acer tataricum <\/em>spp. Ginnala<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n (Formerly known as Acer ginnala<\/i>)<\/strong><\/p>\n Origin: <\/strong>Exotic<\/p>\n Zone: <\/strong>3<\/p>\n Function: <\/strong>Patio tree, specimen, screen<\/p>\n Height: <\/strong>15-18\u2019<\/p>\n Spread: <\/strong>15-20\u2019<\/p>\n Form: <\/strong>Upright irregular, developing rounded head, single or multiple trunks<\/p>\n Seasonal Interest: <\/strong>Fall<\/em>– Scarlet foliage<\/p>\n Light: <\/strong>Full sun to partial shade<\/p>\n Soil Moisture: <\/strong>Medium to dry<\/p>\n Limitations: <\/strong>Can be damaged by ice storms<\/p>\n Cultivars: <\/strong>Limited<\/p>\n Figure 6. Amur Maple, Acer tataricum <\/em>spp. Ginnala<\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t7. Red Horsechestnut, Aesculus <\/em>x carnea<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Origin: <\/strong>Hybrid<\/p>\n Zone: <\/strong>4<\/p>\n Function: <\/strong>Specimen, shade tree<\/p>\n Height: <\/strong>30-40′<\/p>\n Spread: <\/strong>30-40\u2019<\/p>\n Form: <\/strong>Rounded with heavy, widely-spaced branches<\/p>\n Seasonal Interest: <\/strong>Spring<\/em>– Rose-red flowers<\/p>\n Light: <\/strong>Full sun<\/p>\n Soil Moisture: <\/strong>Medium<\/p>\n Limitations: <\/strong>Performs poorly on dry sites<\/p>\n Cultivars: <\/strong>Limited<\/p>\n Figure 7. Red Horsechestnut, Aesculus <\/em>x carnea<\/em><\/p>\nFunction<\/h3>\n
Height and Spread<\/h3>\n
Form<\/h3>\n
Seasonal Interest<\/h3>\n
Light<\/h3>\n
Soil Moisture<\/h3>\n
Limitations<\/h3>\n
Cultivars<\/h3>\n
Native Species<\/h3>\n
\nFor Additional Reading<\/h2>\n
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2. False
3. True
4. True
5. True<\/p>\nPlant List of Included Trees, Shrubs, Vines\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Trees<\/h3>\n
![\"White](\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/hla\/sites\/iah\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2022\/11\/001-9.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Paperbark](\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/hla\/sites\/iah\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2022\/11\/002-9.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Japanese](\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/hla\/sites\/iah\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2022\/11\/003-8.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Red](\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/hla\/sites\/iah\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/01\/004-7-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Sugar](\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/hla\/sites\/iah\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2022\/11\/005-6.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Amur](\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/hla\/sites\/iah\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2022\/11\/006-5.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Red](\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/hla\/sites\/iah\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2022\/11\/007-4.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n