Flora of the Southeastern United States

Lycopodium

Strobili (1-) 2-3 (-5), borne on alternate "pedicels" branching from the central "peduncle"; "peduncle" (2.5-) 3-7 (-13) cm long; leaves 4-6 mm long (not including the hair point), spreading to loosely ascending; upright shoots each usually bearing 3-6 branches, these disposed in an oblique or spreading posture, each branch 8-15 mm in diameter (measured leaf tip to leaf tip, excluding the hair point)

Strobili (1-) 2-3 (-5), borne on alternate "pedicels" branching from the central "peduncle"; "peduncle" (2.5-) 3-7 (-13) cm long; leaves 4-6 mm long (not including the hair point), spreading to loosely ascending; upright shoots each usually bearing 3-6 branches, these disposed in an oblique or spreading posture, each branch 8-15 mm in diameter (measured leaf tip to leaf tip, excluding the hair point)

Lycopodium

Strobili (1-) 2-3 (-5), borne on alternate "pedicels" branching from the central "peduncle"; "peduncle" (2.5-) 3-7 (-13) cm long; leaves 4-6 mm long (not including the hair point), spreading to loosely ascending; upright shoots each usually bearing 3-6 branches, these disposed in an oblique or spreading posture, each branch 8-15 mm in diameter (measured leaf tip to leaf tip, excluding the hair point)

Strobili (1-) 2-3 (-5), borne on alternate "pedicels" branching from the central "peduncle"; "peduncle" (2.5-) 3-7 (-13) cm long; leaves 4-6 mm long (not including the hair point), spreading to loosely ascending; upright shoots each usually bearing 3-6 branches, these disposed in an oblique or spreading posture, each branch 8-15 mm in diameter (measured leaf tip to leaf tip, excluding the hair point)

Salviniaceae

Leaves < 1 mm long, reddish or green, without hairs on the upper surface; leaves alternate, all floating

Leaves < 1 mm long, reddish or green, without hairs on the upper surface; leaves alternate, all floating

Ceratopteris

Sterile leaves (1-) 2-3-pinnately divided, the pinnae toward the base of the leaf alternate; petioles usually not inflated; sporangia with an annulus, the annulus with 13-71 indurated cells.

Sterile leaves (1-) 2-3-pinnately divided, the pinnae toward the base of the leaf alternate; petioles usually not inflated; sporangia with an annulus, the annulus with 13-71 indurated cells.

Asplenium

Sori 4-6 (-9) per pinna, up to 2 mm long; rhizome scales up to 3 mm long; petiole relatively thin, shiny, coppery or bronze; pinnae mostly alternate, suborbicular, spaced more distantly, thinner in texture, set at a fairly oblique angle to the rachis, often slightly auriculate on the side of the pinna toward the leaf base; spores mostly 29-36 μ long; stomate guard cells mostly 38-43 μ long; [mostly of noncalcareous rocks]

Sori 4-6 (-9) per pinna, up to 2 mm long; rhizome scales up to 3 mm long; petiole relatively thin, shiny, coppery or bronze; pinnae mostly alternate, suborbicular, spaced more distantly, thinner in texture, set at a fairly oblique angle to the rachis, often slightly auriculate on the side of the pinna toward the leaf base; spores mostly 29-36 μ long; stomate guard cells mostly 38-43 μ long; [mostly of noncalcareous rocks]

Asplenium

Pinnae margins shallowly crenate or crenate-serrate; pinnae bright-green, subcoriaceous, borne at right angles to the rachis or ascending, opposite below but usually becoming alternate in the apical 1/3-1/2 of the leaf blade

Pinnae margins shallowly crenate or crenate-serrate; pinnae bright-green, subcoriaceous, borne at right angles to the rachis or ascending, opposite below but usually becoming alternate in the apical 1/3-1/2 of the leaf blade

Phegopteris

Rhizome short, erect; all the pinnae interconnected by orbicular auricles or triangular wings between the pinnae; leaf blade lanceolate, > 4× as long as wide, tapering to both ends from near the middle (the largest pinnae near the middle of the blade); primary pinnae alternate

Rhizome short, erect; all the pinnae interconnected by orbicular auricles or triangular wings between the pinnae; leaf blade lanceolate, > 4× as long as wide, tapering to both ends from near the middle (the largest pinnae near the middle of the blade); primary pinnae alternate

Pinaceae

Leaves alternate.

Leaves alternate.

Cupressaceae

Leaves alternate.

Leaves alternate.

Cupressaceae

Leaves alternate.

Leaves alternate.

Peperomia

Leaves alternate; stems glabrous or glabrescent.

Leaves alternate; stems glabrous or glabrescent.

Potamogetonaceae

Leaves alternate.

Leaves alternate.

Liliaceae

Leaves occurring at several nodes, these variously whorled and/or alternate; flowers orange, red, or yellow; fruit a green to tan capsule; [subfamily Lilioideae; tribe Lilieae]

Leaves occurring at several nodes, these variously whorled and/or alternate; flowers orange, red, or yellow; fruit a green to tan capsule; [subfamily Lilioideae; tribe Lilieae]

Liliaceae

Leaves alternate at all nodes.

Leaves alternate at all nodes.

Lilium

Leaves all alternate; [of the Coastal Plain]

Leaves all alternate; [of the Coastal Plain]

Lilium

Leaves oblanceolate to obovate, alternate and whorled, in many plants 50% or more of nodes bearing a single leaf; flowers 1-4 (rarely more), nodding to pendant, fragrant

Leaves oblanceolate to obovate, alternate and whorled, in many plants 50% or more of nodes bearing a single leaf; flowers 1-4 (rarely more), nodding to pendant, fragrant

Lilium

Leaves oblanceolate to obovate, alternate and whorled, in many plants 50% or more of nodes bearing a single leaf; flowers 1-4 (rarely more), nodding to pendant, fragrant

Leaves oblanceolate to obovate, alternate and whorled, in many plants 50% or more of nodes bearing a single leaf; flowers 1-4 (rarely more), nodding to pendant, fragrant

Lilium

Leaves lanceolate or narrowly elliptic, not broader distally, alternate and whorled, in most plants 10-30% of nodes bearing a single leaf; flowers 1-30+, oriented variously, not fragrant.

Leaves lanceolate or narrowly elliptic, not broader distally, alternate and whorled, in most plants 10-30% of nodes bearing a single leaf; flowers 1-30+, oriented variously, not fragrant.

Orchidaceae

Leaves alternate or opposite, not terminating the stem.

Leaves alternate or opposite, not terminating the stem.

Orchidaceae

Leaves (2-) 3-many, alternate, variously distributed on the stem.

Leaves (2-) 3-many, alternate, variously distributed on the stem.

Cypripedium

Plant caulescent, with (2) 3-7 leaves alternate on the stem; pouch-like lip of flower with a rounded orifice, yellow, pink, or white.

Plant caulescent, with (2) 3-7 leaves alternate on the stem; pouch-like lip of flower with a rounded orifice, yellow, pink, or white.

Ruscaceae

Plant with an upright or arching stem with alternate cauline leaves.

Plant with an upright or arching stem with alternate cauline leaves.

Eichhornia

Plants rooted; stems elongate, with leaves spaced and alternate; petioles not inflated

Plants rooted; stems elongate, with leaves spaced and alternate; petioles not inflated

Poaceae

Inflorescence an array of spikes, the spikelets closely imbricate in 2 rows along the rachis of the spikes, the spikes alternate along the primary inflorescence axis; [tribe Zoysieae; subtribe Sporobolinae]

Inflorescence an array of spikes, the spikelets closely imbricate in 2 rows along the rachis of the spikes, the spikes alternate along the primary inflorescence axis; [tribe Zoysieae; subtribe Sporobolinae]

Poaceae

Spikes normally 2 or more, alternate, digitate, subdigitate, or verticillate along the main inflorescence axis; second glume lacking a recurved spine; fresh plants not aromatic with a citrus odor.

Spikes normally 2 or more, alternate, digitate, subdigitate, or verticillate along the main inflorescence axis; second glume lacking a recurved spine; fresh plants not aromatic with a citrus odor.

Leersia

Lower panicle branches alternate (rarely opposite); spikelets 2.2-5.0 mm long, 0.8-4.0 mm broad; stamens 2 or 6.

Lower panicle branches alternate (rarely opposite); spikelets 2.2-5.0 mm long, 0.8-4.0 mm broad; stamens 2 or 6.

Sporobolus

Inflorescence an array of spikes, the spikelets closely imbricate in 2 rows along the rachis of the spikes, the spikes alternate along the primary inflorescence axis; [genus Spartina, or, if treated as part of Sporobolus, section Spartina].

Inflorescence an array of spikes, the spikelets closely imbricate in 2 rows along the rachis of the spikes, the spikes alternate along the primary inflorescence axis; [genus Spartina, or, if treated as part of Sporobolus, section Spartina].

Sporobolus

Inflorescence an array of spikes, the spikelets closely imbricate in 2 rows along the rachis of the spikes, the spikes alternate along the primary inflorescence axis; [genus Spartina, or, if treated as part of Sporobolus, section Spartina].

Inflorescence an array of spikes, the spikelets closely imbricate in 2 rows along the rachis of the spikes, the spikes alternate along the primary inflorescence axis; [genus Spartina, or, if treated as part of Sporobolus, section Spartina].

Sporobolus

Branches of the panicle alternate (some occasionally rather randomly subopposite or opposite, but never regularly whorled); spikelets either 4-6.5 mm long, or 1.2-3.0 mm long.

Branches of the panicle alternate (some occasionally rather randomly subopposite or opposite, but never regularly whorled); spikelets either 4-6.5 mm long, or 1.2-3.0 mm long.

Ranunculaceae

Leaves alternate, clustered together at the top of the usually unbranched, erect stem; sepals 5, maroon, 2-5 mm long; wood yellow; [subfamily Coptidoideae]

Leaves alternate, clustered together at the top of the usually unbranched, erect stem; sepals 5, maroon, 2-5 mm long; wood yellow; [subfamily Coptidoideae]

Ranunculaceae

Leaves all basal, or with a few alternate or whorled involucrate leaves on the stem; style not plumose.

Leaves all basal, or with a few alternate or whorled involucrate leaves on the stem; style not plumose.

Ranunculaceae

Sepals 5-8, yellow; cauline leaves either present, alternate, or absent, except for the involucre of 3 bracts which immediately subtends the flower.

Sepals 5-8, yellow; cauline leaves either present, alternate, or absent, except for the involucre of 3 bracts which immediately subtends the flower.

Ranunculaceae

Leaves all basal, or with a few alternate or whorled involucrate leaves on the stem; style not plumose.

Leaves all basal, or with a few alternate or whorled involucrate leaves on the stem; style not plumose.

Ranunculaceae

Fruit a dehiscent utricle; cauline leaves alternate; [tribe Ranunculeae]

Fruit a dehiscent utricle; cauline leaves alternate; [tribe Ranunculeae]

Ranunculaceae

Fruit an achene; cauline leaves opposite or whorled (or alternate in Ranunculus, or reduced to alternate scale-like bracts in Halerpestes).

Fruit an achene; cauline leaves opposite or whorled (or alternate in Ranunculus, or reduced to alternate scale-like bracts in Halerpestes).

Ranunculaceae

Cauline leaves alternate; sepals present; [tribe Ranunculeae]

Cauline leaves alternate; sepals present; [tribe Ranunculeae]

Ranunculaceae

Leaves basal and cauline, the cauline alternate (or with opposite or whorled involucral bracts).

Leaves basal and cauline, the cauline alternate (or with opposite or whorled involucral bracts).

Ranunculaceae

Involucre absent, all leaves on the stem alternate; petaloid sepals 5, white; [subfamily Thalictroideae]

Involucre absent, all leaves on the stem alternate; petaloid sepals 5, white; [subfamily Thalictroideae]

Ranunculaceae

Leaves basal and/or cauline, cauline leaves (if present) alternate (leaflike involucral bracts sometimes present and opposite or whorled).

Leaves basal and/or cauline, cauline leaves (if present) alternate (leaflike involucral bracts sometimes present and opposite or whorled).

Buxaceae

Plant a suffrutescent herb; leaves alternate, 1.5-7 cm wide, coarsely toothed

Plant a suffrutescent herb; leaves alternate, 1.5-7 cm wide, coarsely toothed

Saxifragaceae

Stem erect, the leaves mostly or entirely basal, alternate (stem leaves opposite in Mitella); leaves long-petioled, > 4 cm long (except short-petioled or sessile and sometimes < 4 cm long in Micranthes).

Stem erect, the leaves mostly or entirely basal, alternate (stem leaves opposite in Mitella); leaves long-petioled, > 4 cm long (except short-petioled or sessile and sometimes < 4 cm long in Micranthes).

Crassulaceae

Leaves distinct, whorled or alternate; flowers in terminal cymose inflorescences; flowers 4-5 (-8)-merous.

Leaves distinct, whorled or alternate; flowers in terminal cymose inflorescences; flowers 4-5 (-8)-merous.

Sedum

Leaves primarily alternate.

Leaves primarily alternate.

Haloragaceae

Leaves whorled or alternate; stamens 4 or 8; carpels 4; emersed leaves bract-like and much-reduced (except in M. aquaticum)

Leaves whorled or alternate; stamens 4 or 8; carpels 4; emersed leaves bract-like and much-reduced (except in M. aquaticum)

Haloragaceae

Leaves alternate; stamens 3; carpels 3; emersed leaves foliaceous, little if at all reduced

Leaves alternate; stamens 3; carpels 3; emersed leaves foliaceous, little if at all reduced

Myriophyllum

Leaves strictly alternate or subopposite; [subgenus Brachytheca; section Tessaronia; subsection Spondylastrum].

Leaves strictly alternate or subopposite; [subgenus Brachytheca; section Tessaronia; subsection Spondylastrum].

Myriophyllum

Uppermost flowers/fruits alternate; leaves alternate or whorled or both; [subgenus Brachytheca; section Tessaronia; subsection Spondylastrum].

Uppermost flowers/fruits alternate; leaves alternate or whorled or both; [subgenus Brachytheca; section Tessaronia; subsection Spondylastrum].

Myriophyllum

Uppermost flowers/fruits opposite; leaves whorled (technically pseudo-whorled in many M. heterophyllum) (note that early season plants of M. pinnatum may have flowers opposite, but at least some leaves will be alternate).

Uppermost flowers/fruits opposite; leaves whorled (technically pseudo-whorled in many M. heterophyllum) (note that early season plants of M. pinnatum may have flowers opposite, but at least some leaves will be alternate).

Myriophyllum

All flowers/fruits alternate; fruits smooth; [subgenus Brachytheca; section Tessaronia; subsection Spondylastrum]

All flowers/fruits alternate; fruits smooth; [subgenus Brachytheca; section Tessaronia; subsection Spondylastrum]

Myriophyllum

All flowers/fruits opposite or whorled (or the lower opposite and the upper alternate in M. pinnatum).

All flowers/fruits opposite or whorled (or the lower opposite and the upper alternate in M. pinnatum).

Myriophyllum

Leaves strictly alternate; fruits strongly tuberculate

Leaves strictly alternate; fruits strongly tuberculate

Myriophyllum

Leaves alternate, pseudo-whorled, or both; plain green; [of se. VA and southward] ; [subgenus Brachytheca; section Tessaronia; subsection Spondylastrum]

Leaves alternate, pseudo-whorled, or both; plain green; [of se. VA and southward] ; [subgenus Brachytheca; section Tessaronia; subsection Spondylastrum]

Lupinus

Stem elongate; leaves alternate; leaflets broad, about 3× as long as wide; racemes only moderately exserted; flowers large; [plants of n. SC northward]

Stem elongate; leaves alternate; leaflets broad, about 3× as long as wide; racemes only moderately exserted; flowers large; [plants of n. SC northward]

Desmodium

Longest calyx lobes shorter than the calyx tube; stipe of the loment 4-20 mm long, about 3× or more as long as the calyx; mature leaves without stipels at the base of the petiolules of the leaflets; leaves subverticillate at the top of the stem (alternate in D. pauciflorum); stamens monadelphous; lower margin of the loment incised to the upper suture

Longest calyx lobes shorter than the calyx tube; stipe of the loment 4-20 mm long, about 3× or more as long as the calyx; mature leaves without stipels at the base of the petiolules of the leaflets; leaves subverticillate at the top of the stem (alternate in D. pauciflorum); stamens monadelphous; lower margin of the loment incised to the upper suture

Desmodium

Longest calyx lobes longer than the calyx tube; stipe of the loment absent or nearly so, included within the calyx; mature leaves retaining stipels at the base of the petiolules of the leaflets; leaves alternate; stamens diadelphous; lower margin of the loment not incised to the upper suture.

Longest calyx lobes longer than the calyx tube; stipe of the loment absent or nearly so, included within the calyx; mature leaves retaining stipels at the base of the petiolules of the leaflets; leaves alternate; stamens diadelphous; lower margin of the loment not incised to the upper suture.

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

Astragalus

Leaves with 21-31 coriaceous to somewhat fleshy leaflets, many of the leaflets alternate or subopposite; legumes 2-3 cm long, 4-6 mm in diameter; [of dry sandy habitats from NC south]

Leaves with 21-31 coriaceous to somewhat fleshy leaflets, many of the leaflets alternate or subopposite; legumes 2-3 cm long, 4-6 mm in diameter; [of dry sandy habitats from NC south]

Trifolium

Plants stoloniferous, all or some of the leaves alternate from ground level and long petioled.

Plants stoloniferous, all or some of the leaves alternate from ground level and long petioled.

Trifolium

Plants stoloniferous, all or some of the leaves alternate from ground level and long petioled.

Plants stoloniferous, all or some of the leaves alternate from ground level and long petioled.

Senega

Leaves basally disposed (with basal rosette, this sometimes withering by anthesis or later) and also alternate stem leaves; leaves fleshy (when fresh); fresh flowers orange, yellow, greenish-yellow, or greenish white (if greenish white, then the inflorescence a terminal many-branched corymb); pedicels winged; [section Decurrentes].

Leaves basally disposed (with basal rosette, this sometimes withering by anthesis or later) and also alternate stem leaves; leaves fleshy (when fresh); fresh flowers orange, yellow, greenish-yellow, or greenish white (if greenish white, then the inflorescence a terminal many-branched corymb); pedicels winged; [section Decurrentes].

Senega

Leaves on the stem, whorled, alternate, and/or opposite; leaves membranous or herbaceous, not fleshy; fresh flowers pink, purple, white, or green (if green or white, then the inflorescence a simple raceme, not a many-branched corymb); pedicels terete (not winged).

Leaves on the stem, whorled, alternate, and/or opposite; leaves membranous or herbaceous, not fleshy; fresh flowers pink, purple, white, or green (if green or white, then the inflorescence a simple raceme, not a many-branched corymb); pedicels terete (not winged).

Senega

Leaves whorled, at least at the principal lower nodes (the upper stem leaves alternate, whorled, and/or opposite; plants annual.

Leaves whorled, at least at the principal lower nodes (the upper stem leaves alternate, whorled, and/or opposite; plants annual.

Senega

Leaves alternate (occasionally proximal leaves subopposite when scale-like); plants annual, biennial, or perennial.

Leaves alternate (occasionally proximal leaves subopposite when scale-like); plants annual, biennial, or perennial.

Rosaceae

Leaves alternate; fruit various (see below; if an aggregate of drupelets, then with >5 drupelets).

Leaves alternate; fruit various (see below; if an aggregate of drupelets, then with >5 drupelets).

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]

Rhamnaceae

Leaves alternate.

Leaves alternate.

Rhamnus

Leaves alternate; plant a shrub to 2 (-4) m tall; fruit with 2-3 stones; sepals 4 or 5; petals 4 or 0; [natives of various, calcareous habitats]

Leaves alternate; plant a shrub to 2 (-4) m tall; fruit with 2-3 stones; sepals 4 or 5; petals 4 or 0; [natives of various, calcareous habitats]

Moraceae

Stems and leaves hirsute/scabrous; leaves alternate, opposite, and whorled; [tribe Dorstenieae]

Stems and leaves hirsute/scabrous; leaves alternate, opposite, and whorled; [tribe Dorstenieae]

Moraceae

Stems and leaves hirsute/scabrous; leaves alternate, opposite, and whorled; [tribe Dorstenieae]

Stems and leaves hirsute/scabrous; leaves alternate, opposite, and whorled; [tribe Dorstenieae]

Moraceae

Stems and leaves hirsute/scabrous; leaves alternate, opposite, and whorled; [tribe Dorstenieae]

Stems and leaves hirsute/scabrous; leaves alternate, opposite, and whorled; [tribe Dorstenieae]

Moraceae

Stems and leaves glabrous to pubescent; leaves alternate; [tribe Moreae]

Stems and leaves glabrous to pubescent; leaves alternate; [tribe Moreae]

Moraceae

Stems and leaves glabrous to pubescent; leaves alternate; [tribe Moreae]

Stems and leaves glabrous to pubescent; leaves alternate; [tribe Moreae]

Urticaceae

Plant a tree; petiole attachment to leaf blade peltate; leaves alternate; [tribe Cecropieae]

Plant a tree; petiole attachment to leaf blade peltate; leaves alternate; [tribe Cecropieae]

Urticaceae

Plant an herb; petiole attachment to leaf blade marginal; leaves alternate or opposite.

Plant an herb; petiole attachment to leaf blade marginal; leaves alternate or opposite.

Urticaceae

Leaves alternate (at least above, if not throughout).

Leaves alternate (at least above, if not throughout).

Boehmeria

Leaves opposite (upper leaves sometimes subopposite or alternate); leaf lower surface glabrous, puberulent, or short-pilose, the pubescence not obscuring the green leaf surface; inflorescences (axillary) spikes, often leafy at their apices; herb to 1.5 m tall; [subgenus Duretia]

Leaves opposite (upper leaves sometimes subopposite or alternate); leaf lower surface glabrous, puberulent, or short-pilose, the pubescence not obscuring the green leaf surface; inflorescences (axillary) spikes, often leafy at their apices; herb to 1.5 m tall; [subgenus Duretia]

Boehmeria

Leaves alternate; leaf lower surface white-tomentose, the pubescence obscuring the green leaf surface; inflorescences (axillary) paniculately branched, never leafy at their apices; herb or shrub to 4 m tall; [subgenus Tilocnide]

Leaves alternate; leaf lower surface white-tomentose, the pubescence obscuring the green leaf surface; inflorescences (axillary) paniculately branched, never leafy at their apices; herb or shrub to 4 m tall; [subgenus Tilocnide]

Celastraceae

Leaves alternate, deciduous; seeds 2 per locule; seeds not winged, orange or red because of the enclosing aril; [subfamily Celastroideae]

Leaves alternate, deciduous; seeds 2 per locule; seeds not winged, orange or red because of the enclosing aril; [subfamily Celastroideae]

Celastraceae

Leaves alternate; leaf margins entire.

Leaves alternate; leaf margins entire.

Oxalis

Plant caulescent; leaves alternate; flowers yellow; [section Corniculatae].

Plant caulescent; leaves alternate; flowers yellow; [section Corniculatae].

Violaceae

Leaves strictly alternate; leaf blades entire or with 1-2 random coarse teeth on either margin; corolla uniformly green; bottom petal < 1.3× as long as the others, blade slightly expanded, retuse; capsule 15-23 mm long; seeds 4.5-5.0 × 3.5-4.8 mm, subglobose, tan; [native, of nutrient-rich forests]

Leaves strictly alternate; leaf blades entire or with 1-2 random coarse teeth on either margin; corolla uniformly green; bottom petal < 1.3× as long as the others, blade slightly expanded, retuse; capsule 15-23 mm long; seeds 4.5-5.0 × 3.5-4.8 mm, subglobose, tan; [native, of nutrient-rich forests]

Violaceae

Leaves strictly opposite, or upper leaves alternate and lower (sub)opposite; leaf blades entire, with few random crenations, or uniformly crenate or serrate; corolla white to violet or blue with yellow throat; bottom petal 1.5-3× as long as the others, blade somewhat to very much expanded, emarginate to broadly rounded; capsule < 10 mm long; seeds < 2 mm broad, flattened, black; [native of OK and TX westward, also as exotic waifs eastward]

Leaves strictly opposite, or upper leaves alternate and lower (sub)opposite; leaf blades entire, with few random crenations, or uniformly crenate or serrate; corolla white to violet or blue with yellow throat; bottom petal 1.5-3× as long as the others, blade somewhat to very much expanded, emarginate to broadly rounded; capsule < 10 mm long; seeds < 2 mm broad, flattened, black; [native of OK and TX westward, also as exotic waifs eastward]

Salix

Plants with a mix of alternate and opposite or subopposite leaves; [subgenus Vetrix, section Helix]

Plants with a mix of alternate and opposite or subopposite leaves; [subgenus Vetrix, section Helix]

Salix

Plants with a mix of alternate and opposite or subopposite leaves; [subgenus Vetrix, section Helix]

Plants with a mix of alternate and opposite or subopposite leaves; [subgenus Vetrix, section Helix]

Salix

Plants with all leaves alternate.

Plants with all leaves alternate.

Euphorbia

Leaves alternate or opposite, not oblique or asymmetric at base; branches usually erect.

Leaves alternate or opposite, not oblique or asymmetric at base; branches usually erect.

Euphorbia

Principal stem leaves alternate, either lobed or linear; plant usually glabrous.

Principal stem leaves alternate, either lobed or linear; plant usually glabrous.

Euphorbia

Stems usually 10-18 per crown, decumbent to weakly ascending; leaves opposite (scales on the lower stem sometimes alternate), fleshy, blue-green with a narrow, thickened, red-hyaline margin; branching dichotomous from the base of the plant (the branches typically equal, though sometimes unequal)

Stems usually 10-18 per crown, decumbent to weakly ascending; leaves opposite (scales on the lower stem sometimes alternate), fleshy, blue-green with a narrow, thickened, red-hyaline margin; branching dichotomous from the base of the plant (the branches typically equal, though sometimes unequal)

Euphorbia

Stems 1-4 (-9) per crown, erect to strongly ascending; leaves alternate, opposite, or in whorls of 3 (at least some alternate on a plant), less fleshy, green to blue-green, without a red margin (or with a very narrow, slightly red-hyaline, but not thickened margin in E. exserta); branching alternate below the inflorescence (rarely dichotomous or trichotomous), the branches typically unequal.

Stems 1-4 (-9) per crown, erect to strongly ascending; leaves alternate, opposite, or in whorls of 3 (at least some alternate on a plant), less fleshy, green to blue-green, without a red margin (or with a very narrow, slightly red-hyaline, but not thickened margin in E. exserta); branching alternate below the inflorescence (rarely dichotomous or trichotomous), the branches typically unequal.

Euphorbia

Cyathia and capsules green; petaloid appendages white or pink; leaves thin-textured, green, finely pubescent with appressed white hairs (0.1-0.3 mm long) on the lower surface and margins (visible at 10× or greater); branching primarily alternate; leaves primarily alternate (typically opposite or 3-whorled below the inflorescence); cyathia unisexual, plants usually unisexual (dioecious)

Cyathia and capsules green; petaloid appendages white or pink; leaves thin-textured, green, finely pubescent with appressed white hairs (0.1-0.3 mm long) on the lower surface and margins (visible at 10× or greater); branching primarily alternate; leaves primarily alternate (typically opposite or 3-whorled below the inflorescence); cyathia unisexual, plants usually unisexual (dioecious)

Euphorbia

Cyathia and capsules maroon; petaloid appendages maroon-red; leaves slightly fleshy, somewhat blue-green, glabrous; branching primarily opposite; leaves primarily opposite (usually some alternate on upper branches); cyathia bisexual, plants bisexual

Cyathia and capsules maroon; petaloid appendages maroon-red; leaves slightly fleshy, somewhat blue-green, glabrous; branching primarily opposite; leaves primarily opposite (usually some alternate on upper branches); cyathia bisexual, plants bisexual

Euphorbia

Stem leaves alternate (or mostly so); seeds 1-3 mm long.

Stem leaves alternate (or mostly so); seeds 1-3 mm long.

Phyllanthus

Plant with “normal” arrangement of branches and leaves (leaves uniformly distributed on the stem and branches, alternate and either distichous or spirally arranged, the ultimate branches not deciduous, flowers produced on ultimate and penultimate orders of branches).

Plant with “normal” arrangement of branches and leaves (leaves uniformly distributed on the stem and branches, alternate and either distichous or spirally arranged, the ultimate branches not deciduous, flowers produced on ultimate and penultimate orders of branches).

Lythraceae

Terrestrial shrubs or small trees with erect woody stems; leaves alternate to subopposite; [exotics cultivated and sometimes persistent].

Terrestrial shrubs or small trees with erect woody stems; leaves alternate to subopposite; [exotics cultivated and sometimes persistent].

Lythrum

Flowers solitary or paired in axils; stamens usually (4-) 6; leaves either opposite throughout, or opposite to subopposite below and alternate above.

Flowers solitary or paired in axils; stamens usually (4-) 6; leaves either opposite throughout, or opposite to subopposite below and alternate above.

Onagraceae

Flowers (3-) 4 (-7)-merous, the petals yellow, pink, or white (or absent); fruits lacking uncinate trichomes; leaves alternate (rarely opposite), not decussate, usually ascending or appressed (rarely spreading at right angles to the stem), mostly lanceolate, mostly sessile or subsessile.

Flowers (3-) 4 (-7)-merous, the petals yellow, pink, or white (or absent); fruits lacking uncinate trichomes; leaves alternate (rarely opposite), not decussate, usually ascending or appressed (rarely spreading at right angles to the stem), mostly lanceolate, mostly sessile or subsessile.

Onagraceae

Leaves all alternate; flowers numerous in a terminal raceme (with small bracts); flower buds reflexed, the flowers held horizontally or ascending; petals 10-20 mm long; stigma 4-lobed; plants 10-30 dm tall

Leaves all alternate; flowers numerous in a terminal raceme (with small bracts); flower buds reflexed, the flowers held horizontally or ascending; petals 10-20 mm long; stigma 4-lobed; plants 10-30 dm tall

Ludwigia

Leaves alternate; plants erect or ascending (not rooting at the nodes), or creeping (rooting at the nodes).

Leaves alternate; plants erect or ascending (not rooting at the nodes), or creeping (rooting at the nodes).

Myrtaceae

Leaf venation parallel; leaves alternate or opposite; fruit dry, capsular; [subfamily Myrtoideae; tribe Melaleuceae]

Leaf venation parallel; leaves alternate or opposite; fruit dry, capsular; [subfamily Myrtoideae; tribe Melaleuceae]

Sapindaceae

Leaves alternate; leaves compound (if unifoliolate and thus appearing simple [Dodonaea], then unlobed and with entire margins).

Leaves alternate; leaves compound (if unifoliolate and thus appearing simple [Dodonaea], then unlobed and with entire margins).

Rutaceae

Leaves alternate; stems and leaves either unarmed, or armed with prickles.

Leaves alternate; stems and leaves either unarmed, or armed with prickles.

Rutaceae

Leaflets alternate on the rachis; fruit a berry, orange to red when ripe; stems and leaves unarmed; [subfamily Aurantioideae]

Leaflets alternate on the rachis; fruit a berry, orange to red when ripe; stems and leaves unarmed; [subfamily Aurantioideae]

Cistaceae

Flowers of 2 types, the chasmogamous with 5 showy yellow petals, the cleistogamous lacking petals; pubescence of the stem stellate; leaves 10-50 mm long, alternate; plants with shoots of one type only, not producing short basal shoots; capsules 1.3-12.5 mm long, the larger capsules of chasmogamous flowers at least 2.0 mm long

Flowers of 2 types, the chasmogamous with 5 showy yellow petals, the cleistogamous lacking petals; pubescence of the stem stellate; leaves 10-50 mm long, alternate; plants with shoots of one type only, not producing short basal shoots; capsules 1.3-12.5 mm long, the larger capsules of chasmogamous flowers at least 2.0 mm long

Cistaceae

Flowers of 1 type, with 3 inconspicuous, dark red petals; pubescence of the stem simple; leaves 4-15 mm long (to 30 mm long in L. pulchella and L. mucronata), linear to linear-elliptic, 0.5-4 mm wide (to 13 mm wide in L. mucronata), alternate, opposite, or whorled; plants with shoots of two types, the short, prostrate to ascending basal shoots produced late in the season and overwintering; capsules 0.9-1.7 mm long

Flowers of 1 type, with 3 inconspicuous, dark red petals; pubescence of the stem simple; leaves 4-15 mm long (to 30 mm long in L. pulchella and L. mucronata), linear to linear-elliptic, 0.5-4 mm wide (to 13 mm wide in L. mucronata), alternate, opposite, or whorled; plants with shoots of two types, the short, prostrate to ascending basal shoots produced late in the season and overwintering; capsules 0.9-1.7 mm long

Brassicaceae

Leaves basal and cauline but not auriculate (basal leaves sometimes withering upon flowering, thus only appearing alternate).

Leaves basal and cauline but not auriculate (basal leaves sometimes withering upon flowering, thus only appearing alternate).

Santalaceae

Leaves alternate; monoecious herb or shrub.

Leaves alternate; monoecious herb or shrub.

Polygonaceae

Stem leaves alternate; flowers in various inflorescences (not involucrate); ocreae present; stamens (3-) 5-8 (-9); leaves glabrous or variously pubescent, but not densely white-tomentose; [of various habitats, including xeric ones]; [subfamily Polygonoideae].

Stem leaves alternate; flowers in various inflorescences (not involucrate); ocreae present; stamens (3-) 5-8 (-9); leaves glabrous or variously pubescent, but not densely white-tomentose; [of various habitats, including xeric ones]; [subfamily Polygonoideae].

Eriogonum

Cauline leaves alternate; basal leaves either persistent, or absent or withering at flowering;[subgenus Eriogonum].

Cauline leaves alternate; basal leaves either persistent, or absent or withering at flowering;[subgenus Eriogonum].

Caryophyllaceae

Leaves alternate; staminodes petaloid, ovate to oblong; [tribe Corrigioleae]

Leaves alternate; staminodes petaloid, ovate to oblong; [tribe Corrigioleae]

Caryophyllaceae

Leaves opposite (or the uppermost alternate in Herniaria); staminodes not petaloid, subulate; [tribe Paronychieae].

Leaves opposite (or the uppermost alternate in Herniaria); staminodes not petaloid, subulate; [tribe Paronychieae].

Amaranthaceae

Leaves mostly or entirely alternate (the lower sometimes opposite).

Leaves mostly or entirely alternate (the lower sometimes opposite).

Chenopodiaceae

Leaves alternate, not reduced to scales; flowers not sunken into the stem.

Leaves alternate, not reduced to scales; flowers not sunken into the stem.

Atriplex

Seeds dimorphic with black seeds 1.5-1.7 mm long and brown seeds 2 mm long; all leaves alternate; [s. TX]

Seeds dimorphic with black seeds 1.5-1.7 mm long and brown seeds 2 mm long; all leaves alternate; [s. TX]

Atriplex

Seeds monomorphic, yellow to brown or reddish-brown; some leaves opposite or subopposite, rarely all alternate; [collectively widespread].

Seeds monomorphic, yellow to brown or reddish-brown; some leaves opposite or subopposite, rarely all alternate; [collectively widespread].

Aizoaceae

Leaves opposite or alternate, sessile or short-petiolate, flattened in cross-section (though often succulent-thickened); fruit either a dry, indehiscent nut or a capsule.

Leaves opposite or alternate, sessile or short-petiolate, flattened in cross-section (though often succulent-thickened); fruit either a dry, indehiscent nut or a capsule.

Aizoaceae

Leaves alternate; fruit either a loculicidal capsule or an indehiscent nut.

Leaves alternate; fruit either a loculicidal capsule or an indehiscent nut.

Montiaceae

Leaves terete, alternate; subshrubs with woody bases

Leaves terete, alternate; subshrubs with woody bases

Montiaceae

Leaves flat, opposite or alternate; herbs.

Leaves flat, opposite or alternate; herbs.

Montiaceae

Stems with > 2 leaves, opposite or alternate; petals 1-6 mm long

Stems with > 2 leaves, opposite or alternate; petals 1-6 mm long

Montia

Leaves alternate; sepals 3-7 mm long; seeds 1.2-2.6 mm long

Leaves alternate; sepals 3-7 mm long; seeds 1.2-2.6 mm long

Cornaceae

Leaves alternate (the internodes typically short and therefore the leaves apprearing nearly whorled)

Leaves alternate (the internodes typically short and therefore the leaves apprearing nearly whorled)

Polemoniaceae

Leaves alternate; [subfamily Polemonioideae; tribe Gilieae]

Leaves alternate; [subfamily Polemonioideae; tribe Gilieae]

Phlox

Upper leaves alternate; annual; corollas red, white, bright purple, purplish-pink, or variegated.

Upper leaves alternate; annual; corollas red, white, bright purple, purplish-pink, or variegated.

Jacquinia

Petioles glabrous or sparsely puberulent; leaves alternate but pseudo-verticillate (the internodes very short); leaf blades 3-8 (-12) cm long × 1.5-5 cm wide

Petioles glabrous or sparsely puberulent; leaves alternate but pseudo-verticillate (the internodes very short); leaf blades 3-8 (-12) cm long × 1.5-5 cm wide

Jacquinia

Petioles lepidote-puberulent; leaves obviously alternate (well-spaced); leaf blades 1-4.5 cm long × 0.5-2.5 cm wide

Petioles lepidote-puberulent; leaves obviously alternate (well-spaced); leaf blades 1-4.5 cm long × 0.5-2.5 cm wide

Lysimachia

Leaves alternate (or with some opposite or subopposite); flowers white.

Leaves alternate (or with some opposite or subopposite); flowers white.

Ericaceae

Leaves ca. 1 mm wide, 3-12 mm long, appearing opposite, alternate, or whorled (the internodes very short, thus the leaves generally appearing whorled); petals absent; fruit a subglobose, 2-stoned drupe, 1-3 mm in diameter; branches often appearing in whorls of 3-7; [subfamily Ericoideae; tribe Empetreae]

Leaves ca. 1 mm wide, 3-12 mm long, appearing opposite, alternate, or whorled (the internodes very short, thus the leaves generally appearing whorled); petals absent; fruit a subglobose, 2-stoned drupe, 1-3 mm in diameter; branches often appearing in whorls of 3-7; [subfamily Ericoideae; tribe Empetreae]

Ericaceae

Leaves either > 2 mm wide or < 5 mm long, mostly alternate or whorled; petals present; fruit not as above, mostly either a capsule or 10- or many-seeded berry; branches appearing alternate or whorled; [subfamily Vaccinioideae; tribe Vaccinieae].

Leaves either > 2 mm wide or < 5 mm long, mostly alternate or whorled; petals present; fruit not as above, mostly either a capsule or 10- or many-seeded berry; branches appearing alternate or whorled; [subfamily Vaccinioideae; tribe Vaccinieae].

Ericaceae

Leaves alternate or whorled, > 20 mm long.

Leaves alternate or whorled, > 20 mm long.

Ericaceae

Leaves whorled or alternate; corolla saucer-shaped, 10-20 mm across; [subfamily Ericoideae; tribe Phyllodoceae]

Leaves whorled or alternate; corolla saucer-shaped, 10-20 mm across; [subfamily Ericoideae; tribe Phyllodoceae]

Ericaceae

Leaves alternate; corolla narrowly urceolate, 2-8 mm across.

Leaves alternate; corolla narrowly urceolate, 2-8 mm across.

Kalmia

Leaves alternate; inflorescence an axillary fascicle or a terminal panicle.

Leaves alternate; inflorescence an axillary fascicle or a terminal panicle.

Kalmia

Leaves alternate; inflorescence an axillary fascicle or a terminal panicle.

Leaves alternate; inflorescence an axillary fascicle or a terminal panicle.

Kalmia

Leaves alternate; inflorescence an axillary fascicle or a terminal panicle.

Leaves alternate; inflorescence an axillary fascicle or a terminal panicle.

Sabatia

Primary branches usually alternate; terminal flower long-stalked (usually longer than the first internode of the adjacent branch); stems 3-7 dm tall; [brackish marshes or openings along blackwater streams].

Primary branches usually alternate; terminal flower long-stalked (usually longer than the first internode of the adjacent branch); stems 3-7 dm tall; [brackish marshes or openings along blackwater streams].

Sabatia

Upper branches of main stem alternate.

Upper branches of main stem alternate.

Bartonia

Mid-cauline scale leaves alternate; corolla lobes acuminate at the apex, their margins entire; anthers 0.3-0.5 mm long; style stout with stigmas spreading; capsule dehiscing from the apex.

Mid-cauline scale leaves alternate; corolla lobes acuminate at the apex, their margins entire; anthers 0.3-0.5 mm long; style stout with stigmas spreading; capsule dehiscing from the apex.

Apocynaceae

Leaves alternate (rarely a few on a plant subopposite)

Leaves alternate (rarely a few on a plant subopposite)

Asclepias

Sap clear; leaves alternate; corolla orange to yellow

Sap clear; leaves alternate; corolla orange to yellow

Asclepias

Sap clear; leaves alternate; corolla orange to yellow

Sap clear; leaves alternate; corolla orange to yellow

Asclepias

Leaves subopposite (to alternate upwards); corolla lobes 7-17 mm long.

Leaves subopposite (to alternate upwards); corolla lobes 7-17 mm long.

Plantaginaceae

Leaves alternate, at least those on the upper stem; calyx 5-merous; stamens 4.

Leaves alternate, at least those on the upper stem; calyx 5-merous; stamens 4.

Veronica

Flowers in terminal racemes or solitary and axillary, subtended by normally-sized leaves; upper bracteal leaves often alternate.

Flowers in terminal racemes or solitary and axillary, subtended by normally-sized leaves; upper bracteal leaves often alternate.

Scrophulariaceae

Cauline leaves alternate; corolla rotate, yellowish; fertile stamens 5

Cauline leaves alternate; corolla rotate, yellowish; fertile stamens 5

Bignoniaceae

Leaves either cordate and < 2× as long as wide, or linear and > 10× as long as wide; leaves opposite, alternate, or 3-whorled (or a mixture of those arrangements); [collectively widespread in our area]; fruit a capsule (dehiscent), narrowly cylindrical, (9-) 14-30 (-36) cm long, < 1.5 cm in diameter; [tribe Catalpeae].

Leaves either cordate and < 2× as long as wide, or linear and > 10× as long as wide; leaves opposite, alternate, or 3-whorled (or a mixture of those arrangements); [collectively widespread in our area]; fruit a capsule (dehiscent), narrowly cylindrical, (9-) 14-30 (-36) cm long, < 1.5 cm in diameter; [tribe Catalpeae].

Bignoniaceae

Leaves spatulate to obovate, 2-6× as long as wide; leaves alternate (though sometimes closely fascicled on short (spur) shoots, with the arrangement difficult to discern); fruit a berry (indehiscent), spherical, elliptical, or obovoid, 5-35 cm long, 4-35 cm in diameter; [s. peninsular FL only in our region]; [tribe Crescentieae].

Leaves spatulate to obovate, 2-6× as long as wide; leaves alternate (though sometimes closely fascicled on short (spur) shoots, with the arrangement difficult to discern); fruit a berry (indehiscent), spherical, elliptical, or obovoid, 5-35 cm long, 4-35 cm in diameter; [s. peninsular FL only in our region]; [tribe Crescentieae].

Utricularia

Flowers yellow; leaves divided into alternate segments with lateral traps; [subgenus Utricularia, section Utricularia].

Flowers yellow; leaves divided into alternate segments with lateral traps; [subgenus Utricularia, section Utricularia].

Phrymaceae

Inflorescence of a solitary, terminal flower; bracteal leaves alternate

Inflorescence of a solitary, terminal flower; bracteal leaves alternate

Orobanchaceae

Stem leaves alternate.

Stem leaves alternate.

Pedicularis

Inflorescence 1-4 dm tall; stem leaves alternate; stem pubescent, at least near the inflorescence; flowering Apr-May

Inflorescence 1-4 dm tall; stem leaves alternate; stem pubescent, at least near the inflorescence; flowering Apr-May

Asteraceae

Leaves opposite or whorled, at least on the lower stem nodes (the leaves higher on the stem sometimes alternate).

Leaves opposite or whorled, at least on the lower stem nodes (the leaves higher on the stem sometimes alternate).

Asteraceae

Leaves either alternate (not opposite even at lower nodes of the stem) or basal only (the heads on scapiform stems).

Leaves either alternate (not opposite even at lower nodes of the stem) or basal only (the heads on scapiform stems).

Asteraceae

Leaves strictly alternate.

Leaves strictly alternate.

Asteraceae

Leaves opposite, at least on the lower stem nodes (the leaves higher on the stem sometimes alternate); [tribe Heliantheae or tribe Eupatorieae].

Leaves opposite, at least on the lower stem nodes (the leaves higher on the stem sometimes alternate); [tribe Heliantheae or tribe Eupatorieae].

Asteraceae

Leaves opposite, rarely alternate or whorled, if whorled, < 2 cm wide.

Leaves opposite, rarely alternate or whorled, if whorled, < 2 cm wide.

Asteraceae

Leaves opposite (or alternate in part), broader in shape and > 5 mm wide; heads typically not solitary; [terrestrial or wetland plants].

Leaves opposite (or alternate in part), broader in shape and > 5 mm wide; heads typically not solitary; [terrestrial or wetland plants].

Coreopsis

All of the major cauline leaves opposite (except in C. linifolia the lowermost few leaves may be alternate).

All of the major cauline leaves opposite (except in C. linifolia the lowermost few leaves may be alternate).

Coreopsis

All of the major cauline leaves alternate.

All of the major cauline leaves alternate.

Coreopsis

All of the major cauline leaves alternate.

All of the major cauline leaves alternate.

Eupatorium

Leaves generally opposite, sometimes in whorls of 3-4 (if so the leaves usually < 2 cm wide), or some of them alternate; involucre mostly 2-6 mm high, the flowers mostly white, rarely blue (rarely the involucre 6-11 mm high, then the flowers white).

Leaves generally opposite, sometimes in whorls of 3-4 (if so the leaves usually < 2 cm wide), or some of them alternate; involucre mostly 2-6 mm high, the flowers mostly white, rarely blue (rarely the involucre 6-11 mm high, then the flowers white).

Eupatorium

Leaves averaging (1.5) 2-2.5× as long as wide, usually with a purple border (or not, in E. species 1); upper leaves and main inflorescence branches often alternate (opposite in E. species 1).

Leaves averaging (1.5) 2-2.5× as long as wide, usually with a purple border (or not, in E. species 1); upper leaves and main inflorescence branches often alternate (opposite in E. species 1).

Eupatorium

Leaves prominently 3-veined, the 2 lateral veins diverging (3-) ca. 5 (-7) mm above the leaf base; leaves usually purple-bordered; inflorescence branches (and upper leaf nodes) often alternate

Leaves prominently 3-veined, the 2 lateral veins diverging (3-) ca. 5 (-7) mm above the leaf base; leaves usually purple-bordered; inflorescence branches (and upper leaf nodes) often alternate

Eupatorium

Leaves mostly 6-40× as long as wide, the larger ones usually < 10 mm wide, ranging from 1-12 mm wide, whorled or opposite (rarely alternate above).

Leaves mostly 6-40× as long as wide, the larger ones usually < 10 mm wide, ranging from 1-12 mm wide, whorled or opposite (rarely alternate above).

Eupatorium

Leaves mostly 2.5-7× as long as wide, the larger ones > 10 mm wide, ranging from 8-30 mm wide, opposite, alternate, or whorled.

Leaves mostly 2.5-7× as long as wide, the larger ones > 10 mm wide, ranging from 8-30 mm wide, opposite, alternate, or whorled.

Helianthus

Leaves basally disposed, the plants scapose to subscapose, the stem leaves relatively few (with 2-8 nodes below the inflorescence), those on the upper stem opposite or alternate, strongly reduced upward in size as compared to the persistent basal leaves; [section Atrorubentes]

Leaves basally disposed, the plants scapose to subscapose, the stem leaves relatively few (with 2-8 nodes below the inflorescence), those on the upper stem opposite or alternate, strongly reduced upward in size as compared to the persistent basal leaves; [section Atrorubentes]

Helianthus

Leaves whorled at principal nodes, either alternate or opposite at other nodes

Leaves whorled at principal nodes, either alternate or opposite at other nodes

Helianthus

Leaves either alternate or opposite (or both), never whorled.

Leaves either alternate or opposite (or both), never whorled.

Helianthus

Leaves petiolate or sessile, but not cordate, and alternate or opposite.

Leaves petiolate or sessile, but not cordate, and alternate or opposite.

Iva

Leaves 1.5-4.5 (-6.0) cm long, 0.4-1.0 (-1.5) cm wide, 1-3 mm thick when fresh, mostly untoothed; involucres 4-7 mm high; leaves opposite below, alternate from midstem upward; [mostly of dunes and the upper beach]

Leaves 1.5-4.5 (-6.0) cm long, 0.4-1.0 (-1.5) cm wide, 1-3 mm thick when fresh, mostly untoothed; involucres 4-7 mm high; leaves opposite below, alternate from midstem upward; [mostly of dunes and the upper beach]

Iva

Leaves 4-10 cm long, 0.7-4.0 cm wide, 0.5-1 mm thick when fresh, usually toothed; involucres 2-4 mm high; leaves opposite (alternate only in or just below the inflorescence); [mostly of marshes, marsh edges, and wet hammocks].

Leaves 4-10 cm long, 0.7-4.0 cm wide, 0.5-1 mm thick when fresh, usually toothed; involucres 2-4 mm high; leaves opposite (alternate only in or just below the inflorescence); [mostly of marshes, marsh edges, and wet hammocks].

Verbesina

Leaves primarily opposite (the uppermost sometimes alternate).

Leaves primarily opposite (the uppermost sometimes alternate).

Verbesina

Leaves primarily alternate (the lowermost sometimes opposite).

Leaves primarily alternate (the lowermost sometimes opposite).

Araliaceae

Leaves 2-3× compound, at least the final order of division pinnate; leaves either 1 from a subterranean stem or 2-many, alternate on an aboveground stem; inflorescence compound, consisting of (2-) 3-many umbels, either on a separate peduncle from the rhizome or in a terminal panicle or raceme of umbels; fruit purple or black; [subfamily Aralioideae; tribe Aralieae]

Leaves 2-3× compound, at least the final order of division pinnate; leaves either 1 from a subterranean stem or 2-many, alternate on an aboveground stem; inflorescence compound, consisting of (2-) 3-many umbels, either on a separate peduncle from the rhizome or in a terminal panicle or raceme of umbels; fruit purple or black; [subfamily Aralioideae; tribe Aralieae]

Aralia

Plant a caulescent herb, the leaves several and alternate, the inflorescence terminal on the leafy stem; inflorescence a raceme or panicle of (2-) 5-many umbels.

Plant a caulescent herb, the leaves several and alternate, the inflorescence terminal on the leafy stem; inflorescence a raceme or panicle of (2-) 5-many umbels.

Ptilimnium

Midstem leaves with 2-4 (-5) nodes along the rachis, the primary leaf segments usually alternate or opposite at the nodes (not including the node at the apex of the rachis); individual leaf segments often much longer than the rachis; involucral bract segments 1 (-3); stem sometimes slightly thickened at the base but never forming a corm; styles (0.3-) 0.4-0.6 mm long; fruits 1.0-1.9 mm long; dorsal ribs of the fruit thick, rounded; flowering Apr-Jul; fruiting late May-early Aug

Midstem leaves with 2-4 (-5) nodes along the rachis, the primary leaf segments usually alternate or opposite at the nodes (not including the node at the apex of the rachis); individual leaf segments often much longer than the rachis; involucral bract segments 1 (-3); stem sometimes slightly thickened at the base but never forming a corm; styles (0.3-) 0.4-0.6 mm long; fruits 1.0-1.9 mm long; dorsal ribs of the fruit thick, rounded; flowering Apr-Jul; fruiting late May-early Aug

Plantae

Plants rosette shrubs or subshrubs, the leaves strongly basally disposed and few to many, the above-ground stem stout (> 1 cm in diameter), usually < 1 dm tall; leaf arrangement alternate (but often with very short internodes).

Plants rosette shrubs or subshrubs, the leaves strongly basally disposed and few to many, the above-ground stem stout (> 1 cm in diameter), usually < 1 dm tall; leaf arrangement alternate (but often with very short internodes).

Plantae

Plants trees, shrubs, or lianas (woody vines), the leaves usually many and cauline (borne along the stem), the above-ground stem usually > 2 dm long, if shorter, then not stout (< 0.5 cm in diameter); leaf arrangement alternate, opposite, or whorled.

Plants trees, shrubs, or lianas (woody vines), the leaves usually many and cauline (borne along the stem), the above-ground stem usually > 2 dm long, if shorter, then not stout (< 0.5 cm in diameter); leaf arrangement alternate, opposite, or whorled.

Plantae

Leaf venation dichotomous (with even Y-forks, the veins alike, no vein dominant); leaf fan-shaped, deltoid, 3-8 cm wide; leaves alternate, borne in clusters or short, spur shoots; [Gymnosperms]

Leaf venation dichotomous (with even Y-forks, the veins alike, no vein dominant); leaf fan-shaped, deltoid, 3-8 cm wide; leaves alternate, borne in clusters or short, spur shoots; [Gymnosperms]

Plantae

Leaf venation dichotomous (with even Y-forks, the veins alike, no vein dominant); leaf fan-shaped, deltoid, 3-8 cm wide; leaves alternate, borne in clusters or short, spur shoots; [Gymnosperms]

Leaf venation dichotomous (with even Y-forks, the veins alike, no vein dominant); leaf fan-shaped, deltoid, 3-8 cm wide; leaves alternate, borne in clusters or short, spur shoots; [Gymnosperms]

Plantae

Leaf venation dichotomous (with even Y-forks, the veins alike, no vein dominant); leaf fan-shaped, deltoid, 3-8 cm wide; leaves alternate, borne in clusters or short, spur shoots; [Gymnosperms]

Leaf venation dichotomous (with even Y-forks, the veins alike, no vein dominant); leaf fan-shaped, deltoid, 3-8 cm wide; leaves alternate, borne in clusters or short, spur shoots; [Gymnosperms]

Plantae

Leaf venation various, parallel, pinnate-reticulate, palmate-reticulate, with differentiation into primary, secondary, and finer levels of venation, most vein branches showing dominance by one of the two veins; leaf shape various, but not fan-shaped and ginkgo-like; leaves alternate, opposite, whorled, or fascicled; [Gymnosperms, Eudicots, Basal Angiosperms, Monocots].

Leaf venation various, parallel, pinnate-reticulate, palmate-reticulate, with differentiation into primary, secondary, and finer levels of venation, most vein branches showing dominance by one of the two veins; leaf shape various, but not fan-shaped and ginkgo-like; leaves alternate, opposite, whorled, or fascicled; [Gymnosperms, Eudicots, Basal Angiosperms, Monocots].

Plantae

Leaves stiff or scarious, needle or scale-like, in ×-section flat, nearly terete, or variously angled, with or without an obvious midvein and generally lacking noticeable secondary venation; leaf arrangement alternate, opposite, whorled, or grouped into fascicles of 2-5 with a scarious sheath at the base; seeds not enclosed by an ovary or a true fruit, either borne naked on the upper surface of ovuliferous scales aggregated into a cone (the cone sometimes modified and fleshy and “berrylike) or the seed solitary and mostly or completely enclosed in a fleshy or leathery aril or receptacle; [Gymnosperms]

Leaves stiff or scarious, needle or scale-like, in ×-section flat, nearly terete, or variously angled, with or without an obvious midvein and generally lacking noticeable secondary venation; leaf arrangement alternate, opposite, whorled, or grouped into fascicles of 2-5 with a scarious sheath at the base; seeds not enclosed by an ovary or a true fruit, either borne naked on the upper surface of ovuliferous scales aggregated into a cone (the cone sometimes modified and fleshy and “berrylike) or the seed solitary and mostly or completely enclosed in a fleshy or leathery aril or receptacle; [Gymnosperms]

Plantae

Leaves generally not stiff (some exceptions), usually broader and with well-developed leaf blades (therefore flat in ×-section), usually with a midvein and well developed secondary and tertiary venation (some exceptions); leaf arrangement alternate, opposite, or whorled; seeds borne in fruits, which develop from ovaries; [Eudicots, Basal Angiosperms, and Monocots].

Leaves generally not stiff (some exceptions), usually broader and with well-developed leaf blades (therefore flat in ×-section), usually with a midvein and well developed secondary and tertiary venation (some exceptions); leaf arrangement alternate, opposite, or whorled; seeds borne in fruits, which develop from ovaries; [Eudicots, Basal Angiosperms, and Monocots].

Plantae

Leaves alternate; [Eudicots, Basal Angiosperms, and Monocots].

Leaves alternate; [Eudicots, Basal Angiosperms, and Monocots].

Plantae

Leaves alternate.

Leaves alternate.

Plantae

Leaves opposite or whorled or appearing whorled (a few plants have leaves or leaf-like structures which appear whorled but anatomically are opposite or alternate with leaflets divided to the stem).

Leaves opposite or whorled or appearing whorled (a few plants have leaves or leaf-like structures which appear whorled but anatomically are opposite or alternate with leaflets divided to the stem).

Plantae

Sori neither marginal nor continuous, slightly to entirely covered by an elongate or roundish indusium (sometimes ciliate, toothed, or divided into narrow segments); pinnae usually at least in part alternate, mostly lanceolate, toothed, lobed, or pinnatifid.

Sori neither marginal nor continuous, slightly to entirely covered by an elongate or roundish indusium (sometimes ciliate, toothed, or divided into narrow segments); pinnae usually at least in part alternate, mostly lanceolate, toothed, lobed, or pinnatifid.

Plantae

Fertile leaf stiff but herbaceous, the pinnae linear, not at all bead-like; margins of sterile pinnae finely serrulate, otherwise slightly wavy or straight; pinnae mostly with acute apices, tending to be borne alternate

Fertile leaf stiff but herbaceous, the pinnae linear, not at all bead-like; margins of sterile pinnae finely serrulate, otherwise slightly wavy or straight; pinnae mostly with acute apices, tending to be borne alternate

Plantae

Fertile leaf stiff but herbaceous, the pinnae linear, not at all bead-like; margins of sterile pinnae finely serrulate, otherwise slightly wavy or straight; pinnae mostly with acute apices, tending to be borne alternate

Fertile leaf stiff but herbaceous, the pinnae linear, not at all bead-like; margins of sterile pinnae finely serrulate, otherwise slightly wavy or straight; pinnae mostly with acute apices, tending to be borne alternate

Plantae

Fertile leaf stiff but herbaceous, the pinnae linear, not at all bead-like; margins of sterile pinnae finely serrulate, otherwise slightly wavy or straight; pinnae mostly with acute apices, tending to be borne alternate

Fertile leaf stiff but herbaceous, the pinnae linear, not at all bead-like; margins of sterile pinnae finely serrulate, otherwise slightly wavy or straight; pinnae mostly with acute apices, tending to be borne alternate

Plantae

Leaves either alternate, or in fascicles of 2-5 (basally bound by a scarious sheath), or on short shoots in clusters of many 10-60 leaves in apparent whorls.

Leaves either alternate, or in fascicles of 2-5 (basally bound by a scarious sheath), or on short shoots in clusters of many 10-60 leaves in apparent whorls.

Plantae

Leaves alternate.

Leaves alternate.

Plantae

Leaves alternate

Leaves alternate

Plantae

Leaves phyllodial, with obvious cross-partitions (septa); leaves alternate

Leaves phyllodial, with obvious cross-partitions (septa); leaves alternate

Plantae

Leaves alternate; leaf segments complexly (but not dichotomously) branched.

Leaves alternate; leaf segments complexly (but not dichotomously) branched.

Plantae

Petals connate at the base; stamens alternate to the petals and opposite to the sepals; fruit 4-8-locular, with 4-8 pyrenes

Petals connate at the base; stamens alternate to the petals and opposite to the sepals; fruit 4-8-locular, with 4-8 pyrenes

Plantae

Petals separate (or absent in Rhamnus alnifolia); stamens opposite to the petals (when present) and alternate to the sepals; fruit 2-4-locular, with 2-4 pyrenes

Petals separate (or absent in Rhamnus alnifolia); stamens opposite to the petals (when present) and alternate to the sepals; fruit 2-4-locular, with 2-4 pyrenes

Plantae

Flowers unisexual, the pistillate inflorescence a head, the staminate inflorescence a catkin, borne on the same tree (monoecious) or on separate trees (dioecious); fresh leaves and stems with white latex; fruit a multiple of fleshy achenes; main leaf veins splitting towards the margin but then rejoining to form a prominent, looping (scalloped) marginal vein; basal veins 3, palmate, sometimes an additional prominent vein on each side joining the lateral vein above its divergence from the petiole end; main lateral leaf veins (above the basal veins) mainly alternate; winter buds with 5 ciliate-margined bud scales

Flowers unisexual, the pistillate inflorescence a head, the staminate inflorescence a catkin, borne on the same tree (monoecious) or on separate trees (dioecious); fresh leaves and stems with white latex; fruit a multiple of fleshy achenes; main leaf veins splitting towards the margin but then rejoining to form a prominent, looping (scalloped) marginal vein; basal veins 3, palmate, sometimes an additional prominent vein on each side joining the lateral vein above its divergence from the petiole end; main lateral leaf veins (above the basal veins) mainly alternate; winter buds with 5 ciliate-margined bud scales

Plantae

Leaves harshly scabrous on the upper surface; leaves typically a mix of alternate, opposite, and whorled

Leaves harshly scabrous on the upper surface; leaves typically a mix of alternate, opposite, and whorled

Plantae

Trees; leaves often a mix of alternate and opposite.

Trees; leaves often a mix of alternate and opposite.

Plantae

Flowers in catkins; leaves usually a mix of opposite and alternate

Flowers in catkins; leaves usually a mix of opposite and alternate

Plantae

Scale leaves alternate (spiral); [collectively widespread]

Scale leaves alternate (spiral); [collectively widespread]

Plantae

Leaves alternate, either orbicular or oblanceolate (rounded at the apex), or scale-like, or elongate and tapering, or lanceolate-elliptic.

Leaves alternate, either orbicular or oblanceolate (rounded at the apex), or scale-like, or elongate and tapering, or lanceolate-elliptic.

Plantae

Leaves alternate; fruit a capsule; perianth either differentiated, the 3 petals yellowish-green or maroon, or undifferentiated, the 6 tepals white, blue, or purplish.

Leaves alternate; fruit a capsule; perianth either differentiated, the 3 petals yellowish-green or maroon, or undifferentiated, the 6 tepals white, blue, or purplish.

Plantae

Inflorescence a terminal raceme or spike, the flowers (fruits) alternate; perianth not differentiated, consisting of 3 or 6 green or yellow-green tepals; leaf differentiated into an open sheath and blade, with a ligule separating them; fruit an aggregate of achenes or follicles.

Inflorescence a terminal raceme or spike, the flowers (fruits) alternate; perianth not differentiated, consisting of 3 or 6 green or yellow-green tepals; leaf differentiated into an open sheath and blade, with a ligule separating them; fruit an aggregate of achenes or follicles.

Plantae

Petals < 2 cm long, white, blue, or pink; leaves alternate

Petals < 2 cm long, white, blue, or pink; leaves alternate

Plantae

Petals > 5 cm long, yellow, orange, or red; leaves alternate or whorled

Petals > 5 cm long, yellow, orange, or red; leaves alternate or whorled

Plantae

Plant with 2 or more leaf-bearing nodes (all nodes whorled or some alternate).

Plant with 2 or more leaf-bearing nodes (all nodes whorled or some alternate).

Plantae

Leaves alternate, either cauline or basal.

Leaves alternate, either cauline or basal.

Plantae

Leaves alternate and in whorls at some nodes; flowers orange; tepals > 5 cm long; inflorescence a terminal umbel or single flower

Leaves alternate and in whorls at some nodes; flowers orange; tepals > 5 cm long; inflorescence a terminal umbel or single flower

Plantae

Leaves strictly alternate; flowers yellow, white, pink, greenish, or maroon; tepals < 5 cm long; inflorescence either a terminal cluster, raceme, panicle or umbel, or an axillary raceme, cluster or solitary flower.

Leaves strictly alternate; flowers yellow, white, pink, greenish, or maroon; tepals < 5 cm long; inflorescence either a terminal cluster, raceme, panicle or umbel, or an axillary raceme, cluster or solitary flower.

Plantae

Stem leaves alternate; perianth radially symmetrical (less commonly bilaterally symmetrical); stamens 5, 6-8, 9, 10 (rarely 4).

Stem leaves alternate; perianth radially symmetrical (less commonly bilaterally symmetrical); stamens 5, 6-8, 9, 10 (rarely 4).

Plantae

Stem leaves 1-3, alternate [or whorled or opposite]; leaflets 3, irregularly serrate, lacerate, or additionally divided or lobed; fruit a silique; carpels 2

Stem leaves 1-3, alternate [or whorled or opposite]; leaflets 3, irregularly serrate, lacerate, or additionally divided or lobed; fruit a silique; carpels 2

Plantae

Stem leaves >3, alternate; leaflets (1-) 3-7, each entire or obscurely toothed; fruit a capsule; carpel 1

Stem leaves >3, alternate; leaflets (1-) 3-7, each entire or obscurely toothed; fruit a capsule; carpel 1

Plantae

Stamens alternate with the corolla lobes; flower ca. 10 mm in diameter

Stamens alternate with the corolla lobes; flower ca. 10 mm in diameter

Melaleuca

Leaves alternate.

Leaves alternate.

Apocynaceae

Leaves alternate, or sometimes whorled (e.g., A. verticillata), variously shaped, but not both petiolate and cordate; plant either an erect herb or a decumbent herb with stiff, thick stems (> 4 mm in diameter)

Leaves alternate, or sometimes whorled (e.g., A. verticillata), variously shaped, but not both petiolate and cordate; plant either an erect herb or a decumbent herb with stiff, thick stems (> 4 mm in diameter)

Dioscorea

Leaves with a slightly to strongly concave section at the transition from the basal lobes to the terminal portion of the leaf; leaves alternate, opposite, or a mixture of alternate and opposite.

Leaves with a slightly to strongly concave section at the transition from the basal lobes to the terminal portion of the leaf; leaves alternate, opposite, or a mixture of alternate and opposite.

Dioscorea

Leaves with a slightly to strongly concave section at the transition from the basal lobes to the terminal portion of the leaf; leaves alternate, opposite, or a mixture of alternate and opposite.

Leaves with a slightly to strongly concave section at the transition from the basal lobes to the terminal portion of the leaf; leaves alternate, opposite, or a mixture of alternate and opposite.

Dioscorea

Aerial tubers present; perennial from large, vertically-oriented tubers; leaves alternate, or a mixture of alternate and opposite; [non-native species, usually in disturbed areas, especially in bottomlands]; [section Enantiophyllum].

Aerial tubers present; perennial from large, vertically-oriented tubers; leaves alternate, or a mixture of alternate and opposite; [non-native species, usually in disturbed areas, especially in bottomlands]; [section Enantiophyllum].

Dioscorea

Aerial tubers never present; perennial from rhizomes < 1.5 cm in diameter; leaves whorled, alternate, or a mixture of whorled and alternate; [native species, usually of forests and woodlands]; [section Macropoda].

Aerial tubers never present; perennial from rhizomes < 1.5 cm in diameter; leaves whorled, alternate, or a mixture of whorled and alternate; [native species, usually of forests and woodlands]; [section Macropoda].

Dioscorea

Stems terete; leaves alternate; aerial tubers tan to light brown, usually globose; stem twining from right to left (sinistrorse; looking from below, the stem turns counterclockwise)

Stems terete; leaves alternate; aerial tubers tan to light brown, usually globose; stem twining from right to left (sinistrorse; looking from below, the stem turns counterclockwise)

Dioscorea

Stems terete; leaves alternate; aerial tubers tan to light brown, usually globose; stem twining from right to left (sinistrorse; looking from below, the stem turns counterclockwise)

Stems terete; leaves alternate; aerial tubers tan to light brown, usually globose; stem twining from right to left (sinistrorse; looking from below, the stem turns counterclockwise)

Dioscorea

Stems with 2-4 wings or angles (these often purplish); leaves alternate below, opposite and decussate above; aerial tubers dark-brown and elongate; stem twining from left to right (dextrorse; looking from below, the stem turns clockwise)

Stems with 2-4 wings or angles (these often purplish); leaves alternate below, opposite and decussate above; aerial tubers dark-brown and elongate; stem twining from left to right (dextrorse; looking from below, the stem turns clockwise)

Dioscorea

Stems with 2-4 wings or angles (these often purplish); leaves alternate below, opposite and decussate above; aerial tubers dark-brown and elongate; stem twining from left to right (dextrorse; looking from below, the stem turns clockwise)

Stems with 2-4 wings or angles (these often purplish); leaves alternate below, opposite and decussate above; aerial tubers dark-brown and elongate; stem twining from left to right (dextrorse; looking from below, the stem turns clockwise)

Agrimonia

Flowers alternate; fruiting hypanthium 1.9-4.6 mm long; [rare waif]

Flowers alternate; fruiting hypanthium 1.9-4.6 mm long; [rare waif]

Ranunculaceae

Cauline leaves present, alternate, the uppermost > 1 cm below the flower; [tribe Helleboreae]

Cauline leaves present, alternate, the uppermost > 1 cm below the flower; [tribe Helleboreae]

Mitella

Stem leaves 4, alternate, the uppermost subtending the lowermost flower

Stem leaves 4, alternate, the uppermost subtending the lowermost flower

Swida

Leaves alternate (the internodes typically short and therefore the leaves looking nearly whorled)

Leaves alternate (the internodes typically short and therefore the leaves looking nearly whorled)

Quercus

Primary leaf lobes (and the secondary veins leading to them) largely alternate; acorn cup with thin (< 1.5 mm in cross section) walls, deeply goblet-shaped, covering 1/3-1/2 of the nut, the inner surface pubescent; [section Lobatae; subsection Palustres]

Primary leaf lobes (and the secondary veins leading to them) largely alternate; acorn cup with thin (< 1.5 mm in cross section) walls, deeply goblet-shaped, covering 1/3-1/2 of the nut, the inner surface pubescent; [section Lobatae; subsection Palustres]

Primulaceae

Leaves arrayed along the stem, alternate, opposite, or whorled; petals 5 (rarely 0 [in Lysimachia maritima] or 6 [in Lysimachia thyrsiflora])

Leaves arrayed along the stem, alternate, opposite, or whorled; petals 5 (rarely 0 [in Lysimachia maritima] or 6 [in Lysimachia thyrsiflora])

Primulaceae

Leaves all or chiefly alternate; flowers white or whitish.

Leaves all or chiefly alternate; flowers white or whitish.

Ludwigia

Capsules 2.5-4.7 mm long; sepals 1.5-3 mm long; vestigial petals occasionally present; lower or seedling leaves always alternate

Capsules 2.5-4.7 mm long; sepals 1.5-3 mm long; vestigial petals occasionally present; lower or seedling leaves always alternate

Pontederiaceae

Herbs procumbent-emergent, stems elongate; sessile leaves late deciduous, rarely persistent in mature plants, petiolate leaves distichously-alternate, evenly distributed along the stem; perianth funnelform (the corolla limb expanding gradually from the widening corolla tube); style glabrous

Herbs procumbent-emergent, stems elongate; sessile leaves late deciduous, rarely persistent in mature plants, petiolate leaves distichously-alternate, evenly distributed along the stem; perianth funnelform (the corolla limb expanding gradually from the widening corolla tube); style glabrous

Pontederiaceae

Herbs erect emergent or free-floating, stems inconspicuous; sessile leaves early deciduous, petiolate leaves spirally-alternate, congested at the apex of the stem; perianth salverform (the corolla limb spreading abruptly at a nearly right angle to the straight corolla tube); style glandular-pubescent.

Herbs erect emergent or free-floating, stems inconspicuous; sessile leaves early deciduous, petiolate leaves spirally-alternate, congested at the apex of the stem; perianth salverform (the corolla limb spreading abruptly at a nearly right angle to the straight corolla tube); style glandular-pubescent.

Brickellia

Perennial herbs (sometimes from a woody caudex); leaves opposite, subopposite, or alternate (or mixed); [collectively widespread].

Perennial herbs (sometimes from a woody caudex); leaves opposite, subopposite, or alternate (or mixed); [collectively widespread].

Nemophila

Stem leaves alternate; [natives in our area].

Stem leaves alternate; [natives in our area].

Agalinis

Leaves alternate; axillary leaf fascicles equal to or longer than the subtending leaves

Leaves alternate; axillary leaf fascicles equal to or longer than the subtending leaves

Amyris

Leaves palmately 3-foliolate; leaves alternate; leaf surfaces glabrous

Leaves palmately 3-foliolate; leaves alternate; leaf surfaces glabrous

Elaeagnaceae

Leaves alternate; stamens 4; plants monoecious (the individual flowers on a plant bisexual, or some of them staminate); [collectively widespread in our region]

Leaves alternate; stamens 4; plants monoecious (the individual flowers on a plant bisexual, or some of them staminate); [collectively widespread in our region]

Bignoniaceae

Leaves obovate, mostly widest ½ to ¾ of the way from blade base to apex; leaves alternate and spaced along main branches; berry 5-12 cm long, elliptical or obovoid, the apex extended as a blunt point

Leaves obovate, mostly widest ½ to ¾ of the way from blade base to apex; leaves alternate and spaced along main branches; berry 5-12 cm long, elliptical or obovoid, the apex extended as a blunt point

Bignoniaceae

Leaves spatulate, mostly widest at a point > ¾ of the way from blade base to apex; leaves alternate but closely fascicled on short (spur) shoots, with the arrangement difficult to discern; berry 15-35 long, spherical, the apex smoothly rounded

Leaves spatulate, mostly widest at a point > ¾ of the way from blade base to apex; leaves alternate but closely fascicled on short (spur) shoots, with the arrangement difficult to discern; berry 15-35 long, spherical, the apex smoothly rounded

Crassulaceae

Leaves alternate; petals yellow

Leaves alternate; petals yellow

Combretaceae

Leaves alternate; flowers either in heads (arrayed in axillary or terminal panicles or racemes) or in spikes; leaf domatia (if present) on leaf apex or leaf margins or abaxial leaf veins (Conocarpus).

Leaves alternate; flowers either in heads (arrayed in axillary or terminal panicles or racemes) or in spikes; leaf domatia (if present) on leaf apex or leaf margins or abaxial leaf veins (Conocarpus).

Euphorbiaceae

Leaves alternate; carpels 3 (sometimes fewer by abortion).

Leaves alternate; carpels 3 (sometimes fewer by abortion).

Linum

Leaves all or mostly alternate (a few pairs of leaves at the base of the stem sometimes opposite); fruit ovoid to pyriform.

Leaves all or mostly alternate (a few pairs of leaves at the base of the stem sometimes opposite); fruit ovoid to pyriform.

Linum

Inflorescence corymbose, some (at least) of the lower branches of the inflorescence elongate, their tips nearly equaling the tips of the upper inflorescence branches; branchlets terete or nearly so; leaves mostly alternate (usually the opposite leaves of the lower stem not extending beyond the midpoint from the base of the plant to the first inflorescence branch)

Inflorescence corymbose, some (at least) of the lower branches of the inflorescence elongate, their tips nearly equaling the tips of the upper inflorescence branches; branchlets terete or nearly so; leaves mostly alternate (usually the opposite leaves of the lower stem not extending beyond the midpoint from the base of the plant to the first inflorescence branch)

Helianthus

Leaves mostly alternate; petioles 5-9 cm long; ray flowers 10-30; [widely distributed in our region, native and adventive]

Leaves mostly alternate; petioles 5-9 cm long; ray flowers 10-30; [widely distributed in our region, native and adventive]

Helianthus

Leaves mostly alternate; phyllaries 20-30, acute to long-attenuate at tip; [collectively widespread in our region].

Leaves mostly alternate; phyllaries 20-30, acute to long-attenuate at tip; [collectively widespread in our region].

Helianthus

Plants 8-20 dm tall; upper leaves usually alternate; leaf blades oblong-lanceolate to lance-ovate, 8-27 cm long, acuminate at tip

Plants 8-20 dm tall; upper leaves usually alternate; leaf blades oblong-lanceolate to lance-ovate, 8-27 cm long, acuminate at tip

Lythrum

Leaves opposite or sub-opposite on the lower stem, alternate above.

Leaves opposite or sub-opposite on the lower stem, alternate above.

Orchidaceae

Stems with numerous alternate, cauline leaves; leaf blades ovate to elliptic or lanceolate, fleshy-leathery

Stems with numerous alternate, cauline leaves; leaf blades ovate to elliptic or lanceolate, fleshy-leathery

Ludwigia

Stems glabrous; emergent leaves with petioles 0.6-6 cm, blades (2-) 4-10cm, eglandular-mucronate, alternate; stamens subequal, anthers all 1.2-1.4 mm, stigmas well-exserted at anthesis; pedicels 3.5-9 cm, ovaries 14-20 mm; seeds 16-18 per locule; [widespread]

Stems glabrous; emergent leaves with petioles 0.6-6 cm, blades (2-) 4-10cm, eglandular-mucronate, alternate; stamens subequal, anthers all 1.2-1.4 mm, stigmas well-exserted at anthesis; pedicels 3.5-9 cm, ovaries 14-20 mm; seeds 16-18 per locule; [widespread]

Ludwigia

Stems glabrous or sparsely to densely villous; emergent leaves with petioles 0.3-2.8 cm, blades (0.4-) 0.8-6 (-9.5) cm, often glandular-mucronate, alternate or fascicled; stamens unequal, filaments of 2 different lengths and anthers of 2 different sizes, 0.5-2.2 mm, surrounding the stigmas at anthesis; pedicels 0.7-3.8 cm, ovaries 6-14 mm; seeds 7-15 per locule; [s. MS westward and southward].

Stems glabrous or sparsely to densely villous; emergent leaves with petioles 0.3-2.8 cm, blades (0.4-) 0.8-6 (-9.5) cm, often glandular-mucronate, alternate or fascicled; stamens unequal, filaments of 2 different lengths and anthers of 2 different sizes, 0.5-2.2 mm, surrounding the stigmas at anthesis; pedicels 0.7-3.8 cm, ovaries 6-14 mm; seeds 7-15 per locule; [s. MS westward and southward].

Silphium

Mid-stem leaves alternate or opposite; outer phyllaries foliaceous, spreading to loosely reflexed

Mid-stem leaves alternate or opposite; outer phyllaries foliaceous, spreading to loosely reflexed

Silphium

Mid-stem leaves predominately opposite or whorled (occasionally alternate in damaged re-growth); inflorescence eglandular, or if glandular then glands conspicuous and not restricted to pales; stem various, but never hirsute with hairs >1 mm.

Mid-stem leaves predominately opposite or whorled (occasionally alternate in damaged re-growth); inflorescence eglandular, or if glandular then glands conspicuous and not restricted to pales; stem various, but never hirsute with hairs >1 mm.

Silphium

Mid-stem leaves predominately opposite or whorled (occasionally alternate in damaged re-growth); inflorescence eglandular, or if glandular then glands conspicuous and not restricted to pales; stem various, but never hirsute with hairs >1 mm.

Mid-stem leaves predominately opposite or whorled (occasionally alternate in damaged re-growth); inflorescence eglandular, or if glandular then glands conspicuous and not restricted to pales; stem various, but never hirsute with hairs >1 mm.

Silphium

Mid-stem leaves predominately alternate (lower leaves often opposite); inflorescence eglandular except for inconspicuous dull yellow-brown stipitate-glands on pales; stem glabrous, hispid, or hirsute with hairs >1 mm.

Mid-stem leaves predominately alternate (lower leaves often opposite); inflorescence eglandular except for inconspicuous dull yellow-brown stipitate-glands on pales; stem glabrous, hispid, or hirsute with hairs >1 mm.

Nama

Seeds brown to dark brown; leaves opposite at branch tips, otherwise alternate

Seeds brown to dark brown; leaves opposite at branch tips, otherwise alternate

Nama

Seeds yellow to tan; leaves alternate

Seeds yellow to tan; leaves alternate

Fabaceae

Leaves all 2-even-pinnate, the basalmost "pinna pair" usually replaced by a pair of leaflets larger than the others, the pinnae and the leaflets often 'straying' to subopposite or fully alternate arrangement (some pinnae appearing odd-pinnate); leaflets 3-6 cm long, acuminate at the apex; trunks unarmed

Leaves all 2-even-pinnate, the basalmost "pinna pair" usually replaced by a pair of leaflets larger than the others, the pinnae and the leaflets often 'straying' to subopposite or fully alternate arrangement (some pinnae appearing odd-pinnate); leaflets 3-6 cm long, acuminate at the apex; trunks unarmed

Fabaceae

Leaves variously modified from strict 2-even-pinnateness, either with 1) a mixture (on a tree) of 1-even-pinnate and 2-even-pinnate leaves, and/or 2) the pinnae or leaflets often subopposite or fully alternate, and/or 3) with an odd number of pinnae per leaf (the tip of the rachis with a pair of lateral pinnae and a terminal pinna, but the leaflets of the pinnae still in opposite pairs), and/or 4) the basal pair of pinnae evolutionarily replaced by a single pair of leaflets larger than the other leaflets.

Leaves variously modified from strict 2-even-pinnateness, either with 1) a mixture (on a tree) of 1-even-pinnate and 2-even-pinnate leaves, and/or 2) the pinnae or leaflets often subopposite or fully alternate, and/or 3) with an odd number of pinnae per leaf (the tip of the rachis with a pair of lateral pinnae and a terminal pinna, but the leaflets of the pinnae still in opposite pairs), and/or 4) the basal pair of pinnae evolutionarily replaced by a single pair of leaflets larger than the other leaflets.

Fabaceae

Leaves with pinnae and leaflets mostly subopposite or fully alternate; [exotic, s. FL]; [Mimosoid]

Leaves with pinnae and leaflets mostly subopposite or fully alternate; [exotic, s. FL]; [Mimosoid]

Fabaceae

Lateral leaflets all or mostly alternate along the rachis.

Lateral leaflets all or mostly alternate along the rachis.

Thymophylla

Leaves not lobed, alternate.

Leaves not lobed, alternate.

Thymophylla

Leaves thinly and pinnately lobed, alternate or opposite.

Leaves thinly and pinnately lobed, alternate or opposite.

Thymophylla

Plants annual, leaves alternate; ray florets 50 or more.

Plants annual, leaves alternate; ray florets 50 or more.

Phyllanthaceae

Plant with “normal” arrangement of branches and leaves (leaves uniformly distributed on the stem and branches, alternate and either distichous or spirally arranged, the ultimate branches not deciduous, flowers produced on ultimate and penultimate orders of branches).

Plant with “normal” arrangement of branches and leaves (leaves uniformly distributed on the stem and branches, alternate and either distichous or spirally arranged, the ultimate branches not deciduous, flowers produced on ultimate and penultimate orders of branches).

Phyllanthaceae

Plant with “normal” arrangement of branches and leaves (leaves uniformly distributed on the stem and branches, alternate and either distichous or spirally arranged, the ultimate branches not deciduous, flowers produced on ultimate and penultimate orders of branches); staminate flowers lacking pistillodes.

Plant with “normal” arrangement of branches and leaves (leaves uniformly distributed on the stem and branches, alternate and either distichous or spirally arranged, the ultimate branches not deciduous, flowers produced on ultimate and penultimate orders of branches); staminate flowers lacking pistillodes.

Portulaca

Leaves alternate to subopposite; petals 5; fibrous-rooted annuals; [widely distributed in various habitats].

Leaves alternate to subopposite; petals 5; fibrous-rooted annuals; [widely distributed in various habitats].

Portulaca

Capsules 4-9 mm wide; styles 3-6; seeds 0.7-1 mm long; leaves alternate to subopposite; [widely distributed in various habitats].

Capsules 4-9 mm wide; styles 3-6; seeds 0.7-1 mm long; leaves alternate to subopposite; [widely distributed in various habitats].

Polemoniaceae

Leaves alternate, palmately divided into 3-7, sharp-tipped linear segments; [rare waif]

Leaves alternate, palmately divided into 3-7, sharp-tipped linear segments; [rare waif]

Polemoniaceae

Leaves 1-3× pinnately divided into linear or broader segments; leaves all alternate, or at least the upper and midstem leaves alternate.

Leaves 1-3× pinnately divided into linear or broader segments; leaves all alternate, or at least the upper and midstem leaves alternate.

Cylindropuntia

Terminal stem segments usually alternate, narrow, 0.3-1.2 cm in diameter; large spines 0-2 (-4) per areole; [series Leptocaules].

Terminal stem segments usually alternate, narrow, 0.3-1.2 cm in diameter; large spines 0-2 (-4) per areole; [series Leptocaules].

Euphorbia

Leaves alternate, variously shaped (linear to ovate); [widespread, including c. US].

Leaves alternate, variously shaped (linear to ovate); [widespread, including c. US].

Asteraceae

Perennials (robust annuals in Erechtites), 2-30 dm tall; leaves basally disposed and alternate on the stem (except only alternate in Erechtites); disc flowers cream or yellow (rarely pale lavender in Arnoglossum).

Perennials (robust annuals in Erechtites), 2-30 dm tall; leaves basally disposed and alternate on the stem (except only alternate in Erechtites); disc flowers cream or yellow (rarely pale lavender in Arnoglossum).

Asteraceae

Annuals, 2-10 dm tall (or perennial, vining or sprawling and to 30 dm long in Gynura); leaves cauline and alternate; disc flowers orangey-brown, brick-red, purplish, yellow.

Annuals, 2-10 dm tall (or perennial, vining or sprawling and to 30 dm long in Gynura); leaves cauline and alternate; disc flowers orangey-brown, brick-red, purplish, yellow.

Asteraceae

Heads borne on stems with leaves, the leaves alternate, opposite, or whorled on the stem, and sometimes also well developed basal leaves or rosettes.

Heads borne on stems with leaves, the leaves alternate, opposite, or whorled on the stem, and sometimes also well developed basal leaves or rosettes.

Apocynaceae

Leaves alternate.

Leaves alternate.

Asteraceae

Leaves ovate, rhombic, or pentagonal, unlobed or 3-5-(-7) lobed; leaf blade margins toothed; leaves in part alternate upwards; [of disturbed, suburban areas of FL peninsula]; [tribe Heliantheae; subtribe Helianthinae]

Leaves ovate, rhombic, or pentagonal, unlobed or 3-5-(-7) lobed; leaf blade margins toothed; leaves in part alternate upwards; [of disturbed, suburban areas of FL peninsula]; [tribe Heliantheae; subtribe Helianthinae]

Asteraceae

Leaf blades spatulate to obovate, cuneate to attenuate at the base, rounded or shallowly notched at the apex; leaf margins entire; leaves opposite below, alternate higher on the stems; [native of FL]

Leaf blades spatulate to obovate, cuneate to attenuate at the base, rounded or shallowly notched at the apex; leaf margins entire; leaves opposite below, alternate higher on the stems; [native of FL]

Asteraceae

Plants annual, biennial, or perennial, not mat-forming or stoloniferous, erect, the leaves usually lanceolate or linear (spatulate in some species), leaf surface hairiness variable; erect stems (with alternate leaves) 5-80 cm tall; plants hermaphroditic (with heads containing both pistillate and functionally staminate flowers) or dioecious or subdioecious (in Anaphalis).

Plants annual, biennial, or perennial, not mat-forming or stoloniferous, erect, the leaves usually lanceolate or linear (spatulate in some species), leaf surface hairiness variable; erect stems (with alternate leaves) 5-80 cm tall; plants hermaphroditic (with heads containing both pistillate and functionally staminate flowers) or dioecious or subdioecious (in Anaphalis).

Asteraceae

Plants perennial, mat-forming by stolons, with basal rosettes of spatulate leaves, these usually with obvious appressed hairiness on (at least) the lower and (sometimes also) the upper blade surfaces; erect stems (with scattered alternate leaves) 4-45 cm tall; plants usually dioecious (pistillate and staminate heads on separate plants)

Plants perennial, mat-forming by stolons, with basal rosettes of spatulate leaves, these usually with obvious appressed hairiness on (at least) the lower and (sometimes also) the upper blade surfaces; erect stems (with scattered alternate leaves) 4-45 cm tall; plants usually dioecious (pistillate and staminate heads on separate plants)

Asteraceae

Leaves coarsely toothed, mostly opposite (the distal alternate)

Leaves coarsely toothed, mostly opposite (the distal alternate)

Lythrum

Leaves opposite, sometimes alternate distally, sessile or with a short petiole (0.2 mm long), the base of the leaf blade adjacent to the stem; flora tube subcylindric; [endemic to Alachua, Citrus, and Hernando counties]

Leaves opposite, sometimes alternate distally, sessile or with a short petiole (0.2 mm long), the base of the leaf blade adjacent to the stem; flora tube subcylindric; [endemic to Alachua, Citrus, and Hernando counties]

Plantae

Leaves alternate, but usually clustered densely towards branch tips; leaves narrowly oblanceolate, 1-4 cm long; flowers yellow, 5-merous, the petals diminuitive (ca. 4 mm) and clawed basally (the petals often falling off by midday); [of coastal beaches, dunes, and hammocks; FL peninsula]

Leaves alternate, but usually clustered densely towards branch tips; leaves narrowly oblanceolate, 1-4 cm long; flowers yellow, 5-merous, the petals diminuitive (ca. 4 mm) and clawed basally (the petals often falling off by midday); [of coastal beaches, dunes, and hammocks; FL peninsula]

Euphorbia

Leaves, pleiochasial bracts, and dichasial bracts of similar length throughout the plant; dichasial bracts alternate; pleiochasial branches 3-branched at nodes; cyathia glands lacking divergent, hornlike appendages; [coastal s. FL only]

Leaves, pleiochasial bracts, and dichasial bracts of similar length throughout the plant; dichasial bracts alternate; pleiochasial branches 3-branched at nodes; cyathia glands lacking divergent, hornlike appendages; [coastal s. FL only]

Coreopsis

Rays with 3-5 lobes or teeth at the tip; disc corollas 4- or 5-lobed; plants annuals or perennials; rays yellow (sometimes with a red or brown blaze at base), pink, purple, or white; leaves opposite, alternate, or both together.

Rays with 3-5 lobes or teeth at the tip; disc corollas 4- or 5-lobed; plants annuals or perennials; rays yellow (sometimes with a red or brown blaze at base), pink, purple, or white; leaves opposite, alternate, or both together.

Plantae

Fruit a dehiscent capsule; mid to lower leaflets usually conspicuously alternate along the rachis, the leaflet crenations often coarse; [s. FL only in our area]

Fruit a dehiscent capsule; mid to lower leaflets usually conspicuously alternate along the rachis, the leaflet crenations often coarse; [s. FL only in our area]

Helianthus

Plants usually > 1 m tall at maturity, not rhizomatous (from crowns or caudices); mid-stem leaves 8-20 cm long, alternate or opposite; inflorescences usually of 3-16+ heads; disc florets yellow, red, or purple; pappus scales narrowly lanceolate to aristate (0.1-0.3 mm wide, ≥7x as long as wide), lacking additional irregularly-shaped scales; [widespread]

Plants usually > 1 m tall at maturity, not rhizomatous (from crowns or caudices); mid-stem leaves 8-20 cm long, alternate or opposite; inflorescences usually of 3-16+ heads; disc florets yellow, red, or purple; pappus scales narrowly lanceolate to aristate (0.1-0.3 mm wide, ≥7x as long as wide), lacking additional irregularly-shaped scales; [widespread]

Plantae

Sepals not petaloid, inconspicuous, green or greyish in color; plants prostrate or erect, annual or perennial; leaves alternate OR either alternate or opposite (Amaranthaceae); achenes variously textured (smooth or textured, sometimes reticulate or verrucose, but rarely muricate).

Sepals not petaloid, inconspicuous, green or greyish in color; plants prostrate or erect, annual or perennial; leaves alternate OR either alternate or opposite (Amaranthaceae); achenes variously textured (smooth or textured, sometimes reticulate or verrucose, but rarely muricate).

Scrophulariaceae

Leaves opposite or if alternate then also with well-developed basal leaves (Verbascum); [collectively widespread, but with the exception of Buddleja, excluding s. TX and s. FL].

Leaves opposite or if alternate then also with well-developed basal leaves (Verbascum); [collectively widespread, but with the exception of Buddleja, excluding s. TX and s. FL].

Scrophulariaceae

Leaves alternate and primarily cauline, the surfaces with conspicuous punctate glands and internal oil-secreting cavities; [s. FL and s. TX only in our flora area]

Leaves alternate and primarily cauline, the surfaces with conspicuous punctate glands and internal oil-secreting cavities; [s. FL and s. TX only in our flora area]