Flora of the Southeastern United States

Lycopodiaceae

Strobili sessile, borne directly above densely leafy portions of upright branches; leaves acuminate to acute.

Strobili sessile, borne directly above densely leafy portions of upright branches; leaves acuminate to acute.

Lycopodiaceae

Strobili sessile, borne directly above densely leafy portions of upright branches; leaves acuminate to acute.

Strobili sessile, borne directly above densely leafy portions of upright branches; leaves acuminate to acute.

Lycopodiaceae

Erect leafy stems 3-8 mm in diameter (including the leaves), treelike or fanlike, with a definite main axis; leaves acute at the apex; horizontal shoots subterranean, without winter bud constrictions

Erect leafy stems 3-8 mm in diameter (including the leaves), treelike or fanlike, with a definite main axis; leaves acute at the apex; horizontal shoots subterranean, without winter bud constrictions

Lycopodiaceae

Erect leafy stems 3-8 mm in diameter (including the leaves), treelike or fanlike, with a definite main axis; leaves acute at the apex; horizontal shoots subterranean, without winter bud constrictions

Erect leafy stems 3-8 mm in diameter (including the leaves), treelike or fanlike, with a definite main axis; leaves acute at the apex; horizontal shoots subterranean, without winter bud constrictions

Selaginellaceae

Vegetative leaves dimorphic, in 4 ranks, the ventral pair spreading laterally, the dorsal pair ascending, the pairs different in shape and/or size (anisophyllous); leaves acute, mucronate, lacking a white or translucent apical hair-tip; fertile branch tips strongly differentiated (into strobili) from the sterile portions of the stem; rhizophores either dorsal or ventral, borne along the stems; rhizophores either very fine or medium fine, 0.02-0.4 mm in diameter, or coarse, 1-3 mm in diameter.

Vegetative leaves dimorphic, in 4 ranks, the ventral pair spreading laterally, the dorsal pair ascending, the pairs different in shape and/or size (anisophyllous); leaves acute, mucronate, lacking a white or translucent apical hair-tip; fertile branch tips strongly differentiated (into strobili) from the sterile portions of the stem; rhizophores either dorsal or ventral, borne along the stems; rhizophores either very fine or medium fine, 0.02-0.4 mm in diameter, or coarse, 1-3 mm in diameter.

Ophioglossum

Underground stem globose, nearly spherical, 3-11 mm in diameter; fertile spikes commonly with a conspicuous, acute or attenuate sterile portion (apiculum) at its apex; sterile blade 1-4 cm long, 0.5-2.5 cm wide, borne horizontally near the ground

Underground stem globose, nearly spherical, 3-11 mm in diameter; fertile spikes commonly with a conspicuous, acute or attenuate sterile portion (apiculum) at its apex; sterile blade 1-4 cm long, 0.5-2.5 cm wide, borne horizontally near the ground

Ophioglossum

Large areoles of the sterile blade lacking smaller areoles, but with free included veinlets in some areoles; sterile blade obtuse or acute.

Large areoles of the sterile blade lacking smaller areoles, but with free included veinlets in some areoles; sterile blade obtuse or acute.

Ophioglossum

Sterile blade elliptic, broadest near the middle, acute to attenuate at the base, pale green, dull, herbaceous in texture; basal frond sheath membranaceous and ephemeral; spores 50-60 μ in diameter

Sterile blade elliptic, broadest near the middle, acute to attenuate at the base, pale green, dull, herbaceous in texture; basal frond sheath membranaceous and ephemeral; spores 50-60 μ in diameter

Sceptridium

Sterile pinnae entirely divided into short, round or acute pinnules; lateral pinnules with an inconspicuous and poorly-developed central vein; plant producing 1 or 2 leaves per season.

Sterile pinnae entirely divided into short, round or acute pinnules; lateral pinnules with an inconspicuous and poorly-developed central vein; plant producing 1 or 2 leaves per season.

Sceptridium

Sterile pinna and pinnule apices obtuse to acute (rarely round); ultimate segments mostly rounded at the base, not fan-shaped, ovate or oblong; ultimate segments often crowded and overlapping; [NJ, PA, w. VA, w. NC, WV, and OH northwards]

Sterile pinna and pinnule apices obtuse to acute (rarely round); ultimate segments mostly rounded at the base, not fan-shaped, ovate or oblong; ultimate segments often crowded and overlapping; [NJ, PA, w. VA, w. NC, WV, and OH northwards]

Sceptridium

Sterile pinna and pinnule apices obtuse to rounded (to somewhat acute); ultimate segments mostly ovate, narrowly ovate, or oblong, mostly about 2× as long as broad or less; overwintering leaves green, not bronze

Sterile pinna and pinnule apices obtuse to rounded (to somewhat acute); ultimate segments mostly ovate, narrowly ovate, or oblong, mostly about 2× as long as broad or less; overwintering leaves green, not bronze

Sceptridium

Sterile pinna and pinnule apices acute; ultimate segments mostly oblong or lanceolate-oblong, often > 2× as long as broad; overwintering leaves bronze (or green if covered by leaves).

Sterile pinna and pinnule apices acute; ultimate segments mostly oblong or lanceolate-oblong, often > 2× as long as broad; overwintering leaves bronze (or green if covered by leaves).

Marsilea

Distal tooth 0.4-1.2 mm long, sharply acute to pointed, often hooked; leaf lower surface glabrate to sparsely appressed pubescent

Distal tooth 0.4-1.2 mm long, sharply acute to pointed, often hooked; leaf lower surface glabrate to sparsely appressed pubescent

Pteris

Petioles densely scaly, the scales usually continuing upwards onto the rachis; pinnae not articulate to the rachis, mostly ascending (at an acute angle to the rachis); fertile pinnae with a planar margin, most of the lower surface exposed

Petioles densely scaly, the scales usually continuing upwards onto the rachis; pinnae not articulate to the rachis, mostly ascending (at an acute angle to the rachis); fertile pinnae with a planar margin, most of the lower surface exposed

Pellaea

Ultimate leaf segments thin in texture, overall flattish (though the margins revolute), acute to acuminate at the apex, but lacking a mucro or cusp.

Ultimate leaf segments thin in texture, overall flattish (though the margins revolute), acute to acuminate at the apex, but lacking a mucro or cusp.

Cystopteris

Leaf blade 2-2.5 (-3)× as long as wide; pinnae usually at an acute angle to the rachis, curving toward the blade apex; margins of pinnae crenulate, the teeth rounded; basal pinnules short-stalked or sessile, rounded to cuneate at the base; indusium about 0.5 mm long, ovate to round; pinnae usually at an acute angle to the rachis; [on rock outcrops or forest floor].

Leaf blade 2-2.5 (-3)× as long as wide; pinnae usually at an acute angle to the rachis, curving toward the blade apex; margins of pinnae crenulate, the teeth rounded; basal pinnules short-stalked or sessile, rounded to cuneate at the base; indusium about 0.5 mm long, ovate to round; pinnae usually at an acute angle to the rachis; [on rock outcrops or forest floor].

Asplenium

Leaves pinnatifid (at least in the lower half of the leaf), pinnate, pinnate-pinnatifid, bipinnate, or tripinnate, the apex obtuse, acute, acuminate, or attenuate; veins free.

Leaves pinnatifid (at least in the lower half of the leaf), pinnate, pinnate-pinnatifid, bipinnate, or tripinnate, the apex obtuse, acute, acuminate, or attenuate; veins free.

Nephrolepis

Scales on the upper surface of the rachis concolored (pale to reddish brown throughout); pinnae attachments spaced 7-21 mm apart; leaf blade with an acute to acuminate apex; underside of rachis not or only slightly obscured by the pinna blades; rhizomes not bearing tubers

Scales on the upper surface of the rachis concolored (pale to reddish brown throughout); pinnae attachments spaced 7-21 mm apart; leaf blade with an acute to acuminate apex; underside of rachis not or only slightly obscured by the pinna blades; rhizomes not bearing tubers

Zamia

Median leaflets 5-16 mm wide, lacking protruding vein-tips at the acute to obtuse apices; leaflets 10-18× as long as wide; leaves to 10 dm long; older plants variously multi-stemmed or not; [collectively more widespread in FL].

Median leaflets 5-16 mm wide, lacking protruding vein-tips at the acute to obtuse apices; leaflets 10-18× as long as wide; leaves to 10 dm long; older plants variously multi-stemmed or not; [collectively more widespread in FL].

Zamia

Median leaflets 5-16 mm wide, lacking protruding vein-tips at the acute to obtuse apices; leaflets 10-18× as long as wide; leaves to 10 dm long; older plants variously multi-stemmed or not; [collectively more widespread in FL].

Median leaflets 5-16 mm wide, lacking protruding vein-tips at the acute to obtuse apices; leaflets 10-18× as long as wide; leaves to 10 dm long; older plants variously multi-stemmed or not; [collectively more widespread in FL].

Cupressaceae

Leaves deciduous, flexible, < 2 cm long, parallel-sided, the apex short-acute; [subfamily Taxodioideae]

Leaves deciduous, flexible, < 2 cm long, parallel-sided, the apex short-acute; [subfamily Taxodioideae]

Cupressaceae

Leaves deciduous, flexible, < 2 cm long, parallel-sided, the apex short-acute; [subfamily Taxodioideae]

Leaves deciduous, flexible, < 2 cm long, parallel-sided, the apex short-acute; [subfamily Taxodioideae]

Cupressaceae

Leaves acute; female cones globose and woody, the hard scales peltate, not imbricate; ultimate branchlets (including the scale leaves) about 1 mm broad

Leaves acute; female cones globose and woody, the hard scales peltate, not imbricate; ultimate branchlets (including the scale leaves) about 1 mm broad

Juniperus

Female cones ("berries") 3-5 mm long; male cones 4-5 mm long; terminal twigs 0.75-0.90 mm wide (including the scale-like leaves); scale leaves 1.20-1.45 mm long, obtuse to acute; trees generally with rounded or flattened crowns, the lower branches often drooping; [upland to wetland saline or calcareous habitats near the coast]

Female cones ("berries") 3-5 mm long; male cones 4-5 mm long; terminal twigs 0.75-0.90 mm wide (including the scale-like leaves); scale leaves 1.20-1.45 mm long, obtuse to acute; trees generally with rounded or flattened crowns, the lower branches often drooping; [upland to wetland saline or calcareous habitats near the coast]

Juniperus

Female cones ("berries") 3-5 mm long; male cones 4-5 mm long; terminal twigs 0.75-0.90 mm wide (including the scale-like leaves); scale leaves 1.20-1.45 mm long, obtuse to acute; trees generally with rounded or flattened crowns, the lower branches often drooping; [upland to wetland saline or calcareous habitats near the coast]

Female cones ("berries") 3-5 mm long; male cones 4-5 mm long; terminal twigs 0.75-0.90 mm wide (including the scale-like leaves); scale leaves 1.20-1.45 mm long, obtuse to acute; trees generally with rounded or flattened crowns, the lower branches often drooping; [upland to wetland saline or calcareous habitats near the coast]

Juniperus

Female cones ("berries") 3-5 mm long; male cones 4-5 mm long; terminal twigs 0.75-0.90 mm wide (including the scale-like leaves); scale leaves 1.20-1.45 mm long, obtuse to acute; trees generally with rounded or flattened crowns, the lower branches often drooping; [upland to wetland saline or calcareous habitats near the coast]

Female cones ("berries") 3-5 mm long; male cones 4-5 mm long; terminal twigs 0.75-0.90 mm wide (including the scale-like leaves); scale leaves 1.20-1.45 mm long, obtuse to acute; trees generally with rounded or flattened crowns, the lower branches often drooping; [upland to wetland saline or calcareous habitats near the coast]

Juniperus

Female cones ("berries") 4-7 mm long; male cones 3-4 mm long; terminal twigs 0.85-1.00 mm wide (including the scale-like leaves); scale leaves 1.40-1.65 mm long, acute; trees generally with sharply tapered crowns, the lower branches generally ascending; [upland habitats inland]

Female cones ("berries") 4-7 mm long; male cones 3-4 mm long; terminal twigs 0.85-1.00 mm wide (including the scale-like leaves); scale leaves 1.40-1.65 mm long, acute; trees generally with sharply tapered crowns, the lower branches generally ascending; [upland habitats inland]

Juniperus

Female cones ("berries") 4-7 mm long; male cones 3-4 mm long; terminal twigs 0.85-1.00 mm wide (including the scale-like leaves); scale leaves 1.40-1.65 mm long, acute; trees generally with sharply tapered crowns, the lower branches generally ascending; [upland habitats inland]

Female cones ("berries") 4-7 mm long; male cones 3-4 mm long; terminal twigs 0.85-1.00 mm wide (including the scale-like leaves); scale leaves 1.40-1.65 mm long, acute; trees generally with sharply tapered crowns, the lower branches generally ascending; [upland habitats inland]

Juniperus

Female cones ("berries") 4-7 mm long; male cones 3-4 mm long; terminal twigs 0.85-1.00 mm wide (including the scale-like leaves); scale leaves 1.40-1.65 mm long, acute; trees generally with sharply tapered crowns, the lower branches generally ascending; [upland habitats inland]

Female cones ("berries") 4-7 mm long; male cones 3-4 mm long; terminal twigs 0.85-1.00 mm wide (including the scale-like leaves); scale leaves 1.40-1.65 mm long, acute; trees generally with sharply tapered crowns, the lower branches generally ascending; [upland habitats inland]

Juniperus

Female cones ("berries") 4-7 mm long; male cones 3-4 mm long; terminal twigs 0.85-1.00 mm wide (including the scale-like leaves); scale leaves 1.40-1.65 mm long, acute; trees generally with sharply tapered crowns, the lower branches generally ascending; [upland habitats inland]

Female cones ("berries") 4-7 mm long; male cones 3-4 mm long; terminal twigs 0.85-1.00 mm wide (including the scale-like leaves); scale leaves 1.40-1.65 mm long, acute; trees generally with sharply tapered crowns, the lower branches generally ascending; [upland habitats inland]

Taxaceae

Leaf apex acute, but not stiff, pungent, or spinose; midvein obviously raised (use 10× magnification) on the upper surface, that surface flat or nearly so, except for the revolute margins; stomatal bands on the leaf undersurface medium to broad, white or whitish-green, together making up about 1/2 or 3/4 of the width of the leaf; drupe-like 'fruit' either 4-7 mm long, red or orange when ripe, with a softly fleshy exterior open at the top (the seed) visible, or 18-25 mm long, brown, brown or brownish-orange and not striped, the fleshy exterior fully enclosing the seed.

Leaf apex acute, but not stiff, pungent, or spinose; midvein obviously raised (use 10× magnification) on the upper surface, that surface flat or nearly so, except for the revolute margins; stomatal bands on the leaf undersurface medium to broad, white or whitish-green, together making up about 1/2 or 3/4 of the width of the leaf; drupe-like 'fruit' either 4-7 mm long, red or orange when ripe, with a softly fleshy exterior open at the top (the seed) visible, or 18-25 mm long, brown, brown or brownish-orange and not striped, the fleshy exterior fully enclosing the seed.

Taxus

Bud scales often acute, keeled.

Bud scales often acute, keeled.

Nuphar

Lower leaf surface glabrous to sparsely pubescent; leaves 7-30 cm wide, (1-) 1.5 (-2)× as long as wide, the lobes acute to broadly rounded; leaves mostly emersed; [widespread in our area]

Lower leaf surface glabrous to sparsely pubescent; leaves 7-30 cm wide, (1-) 1.5 (-2)× as long as wide, the lobes acute to broadly rounded; leaves mostly emersed; [widespread in our area]

Illicium

Flowers 2-5-5 cm across; tepals 21-33, red-maroon (rarely white or pinkish); leaf tips acute to acuminate

Flowers 2-5-5 cm across; tepals 21-33, red-maroon (rarely white or pinkish); leaf tips acute to acuminate

Illicium

Flowers 2-5-5 cm across; tepals 21-33, red-maroon (rarely white or pinkish); leaf tips acute to acuminate

Flowers 2-5-5 cm across; tepals 21-33, red-maroon (rarely white or pinkish); leaf tips acute to acuminate

Illicium

Flowers 2-5-5 cm across; tepals 21-33, red-maroon (rarely white or pinkish); leaf tips acute to acuminate

Flowers 2-5-5 cm across; tepals 21-33, red-maroon (rarely white or pinkish); leaf tips acute to acuminate

Peperomia

Leaves 2-4× as long as wide, the apex acute to acuminate, the base cuneate; plant either with conspicuous black punctate glands on stems and leaves, or black punctate glands absent or minute and inconspicuous.

Leaves 2-4× as long as wide, the apex acute to acuminate, the base cuneate; plant either with conspicuous black punctate glands on stems and leaves, or black punctate glands absent or minute and inconspicuous.

Peperomia

Leaves 2-4× as long as wide, the apex acute to acuminate, the base cuneate; plant either with conspicuous black punctate glands on stems and leaves, or black punctate glands absent or minute and inconspicuous.

Leaves 2-4× as long as wide, the apex acute to acuminate, the base cuneate; plant either with conspicuous black punctate glands on stems and leaves, or black punctate glands absent or minute and inconspicuous.

Peperomia

Leaf base truncate to cordate; leaf apex acute; primary palmate veins 5-7 from the base

Leaf base truncate to cordate; leaf apex acute; primary palmate veins 5-7 from the base

Asarum

Calyx lobes 5-10 (-12) mm long, strongly reflexed, often more-or-less appressed back against the calyx tube (but spreading or ascending as the fruit starts to develop), acute or acuminate, the tubular tips 0-4 mm long

Calyx lobes 5-10 (-12) mm long, strongly reflexed, often more-or-less appressed back against the calyx tube (but spreading or ascending as the fruit starts to develop), acute or acuminate, the tubular tips 0-4 mm long

Asarum

Calyx lobes 5-10 (-12) mm long, strongly reflexed, often more-or-less appressed back against the calyx tube (but spreading or ascending as the fruit starts to develop), acute or acuminate, the tubular tips 0-4 mm long

Calyx lobes 5-10 (-12) mm long, strongly reflexed, often more-or-less appressed back against the calyx tube (but spreading or ascending as the fruit starts to develop), acute or acuminate, the tubular tips 0-4 mm long

Asimina

Leaves herbaceous in texture, obovate, > 6 cm wide, acute-acuminate at the apex; flowers (inner petals and outer petals) reddish-maroon; shrubs and trees, 1-15 m tall; [collectively widespread in our area]; [Asimina s.s.].

Leaves herbaceous in texture, obovate, > 6 cm wide, acute-acuminate at the apex; flowers (inner petals and outer petals) reddish-maroon; shrubs and trees, 1-15 m tall; [collectively widespread in our area]; [Asimina s.s.].

Asimina

Leaves coriaceous in texture, linear to oval, blunt at the tip (or acute-acuminate); peduncles lacking bracts; flowers reddish-maroon, pale pink, yellow, cream, or white; shrubs to 4.5 m tall; [mainly FL peninsula, north to e. GA, very rarely e. SC, s. AL, and FL Panhandle]; [“Pityothamnus”].

Leaves coriaceous in texture, linear to oval, blunt at the tip (or acute-acuminate); peduncles lacking bracts; flowers reddish-maroon, pale pink, yellow, cream, or white; shrubs to 4.5 m tall; [mainly FL peninsula, north to e. GA, very rarely e. SC, s. AL, and FL Panhandle]; [“Pityothamnus”].

Lindera

Leaf base widely cuneate to rounded; leaves narrowly ovate, reticulate-rugose, with an acute apex, pubescent above, drooping, fragrant when crushed with an odor like sassafras; shrubs colonial, short (to 2 m tall); fruiting pedicels 7-12 mm long

Leaf base widely cuneate to rounded; leaves narrowly ovate, reticulate-rugose, with an acute apex, pubescent above, drooping, fragrant when crushed with an odor like sassafras; shrubs colonial, short (to 2 m tall); fruiting pedicels 7-12 mm long

Lindera

Leaf base widely cuneate to rounded; leaves narrowly ovate, reticulate-rugose, with an acute apex, pubescent above, drooping, fragrant when crushed with an odor like sassafras; shrubs colonial, short (to 2 m tall); fruiting pedicels 7-12 mm long

Leaf base widely cuneate to rounded; leaves narrowly ovate, reticulate-rugose, with an acute apex, pubescent above, drooping, fragrant when crushed with an odor like sassafras; shrubs colonial, short (to 2 m tall); fruiting pedicels 7-12 mm long

Lindera

Leaf base widely cuneate to rounded; leaves narrowly ovate, reticulate-rugose, with an acute apex, pubescent above, drooping, fragrant when crushed with an odor like sassafras; shrubs colonial, short (to 2 m tall); fruiting pedicels 7-12 mm long

Leaf base widely cuneate to rounded; leaves narrowly ovate, reticulate-rugose, with an acute apex, pubescent above, drooping, fragrant when crushed with an odor like sassafras; shrubs colonial, short (to 2 m tall); fruiting pedicels 7-12 mm long

Arisaema

Leaves (3-) 5-foliolate (the lateral leaflets of at least the primary leaf 2-parted or 2-lobed); sterile spadix 1-2 (-3) mm in diameter, cylindrical, gently curved outward; spathe hood underside green, abruptly acute; [s. NC and TN south to Panhandle FL, LA, and e. TX]

Leaves (3-) 5-foliolate (the lateral leaflets of at least the primary leaf 2-parted or 2-lobed); sterile spadix 1-2 (-3) mm in diameter, cylindrical, gently curved outward; spathe hood underside green, abruptly acute; [s. NC and TN south to Panhandle FL, LA, and e. TX]

Arisaema

Leaves (3-) 5-foliolate (the lateral leaflets of at least the primary leaf 2-parted or 2-lobed); sterile spadix 1-2 (-3) mm in diameter, cylindrical, gently curved outward; spathe hood underside green, abruptly acute; [s. NC and TN south to Panhandle FL, LA, and e. TX]

Leaves (3-) 5-foliolate (the lateral leaflets of at least the primary leaf 2-parted or 2-lobed); sterile spadix 1-2 (-3) mm in diameter, cylindrical, gently curved outward; spathe hood underside green, abruptly acute; [s. NC and TN south to Panhandle FL, LA, and e. TX]

Arisaema

Leaves 3-foliolate (the lateral leaflets undivided, rarely lobed); sterile spadix (appendix) 4-10 mm in diameter, cylindrical to clavate, straight; spathe hood underside purple, or purple or green striped with white, long-acute; [widespread in our region]

Leaves 3-foliolate (the lateral leaflets undivided, rarely lobed); sterile spadix (appendix) 4-10 mm in diameter, cylindrical to clavate, straight; spathe hood underside purple, or purple or green striped with white, long-acute; [widespread in our region]

Arisaema

Leaves 3-foliolate (the lateral leaflets undivided, rarely lobed); sterile spadix (appendix) 4-10 mm in diameter, cylindrical to clavate, straight; spathe hood underside purple, or purple or green striped with white, long-acute; [widespread in our region]

Leaves 3-foliolate (the lateral leaflets undivided, rarely lobed); sterile spadix (appendix) 4-10 mm in diameter, cylindrical to clavate, straight; spathe hood underside purple, or purple or green striped with white, long-acute; [widespread in our region]

Arisaema

Leaves 3-foliolate (the lateral leaflets undivided, rarely lobed); sterile spadix (appendix) 4-10 mm in diameter, cylindrical to clavate, straight; spathe hood underside purple, or purple or green striped with white, long-acute; [widespread in our region]

Leaves 3-foliolate (the lateral leaflets undivided, rarely lobed); sterile spadix (appendix) 4-10 mm in diameter, cylindrical to clavate, straight; spathe hood underside purple, or purple or green striped with white, long-acute; [widespread in our region]

Arisaema

Plant to 0.2 (-0.4) m tall; spathe apex acute; spathe hood underside solid green or solid purple (without stripes); spadix 2-3 mm in diameter; [widespread in our area, south to FL and LA]

Plant to 0.2 (-0.4) m tall; spathe apex acute; spathe hood underside solid green or solid purple (without stripes); spadix 2-3 mm in diameter; [widespread in our area, south to FL and LA]

Arisaema

Plant to 0.2 (-0.4) m tall; spathe apex acute; spathe hood underside solid green or solid purple (without stripes); spadix 2-3 mm in diameter; [widespread in our area, south to FL and LA]

Plant to 0.2 (-0.4) m tall; spathe apex acute; spathe hood underside solid green or solid purple (without stripes); spadix 2-3 mm in diameter; [widespread in our area, south to FL and LA]

Sagittaria

Beak of the achene lateral (at a right angle to the long axis of the achene); bracts of the inflorescence 2-15 mm long, boat-shaped, obtuse or broadly acute.

Beak of the achene lateral (at a right angle to the long axis of the achene); bracts of the inflorescence 2-15 mm long, boat-shaped, obtuse or broadly acute.

Sagittaria

Larger phyllodes 0.8-2.5 cm wide, the apices blunt (rarely acute); longer pistillate pedicels 2-5 (-6.5) cm long; median resin duct of mature achene linear, about as wide as the posterior duct (or ducts absent)

Larger phyllodes 0.8-2.5 cm wide, the apices blunt (rarely acute); longer pistillate pedicels 2-5 (-6.5) cm long; median resin duct of mature achene linear, about as wide as the posterior duct (or ducts absent)

Sagittaria

Larger phyllodes to 1 cm wide (except sometimes wider in S. chapmanii), the apices acute; longer pistillate pedicels 1-4 cm long; median resin duct of mature achene club-shaped and 2× the diameter of the posterior duct.

Larger phyllodes to 1 cm wide (except sometimes wider in S. chapmanii), the apices acute; longer pistillate pedicels 1-4 cm long; median resin duct of mature achene club-shaped and 2× the diameter of the posterior duct.

Potamogeton

Tips of submersed leaves obtuse to acute; floating leaves rounded at apex.

Tips of submersed leaves obtuse to acute; floating leaves rounded at apex.

Potamogeton

Tips of submersed leaves acute; fruit 1-2 mm wide, the lateral keel with acute tips, beak minute

Tips of submersed leaves acute; fruit 1-2 mm wide, the lateral keel with acute tips, beak minute

Potamogeton

Tips of submersed leaves acute to long-tapering; floating leaves acute at apex.

Tips of submersed leaves acute to long-tapering; floating leaves acute at apex.

Potamogeton

Submersed leaf blades green or brownish-green, with 7-19 (P. illinoensis) or 3-9 conspicuous veins (P. gramineus), without a reticulate portion along midvein; fruit sessile, laterally compressed; if submersed leaves with < 7 veins, then leaves typically 1.5-4.5 cm long and and stipules acute; [collectively widespread].

Submersed leaf blades green or brownish-green, with 7-19 (P. illinoensis) or 3-9 conspicuous veins (P. gramineus), without a reticulate portion along midvein; fruit sessile, laterally compressed; if submersed leaves with < 7 veins, then leaves typically 1.5-4.5 cm long and and stipules acute; [collectively widespread].

Potamogeton

Submersed leaves 0.2-1(-2) mm wide, 1-3 (-7) veined; stipules of at least some submersed leaves adnate to the leaf base; floating leaves acute at apex

Submersed leaves 0.2-1(-2) mm wide, 1-3 (-7) veined; stipules of at least some submersed leaves adnate to the leaf base; floating leaves acute at apex

Potamogeton

Leaves acute, 3 (-5)-veined, 0.3-1.5 (-2.3) mm wide; lacunae rarely present; fruits 1-keeled, 1.4-2.3 (-2.7) mm long

Leaves acute, 3 (-5)-veined, 0.3-1.5 (-2.3) mm wide; lacunae rarely present; fruits 1-keeled, 1.4-2.3 (-2.7) mm long

Potamogeton

Leaf apex blunt, acute, or apiculate, but not bristle-tipped; peduncles straight, terminal, 0.5-6.6 cm long.

Leaf apex blunt, acute, or apiculate, but not bristle-tipped; peduncles straight, terminal, 0.5-6.6 cm long.

Potamogeton

Mature fruit obovate, sides concave, beak mostly forward; peduncle filiform to cylindrical, usually 1-3 per plant; inflorescence usually interrupted; leaves with up to 2 rows of lacunae along midrib, apex acute, rarely apiculate; stipules mostly connate

Mature fruit obovate, sides concave, beak mostly forward; peduncle filiform to cylindrical, usually 1-3 per plant; inflorescence usually interrupted; leaves with up to 2 rows of lacunae along midrib, apex acute, rarely apiculate; stipules mostly connate

Potamogeton

Mature fruit mostly widest at middle, or ovate, sides rounded, beak mostly central; peduncle cylindrical, usually > 3 per plant; inflorescence continuous; leaves with 1-5 rows of lacunae along midrib, apex acute to obtuse; stipules mostly convolute

Mature fruit mostly widest at middle, or ovate, sides rounded, beak mostly central; peduncle cylindrical, usually > 3 per plant; inflorescence continuous; leaves with 1-5 rows of lacunae along midrib, apex acute to obtuse; stipules mostly convolute

Cymodoceaceae

Leaves filiform, terete or nearly so, with an obtuse to acute apex; stipules present, adnate to the leaf base and forming an apparently inflated sheath around the stem > 10 mm long; flowers usually 2, on a flexuous, elongate peduncle; pistils 4-16

Leaves filiform, terete or nearly so, with an obtuse to acute apex; stipules present, adnate to the leaf base and forming an apparently inflated sheath around the stem > 10 mm long; flowers usually 2, on a flexuous, elongate peduncle; pistils 4-16

Cymodoceaceae

Leaves filiform, terete or nearly so, with an obtuse to acute apex; stipules present, adnate to the leaf base and forming an apparently inflated sheath around the stem > 10 mm long; flowers usually 2, on a flexuous, elongate peduncle; pistils 4-16

Leaves filiform, terete or nearly so, with an obtuse to acute apex; stipules present, adnate to the leaf base and forming an apparently inflated sheath around the stem > 10 mm long; flowers usually 2, on a flexuous, elongate peduncle; pistils 4-16

Trillium

Anther dehiscence introrse; bract apices obtuse or acute, conspicuously mottled in silver and three or more shades of green

Anther dehiscence introrse; bract apices obtuse or acute, conspicuously mottled in silver and three or more shades of green

Trillium

Petals lanceolate, elliptic, obovate, or oblanceolate, but not broadly spatulate and distinctly clawed, generally acute at the tip; petals maroon-red, purplish-brown, yellow, or green; flower fragrance various; [collectively widespread in our area].

Petals lanceolate, elliptic, obovate, or oblanceolate, but not broadly spatulate and distinctly clawed, generally acute at the tip; petals maroon-red, purplish-brown, yellow, or green; flower fragrance various; [collectively widespread in our area].

Trillium

Ovary ellipsoid; leaves acute, the margins of the outer 1/3 more or less straight; leaf blade mottled with 3 or more shades of green, the palest shade forming a very conspicuous pale silvery-green streak along the midvein; [of the Coastal Plain and fall-line area of GA, AL, and FL Panhandle]; [T. sessile group].

Ovary ellipsoid; leaves acute, the margins of the outer 1/3 more or less straight; leaf blade mottled with 3 or more shades of green, the palest shade forming a very conspicuous pale silvery-green streak along the midvein; [of the Coastal Plain and fall-line area of GA, AL, and FL Panhandle]; [T. sessile group].

Trillium

Ovary ovoid; leaves acute to acuminate, the margins of the outer 1/3 convex; leaf blade mottled with 2-3 shades of green, paler shades sometimes prominent along the midvein, but not as above; [collectively widespread in our area]; [T. maculatum group].

Ovary ovoid; leaves acute to acuminate, the margins of the outer 1/3 convex; leaf blade mottled with 2-3 shades of green, paler shades sometimes prominent along the midvein, but not as above; [collectively widespread in our area]; [T. maculatum group].

Trillium

Petals white to deep pink, lacking a red blaze; anther sacs yellow, dehiscence introrse; fruit a white to greenish-white, fleshy, irregularly dehiscent capsule; leaves obtuse to acute (or somewhat acuminate in T. grandiflorum); [of less distinctly acidic sites, collectively widespread in our area].

Petals white to deep pink, lacking a red blaze; anther sacs yellow, dehiscence introrse; fruit a white to greenish-white, fleshy, irregularly dehiscent capsule; leaves obtuse to acute (or somewhat acuminate in T. grandiflorum); [of less distinctly acidic sites, collectively widespread in our area].

Trillium

Sepals narrower than the petals, acute; anthers white to greenish-white between the anther sacs; leaves obtuse, acute, or acuminate; pedicel somewhat angled from the vertical.

Sepals narrower than the petals, acute; anthers white to greenish-white between the anther sacs; leaves obtuse, acute, or acuminate; pedicel somewhat angled from the vertical.

Trillium

Ovary sharply 6-angled (-winged); leaves > 5 cm long, green, acute to acuminate.

Ovary sharply 6-angled (-winged); leaves > 5 cm long, green, acute to acuminate.

Trillium

Petals elliptic, loose, gradually separating; leaves ovate, acute; style conspicuous, > 1.5 mm long; [subgenus Delostylis]

Petals elliptic, loose, gradually separating; leaves ovate, acute; style conspicuous, > 1.5 mm long; [subgenus Delostylis]

Trillium

Leaves ovate, acute; sepals (14-) 22-30 (-41) long, (4-) 6-11 (-17) mm wide, (2-) 3-4.3 (-5.6)× as long as wide; [generally of upland rocky slopes]

Leaves ovate, acute; sepals (14-) 22-30 (-41) long, (4-) 6-11 (-17) mm wide, (2-) 3-4.3 (-5.6)× as long as wide; [generally of upland rocky slopes]

Melanthiaceae

Leaves strongly keeled, (5-) 10-20 mm wide; plant colonial, from thick, hard, horizontal, short-creeping rhizomes covered with fibrous old leaf bases; inner tepals (petals) 7-17 mm long, distinctly clawed, acute-acuminate at the tip, bearing 2 glands well above the base

Leaves strongly keeled, (5-) 10-20 mm wide; plant colonial, from thick, hard, horizontal, short-creeping rhizomes covered with fibrous old leaf bases; inner tepals (petals) 7-17 mm long, distinctly clawed, acute-acuminate at the tip, bearing 2 glands well above the base

Stenanthium

Tepals lanceolate, the tip acute-acuminate.

Tepals lanceolate, the tip acute-acuminate.

Colchicaceae

Tepals yellow, not reflexed; leaves acute to obtuse; [native]; [tribe Uvularieae]

Tepals yellow, not reflexed; leaves acute to obtuse; [native]; [tribe Uvularieae]

Colchicaceae

Tepals yellow, not reflexed; leaves acute to obtuse; [native]; [tribe Uvularieae]

Tepals yellow, not reflexed; leaves acute to obtuse; [native]; [tribe Uvularieae]

Smilax

Leaves glabrous and glaucous beneath, thick in texture, base cordate, tip acute or acuminate; lowest inflorescence from a leaf axil (very rarely from bract axils), upper inflorescences from leaf axils; leaves 4-7, clustered together near the summit of the stem

Leaves glabrous and glaucous beneath, thick in texture, base cordate, tip acute or acuminate; lowest inflorescence from a leaf axil (very rarely from bract axils), upper inflorescences from leaf axils; leaves 4-7, clustered together near the summit of the stem

Smilax

Leaves pubescent and green (or glaucous) beneath, usually thin in texture, base cordate, truncate, or rounded, tip acuminate, acute, or obtuse; lowest inflorescence(s) from axils of bracts below the lowest leaves, upper inflorescences also often from bracts (the uppermost often from leaf axils); leaves 4-25, either clustered together near the summit of the stem or well distributed.

Leaves pubescent and green (or glaucous) beneath, usually thin in texture, base cordate, truncate, or rounded, tip acuminate, acute, or obtuse; lowest inflorescence(s) from axils of bracts below the lowest leaves, upper inflorescences also often from bracts (the uppermost often from leaf axils); leaves 4-25, either clustered together near the summit of the stem or well distributed.

Smilax

Leaves few, usually 4-8, usually clustered together near the summit of the stem (rarely well distributed), about the same size, mostly with the base ovate (to subcordate), the tip acute to obtuse; berry 2-3 seeded

Leaves few, usually 4-8, usually clustered together near the summit of the stem (rarely well distributed), about the same size, mostly with the base ovate (to subcordate), the tip acute to obtuse; berry 2-3 seeded

Cypripedium

Pouch-like lip of flower pink and white (rarely all white); lateral petals and dorsal sepal white, not twisted, obtuse to acute; [section Obtusipetala]

Pouch-like lip of flower pink and white (rarely all white); lateral petals and dorsal sepal white, not twisted, obtuse to acute; [section Obtusipetala]

Cypripedium

Pouch-like lip of flower pink and white (rarely all white); lateral petals and dorsal sepal white, not twisted, obtuse to acute; [section Obtusipetala]

Pouch-like lip of flower pink and white (rarely all white); lateral petals and dorsal sepal white, not twisted, obtuse to acute; [section Obtusipetala]

Cypripedium

Pouch-like lip of flower white, 1.5-2.5 cm long; orifice margin acute on the apical margin; [of calcareous barrens]

Pouch-like lip of flower white, 1.5-2.5 cm long; orifice margin acute on the apical margin; [of calcareous barrens]

Sisyrinchium

Rhizome present and obvious (although not longer than about 3 cm), about 2 mm thick, hard, blackish; hyaline margins of inner spathe bract acute (contra S. atlanticum)

Rhizome present and obvious (although not longer than about 3 cm), about 2 mm thick, hard, blackish; hyaline margins of inner spathe bract acute (contra S. atlanticum)

Sisyrinchium

Ovaries and capsules pale to medium brown; foliage drying dull green or brownish; hyaline margins of inner spathe bract acute, never projecting as lobes.

Ovaries and capsules pale to medium brown; foliage drying dull green or brownish; hyaline margins of inner spathe bract acute, never projecting as lobes.

Allium

Ovary or capsule not crested with projections; tepals acute to obtuse.

Ovary or capsule not crested with projections; tepals acute to obtuse.

Allium

Perianth campanulate to nearly rotate, pink, pale pink, or nearly white; sepals acute (obtuse in A. oxyphilum); [of moderate to low elevations in the Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain].

Perianth campanulate to nearly rotate, pink, pale pink, or nearly white; sepals acute (obtuse in A. oxyphilum); [of moderate to low elevations in the Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain].

Allium

Perianth campanulate to nearly rotate, pink, pale pink, or nearly white; sepals acute (obtuse in A. oxyphilum); [of moderate to low elevations in the Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain].

Perianth campanulate to nearly rotate, pink, pale pink, or nearly white; sepals acute (obtuse in A. oxyphilum); [of moderate to low elevations in the Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain].

Hymenocallis

Leaves coriaceous, not glaucous; scape bracts 3-4 (-6) cm long, the tip acute; bulbs rhizomatous; [of wet habitats].

Leaves coriaceous, not glaucous; scape bracts 3-4 (-6) cm long, the tip acute; bulbs rhizomatous; [of wet habitats].

Hymenocallis

Scape bracts 3-4 (-6) cm long, the tip acute; leaves distinctly wider toward the tip; bulb 3-6 cm long, 1.5-5 cm wide

Scape bracts 3-4 (-6) cm long, the tip acute; leaves distinctly wider toward the tip; bulb 3-6 cm long, 1.5-5 cm wide

Ruscaceae

Inflorescence terminal, a raceme or panicle; tepals separate leaves with 3 main parallel veins, acute to acuminate at the apex; leaves acute to acuminate at the apex; foliage green, not glaucous

Inflorescence terminal, a raceme or panicle; tepals separate leaves with 3 main parallel veins, acute to acuminate at the apex; leaves acute to acuminate at the apex; foliage green, not glaucous

Ruscaceae

Inflorescence of 1-several axillary flowers; tepals fused; leaves with > 7 main parallel veins, obtuse to acute at the apex; foliage blue-green, glaucous

Inflorescence of 1-several axillary flowers; tepals fused; leaves with > 7 main parallel veins, obtuse to acute at the apex; foliage blue-green, glaucous

Agavaceae

Leaves oblong-acute, 2-25 cm wide, 2-20× as long as wide, fleshy or leathery.

Leaves oblong-acute, 2-25 cm wide, 2-20× as long as wide, fleshy or leathery.

Sabal

Tree, with erect trunk (though young plants appear as trunkless shrubs, similar in habit to S. minor); leaves 15-30 per plant; hastula 5.3-18 cm long, acute to acuminate; margins of leaf segments with filamentose fibrils; leaf segment apices 2-cleft.

Tree, with erect trunk (though young plants appear as trunkless shrubs, similar in habit to S. minor); leaves 15-30 per plant; hastula 5.3-18 cm long, acute to acuminate; margins of leaf segments with filamentose fibrils; leaf segment apices 2-cleft.

Sabal

Tree, with erect trunk (though young plants appear as trunkless shrubs, similar in habit to S. minor); leaves 15-30 per plant; hastula 5.3-18 cm long, acute to acuminate; margins of leaf segments with filamentose fibrils; leaf segment apices 2-cleft.

Tree, with erect trunk (though young plants appear as trunkless shrubs, similar in habit to S. minor); leaves 15-30 per plant; hastula 5.3-18 cm long, acute to acuminate; margins of leaf segments with filamentose fibrils; leaf segment apices 2-cleft.

Sabal

Tree, with erect trunk (though young plants appear as trunkless shrubs, similar in habit to S. minor); leaves 15-30 per plant; hastula 5.3-18 cm long, acute to acuminate; margins of leaf segments with filamentose fibrils; leaf segment apices 2-cleft.

Tree, with erect trunk (though young plants appear as trunkless shrubs, similar in habit to S. minor); leaves 15-30 per plant; hastula 5.3-18 cm long, acute to acuminate; margins of leaf segments with filamentose fibrils; leaf segment apices 2-cleft.

Sabal

Shrub, with subterranean, rhizomatous "trunk" (very rarely emerging as much as 1 meter from the ground); leaves 3-10 per plant; hastula 0.8-7.7 cm long, obtuse to acute; margins of leaf segments with or without filamentose fibrils; leaf segment apices either 2-cleft (S. etonia and S. miamiensis) or entire (S. minor).

Shrub, with subterranean, rhizomatous "trunk" (very rarely emerging as much as 1 meter from the ground); leaves 3-10 per plant; hastula 0.8-7.7 cm long, obtuse to acute; margins of leaf segments with or without filamentose fibrils; leaf segment apices either 2-cleft (S. etonia and S. miamiensis) or entire (S. minor).

Sabal

Margins of leaf segments with filamentose fibrils; hastula acute; fruits 9.0-19.0 mm in diameter; segment apices 2-cleft; leaves yellowish green; [of dry sandy or rocky habitats, ne. FL south through FL peninsula]

Margins of leaf segments with filamentose fibrils; hastula acute; fruits 9.0-19.0 mm in diameter; segment apices 2-cleft; leaves yellowish green; [of dry sandy or rocky habitats, ne. FL south through FL peninsula]

Sabal

Margins of leaf segments with filamentose fibrils; hastula acute; fruits 9.0-19.0 mm in diameter; segment apices 2-cleft; leaves yellowish green; [of dry sandy or rocky habitats, ne. FL south through FL peninsula]

Margins of leaf segments with filamentose fibrils; hastula acute; fruits 9.0-19.0 mm in diameter; segment apices 2-cleft; leaves yellowish green; [of dry sandy or rocky habitats, ne. FL south through FL peninsula]

Commelina

Annual from fibrous roots, the stem decumbent; leaf blades broadly elliptic-ovate, 1-9 cm long, the apex acute to obtuse; leaf margin and upper surface pubescent or glabrous; plants often bearing subterranean, cleistogamous flowers; [exotic, weedy].

Annual from fibrous roots, the stem decumbent; leaf blades broadly elliptic-ovate, 1-9 cm long, the apex acute to obtuse; leaf margin and upper surface pubescent or glabrous; plants often bearing subterranean, cleistogamous flowers; [exotic, weedy].

Commelina

Annual from fibrous roots, the stem decumbent; leaf blades broadly elliptic-ovate, 1-9 cm long, the apex acute to obtuse; leaf margin and upper surface pubescent or glabrous; plants often bearing subterranean, cleistogamous flowers; [exotic, weedy].

Annual from fibrous roots, the stem decumbent; leaf blades broadly elliptic-ovate, 1-9 cm long, the apex acute to obtuse; leaf margin and upper surface pubescent or glabrous; plants often bearing subterranean, cleistogamous flowers; [exotic, weedy].

Heteranthera

Base of petiolate leaf blades cuneate to truncate; leaf apex acute to obtuse; perianth radially symmetrical or nearly so; vegetative stems elongating only in water deeper than 5 cm; perianth tube 15-45 mm long

Base of petiolate leaf blades cuneate to truncate; leaf apex acute to obtuse; perianth radially symmetrical or nearly so; vegetative stems elongating only in water deeper than 5 cm; perianth tube 15-45 mm long

Typha

Mucilage glands absent from adaxial surface of blade and generally from central part of sheath near sheath summit; pistillate bracteole tips darker than (or as dark as) stigmas, very dark to medium brown, rounded (to acute), in mature spikes about equaling pistil hairs; pistil-hair tips medium brown, distinctly enlarged at 10-20× magnification; pistillate spikes medium to dark brown; leaf sheath summits with membranous auricles (often disintegrating late in season)

Mucilage glands absent from adaxial surface of blade and generally from central part of sheath near sheath summit; pistillate bracteole tips darker than (or as dark as) stigmas, very dark to medium brown, rounded (to acute), in mature spikes about equaling pistil hairs; pistil-hair tips medium brown, distinctly enlarged at 10-20× magnification; pistillate spikes medium to dark brown; leaf sheath summits with membranous auricles (often disintegrating late in season)

Typha

Mucilage glands present on adaxial surface of all of sheath and usually about 1-10 cm of adjacent blade; pistillate bracteole tips much paler than to about same color as stigmas, straw-colored to light brown, mostly acute to acuminate, in mature spikes exceeding pistil hairs; pistil-hair tips colorless to usually orangish (or slightly brownish in hybrids), not evidently enlarged, or often with 1 subapical, orange, swollen cell evident at 20-30×; pistillate spikes bright cinnamon- to orange- or medium brown; leaf sheath summits tapered to blade or sometimes with membranous auricles.

Mucilage glands present on adaxial surface of all of sheath and usually about 1-10 cm of adjacent blade; pistillate bracteole tips much paler than to about same color as stigmas, straw-colored to light brown, mostly acute to acuminate, in mature spikes exceeding pistil hairs; pistil-hair tips colorless to usually orangish (or slightly brownish in hybrids), not evidently enlarged, or often with 1 subapical, orange, swollen cell evident at 20-30×; pistillate spikes bright cinnamon- to orange- or medium brown; leaf sheath summits tapered to blade or sometimes with membranous auricles.

Typha

Pistillate bracteole blades usually about same color as stigmas, light- to medium brown, usually acute; pistillate spikes usually medium brown; mucilage glands often few or absent from leaf blade

Pistillate bracteole blades usually about same color as stigmas, light- to medium brown, usually acute; pistillate spikes usually medium brown; mucilage glands often few or absent from leaf blade

Catopsis

Leaves yellowish-green, covered with conspicuous, white, chalky powder toward the base, gradually narrowed towards the acute tip; floral bracts 6-8 mm long; sepals 9-12 mm long

Leaves yellowish-green, covered with conspicuous, white, chalky powder toward the base, gradually narrowed towards the acute tip; floral bracts 6-8 mm long; sepals 9-12 mm long

Catopsis

Leaves yellowish-green, covered with conspicuous, white, chalky powder toward the base, gradually narrowed towards the acute tip; floral bracts 6-8 mm long; sepals 9-12 mm long

Leaves yellowish-green, covered with conspicuous, white, chalky powder toward the base, gradually narrowed towards the acute tip; floral bracts 6-8 mm long; sepals 9-12 mm long

Xyris

Plants annual; leaves flabellate arranged, spreading to recurved against the substrate, usually maroon; fruiting spikes often elongated and acute, not 2-edged

Plants annual; leaves flabellate arranged, spreading to recurved against the substrate, usually maroon; fruiting spikes often elongated and acute, not 2-edged

Xyris

Mature spikes ovoid, sharply acute; plants solitary or in small clumps; leaves 10-30 (-50) cm long, 1.5-6.0 mm wide, dark maroon or purplish at the base

Mature spikes ovoid, sharply acute; plants solitary or in small clumps; leaves 10-30 (-50) cm long, 1.5-6.0 mm wide, dark maroon or purplish at the base

Xyris

Mature spikes ovoid to ellipsoid, acute to obtuse; plants typically in large dense tufts; leaves 20-50 cm long, 3-12 mm wide, the older ones with dark-brown to gray bases, the younger with tan bases

Mature spikes ovoid to ellipsoid, acute to obtuse; plants typically in large dense tufts; leaves 20-50 cm long, 3-12 mm wide, the older ones with dark-brown to gray bases, the younger with tan bases

Eriocaulon

Heads hard (little compressed by a plant press and feeling hard and knotty when squeezed between finger and thumb); leaves dark green, the tip acute to obtuse; scape sheaths shorter than most leaves; involucral bracts straw-colored, the apex acute; receptacular bracteoles pale, the apex narrowly acuminate; pistillate flower petals adaxially glabrescent; terminal cells of club-shaped hairs of the perianth whitened, the basal cells often uncongested and transparent.

Heads hard (little compressed by a plant press and feeling hard and knotty when squeezed between finger and thumb); leaves dark green, the tip acute to obtuse; scape sheaths shorter than most leaves; involucral bracts straw-colored, the apex acute; receptacular bracteoles pale, the apex narrowly acuminate; pistillate flower petals adaxially glabrescent; terminal cells of club-shaped hairs of the perianth whitened, the basal cells often uncongested and transparent.

Eriocaulon

Leaves to 1 cm wide, with acute to rounded tip; heads 7-15 mm in diameter; [widespread in our area]

Leaves to 1 cm wide, with acute to rounded tip; heads 7-15 mm in diameter; [widespread in our area]

Eriocaulon

Leaves to 1 cm wide, with acute to rounded tip; heads 7-15 mm in diameter; [widespread in our area]

Leaves to 1 cm wide, with acute to rounded tip; heads 7-15 mm in diameter; [widespread in our area]

Eriocaulon

Heads soft (much flattened by a plant press, and easily compressed when fresh between finger and thumb); leaves pale green, the tip attenuate-subulate; scape sheaths longer than most leaves; involucral bracts gray or dark, the apex rounded or obtuse; receptacular bracteoles gray to dark gray, the apex acute; pistillate flower petals adaxially villous; all cells of club-shaped hairs on perianth white.

Heads soft (much flattened by a plant press, and easily compressed when fresh between finger and thumb); leaves pale green, the tip attenuate-subulate; scape sheaths longer than most leaves; involucral bracts gray or dark, the apex rounded or obtuse; receptacular bracteoles gray to dark gray, the apex acute; pistillate flower petals adaxially villous; all cells of club-shaped hairs on perianth white.

Eriocaulon

Bracts dark, gray to blackish, very shiny, the margins all nearly entire, the apex acute; [of moist acidic sites].

Bracts dark, gray to blackish, very shiny, the margins all nearly entire, the apex acute; [of moist acidic sites].

Eriocaulon

Bracts narrowly ovate to oblong or spatulate, the apex acute; bracts and perianth parts (except sometimes the petals) glabrous; seed conspicuously pale-reticulate

Bracts narrowly ovate to oblong or spatulate, the apex acute; bracts and perianth parts (except sometimes the petals) glabrous; seed conspicuously pale-reticulate

Juncus

Capsule apex acute to obtuse, usually shorter than or equaling inner tepals; inner tepals acute to subobtuse

Capsule apex acute to obtuse, usually shorter than or equaling inner tepals; inner tepals acute to subobtuse

Juncus

Perianth acute to acuminate; capsule light brown or tan; [native].

Perianth acute to acuminate; capsule light brown or tan; [native].

Carex

Leaf blades 0.5-25 (-52) mm wide, with a midrib, herbaceous, the apex acute; leaf margin various (smooth or scabrous, but not as described below).

Leaf blades 0.5-25 (-52) mm wide, with a midrib, herbaceous, the apex acute; leaf margin various (smooth or scabrous, but not as described below).

Carex

Plants densely cespitose, with short rhizomes; pistillate scales acute to acuminate

Plants densely cespitose, with short rhizomes; pistillate scales acute to acuminate

Carex

Upper pistillate scales acute to short-awned, awn < ½ as long as the body.

Upper pistillate scales acute to short-awned, awn < ½ as long as the body.

Carex

Beaks ascending, < ½ the length of the lance-ovate to weakly obovate perigynium body; lateral spikes with acute staminate bases mostly < 2 mm long; [of tidal marshes]

Beaks ascending, < ½ the length of the lance-ovate to weakly obovate perigynium body; lateral spikes with acute staminate bases mostly < 2 mm long; [of tidal marshes]

Carex

Pistillate scales with apex obtuse, acute, or acuminate (but not subulate or awned).

Pistillate scales with apex obtuse, acute, or acuminate (but not subulate or awned).

Carex

Perigynium beak spreading, slender; pistillate scales acute; styles sinuous at base

Perigynium beak spreading, slender; pistillate scales acute; styles sinuous at base

Carex

Spikes 12-28 mm long, with tapered base and acute tip; perigynium body lanceolate, 6-9 mm long; vegetative culms conspicuous

Spikes 12-28 mm long, with tapered base and acute tip; perigynium body lanceolate, 6-9 mm long; vegetative culms conspicuous

Carex

Perigynium beak spreading, slender; pistillate scales acute; styles sinuous at base

Perigynium beak spreading, slender; pistillate scales acute; styles sinuous at base

Carex

Perigynia with acute bases, 2.0-2.8 mm wide; beak appressed, > 2/5 × the length of the body; broadest leaves 1.5-2.5 mm wide; [of sw. VA northward]

Perigynia with acute bases, 2.0-2.8 mm wide; beak appressed, > 2/5 × the length of the body; broadest leaves 1.5-2.5 mm wide; [of sw. VA northward]

Carex

Perigynia 3.2-4.8 (-5.2) mm long; beak 0.8-1.5 mm long; pistillate scales 3.3-4.0 (-4.3) mm long, acute; achenes 1.0-1.3 (1.4) × as long as wide

Perigynia 3.2-4.8 (-5.2) mm long; beak 0.8-1.5 mm long; pistillate scales 3.3-4.0 (-4.3) mm long, acute; achenes 1.0-1.3 (1.4) × as long as wide

Carex

Perigynia (5.6-) 6.0-7.1 mm long; beak (1.2-) 1.5-2.1 (-2.3) mm long; pistillate scales (3.6-) 3.9-5.0 mm long, obtuse to acute

Perigynia (5.6-) 6.0-7.1 mm long; beak (1.2-) 1.5-2.1 (-2.3) mm long; pistillate scales (3.6-) 3.9-5.0 mm long, obtuse to acute

Carex

Perigynia veinless or faintly and irregularly 1-5-veined over the achene adaxially, more-or-less orbicular, the bodies (2-) 2.3-3.2 mm long, (0.7-) 0.9-1.1 (-1.3) × as long as wide; pistillate scales mostly acute, about as long as to 0.7 (-0.9) mm shorter than the subtended perigynium (flattened and measured separately)

Perigynia veinless or faintly and irregularly 1-5-veined over the achene adaxially, more-or-less orbicular, the bodies (2-) 2.3-3.2 mm long, (0.7-) 0.9-1.1 (-1.3) × as long as wide; pistillate scales mostly acute, about as long as to 0.7 (-0.9) mm shorter than the subtended perigynium (flattened and measured separately)

Carex

Longest bracts overtopping the spikes; perigynia flattened, elliptic to obovate; pistillate scales acute to obtuse, generally shorter than the perigynia

Longest bracts overtopping the spikes; perigynia flattened, elliptic to obovate; pistillate scales acute to obtuse, generally shorter than the perigynia

Carex

Perigynia smooth to slightly papillose toward the apex, the papillae mostly < 10 μm long; lower pistillate scales usually acute or acuminate, tapering into the awn; sheaths strongly scabrous; [primarily montane in distribution southward (C. fumosimontana), or montane southward and more commonly in a variety of wetlands northward (C. gynandra)].

Perigynia smooth to slightly papillose toward the apex, the papillae mostly < 10 μm long; lower pistillate scales usually acute or acuminate, tapering into the awn; sheaths strongly scabrous; [primarily montane in distribution southward (C. fumosimontana), or montane southward and more commonly in a variety of wetlands northward (C. gynandra)].

Carex

Perigynia smooth to slightly papillose toward the apex, the papillae mostly < 10 μm long; lower pistillate scales usually acute or acuminate, tapering into the awn; sheaths strongly scabrous; [primarily montane in distribution southward (C. fumosimontana), or montane southward and more commonly in a variety of wetlands northward (C. gynandra)].

Perigynia smooth to slightly papillose toward the apex, the papillae mostly < 10 μm long; lower pistillate scales usually acute or acuminate, tapering into the awn; sheaths strongly scabrous; [primarily montane in distribution southward (C. fumosimontana), or montane southward and more commonly in a variety of wetlands northward (C. gynandra)].

Carex

Staminate scales with apex acute to awned; widest leaves 2.8-8.3 mm wide; perigynium beak 0.3-0.9 mm long; [Panhandle FL and AL westward]

Staminate scales with apex acute to awned; widest leaves 2.8-8.3 mm wide; perigynium beak 0.3-0.9 mm long; [Panhandle FL and AL westward]

Carex

Terminal spikes (1.0-) 1.2-2.7 mm wide; staminate scales acute, those from the middle region of the staminate spike 3.6-5.5 mm long; vegetative shoots shorter than or slightly taller than the culms, the tallest vegetative shoot 0.5-1.3 (-1.8)× as tall as the tallest culm.

Terminal spikes (1.0-) 1.2-2.7 mm wide; staminate scales acute, those from the middle region of the staminate spike 3.6-5.5 mm long; vegetative shoots shorter than or slightly taller than the culms, the tallest vegetative shoot 0.5-1.3 (-1.8)× as tall as the tallest culm.

Carex

Perigynia (4.5-) avg. 5.6 (-7) mm long, broadest near the middle, tapering with concave sides to a short beak lacking a hyaline tip; pistillate scales acute to acuminate (the lowest sometimes aristate); [of dry to moist upland forests and openings in the Mountains]

Perigynia (4.5-) avg. 5.6 (-7) mm long, broadest near the middle, tapering with concave sides to a short beak lacking a hyaline tip; pistillate scales acute to acuminate (the lowest sometimes aristate); [of dry to moist upland forests and openings in the Mountains]

Carex

Leaves folded along the midrib, appearing 0.7-2.0 (-2.2) mm wide; culms obtusely trigonous, usually smooth; base of pistillate bracts often auriculate, forming a V-shaped mouth; middle staminate scales narrowly acute

Leaves folded along the midrib, appearing 0.7-2.0 (-2.2) mm wide; culms obtusely trigonous, usually smooth; base of pistillate bracts often auriculate, forming a V-shaped mouth; middle staminate scales narrowly acute

Carex

Leaves more-or-less flat or M-shaped, (1.8-) 2.2-4.5 (-6) mm wide; culms acutely trigonous, often scabrous on the angles; base of pistillate bract with a short, truncated process at mouth; middle staminate scales obtuse and short-awned, or acute

Leaves more-or-less flat or M-shaped, (1.8-) 2.2-4.5 (-6) mm wide; culms acutely trigonous, often scabrous on the angles; base of pistillate bract with a short, truncated process at mouth; middle staminate scales obtuse and short-awned, or acute

Carex

Plants extensively colonial from elongate, creeping rhizomes; staminate scales acute to acuminate, essentially smooth-margined except at the very tip; perigynia 7-11-nerved

Plants extensively colonial from elongate, creeping rhizomes; staminate scales acute to acuminate, essentially smooth-margined except at the very tip; perigynia 7-11-nerved

Carex

Pistillate scales acute or long-acuminate (rarely short-awned); pistillate scales (including the awn, if present) 0.3-0.6× as long as the perigynia; larger achenes 2.3-3.4 (-3.8) mm long (ca. 1.3-1.8x as long as wide); larger leaves mostly 4-12 mm wide; pistillate spikes normally staminate at apex; [primarily of the Coastal Plain]

Pistillate scales acute or long-acuminate (rarely short-awned); pistillate scales (including the awn, if present) 0.3-0.6× as long as the perigynia; larger achenes 2.3-3.4 (-3.8) mm long (ca. 1.3-1.8x as long as wide); larger leaves mostly 4-12 mm wide; pistillate spikes normally staminate at apex; [primarily of the Coastal Plain]

Carex

Scales of the median portion of the staminate spike with acute-acuminate to aristate apices and with minute teeth usually present on the midrib; staminate spike (1.6-) 3.6-8.5 (-9.1) mm long with peduncles mostly 0.3-1.9 mm, exceeding uppermost pistillate spikes by 1.1-5.9 mm; culms lax to erect, often shorter than and curving under the leaves; [mostly of acid, sandy soils of the Coastal Plain]

Scales of the median portion of the staminate spike with acute-acuminate to aristate apices and with minute teeth usually present on the midrib; staminate spike (1.6-) 3.6-8.5 (-9.1) mm long with peduncles mostly 0.3-1.9 mm, exceeding uppermost pistillate spikes by 1.1-5.9 mm; culms lax to erect, often shorter than and curving under the leaves; [mostly of acid, sandy soils of the Coastal Plain]

Carex

Pistillate scales acute

Pistillate scales acute

Carex

Plant from creeping rhizomes; lowest inflorescence bract much shorter than the inflorescence; pistillate scales acute to cuspidate

Plant from creeping rhizomes; lowest inflorescence bract much shorter than the inflorescence; pistillate scales acute to cuspidate

Carex

Achenes ellipsoid, 1.5-2.0× as long as wide; staminate scales obtuse to acute.

Achenes ellipsoid, 1.5-2.0× as long as wide; staminate scales obtuse to acute.

Eleocharis

Culms 0.1-0.3 mm in diameter; achenes whitish to pale brown; leaf sheaths of the upper culm closely sheathing the stem, not wrinkled, the apex acute

Culms 0.1-0.3 mm in diameter; achenes whitish to pale brown; leaf sheaths of the upper culm closely sheathing the stem, not wrinkled, the apex acute

Eleocharis

Distal leaf sheath apex firm, opaque, somewhat thickened, with an acute to obtuse apex, and sometimes bearing a small tooth; rarely disintegrating, not inflated or wrinkled; culms 0.3-5 mm wide.

Distal leaf sheath apex firm, opaque, somewhat thickened, with an acute to obtuse apex, and sometimes bearing a small tooth; rarely disintegrating, not inflated or wrinkled; culms 0.3-5 mm wide.

Eleocharis

Culms thicker, somewhat inflated; scales acute, 5-30 per spikelet; scales 3-4 mm long; achenes 1.3-1.8 mm long; leaf sheath apex without tooth; [of brackish habitats of the outer Coastal Plain, NC northward]

Culms thicker, somewhat inflated; scales acute, 5-30 per spikelet; scales 3-4 mm long; achenes 1.3-1.8 mm long; leaf sheath apex without tooth; [of brackish habitats of the outer Coastal Plain, NC northward]

Fuirena

Blades of the perianth scales rounded, retuse, or rarely acute at the tip, bearing a subapical bristle which is retrorsely barbed

Blades of the perianth scales rounded, retuse, or rarely acute at the tip, bearing a subapical bristle which is retrorsely barbed

Rhynchospora

Leaves with a short taper at the tip, blunt to acute, but not long-acuminate; achene surface minutely pitted near the margin; [section Chapmaniae].

Leaves with a short taper at the tip, blunt to acute, but not long-acuminate; achene surface minutely pitted near the margin; [section Chapmaniae].

Rhynchospora

Inflorescence occupying the upper ¼-½ of the culm, the lowest 2-4 nodes barren; spikelets 2.0-3.0 mm long, ovoid, acute; achene body averaging 6-9 horizontal ridges; tubercle 0.25-0.85 mm long.

Inflorescence occupying the upper ¼-½ of the culm, the lowest 2-4 nodes barren; spikelets 2.0-3.0 mm long, ovoid, acute; achene body averaging 6-9 horizontal ridges; tubercle 0.25-0.85 mm long.

Rhynchospora

Inflorescence occupying the upper ¼-½ of the culm, the lowest 2-4 nodes barren; spikelets 2.0-3.0 mm long, ovoid, acute; achene body averaging 6-9 horizontal ridges; tubercle 0.25-0.85 mm long.

Inflorescence occupying the upper ¼-½ of the culm, the lowest 2-4 nodes barren; spikelets 2.0-3.0 mm long, ovoid, acute; achene body averaging 6-9 horizontal ridges; tubercle 0.25-0.85 mm long.

Schoenoplectus

Perianth bristles plumose; spikelets acute; culms obscurely triangular near the inflorescence

Perianth bristles plumose; spikelets acute; culms obscurely triangular near the inflorescence

Scleria

Plants usually cespitose; inflorescence terminal and lateral (a few culms in a clump can be terminal only); hypogynium surface with laterally flattened and apically triangular-acute to acuminate papillae, often resembling shards of glass or porcelain; [of coastal hammocks, oak woods near saltwater, and blackwater swamps]

Plants usually cespitose; inflorescence terminal and lateral (a few culms in a clump can be terminal only); hypogynium surface with laterally flattened and apically triangular-acute to acuminate papillae, often resembling shards of glass or porcelain; [of coastal hammocks, oak woods near saltwater, and blackwater swamps]

Poaceae

First glume acute to obtuse.

First glume acute to obtuse.

Poaceae

Glumes acute to acuminate (and often awned); [common natives and exotics]

Glumes acute to acuminate (and often awned); [common natives and exotics]

Poaceae

Glumes truncate, obtuse, or acute; [rare exotics]

Glumes truncate, obtuse, or acute; [rare exotics]

Poaceae

Ligules 4-8 (-15) mm long, acute to attenuate, entire (lacerate only by tearing)

Ligules 4-8 (-15) mm long, acute to attenuate, entire (lacerate only by tearing)

Poaceae

Lowest lemmas awned (rarely unawned); upper glumes acute to acuminate, mucronate or short-awned

Lowest lemmas awned (rarely unawned); upper glumes acute to acuminate, mucronate or short-awned

Poaceae

Spikes to 22 cm long, terminating in a functional or rudimentary spikelet (the spikes acute to obtuse); [tribe Cynodonteae; subtribe Eleusininae].

Spikes to 22 cm long, terminating in a functional or rudimentary spikelet (the spikes acute to obtuse); [tribe Cynodonteae; subtribe Eleusininae].

Poaceae

Lemma apices acute

Lemma apices acute

Poaceae

Lemmas longer than broad, ascending at an acute angle to the rachilla.

Lemmas longer than broad, ascending at an acute angle to the rachilla.

Poaceae

Lemmas acute at the apex, or awned.

Lemmas acute at the apex, or awned.

Agrostis

Ligule mostly 2.5-6 mm long, acute, rounded, or truncate; panicle branches (some of them) with spikelets to near the base, the spikelets usually agglomerated.

Ligule mostly 2.5-6 mm long, acute, rounded, or truncate; panicle branches (some of them) with spikelets to near the base, the spikelets usually agglomerated.

Alopecurus

Glumes 4-6 mm long, acute or acuminate.

Glumes 4-6 mm long, acute or acuminate.

Axonopus

Upper floret distinctly shorter than the upper glume; glume apex acute, not overtopped by silky hairs; culm nodes usually densely pubescent; leaf margins ciliate; leaf blades on fresh plants often appearing “wavy”

Upper floret distinctly shorter than the upper glume; glume apex acute, not overtopped by silky hairs; culm nodes usually densely pubescent; leaf margins ciliate; leaf blades on fresh plants often appearing “wavy”

Calamagrostis

Spikelets 2.5-4 mm long; lemmas usually shorter than the glumes; glumes rounded to broadly keeled, with raised midveins; glume apices usually acute, rarely acuminate

Spikelets 2.5-4 mm long; lemmas usually shorter than the glumes; glumes rounded to broadly keeled, with raised midveins; glume apices usually acute, rarely acuminate

Calamagrostis

Spikelets 2-3 mm long; lemmas usually about as long as the glumes; glumes rounded, midveins not raised; glume apices acute

Spikelets 2-3 mm long; lemmas usually about as long as the glumes; glumes rounded, midveins not raised; glume apices acute

Coleataenia

Rhizomes long and slender, usually > 3 cm long, < 5 mm wide and spreading; spikelets 2.2-2.8 mm long, acute to short-acuminate, not noticeably falcate distally; first glume with 1-3 prominent nerves; leaves to 30 (-40) cm long and 10 mm wide

Rhizomes long and slender, usually > 3 cm long, < 5 mm wide and spreading; spikelets 2.2-2.8 mm long, acute to short-acuminate, not noticeably falcate distally; first glume with 1-3 prominent nerves; leaves to 30 (-40) cm long and 10 mm wide

Dichanthelium

Lowest elongate internode puberulent to glabrous; lower culm sheaths shorter than internodes, upper culm sheaths longer; blades lanceolate, about 10× as long as wide; blade bases narrowly rounded to subcordate; spikelets 3.3-4.0 mm long, blunt to acute; first glume broadly ovate; second glume equaling or exceeding fertile lemma by 0.2 mm

Lowest elongate internode puberulent to glabrous; lower culm sheaths shorter than internodes, upper culm sheaths longer; blades lanceolate, about 10× as long as wide; blade bases narrowly rounded to subcordate; spikelets 3.3-4.0 mm long, blunt to acute; first glume broadly ovate; second glume equaling or exceeding fertile lemma by 0.2 mm

Dichanthelium

Second glume and sterile lemma acute to short-acuminate, some in a given specimen 0.3 mm or more longer than fertile lemma.

Second glume and sterile lemma acute to short-acuminate, some in a given specimen 0.3 mm or more longer than fertile lemma.

Dichanthelium

Panicle rachis scabrous or smooth, not pellucid-punctate; first glume 0.5-1.1 mm long, longer than wide, rounded to acute; larger leaves 3.5-12 cm long, 3-9 mm wide; ligule 0.1-0.6 mm long; lowest elongate culm internode < 2 mm in diameter; lowest nodes retrorsely bearded or glabrous.

Panicle rachis scabrous or smooth, not pellucid-punctate; first glume 0.5-1.1 mm long, longer than wide, rounded to acute; larger leaves 3.5-12 cm long, 3-9 mm wide; ligule 0.1-0.6 mm long; lowest elongate culm internode < 2 mm in diameter; lowest nodes retrorsely bearded or glabrous.

Dichanthelium

Lowest nodes usually retrorsely bearded; ligules (0.1-) 0.3-0.6 mm long; largest vernal blades 7-12 cm long, (4.5-) 6-9 mm wide; panicle peduncle scabrous; spikelets ovate-lanceolate, acute, 2.0-2.4 mm long; first glume lanceolate, blunt to acute; fertile lemma smooth

Lowest nodes usually retrorsely bearded; ligules (0.1-) 0.3-0.6 mm long; largest vernal blades 7-12 cm long, (4.5-) 6-9 mm wide; panicle peduncle scabrous; spikelets ovate-lanceolate, acute, 2.0-2.4 mm long; first glume lanceolate, blunt to acute; fertile lemma smooth

Dichanthelium

Lowest nodes usually glabrous; ligules 0.1-0.2 (-0.3) mm long; largest vernal blades 3.5-7 cm long, 3-6 mm wide; panicle peduncle smooth; spikelets elliptic, blunt to acute, 1.6-2.2 mm long; first glume ovate to rotund, rounded to acute; fertile lemma papillose

Lowest nodes usually glabrous; ligules 0.1-0.2 (-0.3) mm long; largest vernal blades 3.5-7 cm long, 3-6 mm wide; panicle peduncle smooth; spikelets elliptic, blunt to acute, 1.6-2.2 mm long; first glume ovate to rotund, rounded to acute; fertile lemma papillose

Dichanthelium

Plants rarely > 1 m in length; lower internodes glabrous to sparsely hairy; vernal cauline leaves 3-7; spikelets 1.8-2.8 mm long, elliptic to lance-ovate, blunt to acute, glabrous or pubescent

Plants rarely > 1 m in length; lower internodes glabrous to sparsely hairy; vernal cauline leaves 3-7; spikelets 1.8-2.8 mm long, elliptic to lance-ovate, blunt to acute, glabrous or pubescent

Dichanthelium

Panicle rachis scabrous or smooth, not pellucid-punctate; first glume 0.5-1.1 mm long, longer than wide, rounded to acute; larger leaves 3.5-12 cm long, 3-9 mm wide; ligule 0.1-0.6 mm long; lowest elongate culm internode < 2 mm in diameter; lowest nodes retrorsely bearded or glabrous.

Panicle rachis scabrous or smooth, not pellucid-punctate; first glume 0.5-1.1 mm long, longer than wide, rounded to acute; larger leaves 3.5-12 cm long, 3-9 mm wide; ligule 0.1-0.6 mm long; lowest elongate culm internode < 2 mm in diameter; lowest nodes retrorsely bearded or glabrous.

Dichanthelium

Lowest nodes usually retrorsely bearded; ligules (0.1-) 0.3-0.6 mm long; largest vernal blades 7-12 cm long, (4.5-) 6-9 mm wide; panicle peduncle scabrous; spikelets ovate-lanceolate, acute, 2.0-2.4 mm long; first glume lanceolate, blunt to acute; fertile lemma smooth

Lowest nodes usually retrorsely bearded; ligules (0.1-) 0.3-0.6 mm long; largest vernal blades 7-12 cm long, (4.5-) 6-9 mm wide; panicle peduncle scabrous; spikelets ovate-lanceolate, acute, 2.0-2.4 mm long; first glume lanceolate, blunt to acute; fertile lemma smooth

Dichanthelium

Lowest nodes usually glabrous; ligules 0.1-0.2 (-0.3) mm long; largest vernal blades 3.5-7 cm long, 3-6 mm wide; panicle peduncle smooth; spikelets elliptic, blunt to acute, 1.6-2.2 mm long; first glume ovate to rotund, rounded to acute; fertile lemma papillose

Lowest nodes usually glabrous; ligules 0.1-0.2 (-0.3) mm long; largest vernal blades 3.5-7 cm long, 3-6 mm wide; panicle peduncle smooth; spikelets elliptic, blunt to acute, 1.6-2.2 mm long; first glume ovate to rotund, rounded to acute; fertile lemma papillose

Dichanthelium

Spikelet bases not noticeably attenuate, apices rounded to acute; first glume < ½ as long as spikelet, attached < 0.3 mm below expansion of second glume and sterile lemma.

Spikelet bases not noticeably attenuate, apices rounded to acute; first glume < ½ as long as spikelet, attached < 0.3 mm below expansion of second glume and sterile lemma.

Dichanthelium

Spikelets elliptic, sub-acute to pointed, greenish or faintly purple-tinged basally

Spikelets elliptic, sub-acute to pointed, greenish or faintly purple-tinged basally

Dichanthelium

Ligule 0.7-1.5 mm long; first glume acute; spikelets elliptic when viewed dorsally, biconvex or elliptic when viewed laterally, not strongly nerved

Ligule 0.7-1.5 mm long; first glume acute; spikelets elliptic when viewed dorsally, biconvex or elliptic when viewed laterally, not strongly nerved

Dichanthelium

Leaves 3-8 mm wide; panicle (8-) 20-40 mm wide; first glume 0.6-1.1 mm long, blunt to acute

Leaves 3-8 mm wide; panicle (8-) 20-40 mm wide; first glume 0.6-1.1 mm long, blunt to acute

Dichanthelium

Culms 30-110 cm long; lowest internodes glabrous to sparsely hairy; vernal cauline leaves 3-7; spikelets 1.4-2.8 mm long, elliptic to lance-ovate, blunt to acute.

Culms 30-110 cm long; lowest internodes glabrous to sparsely hairy; vernal cauline leaves 3-7; spikelets 1.4-2.8 mm long, elliptic to lance-ovate, blunt to acute.

Dichanthelium

Widest vernal cauline blades 7-15 mm wide; upper sheaths often glutinous-warty; spikelets 2.1-2.6 mm long, some or most acute to beaked, second glume and sterile lemma extending 0.3-0.5 mm beyond fertile lemma in at least some spikelets

Widest vernal cauline blades 7-15 mm wide; upper sheaths often glutinous-warty; spikelets 2.1-2.6 mm long, some or most acute to beaked, second glume and sterile lemma extending 0.3-0.5 mm beyond fertile lemma in at least some spikelets

Echinochloa

Second glume and sterile lemma hairy or scabrous to nearly glabrous, the hairs usually not papillose-based; fertile lemma obtuse or broadly acute, with a thin, membranous (later withering) tip set off from the body by a line of minute hairs.

Second glume and sterile lemma hairy or scabrous to nearly glabrous, the hairs usually not papillose-based; fertile lemma obtuse or broadly acute, with a thin, membranous (later withering) tip set off from the body by a line of minute hairs.

Elymus

Glumes 0.5-1.6 mm wide; lemma awns 15-40 (-50) mm long; paleas acute; rachis internodes 2-5 (-7) mm long; blades (3-) 4-15 (-20) mm wide, pale green, usually glabrous or scabridulous above

Glumes 0.5-1.6 mm wide; lemma awns 15-40 (-50) mm long; paleas acute; rachis internodes 2-5 (-7) mm long; blades (3-) 4-15 (-20) mm wide, pale green, usually glabrous or scabridulous above

Elymus

Blades glabrous to scabrous, pale dull green; spikes 7-25 cm long; internodes usually 3-5 mm long; spikelets with 2-3 (-4) florets; lemmas usually scabrous, 7-14 mm long, 1-5 mm longer than the acute paleas; flowering usually late Jun to late Jul

Blades glabrous to scabrous, pale dull green; spikes 7-25 cm long; internodes usually 3-5 mm long; spikelets with 2-3 (-4) florets; lemmas usually scabrous, 7-14 mm long, 1-5 mm longer than the acute paleas; flowering usually late Jun to late Jul

Eragrostis

Spikelets 5-12 (-18) mm long, 1.4-2.4 mm wide, 12-42-flowered; lemmas (1.3-) 1.5-2.0 mm long, chartaceous, the apex acute

Spikelets 5-12 (-18) mm long, 1.4-2.4 mm wide, 12-42-flowered; lemmas (1.3-) 1.5-2.0 mm long, chartaceous, the apex acute

Eustachys

Spikelets >2.4 mm long; sterile floret oblanceolate, acute

Spikelets >2.4 mm long; sterile floret oblanceolate, acute

Glyceria

Lemma (6-) 7-8.5 (-10) mm long, acute to acuminate; palea longer than the lemma, extending 1.5-3 mm beyond the lemma apex

Lemma (6-) 7-8.5 (-10) mm long, acute to acuminate; palea longer than the lemma, extending 1.5-3 mm beyond the lemma apex

Glyceria

Glumes tapering from below midlength to the narrowly acute (< 45 degree) tips; lemmas > 2× as long as wide; [endemic to seepage at high elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains, NC and TN and nearby]

Glumes tapering from below midlength to the narrowly acute (< 45 degree) tips; lemmas > 2× as long as wide; [endemic to seepage at high elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains, NC and TN and nearby]

Glyceria

Glumes narrowing from midlength or above to the acute or rounded (> 45 degree) tips; lemmas < 2× as long as wide; [collectively widespread].

Glumes narrowing from midlength or above to the acute or rounded (> 45 degree) tips; lemmas < 2× as long as wide; [collectively widespread].

Melica

First glume oblong, 6.5-10 mm long, 2-4× as long as wide, acute to obtuse at the apex, about the same length and width as the second glume; inflorescence with (0-) 1-5 branches from the lower nodes only; fertile lemmas 2; leaves 1-6 mm wide; [common, widespread in our area]

First glume oblong, 6.5-10 mm long, 2-4× as long as wide, acute to obtuse at the apex, about the same length and width as the second glume; inflorescence with (0-) 1-5 branches from the lower nodes only; fertile lemmas 2; leaves 1-6 mm wide; [common, widespread in our area]

Melica

First glume oblong, 6.5-10 mm long, 2-4× as long as wide, acute to obtuse at the apex, about the same length and width as the second glume; inflorescence with (0-) 1-5 branches from the lower nodes only; fertile lemmas 2; leaves 1-6 mm wide; [common, widespread in our area]

First glume oblong, 6.5-10 mm long, 2-4× as long as wide, acute to obtuse at the apex, about the same length and width as the second glume; inflorescence with (0-) 1-5 branches from the lower nodes only; fertile lemmas 2; leaves 1-6 mm wide; [common, widespread in our area]

Oplismenus

Leaf sheaths and culm axis glabrate to pilose (usually sparsely, but dense at sheath summit) with hairs < 1.5 mm long; hairs on leaf surfaces also < 1.5 mm long; leaves 1.5-6 cm long; longest leaves with acute to acuminate tip (but not long-acuminate); lemma (7-) 9-11-veined.

Leaf sheaths and culm axis glabrate to pilose (usually sparsely, but dense at sheath summit) with hairs < 1.5 mm long; hairs on leaf surfaces also < 1.5 mm long; leaves 1.5-6 cm long; longest leaves with acute to acuminate tip (but not long-acuminate); lemma (7-) 9-11-veined.

Panicum

Spikelets ovoid to slenderly ellipsoid, 1.6-2.3 mm long, widest at middle with acute tips, second glume and sterile lemma thin, submembraneous; some to many pedicels > 3 mm long and longer than spikelets; culms to 6 dm long; leaf blades 1-8 mm wide

Spikelets ovoid to slenderly ellipsoid, 1.6-2.3 mm long, widest at middle with acute tips, second glume and sterile lemma thin, submembraneous; some to many pedicels > 3 mm long and longer than spikelets; culms to 6 dm long; leaf blades 1-8 mm wide

Panicum

First glume 1/3 to 1/2 length of spikelet, acute to subacute; sheaths villous or hispid (except in the locally introduced P. bisulcatum); nodes often bearded.

First glume 1/3 to 1/2 length of spikelet, acute to subacute; sheaths villous or hispid (except in the locally introduced P. bisulcatum); nodes often bearded.

Panicum

First glume acute to obtuse.

First glume acute to obtuse.

Panicum

Spikelets 2.8-3.5 mm long; beak of sterile lemma exceeding fertile lemma by 0.2-0.5 mm; first glume (blunt-) acute, ½-2/3× as long as spikelet

Spikelets 2.8-3.5 mm long; beak of sterile lemma exceeding fertile lemma by 0.2-0.5 mm; first glume (blunt-) acute, ½-2/3× as long as spikelet

Paspalum

Spikelets elliptic, the tip acute or acuminate.

Spikelets elliptic, the tip acute or acuminate.

Paspalum

Spikelets ovate to broadly elliptic, the tip obtuse to broadly acute.

Spikelets ovate to broadly elliptic, the tip obtuse to broadly acute.

Phleum

Spikelets 2.0-3.6 (-3.8) mm long, including the 0.2-1.0 (-1.2) mm long awns; panicle 3-6 (-6.7) mm wide; leaves 2-6 mm wide; ligule usually acute

Spikelets 2.0-3.6 (-3.8) mm long, including the 0.2-1.0 (-1.2) mm long awns; panicle 3-6 (-6.7) mm wide; leaves 2-6 mm wide; ligule usually acute

Poa

Anthers 0.6-0.9 (-1.0) mm long; lemmas broad-acute, obtuse or truncate at the apex, the keel and lateral margins of the lemma forming an apical angle of 42-82 degrees, firm at the tip, the scarious tip absent or up to 0.25 mm long

Anthers 0.6-0.9 (-1.0) mm long; lemmas broad-acute, obtuse or truncate at the apex, the keel and lateral margins of the lemma forming an apical angle of 42-82 degrees, firm at the tip, the scarious tip absent or up to 0.25 mm long

Poa

Anthers 0.9-1.5 mm long; lemmas acute to acuminate at the apex, the keel and lateral margins of the lemma forming an apical angle of 10-47 degrees, pliable at the tip, the scarious tip prominent and 0.25-0.5 mm long

Anthers 0.9-1.5 mm long; lemmas acute to acuminate at the apex, the keel and lateral margins of the lemma forming an apical angle of 10-47 degrees, pliable at the tip, the scarious tip prominent and 0.25-0.5 mm long

Poa

Glumes lanceolate to acute, shorter than the first (lower) lemma; ligules prominent, 0.5-6 mm long.

Glumes lanceolate to acute, shorter than the first (lower) lemma; ligules prominent, 0.5-6 mm long.

Sphenopholis

Panicle open; second glume 3-6× as long as wide, acute at the tip; lowermost rachilla internode 0.8-1.0 mm long

Panicle open; second glume 3-6× as long as wide, acute at the tip; lowermost rachilla internode 0.8-1.0 mm long

Sporobolus

First glume glabrous, acute to acuminate; spikelets purplish (fading tan); base of plant smooth and hard, made up of the indurated leaf bases; grain oblong (when present, usually abortive); [of pine savannas and seeps of the Coastal Plain of NC south to c. FL, west to e. TX and se. OK].

First glume glabrous, acute to acuminate; spikelets purplish (fading tan); base of plant smooth and hard, made up of the indurated leaf bases; grain oblong (when present, usually abortive); [of pine savannas and seeps of the Coastal Plain of NC south to c. FL, west to e. TX and se. OK].

Sporobolus

Panicle branches appressed, 0.5-2 cm long in the middle of the inflorescence; second glume acute, > ½ as long as the spikelet

Panicle branches appressed, 0.5-2 cm long in the middle of the inflorescence; second glume acute, > ½ as long as the spikelet

Menispermaceae

Leaves 3-7-lobed, the sinuses usually deep, the lobes acute; stamens 12; petals 0; fruit bluish-black, 13-25 mm long; stone concave on one side

Leaves 3-7-lobed, the sinuses usually deep, the lobes acute; stamens 12; petals 0; fruit bluish-black, 13-25 mm long; stone concave on one side

Thalictrum

Achene concave or straight on the upper surface, 4-5.5 mm long, borne on a stipe 1.5-3 mm long; inflorescence branches stiff and diverge at acute angles; [fairly widespread in our area, on a wide variety of moist substrates, especially in the Mountains]

Achene concave or straight on the upper surface, 4-5.5 mm long, borne on a stipe 1.5-3 mm long; inflorescence branches stiff and diverge at acute angles; [fairly widespread in our area, on a wide variety of moist substrates, especially in the Mountains]

Hepatica

Leaves 3 (-7) lobed, the lobes acute, the primary sinuses deep, over halfway to the petiole (the middle lobe 70-90% as long as the total length of the leaf blade); involucral bracts acute

Leaves 3 (-7) lobed, the lobes acute, the primary sinuses deep, over halfway to the petiole (the middle lobe 70-90% as long as the total length of the leaf blade); involucral bracts acute

Clematis

Flowers mostly polygamo-dioecious, the pistillate with 18-60 carpels; anthers 0.5-1 mm long; leaf margins coarsely toothed with acute teeth; leaflets 3 (C. virginiana) or 5-7 (C. catesbyana), uniformly green; [native, though sometimes weedy].

Flowers mostly polygamo-dioecious, the pistillate with 18-60 carpels; anthers 0.5-1 mm long; leaf margins coarsely toothed with acute teeth; leaflets 3 (C. virginiana) or 5-7 (C. catesbyana), uniformly green; [native, though sometimes weedy].

Clematis

Sepals tips obtuse to acute; achene bodies pilose throughout; [of shale barrens of w. VA and WV].

Sepals tips obtuse to acute; achene bodies pilose throughout; [of shale barrens of w. VA and WV].

Trautvetteria

Basal leaves shallowly 3- (5) lobed (the sinuses reaching less than halfway from lobe tip to petiole attachment), coriaceous, stiff, lobes round/deltoid, outer lobes usually shallowly 1-lobed, sinuses acute to rounded, margin regularly crenate/dentate, venation highly reticulate; cauline leaves unlobed to shallowly 3-5-lobed, lobes deltoid; [endemic to Ridge and Valley of ne. TN]

Basal leaves shallowly 3- (5) lobed (the sinuses reaching less than halfway from lobe tip to petiole attachment), coriaceous, stiff, lobes round/deltoid, outer lobes usually shallowly 1-lobed, sinuses acute to rounded, margin regularly crenate/dentate, venation highly reticulate; cauline leaves unlobed to shallowly 3-5-lobed, lobes deltoid; [endemic to Ridge and Valley of ne. TN]

Crassula

Seeds rugulose or smooth; leaves 2-6 mm long, the apex acute to obtuse; sepals 0.4-1.5 mm long.

Seeds rugulose or smooth; leaves 2-6 mm long, the apex acute to obtuse; sepals 0.4-1.5 mm long.

Vitis

Nodal diaphragms < 2.5 mm wide; leaves unlobed or shallowly lobed, the tips acute to short-acuminate; branchlets of the season gray, green, or brown (sometimes purple only on one side)

Nodal diaphragms < 2.5 mm wide; leaves unlobed or shallowly lobed, the tips acute to short-acuminate; branchlets of the season gray, green, or brown (sometimes purple only on one side)

Cercis

Flowering pedicels 6-8 mm long; main palmate veins 7 (usually with an additional pair of less prominent veins running very close to and parallel to the lower blade margin); flowers 8-13 mm long; leaf apex acuminate, acute, rounded, or emarginate.

Flowering pedicels 6-8 mm long; main palmate veins 7 (usually with an additional pair of less prominent veins running very close to and parallel to the lower blade margin); flowers 8-13 mm long; leaf apex acuminate, acute, rounded, or emarginate.

Cercis

Leaves thin, dull above (sun leaves slightly coriaceous, slightly glossy above), bluish-green or yellowish-green; leaf apex usually acuminate to acute; leaf margins plane; legumes 9-14 (-18) mm wide; flowers 8-11 mm long; wing of legume (0.7-) 0.9-1.5 (-1.8) mm wide; [widespread in our region]

Leaves thin, dull above (sun leaves slightly coriaceous, slightly glossy above), bluish-green or yellowish-green; leaf apex usually acuminate to acute; leaf margins plane; legumes 9-14 (-18) mm wide; flowers 8-11 mm long; wing of legume (0.7-) 0.9-1.5 (-1.8) mm wide; [widespread in our region]

Wisteria

Legume and ovary glabrous; pedicels 5-10 (-15) mm long; standard reflexed near the middle; seeds reniform; leaflet margins plane; leaflet apices acute to slightly acuminate; [native species of swamps and bottomland forests and thickets]

Legume and ovary glabrous; pedicels 5-10 (-15) mm long; standard reflexed near the middle; seeds reniform; leaflet margins plane; leaflet apices acute to slightly acuminate; [native species of swamps and bottomland forests and thickets]

Tephrosia

Inflorescence with 1-3 (-5) nodes; plants inconspicuously pubescent with gray hairs (the hairs appressed or spreading, short to fairly long); leaflets (3-) avg. 5-6 (-7) mm wide, mostly acute; [plants of the Coastal Plain of NC and SC]

Inflorescence with 1-3 (-5) nodes; plants inconspicuously pubescent with gray hairs (the hairs appressed or spreading, short to fairly long); leaflets (3-) avg. 5-6 (-7) mm wide, mostly acute; [plants of the Coastal Plain of NC and SC]

Canavalia

Leaflets herbaceous, 1.5-2× as long as wide, acuminate, acute, or obtuse at the apex; seeds 1.5-3.5 cm long, not mottled, either white to off-white or brown to dark olive; [rare exotic, of disturbed areas].

Leaflets herbaceous, 1.5-2× as long as wide, acuminate, acute, or obtuse at the apex; seeds 1.5-3.5 cm long, not mottled, either white to off-white or brown to dark olive; [rare exotic, of disturbed areas].

Clitoria

Leaflets 1.7-3.5× as long as wide, slightly acute at the tip; calyx tube of chasmogamous flowers 10-13 mm long, green; legume on a stipe 10-15 mm long, included or slightly exserted from the calyx; ascending herb, becoming a sprawling, trailing, or twining herbaceous vine; [collectively widespread in our area].

Leaflets 1.7-3.5× as long as wide, slightly acute at the tip; calyx tube of chasmogamous flowers 10-13 mm long, green; legume on a stipe 10-15 mm long, included or slightly exserted from the calyx; ascending herb, becoming a sprawling, trailing, or twining herbaceous vine; [collectively widespread in our area].

Centrosema

Leaflets 1.7-3.5× as long as wide, slightly acute at the tip; calyx tube of chasmogamous flowers 10-13 mm long, green; legume on a stipe 10-15 mm long, included or slightly exserted from the calyx; ascending herb, becoming a sprawling, trailing, or twining herbaceous vine; [collectively widespread in our area].

Leaflets 1.7-3.5× as long as wide, slightly acute at the tip; calyx tube of chasmogamous flowers 10-13 mm long, green; legume on a stipe 10-15 mm long, included or slightly exserted from the calyx; ascending herb, becoming a sprawling, trailing, or twining herbaceous vine; [collectively widespread in our area].

Kummerowia

Stems retrorsely appressed-strigose; mid-stem leaves with petioles 1-2 (-4) mm long; leaflets acute to obtuse at the apex; leaflets inconspicuously appressed-ciliate; calyx covering 1/2-4/5 of the legume

Stems retrorsely appressed-strigose; mid-stem leaves with petioles 1-2 (-4) mm long; leaflets acute to obtuse at the apex; leaflets inconspicuously appressed-ciliate; calyx covering 1/2-4/5 of the legume

Hylodesmum

Leaves alternate, scattered; leaflets acute to slightly acuminate, 3-7 cm long; flowers white; inflorescence 1-2 dm long, small and inconspicuous, often partly obscured by the leaves

Leaves alternate, scattered; leaflets acute to slightly acuminate, 3-7 cm long; flowers white; inflorescence 1-2 dm long, small and inconspicuous, often partly obscured by the leaves

Orbexilum

Leaflets rounded at base, 2-4 cm wide, 1.5-2.5× as long as wide, eglandular or sparsely glandular above, the apex acute; calyx lacking stipitate glands; petals 5-7 mm long; [widely scattered from w. VA and w. NC westward]

Leaflets rounded at base, 2-4 cm wide, 1.5-2.5× as long as wide, eglandular or sparsely glandular above, the apex acute; calyx lacking stipitate glands; petals 5-7 mm long; [widely scattered from w. VA and w. NC westward]

Ononis

Stems ascending to erect, mainly hairy along 1 side, or along 2 opposite sides; leaflets > 3× as long as wide, acute or nearly so

Stems ascending to erect, mainly hairy along 1 side, or along 2 opposite sides; leaflets > 3× as long as wide, acute or nearly so

Vicia

Legumes asymmetrically acute at the apex; inflorescence with 1-15 flowers.

Legumes asymmetrically acute at the apex; inflorescence with 1-15 flowers.

Senega

Bracts of the inflorescence ca. 1 mm long; wing sepals 1.5-2.5 mm wide, acute or short-mucronate at the tip; raceme peduncle (0.8-) 3-5 cm long

Bracts of the inflorescence ca. 1 mm long; wing sepals 1.5-2.5 mm wide, acute or short-mucronate at the tip; raceme peduncle (0.8-) 3-5 cm long

Rosaceae

Inflorescence a dense, umbel-like corymb; leaf apices rounded to acute; fruit an aggregate of 5 follicles; [tribe Neillieae]

Inflorescence a dense, umbel-like corymb; leaf apices rounded to acute; fruit an aggregate of 5 follicles; [tribe Neillieae]

Rosaceae

Inflorescence a dense, umbel-like corymb; leaf apices rounded to acute; fruit an aggregate of 5 follicles; [tribe Neillieae]

Inflorescence a dense, umbel-like corymb; leaf apices rounded to acute; fruit an aggregate of 5 follicles; [tribe Neillieae]

Rosaceae

Inflorescence a dense, umbel-like corymb; leaf apices rounded to acute; fruit an aggregate of 5 follicles; [tribe Neillieae]

Inflorescence a dense, umbel-like corymb; leaf apices rounded to acute; fruit an aggregate of 5 follicles; [tribe Neillieae]

Rosaceae

Pome globose or pyriform, with stone cells; anthers reddish; styles distinct; leaves acute to acuminate; [pears]

Pome globose or pyriform, with stone cells; anthers reddish; styles distinct; leaves acute to acuminate; [pears]

Rosaceae

Pome globose or pyriform, with stone cells; anthers reddish; styles distinct; leaves acute to acuminate; [pears]

Pome globose or pyriform, with stone cells; anthers reddish; styles distinct; leaves acute to acuminate; [pears]

Rosaceae

Pome globose or pyriform, with stone cells; anthers reddish; styles distinct; leaves acute to acuminate; [pears]

Pome globose or pyriform, with stone cells; anthers reddish; styles distinct; leaves acute to acuminate; [pears]

Rosaceae

Fruit a hip, developing from a globose to urceolate hypanthium, enclosing the ovaries and achenes, except for the apical orifice; leaflets usually acute to obtuse at the apex; leaflet margins crenulate or serrulate; [tribe Roseae]

Fruit a hip, developing from a globose to urceolate hypanthium, enclosing the ovaries and achenes, except for the apical orifice; leaflets usually acute to obtuse at the apex; leaflet margins crenulate or serrulate; [tribe Roseae]

Rosaceae

Fruit a hip, developing from a globose to urceolate hypanthium, enclosing the ovaries and achenes, except for the apical orifice; leaflets usually acute to obtuse at the apex; leaflet margins crenulate or serrulate; [tribe Roseae]

Fruit a hip, developing from a globose to urceolate hypanthium, enclosing the ovaries and achenes, except for the apical orifice; leaflets usually acute to obtuse at the apex; leaflet margins crenulate or serrulate; [tribe Roseae]

Rosaceae

Fruit a hip, developing from a globose to urceolate hypanthium, enclosing the ovaries and achenes, except for the apical orifice; leaflets usually acute to obtuse at the apex; leaflet margins crenulate or serrulate; [tribe Roseae]

Fruit a hip, developing from a globose to urceolate hypanthium, enclosing the ovaries and achenes, except for the apical orifice; leaflets usually acute to obtuse at the apex; leaflet margins crenulate or serrulate; [tribe Roseae]

Agrimonia

Major leaflets obovate to elliptic, apex obtuse to acute; flowers mostly alternate along inflorescence axis; [Coastal Plain pinelands; e. SC south to c. peninsular FL and west to e. TX]

Major leaflets obovate to elliptic, apex obtuse to acute; flowers mostly alternate along inflorescence axis; [Coastal Plain pinelands; e. SC south to c. peninsular FL and west to e. TX]

Agrimonia

Major leaflets lanceolate to narrowly elliptic, apex acuminate to rarely acute; flowers mostly sub-opposite along inflorescence axis; [bottomlands, marshes; CT west to s. MI and SD, south to FL, TX, the West Indies and Mexico]

Major leaflets lanceolate to narrowly elliptic, apex acuminate to rarely acute; flowers mostly sub-opposite along inflorescence axis; [bottomlands, marshes; CT west to s. MI and SD, south to FL, TX, the West Indies and Mexico]

Geum

Style with a tight kink or twist, the straight portion above the kink more-or-less deciduous, leaving a hook; basal leaves variable, trifoliate, pinnatifid, simple or with a large terminal lobe (to 8 cm wide) and much smaller lateral lobes; cauline leaves trifoliate to simple, mostly sessile or petiolate base, with acute or acuminate apex; leaves herbaceous, the upper surface medium green, not notably glossy; petals 1-10 mm long, white, cream, pale yellow, bright yellow, lavender, maroon, or purple; [of mesic to boggy forests, or less commonly, grassy balds (G. geniculatum)].

Style with a tight kink or twist, the straight portion above the kink more-or-less deciduous, leaving a hook; basal leaves variable, trifoliate, pinnatifid, simple or with a large terminal lobe (to 8 cm wide) and much smaller lateral lobes; cauline leaves trifoliate to simple, mostly sessile or petiolate base, with acute or acuminate apex; leaves herbaceous, the upper surface medium green, not notably glossy; petals 1-10 mm long, white, cream, pale yellow, bright yellow, lavender, maroon, or purple; [of mesic to boggy forests, or less commonly, grassy balds (G. geniculatum)].

Prunus

Youngest twigs minutely and densely puberulent (use 10× magnification); leaf blades ca 2.6× as long as wide; plants erect, stones mostly orbicular, (5-) 6-8 (-9) mm long, 5-6 mm wide; leaf apices usually obtuse, sometimes acute or rounded; [plants of acid sandy or rocky upland barrens, savannas, or woodlands]

Youngest twigs minutely and densely puberulent (use 10× magnification); leaf blades ca 2.6× as long as wide; plants erect, stones mostly orbicular, (5-) 6-8 (-9) mm long, 5-6 mm wide; leaf apices usually obtuse, sometimes acute or rounded; [plants of acid sandy or rocky upland barrens, savannas, or woodlands]

Prunus

Youngest twigs usually glabrous, sometimes sparsely puberulent; leaf blades ca. 3.3-3.7× as long as wide; plants decumbent or erect; stones fusiform, ovoid, or subglobose, 6-9.5 mm long, 4.5-5 mm wide (P. pumila var. depressa) or 6-7 mm wide (P. pumila var. pumila); leaf apices short-acuminate, acute, or obtuse; [usually in open, sandy or gravelly habitats].

Youngest twigs usually glabrous, sometimes sparsely puberulent; leaf blades ca. 3.3-3.7× as long as wide; plants decumbent or erect; stones fusiform, ovoid, or subglobose, 6-9.5 mm long, 4.5-5 mm wide (P. pumila var. depressa) or 6-7 mm wide (P. pumila var. pumila); leaf apices short-acuminate, acute, or obtuse; [usually in open, sandy or gravelly habitats].

Prunus

Leaf serrations small and obscure or well-developed but rounded to acute; leaf blades acute to acuminate.

Leaf serrations small and obscure or well-developed but rounded to acute; leaf blades acute to acuminate.

Prunus

Petals 4-9 mm long; leaves 2-8 cm long, obtuse, acute, or slightly acuminate; fruit 0.9-1.5 cm long, dark purple, black, yellow, orange, or red.

Petals 4-9 mm long; leaves 2-8 cm long, obtuse, acute, or slightly acuminate; fruit 0.9-1.5 cm long, dark purple, black, yellow, orange, or red.

Prunus

Twigs and pedicels pubescent, often densely so; leaf apices acute to obtuse, rarely rounded; leaf blades mostly < 2× as long as wide; shrubs to 2.5 m tall; [Coastal Plain of e. VA, and northward]

Twigs and pedicels pubescent, often densely so; leaf apices acute to obtuse, rarely rounded; leaf blades mostly < 2× as long as wide; shrubs to 2.5 m tall; [Coastal Plain of e. VA, and northward]

Prunus

Twigs and pedicels usually glabrous, but occasionally pubescent; leaf apices acute, sometimes acuminate; leaf blades mostly > 2× as long as wide; shrubs or small trees, 2-6 m tall; [either inland in the Mountains and Piedmont from nw. NC northward, or Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Mountains of s. NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, and westward].

Twigs and pedicels usually glabrous, but occasionally pubescent; leaf apices acute, sometimes acuminate; leaf blades mostly > 2× as long as wide; shrubs or small trees, 2-6 m tall; [either inland in the Mountains and Piedmont from nw. NC northward, or Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Mountains of s. NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, and westward].

Prunus

Plants often suckering and forming thickets, less often single plants, shrubs or less often trees; leaf apices short acuminate (to merely acute); pedicels usually < 10 mm long; [Mountains and Piedmont from nw. NC and e. TN northward]

Plants often suckering and forming thickets, less often single plants, shrubs or less often trees; leaf apices short acuminate (to merely acute); pedicels usually < 10 mm long; [Mountains and Piedmont from nw. NC and e. TN northward]

Prunus

Plants usually not suckering, often single plants but sometimes in small colonies, generally trees; leaf apices mostly acute; pedicels usually > 10 mm long; [Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Mountains of s. NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, and westward]

Plants usually not suckering, often single plants but sometimes in small colonies, generally trees; leaf apices mostly acute; pedicels usually > 10 mm long; [Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Mountains of s. NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, and westward]

Spiraea

Leaves rounded, obtuse, or acute at the apex; petals white (rarely pink); [native].

Leaves rounded, obtuse, or acute at the apex; petals white (rarely pink); [native].

Spiraea

Follicle 1-2 mm long; leaves 2-4× as long as wide, acute at apex, cuneate at base; plants 4-25 dm tall; [of rocky riverbanks]

Follicle 1-2 mm long; leaves 2-4× as long as wide, acute at apex, cuneate at base; plants 4-25 dm tall; [of rocky riverbanks]

Spiraea

Leaves 2-3× as long as wide, coarsely and bluntly toothed; inflorescence axes, hypanthium, and sepals usually glabrous or nearly so; sepals usually acute; twigs red-brown to purple-brown; stamens pink-purple

Leaves 2-3× as long as wide, coarsely and bluntly toothed; inflorescence axes, hypanthium, and sepals usually glabrous or nearly so; sepals usually acute; twigs red-brown to purple-brown; stamens pink-purple

Crataegus

Leaf margin toothed along at least half of margin, the teeth fine, acute, obtuse or dentate.

Leaf margin toothed along at least half of margin, the teeth fine, acute, obtuse or dentate.

Crataegus

Leaf base short-cuneate or acute; lobes or teeth acute

Leaf base short-cuneate or acute; lobes or teeth acute

Crataegus

Terminal shoot leaves shallowly to moderately lobed, apex usually acute, margins serrate.

Terminal shoot leaves shallowly to moderately lobed, apex usually acute, margins serrate.

Crataegus

Leaf blades 20-30 mm long, often elliptic, apex acute

Leaf blades 20-30 mm long, often elliptic, apex acute

Pyracantha

Leaf blades lanceolate, oblong, oblanceolate, ovate-lanceolate, elliptic, or ovate, the apices usually acute or short-apiculate; hypanthium and pedicels finely hairy

Leaf blades lanceolate, oblong, oblanceolate, ovate-lanceolate, elliptic, or ovate, the apices usually acute or short-apiculate; hypanthium and pedicels finely hairy

Malus

Leaves ovate to ovate lanceolate, 4-10 cm long, 2-7 cm wide, mostly < 2× as long as wide, acute to acuminate at the tip

Leaves ovate to ovate lanceolate, 4-10 cm long, 2-7 cm wide, mostly < 2× as long as wide, acute to acuminate at the tip

Rhamnaceae

Branches armed, secondary branches (short shoots) thorn-tipped; Leaf margins serrulate, serrate, or crenate; leaf apex acuminate or acute; drupe with 2-4 stones; petals 4 or 5, white, cream, or yellow; [collectively widespread in our region].

Branches armed, secondary branches (short shoots) thorn-tipped; Leaf margins serrulate, serrate, or crenate; leaf apex acuminate or acute; drupe with 2-4 stones; petals 4 or 5, white, cream, or yellow; [collectively widespread in our region].

Rhamnaceae

Branches unarmed; leaf margins entire; leaf apex either slightly to deeply notched or acute to acuminate; drupe with 1 stone; petals 5 or absent; [FL peninsula or TX].

Branches unarmed; leaf margins entire; leaf apex either slightly to deeply notched or acute to acuminate; drupe with 1 stone; petals 5 or absent; [FL peninsula or TX].

Rhamnaceae

Leaf margins serrate to crenate; leaf apex acute-acuminate; tendrils present; [of ne. FL southward]

Leaf margins serrate to crenate; leaf apex acute-acuminate; tendrils present; [of ne. FL southward]

Rhamnaceae

Drupe with 2-4 stones; leaves (2-) 4-13 cm long, toothed (serrate or crenate), with prominently pinnate venation, the apex acuminate, acute, or obtuse; branches unarmed; [collectively widespread].

Drupe with 2-4 stones; leaves (2-) 4-13 cm long, toothed (serrate or crenate), with prominently pinnate venation, the apex acuminate, acute, or obtuse; branches unarmed; [collectively widespread].

Ceanothus

Inflorescences terminating leafy terminal shoots; leaves mostly obtuse to acute

Inflorescences terminating leafy terminal shoots; leaves mostly obtuse to acute

Ceanothus

Inflorescences terminating leafless axillary shoots (these sometimes with leafy bracts distinctly smaller than normal leaves); leaves mostly acute to acuminate.

Inflorescences terminating leafless axillary shoots (these sometimes with leafy bracts distinctly smaller than normal leaves); leaves mostly acute to acuminate.

Colubrina

Secondary veins curved, arcing towards the margin, 4-9 on either side of the midvein; leaf apex acute to acuminate; inflorescences 8-30 flowered; peduncles 1-10 mm long.

Secondary veins curved, arcing towards the margin, 4-9 on either side of the midvein; leaf apex acute to acuminate; inflorescences 8-30 flowered; peduncles 1-10 mm long.

Ulmus

Leaf apex acute; flowers appearing in the late winter to late spring; calyx lobes 5, broadly rounded; upper surfaces of leaves glabrous to somewhat scabrous; [widespread in our area]

Leaf apex acute; flowers appearing in the late winter to late spring; calyx lobes 5, broadly rounded; upper surfaces of leaves glabrous to somewhat scabrous; [widespread in our area]

Ulmus

Flowers appearing in the late winter to late spring; leaf base generally symmetrical; leaves 2-3.5 cm wide, 3 or fewer of the lateral veins forked per side; bark of trunks deeply ridged and furrowed; leaf margins sharply doubly serrate (the teeth acute-acuminate); [subgenus Ulmus, section Foliaceae]

Flowers appearing in the late winter to late spring; leaf base generally symmetrical; leaves 2-3.5 cm wide, 3 or fewer of the lateral veins forked per side; bark of trunks deeply ridged and furrowed; leaf margins sharply doubly serrate (the teeth acute-acuminate); [subgenus Ulmus, section Foliaceae]