Flora of the Southeastern United States

Huperzia

Leaves ascending to spreading, 2-7.5 mm long, 0.6-0.8 (-1.0) mm wide, not toothed (though sometimes with minute, single cell bumps); stomates relatively many on the upper leaf surface (30-90 on each side of the midrib); [high to medium elevations in our area].

Leaves ascending to spreading, 2-7.5 mm long, 0.6-0.8 (-1.0) mm wide, not toothed (though sometimes with minute, single cell bumps); stomates relatively many on the upper leaf surface (30-90 on each side of the midrib); [high to medium elevations in our area].

Lycopodiaceae

Leafy stems prostrate or erect, if erect then generally branched, the ultimate branches spreading (horizontal) or ascending; sporophylls differing from sterile leaves, either broader and shorter, or more spreading, and aggregated into strobili (cone-like structures) borne terminally on the stems or branches; lacking vegetative reproduction by gemmae.

Leafy stems prostrate or erect, if erect then generally branched, the ultimate branches spreading (horizontal) or ascending; sporophylls differing from sterile leaves, either broader and shorter, or more spreading, and aggregated into strobili (cone-like structures) borne terminally on the stems or branches; lacking vegetative reproduction by gemmae.

Lycopodiaceae

Strobili borne on elongate, sparsely leafy peduncles borne at the tips of leafy, ascending branches; leaves with attenuate, hyaline hair-tips

Strobili borne on elongate, sparsely leafy peduncles borne at the tips of leafy, ascending branches; leaves with attenuate, hyaline hair-tips

Lycopodiaceae

Strobili borne on elongate, sparsely leafy peduncles borne at the tips of leafy, ascending branches; leaves with attenuate, hyaline hair-tips

Strobili borne on elongate, sparsely leafy peduncles borne at the tips of leafy, ascending branches; leaves with attenuate, hyaline hair-tips

Lycopodiella

Prostrate stems arching, not in contact with the ground (and rooting) all along their length, 8-11 mm wide (including leaves), the stem (stripped of leaves) 2-4 mm in diameter; leaves of the prostrate stem of one size and shape, spreading to ascending, 5-7 mm long, 0.5-0.7 mm wide; erect stems many, equally spaced along the prostrate stems, progressively shorter and sterile toward the apex of the prostrate stems

Prostrate stems arching, not in contact with the ground (and rooting) all along their length, 8-11 mm wide (including leaves), the stem (stripped of leaves) 2-4 mm in diameter; leaves of the prostrate stem of one size and shape, spreading to ascending, 5-7 mm long, 0.5-0.7 mm wide; erect stems many, equally spaced along the prostrate stems, progressively shorter and sterile toward the apex of the prostrate stems

Lycopodiella

Prostrate stems arching, not in contact with the ground (and rooting) all along their length, 8-11 mm wide (including leaves), the stem (stripped of leaves) 2-4 mm in diameter; leaves of the prostrate stem of one size and shape, spreading to ascending, 5-7 mm long, 0.5-0.7 mm wide; erect stems many, equally spaced along the prostrate stems, progressively shorter and sterile toward the apex of the prostrate stems

Prostrate stems arching, not in contact with the ground (and rooting) all along their length, 8-11 mm wide (including leaves), the stem (stripped of leaves) 2-4 mm in diameter; leaves of the prostrate stem of one size and shape, spreading to ascending, 5-7 mm long, 0.5-0.7 mm wide; erect stems many, equally spaced along the prostrate stems, progressively shorter and sterile toward the apex of the prostrate stems

Lycopodiella

Prostrate stems arching, not in contact with the ground (and rooting) all along their length, 8-11 mm wide (including leaves), the stem (stripped of leaves) 2-4 mm in diameter; leaves of the prostrate stem of one size and shape, spreading to ascending, 5-7 mm long, 0.5-0.7 mm wide; erect stems many, equally spaced along the prostrate stems, progressively shorter and sterile toward the apex of the prostrate stems

Prostrate stems arching, not in contact with the ground (and rooting) all along their length, 8-11 mm wide (including leaves), the stem (stripped of leaves) 2-4 mm in diameter; leaves of the prostrate stem of one size and shape, spreading to ascending, 5-7 mm long, 0.5-0.7 mm wide; erect stems many, equally spaced along the prostrate stems, progressively shorter and sterile toward the apex of the prostrate stems

Dendrolycopodium

Leaves of the main vertical axis spreading (30-90° angle to stem) in the vicinity of the lower lateral branches, prickly to the touch; branchlets round in cross-section, the 6 ranks of leaves (2 lateral ranks, 2 adaxial ranks, and 2 abaxial ranks) equal in length and spreading to ascending

Leaves of the main vertical axis spreading (30-90° angle to stem) in the vicinity of the lower lateral branches, prickly to the touch; branchlets round in cross-section, the 6 ranks of leaves (2 lateral ranks, 2 adaxial ranks, and 2 abaxial ranks) equal in length and spreading to ascending

Dendrolycopodium

Leaves of the main vertical axis spreading (30-90° angle to stem) in the vicinity of the lower lateral branches, prickly to the touch; branchlets round in cross-section, the 6 ranks of leaves (2 lateral ranks, 2 adaxial ranks, and 2 abaxial ranks) equal in length and spreading to ascending

Leaves of the main vertical axis spreading (30-90° angle to stem) in the vicinity of the lower lateral branches, prickly to the touch; branchlets round in cross-section, the 6 ranks of leaves (2 lateral ranks, 2 adaxial ranks, and 2 abaxial ranks) equal in length and spreading to ascending

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)

Lycopodium

Strobili 1 (rarely 2, if then, the 2 strobili not on separate "pedicels," but sessile and paired at the top of the "peduncle"); "peduncle" 0-1.2 cm long; leaves 3-5 mm long (not including the hair point), ascending to appressed; upright shoots each usually bearing 2-3 branches, these disposed in an ascending or upright posture, each branch 5-9 mm in diameter (measured leaf tip to leaf tip, excluding the hair point)

Strobili 1 (rarely 2, if then, the 2 strobili not on separate "pedicels," but sessile and paired at the top of the "peduncle"); "peduncle" 0-1.2 cm long; leaves 3-5 mm long (not including the hair point), ascending to appressed; upright shoots each usually bearing 2-3 branches, these disposed in an ascending or upright posture, each branch 5-9 mm in diameter (measured leaf tip to leaf tip, excluding the hair point)

Lycopodium

Strobili 1 (rarely 2, if then, the 2 strobili not on separate "pedicels," but sessile and paired at the top of the "peduncle"); "peduncle" 0-1.2 cm long; leaves 3-5 mm long (not including the hair point), ascending to appressed; upright shoots each usually bearing 2-3 branches, these disposed in an ascending or upright posture, each branch 5-9 mm in diameter (measured leaf tip to leaf tip, excluding the hair point)

Strobili 1 (rarely 2, if then, the 2 strobili not on separate "pedicels," but sessile and paired at the top of the "peduncle"); "peduncle" 0-1.2 cm long; leaves 3-5 mm long (not including the hair point), ascending to appressed; upright shoots each usually bearing 2-3 branches, these disposed in an ascending or upright posture, each branch 5-9 mm in diameter (measured leaf tip to leaf tip, excluding the hair point)

Selaginellaceae

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

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

Bryodesma

Stems mostly erect or ascending, forming compact clumps usually > 4 cm high; rhizome or rhizomatous stem present; aerial roots present only at or near the base of the erect stems; budlike “arrested” branches present.

Stems mostly erect or ascending, forming compact clumps usually > 4 cm high; rhizome or rhizomatous stem present; aerial roots present only at or near the base of the erect stems; budlike “arrested” branches present.

Ophioglossum

Underground stem narrowly cylindrical or irregularly elongate, 2-4 mm in diameter; fertile spikes without a sterile portion at the apex or the sterile portion inconspicuous; sterile blade 0.5-10 cm long, 0.2-5.5 cm wide, borne horizontally, ascending, or vertically.

Underground stem narrowly cylindrical or irregularly elongate, 2-4 mm in diameter; fertile spikes without a sterile portion at the apex or the sterile portion inconspicuous; sterile blade 0.5-10 cm long, 0.2-5.5 cm wide, borne horizontally, ascending, or vertically.

Pteris

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

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

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

Athyriaceae

Rhizomes short-creeping to ascending; leaves variegated, silvery gray and gray-green; [exotic, rarely persisting or naturalizing]

Rhizomes short-creeping to ascending; leaves variegated, silvery gray and gray-green; [exotic, rarely persisting or naturalizing]

Athyrium

Rhizomes short-creeping to ascending; leaves variegated, silvery gray and gray-green; [exotic, rarely persisting or naturalizing]

Rhizomes short-creeping to ascending; leaves variegated, silvery gray and gray-green; [exotic, rarely persisting or naturalizing]

Tsuga

Most of the leaves 8-13 mm long, those originating from the sides and lower surface of the twig spreading more or less distichously in a horizontal plane, normally sized, those borne on the upper surface of the twig more or less appressed, dwarf, mostly 1/6 to 1/2 as long as the adjacent lateral leaves, 1-3 (-6) mm long, the whitened undersurface (consisting of rows of stomata) exposed upward; leaf margins minutely serrulate; leaf apices obtuse to rounded; seed cones 12-25 mm long, the ovuliferous scales ascending, even at maturity

Most of the leaves 8-13 mm long, those originating from the sides and lower surface of the twig spreading more or less distichously in a horizontal plane, normally sized, those borne on the upper surface of the twig more or less appressed, dwarf, mostly 1/6 to 1/2 as long as the adjacent lateral leaves, 1-3 (-6) mm long, the whitened undersurface (consisting of rows of stomata) exposed upward; leaf margins minutely serrulate; leaf apices obtuse to rounded; seed cones 12-25 mm long, the ovuliferous scales ascending, even at maturity

Tsuga

Most of the leaves 8-13 mm long, those originating from the sides and lower surface of the twig spreading more or less distichously in a horizontal plane, normally sized, those borne on the upper surface of the twig more or less appressed, dwarf, mostly 1/6 to 1/2 as long as the adjacent lateral leaves, 1-3 (-6) mm long, the whitened undersurface (consisting of rows of stomata) exposed upward; leaf margins minutely serrulate; leaf apices obtuse to rounded; seed cones 12-25 mm long, the ovuliferous scales ascending, even at maturity

Most of the leaves 8-13 mm long, those originating from the sides and lower surface of the twig spreading more or less distichously in a horizontal plane, normally sized, those borne on the upper surface of the twig more or less appressed, dwarf, mostly 1/6 to 1/2 as long as the adjacent lateral leaves, 1-3 (-6) mm long, the whitened undersurface (consisting of rows of stomata) exposed upward; leaf margins minutely serrulate; leaf apices obtuse to rounded; seed cones 12-25 mm long, the ovuliferous scales ascending, even at maturity

Taxodium

Larger knees short, rarely > 4 dm tall, usually columnar or broad and mound-like, with thick, compact bark on top; leafy branchlets ascending from the twigs, secundly erect (the base often curving, the apical portion of the branchlet borne in a vertical plane), except on juvenile trees (which mimic T. distichum); leaves subulate, spirally arranged, not spreading laterally and featherlike (except on juvenile trees), ascending or appressed; leaves mostly 3-10 mm long (to 15 mm long on juvenile trees); bark thick (1-2.5 cm thick), furrowed, dark-brown, not exfoliating; [trees mainly of fire-maintained habitats: isolated depressions (clay-based Carolina bays, depression ponds), wet pine savannas, pocosins and other wet peaty habitats, domes and stringers in wet prairies, and, less commonly, blackwater swamps and natural lakes]

Larger knees short, rarely > 4 dm tall, usually columnar or broad and mound-like, with thick, compact bark on top; leafy branchlets ascending from the twigs, secundly erect (the base often curving, the apical portion of the branchlet borne in a vertical plane), except on juvenile trees (which mimic T. distichum); leaves subulate, spirally arranged, not spreading laterally and featherlike (except on juvenile trees), ascending or appressed; leaves mostly 3-10 mm long (to 15 mm long on juvenile trees); bark thick (1-2.5 cm thick), furrowed, dark-brown, not exfoliating; [trees mainly of fire-maintained habitats: isolated depressions (clay-based Carolina bays, depression ponds), wet pine savannas, pocosins and other wet peaty habitats, domes and stringers in wet prairies, and, less commonly, blackwater swamps and natural lakes]

Taxodium

Larger knees short, rarely > 4 dm tall, usually columnar or broad and mound-like, with thick, compact bark on top; leafy branchlets ascending from the twigs, secundly erect (the base often curving, the apical portion of the branchlet borne in a vertical plane), except on juvenile trees (which mimic T. distichum); leaves subulate, spirally arranged, not spreading laterally and featherlike (except on juvenile trees), ascending or appressed; leaves mostly 3-10 mm long (to 15 mm long on juvenile trees); bark thick (1-2.5 cm thick), furrowed, dark-brown, not exfoliating; [trees mainly of fire-maintained habitats: isolated depressions (clay-based Carolina bays, depression ponds), wet pine savannas, pocosins and other wet peaty habitats, domes and stringers in wet prairies, and, less commonly, blackwater swamps and natural lakes]

Larger knees short, rarely > 4 dm tall, usually columnar or broad and mound-like, with thick, compact bark on top; leafy branchlets ascending from the twigs, secundly erect (the base often curving, the apical portion of the branchlet borne in a vertical plane), except on juvenile trees (which mimic T. distichum); leaves subulate, spirally arranged, not spreading laterally and featherlike (except on juvenile trees), ascending or appressed; leaves mostly 3-10 mm long (to 15 mm long on juvenile trees); bark thick (1-2.5 cm thick), furrowed, dark-brown, not exfoliating; [trees mainly of fire-maintained habitats: isolated depressions (clay-based Carolina bays, depression ponds), wet pine savannas, pocosins and other wet peaty habitats, domes and stringers in wet prairies, and, less commonly, blackwater swamps and natural lakes]

Taxodium

Larger knees short, rarely > 4 dm tall, usually columnar or broad and mound-like, with thick, compact bark on top; leafy branchlets ascending from the twigs, secundly erect (the base often curving, the apical portion of the branchlet borne in a vertical plane), except on juvenile trees (which mimic T. distichum); leaves subulate, spirally arranged, not spreading laterally and featherlike (except on juvenile trees), ascending or appressed; leaves mostly 3-10 mm long (to 15 mm long on juvenile trees); bark thick (1-2.5 cm thick), furrowed, dark-brown, not exfoliating; [trees mainly of fire-maintained habitats: isolated depressions (clay-based Carolina bays, depression ponds), wet pine savannas, pocosins and other wet peaty habitats, domes and stringers in wet prairies, and, less commonly, blackwater swamps and natural lakes]

Larger knees short, rarely > 4 dm tall, usually columnar or broad and mound-like, with thick, compact bark on top; leafy branchlets ascending from the twigs, secundly erect (the base often curving, the apical portion of the branchlet borne in a vertical plane), except on juvenile trees (which mimic T. distichum); leaves subulate, spirally arranged, not spreading laterally and featherlike (except on juvenile trees), ascending or appressed; leaves mostly 3-10 mm long (to 15 mm long on juvenile trees); bark thick (1-2.5 cm thick), furrowed, dark-brown, not exfoliating; [trees mainly of fire-maintained habitats: isolated depressions (clay-based Carolina bays, depression ponds), wet pine savannas, pocosins and other wet peaty habitats, domes and stringers in wet prairies, and, less commonly, blackwater swamps and natural lakes]

Taxodium

Larger knees short, rarely > 4 dm tall, usually columnar or broad and mound-like, with thick, compact bark on top; leafy branchlets ascending from the twigs, secundly erect (the base often curving, the apical portion of the branchlet borne in a vertical plane), except on juvenile trees (which mimic T. distichum); leaves subulate, spirally arranged, not spreading laterally and featherlike (except on juvenile trees), ascending or appressed; leaves mostly 3-10 mm long (to 15 mm long on juvenile trees); bark thick (1-2.5 cm thick), furrowed, dark-brown, not exfoliating; [trees mainly of fire-maintained habitats: isolated depressions (clay-based Carolina bays, depression ponds), wet pine savannas, pocosins and other wet peaty habitats, domes and stringers in wet prairies, and, less commonly, blackwater swamps and natural lakes]

Larger knees short, rarely > 4 dm tall, usually columnar or broad and mound-like, with thick, compact bark on top; leafy branchlets ascending from the twigs, secundly erect (the base often curving, the apical portion of the branchlet borne in a vertical plane), except on juvenile trees (which mimic T. distichum); leaves subulate, spirally arranged, not spreading laterally and featherlike (except on juvenile trees), ascending or appressed; leaves mostly 3-10 mm long (to 15 mm long on juvenile trees); bark thick (1-2.5 cm thick), furrowed, dark-brown, not exfoliating; [trees mainly of fire-maintained habitats: isolated depressions (clay-based Carolina bays, depression ponds), wet pine savannas, pocosins and other wet peaty habitats, domes and stringers in wet prairies, and, less commonly, blackwater swamps and natural lakes]

Juniperus

Leaves flat to broadly curved in ×-section; white stomatal band 1-3× as wide as the green leaf margin; female cone (“berry”) 6-10 mm in diameter; prostrate to spreading-ascending shrub or columnar small tree.

Leaves flat to broadly curved in ×-section; white stomatal band 1-3× as wide as the green leaf margin; female cone (“berry”) 6-10 mm in diameter; prostrate to spreading-ascending shrub or columnar small tree.

Juniperus

Leaves flat to broadly curved in ×-section; white stomatal band 1-3× as wide as the green leaf margin; female cone (“berry”) 6-10 mm in diameter; prostrate to spreading-ascending shrub or columnar small tree.

Leaves flat to broadly curved in ×-section; white stomatal band 1-3× as wide as the green leaf margin; female cone (“berry”) 6-10 mm in diameter; prostrate to spreading-ascending shrub or columnar small tree.

Juniperus

Leaves flat to broadly curved in ×-section; white stomatal band 1-3× as wide as the green leaf margin; female cone (“berry”) 6-10 mm in diameter; prostrate to spreading-ascending shrub or columnar small tree.

Leaves flat to broadly curved in ×-section; white stomatal band 1-3× as wide as the green leaf margin; female cone (“berry”) 6-10 mm in diameter; prostrate to spreading-ascending shrub or columnar small tree.

Juniperus

White stomatal band 1-1.5× as wide as the green leaf margin; prostrate or low shrub with ascending branchlet tips (or occasionally a spreading shrub or small strict tree to 2-4 m tall; leaves 10-15 mm long, linear and spreading or curved upwards

White stomatal band 1-1.5× as wide as the green leaf margin; prostrate or low shrub with ascending branchlet tips (or occasionally a spreading shrub or small strict tree to 2-4 m tall; leaves 10-15 mm long, linear and spreading or curved upwards

Juniperus

White stomatal band 1-1.5× as wide as the green leaf margin; prostrate or low shrub with ascending branchlet tips (or occasionally a spreading shrub or small strict tree to 2-4 m tall; leaves 10-15 mm long, linear and spreading or curved upwards

White stomatal band 1-1.5× as wide as the green leaf margin; prostrate or low shrub with ascending branchlet tips (or occasionally a spreading shrub or small strict tree to 2-4 m tall; leaves 10-15 mm long, linear and spreading or curved upwards

Juniperus

White stomatal band 1-1.5× as wide as the green leaf margin; prostrate or low shrub with ascending branchlet tips (or occasionally a spreading shrub or small strict tree to 2-4 m tall; leaves 10-15 mm long, linear and spreading or curved upwards

White stomatal band 1-1.5× as wide as the green leaf margin; prostrate or low shrub with ascending branchlet tips (or occasionally a spreading shrub or small strict tree to 2-4 m tall; leaves 10-15 mm long, linear and spreading or curved upwards

Juniperus

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

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

Juniperus

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

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

Juniperus

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

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

Juniperus

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

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

Nymphaeaceae

Flowers hemispheric, 4-20 cm across; sepals 4, greenish, inconspicuous; petals spreading and ascending, white or yellow, showy; leaves of 1 type, floating; floating leaves having 25-40 % of their surface area with vasculature derived from the midrib; rhizome with circular leaf scars; [subfamily Nymphaeoideae]

Flowers hemispheric, 4-20 cm across; sepals 4, greenish, inconspicuous; petals spreading and ascending, white or yellow, showy; leaves of 1 type, floating; floating leaves having 25-40 % of their surface area with vasculature derived from the midrib; rhizome with circular leaf scars; [subfamily Nymphaeoideae]

Nymphaeaceae

Flowers hemispheric, 4-20 cm across; sepals 4, greenish, inconspicuous; petals spreading and ascending, white or yellow, showy; leaves of 1 type, floating; floating leaves having 25-40 % of their surface area with vasculature derived from the midrib; rhizome with circular leaf scars; [subfamily Nymphaeoideae]

Flowers hemispheric, 4-20 cm across; sepals 4, greenish, inconspicuous; petals spreading and ascending, white or yellow, showy; leaves of 1 type, floating; floating leaves having 25-40 % of their surface area with vasculature derived from the midrib; rhizome with circular leaf scars; [subfamily Nymphaeoideae]

Nymphaeaceae

Flowers hemispheric, 4-20 cm across; sepals 4, greenish, inconspicuous; petals spreading and ascending, white or yellow, showy; leaves of 1 type, floating; floating leaves having 25-40 % of their surface area with vasculature derived from the midrib; rhizome with circular leaf scars; [subfamily Nymphaeoideae]

Flowers hemispheric, 4-20 cm across; sepals 4, greenish, inconspicuous; petals spreading and ascending, white or yellow, showy; leaves of 1 type, floating; floating leaves having 25-40 % of their surface area with vasculature derived from the midrib; rhizome with circular leaf scars; [subfamily Nymphaeoideae]

Aristolochiaceae

Erect to ascending herb or twining, herbaceous vine; leaves 0.7-6.5 cm wide.

Erect to ascending herb or twining, herbaceous vine; leaves 0.7-6.5 cm wide.

Asarum

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

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

Asarum

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

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

Asarum

Calyx lobes 10-35 mm long, spreading to ascending from the base, acuminate to caudate, the tubular tips 4-20 mm long.

Calyx lobes 10-35 mm long, spreading to ascending from the base, acuminate to caudate, the tubular tips 4-20 mm long.

Asarum

Calyx lobes 10-35 mm long, spreading to ascending from the base, acuminate to caudate, the tubular tips 4-20 mm long.

Calyx lobes 10-35 mm long, spreading to ascending from the base, acuminate to caudate, the tubular tips 4-20 mm long.

Asarum

Calyx tube 10-20 mm long; calyx lobes long-caudate, 15-35 mm long, initially erect to ascending, spreading at full anthesis (but with tips curving forward), and ascending/erect after fertilization

Calyx tube 10-20 mm long; calyx lobes long-caudate, 15-35 mm long, initially erect to ascending, spreading at full anthesis (but with tips curving forward), and ascending/erect after fertilization

Asarum

Calyx tube 10-20 mm long; calyx lobes long-caudate, 15-35 mm long, initially erect to ascending, spreading at full anthesis (but with tips curving forward), and ascending/erect after fertilization

Calyx tube 10-20 mm long; calyx lobes long-caudate, 15-35 mm long, initially erect to ascending, spreading at full anthesis (but with tips curving forward), and ascending/erect after fertilization

Lauraceae

Leaf lower surface moderately to densely pubescent with ascending or appressed hairs (in some species these so appressed or small as to need 10× magnification to reliably detect); fruiting pedicel and cupule remaining tan or turning somewhat reddish; [collectively widespread in the Coastal Plain and rarely more inland provinces]

Leaf lower surface moderately to densely pubescent with ascending or appressed hairs (in some species these so appressed or small as to need 10× magnification to reliably detect); fruiting pedicel and cupule remaining tan or turning somewhat reddish; [collectively widespread in the Coastal Plain and rarely more inland provinces]

Lauraceae

Leaf lower surface moderately to densely pubescent with ascending or appressed hairs (in some species these so appressed or small as to need 10× magnification to reliably detect); fruiting pedicel and cupule remaining tan or turning somewhat reddish; [collectively widespread in the Coastal Plain and rarely more inland provinces]

Leaf lower surface moderately to densely pubescent with ascending or appressed hairs (in some species these so appressed or small as to need 10× magnification to reliably detect); fruiting pedicel and cupule remaining tan or turning somewhat reddish; [collectively widespread in the Coastal Plain and rarely more inland provinces]

Sagittaria

Leaves sagittate basally, emersed; stalks of the pistillate not notably stout, ascending in fruit; stamens 15 or more.

Leaves sagittate basally, emersed; stalks of the pistillate not notably stout, ascending in fruit; stamens 15 or more.

Sagittaria

Stalks of the pistillate flowers ascending or spreading in fruit, not notably stout; stamen filaments roughened with minute scales (except glabrous in S. engelmanniana, S. papillosa, and S. ambigua).

Stalks of the pistillate flowers ascending or spreading in fruit, not notably stout; stamen filaments roughened with minute scales (except glabrous in S. engelmanniana, S. papillosa, and S. ambigua).

Sagittaria

Phyllodia of emersed flowering plants elongate (1/2-1× as long as scape), slender, emersed or laxly ascending and submersed in water; phyllodia of stranded flowering plants elongate (1/3-1× as long as scape, but may be shorter), relatively stiff; [se. NC and southward]

Phyllodia of emersed flowering plants elongate (1/2-1× as long as scape), slender, emersed or laxly ascending and submersed in water; phyllodia of stranded flowering plants elongate (1/3-1× as long as scape, but may be shorter), relatively stiff; [se. NC and southward]

Najas

Leaf-teeth multicellular, evident at 10× magnification, 5-22 per side; leaves either ascending to spreading, or becoming recurved late in the season; seed-coat pitted.

Leaf-teeth multicellular, evident at 10× magnification, 5-22 per side; leaves either ascending to spreading, or becoming recurved late in the season; seed-coat pitted.

Najas

Leaves remaining ascending late in the season; seeds straight, 0.7-1.5 mm long × 0.3-0.5 mm wide; [section Americanae]

Leaves remaining ascending late in the season; seeds straight, 0.7-1.5 mm long × 0.3-0.5 mm wide; [section Americanae]

Najas

Leaf-teeth unicellular, not or barely evident at 10× magnification, 18-100 per side; leaves spreading to ascending; seed-coat smooth or pitted, the areoles (if present) longer than wide or about as long as wide; [section Americanae].

Leaf-teeth unicellular, not or barely evident at 10× magnification, 18-100 per side; leaves spreading to ascending; seed-coat smooth or pitted, the areoles (if present) longer than wide or about as long as wide; [section Americanae].

Trillium

Plants erect or ascending, with tall scapes holding bracts (leaves) well above ground, or sometimes bract tips barely touching the ground in early anthesis; floral fragrance various, foetid, pleasant, or mildly unpleasant

Plants erect or ascending, with tall scapes holding bracts (leaves) well above ground, or sometimes bract tips barely touching the ground in early anthesis; floral fragrance various, foetid, pleasant, or mildly unpleasant

Trillium

Leaves distinctly petiolate, borne in an ascending manner (strongly contrasting in position with the strongly deflexed sepals); petals usually ca. 2× as long as wide, attenuate to weakly clawed

Leaves distinctly petiolate, borne in an ascending manner (strongly contrasting in position with the strongly deflexed sepals); petals usually ca. 2× as long as wide, attenuate to weakly clawed

Trillium

Leaves distinctly petiolate, borne in an ascending manner (strongly contrasting in position with the strongly deflexed sepals); petals usually ca. 2× as long as wide, attenuate to weakly clawed

Leaves distinctly petiolate, borne in an ascending manner (strongly contrasting in position with the strongly deflexed sepals); petals usually ca. 2× as long as wide, attenuate to weakly clawed

Trillium

Sepals erect, ascending, or spreading, usually borne at or above the approximately horizontal plane of the leaves; filaments much shorter than the upright anthers.

Sepals erect, ascending, or spreading, usually borne at or above the approximately horizontal plane of the leaves; filaments much shorter than the upright anthers.

Trillium

Leaves ascending; sepals ca. 1.4× as long as the petals; [of sphagnum bogs in the s. SC sandhills]

Leaves ascending; sepals ca. 1.4× as long as the petals; [of sphagnum bogs in the s. SC sandhills]

Smilax

Stems and petioles tomentose, lacking prickles; leaves densely tomentose beneath; berries orangish-red, obpyriform, with an acutish beak; plant trailing or ascending, the stem rarely > 0.5 m long (with determinate growth); [Clade B4]

Stems and petioles tomentose, lacking prickles; leaves densely tomentose beneath; berries orangish-red, obpyriform, with an acutish beak; plant trailing or ascending, the stem rarely > 0.5 m long (with determinate growth); [Clade B4]

Smilax

Stems and petioles stellate-scurfy or glabrous, generally with prickles; leaves glabrous or papillate beneath; berries black, dark blue, dark red, or bright red, globose, subglobose, or ovoid, lacking a beak; plant climbing, ascending, or trailing, mature plants with stems generally well over 0.5 m long (with indeterminate growth).

Stems and petioles stellate-scurfy or glabrous, generally with prickles; leaves glabrous or papillate beneath; berries black, dark blue, dark red, or bright red, globose, subglobose, or ovoid, lacking a beak; plant climbing, ascending, or trailing, mature plants with stems generally well over 0.5 m long (with indeterminate growth).

Erythronium

Petals (inner tepals) with auricles near their bases (the auricles small lobes, < 1 mm long, bent inwards); capsule and ovary truncate, rounded, apiculate, or beaked at apex; mature capsules usually held well off ground, the apex oriented horizontally or ascending; stolons usually (1-) 2-5 per bulb; anthers usually yellow (rarely brown or lavender).

Petals (inner tepals) with auricles near their bases (the auricles small lobes, < 1 mm long, bent inwards); capsule and ovary truncate, rounded, apiculate, or beaked at apex; mature capsules usually held well off ground, the apex oriented horizontally or ascending; stolons usually (1-) 2-5 per bulb; anthers usually yellow (rarely brown or lavender).

Erythronium

Petals (inner tepals) with auricles near their bases (the auricles small lobes, < 1 mm long, bent inwards); capsule and ovary truncate, rounded, apiculate, or beaked at apex; mature capsules usually held well off ground, the apex oriented horizontally or ascending; stolons usually (1-) 2-5 per bulb; anthers usually yellow (rarely brown or lavender).

Petals (inner tepals) with auricles near their bases (the auricles small lobes, < 1 mm long, bent inwards); capsule and ovary truncate, rounded, apiculate, or beaked at apex; mature capsules usually held well off ground, the apex oriented horizontally or ascending; stolons usually (1-) 2-5 per bulb; anthers usually yellow (rarely brown or lavender).

Lilium

Leaves 2-16 cm long, ascending or more or less horizontal, but with the tips not downward-arching; leaf whorls 1-12; plants 0.6-2.0 (-2.5) m tall; inflorescences 1-4 (-12) flowered, tepals yellow to orange (to dusky red); [Coastal Plain].

Leaves 2-16 cm long, ascending or more or less horizontal, but with the tips not downward-arching; leaf whorls 1-12; plants 0.6-2.0 (-2.5) m tall; inflorescences 1-4 (-12) flowered, tepals yellow to orange (to dusky red); [Coastal Plain].

Orchidaceae

Sepals ascending or apically reflexed, not converging

Sepals ascending or apically reflexed, not converging

Orchidaceae

Sepals converging, not ascending or reflexed

Sepals converging, not ascending or reflexed

Triphora

Leaves reduced to sheathing bracts appressed to the stem or ascending along it; inflorescence a corymb of 3-10 (-15) erect flowers; perianth pale green or greenish-yellow (sometimes tinged with brown)

Leaves reduced to sheathing bracts appressed to the stem or ascending along it; inflorescence a corymb of 3-10 (-15) erect flowers; perianth pale green or greenish-yellow (sometimes tinged with brown)

Allium

Spathe bracts usually 5-nerved; ovary crests contorted, ascending; tepals reflexed; leaves 3-10 mm wide

Spathe bracts usually 5-nerved; ovary crests contorted, ascending; tepals reflexed; leaves 3-10 mm wide

Amaryllidaceae

Tepals ascending, overlapping, the perianth tubular; inflorescence either of a single flower or a several-flowered umbel terminating the stem; leaves either arranged distichously or spirally; leaf margins smooth

Tepals ascending, overlapping, the perianth tubular; inflorescence either of a single flower or a several-flowered umbel terminating the stem; leaves either arranged distichously or spirally; leaf margins smooth

Zephyranthes

Style and stigma as long as or shorter than the anthers; perianth segments erect-ascending at full anthesis, (4-) 4.3-8.5 (-10) cm long

Style and stigma as long as or shorter than the anthers; perianth segments erect-ascending at full anthesis, (4-) 4.3-8.5 (-10) cm long

Hymenocallis

Flowers 1 per inflorescence; tepals ascending, equal to or shorter than the perianth tube; [ne. FL south to s. FL]

Flowers 1 per inflorescence; tepals ascending, equal to or shorter than the perianth tube; [ne. FL south to s. FL]

Callisia

Leaves 15-30 cm long, 2.5-5 cm wide; stems ascending; [section Callisia, “C. fragrans Group”]

Leaves 15-30 cm long, 2.5-5 cm wide; stems ascending; [section Callisia, “C. fragrans Group”]

Cuthbertia

Leaves erect or ascending, the leaf blades 1-5 mm wide (narrower than the opened, flattened sheaths)

Leaves erect or ascending, the leaf blades 1-5 mm wide (narrower than the opened, flattened sheaths)

Tradescantia

Plant erect or ascending, not rooting at the nodes; leaves > 4 cm long, > 5× as long as wide; [native]; [subgenus Tradescantia].

Plant erect or ascending, not rooting at the nodes; leaves > 4 cm long, > 5× as long as wide; [native]; [subgenus Tradescantia].

Tradescantia

Plant erect or ascending, not rooting at the nodes; leaves > 4 cm long, > 5× as long as wide; [native]; [subgenus Tradescantia].

Plant erect or ascending, not rooting at the nodes; leaves > 4 cm long, > 5× as long as wide; [native]; [subgenus Tradescantia].

Canna

Flowers tubular at the base (the tube 1-4.5 cm long); petals reflexed (or ascending to erect in C. glauca).

Flowers tubular at the base (the tube 1-4.5 cm long); petals reflexed (or ascending to erect in C. glauca).

Xyris

Plants perennial; leaves ascending, green with a distinct brown patch at the base; fruiting spikes ovoid, blunt, somewhat 2-edged from the strongly keeled outer bracts

Plants perennial; leaves ascending, green with a distinct brown patch at the base; fruiting spikes ovoid, blunt, somewhat 2-edged from the strongly keeled outer bracts

Xyris

Leaves ascending, twisted, strongly grooved; spikes ovoid, the bracts and lateral sepals with a small tuft of short, reddish-brown hairs; bases of leaves abruptly expanded, pinkish or purplish (dark brown in age), the outermost leaves often scale-like, the plant base therefore appearing bulbous; [of the Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain]

Leaves ascending, twisted, strongly grooved; spikes ovoid, the bracts and lateral sepals with a small tuft of short, reddish-brown hairs; bases of leaves abruptly expanded, pinkish or purplish (dark brown in age), the outermost leaves often scale-like, the plant base therefore appearing bulbous; [of the Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain]

Xyris

Seeds farinose, very dark; surfaces of leaves tuberculate-scabrid, the leaves strongly ascending, linear, generally > 10 cm long; leaves generally dull-colored.

Seeds farinose, very dark; surfaces of leaves tuberculate-scabrid, the leaves strongly ascending, linear, generally > 10 cm long; leaves generally dull-colored.

Xyris

Leaves ascending to erect, 5-60 cm long, 2-5 (-15) mm wide; scapes at mid-length (0.5-) 1.0-1.5 (-2.0) mm wide; mature spikes 7-15 (-25) mm long; fertile bracts 5-7 mm long; leaf bases tan to brown; old flowers often persisting on spikes, drying blackish; seeds 0.4-0.5 mm long

Leaves ascending to erect, 5-60 cm long, 2-5 (-15) mm wide; scapes at mid-length (0.5-) 1.0-1.5 (-2.0) mm wide; mature spikes 7-15 (-25) mm long; fertile bracts 5-7 mm long; leaf bases tan to brown; old flowers often persisting on spikes, drying blackish; seeds 0.4-0.5 mm long

Lachnocaulon

Scape with ascending hairs

Scape with ascending hairs

Mayaca

Pedicels 1-5 (-10) mm long; plants erect to ascending, the leaves disposed spirally around the stem; corolla white or pink; capsules oblong-ellipsoid

Pedicels 1-5 (-10) mm long; plants erect to ascending, the leaves disposed spirally around the stem; corolla white or pink; capsules oblong-ellipsoid

Carex

Lowermost perigynia in each spike ascending or erect.

Lowermost perigynia in each spike ascending or erect.

Carex

Perigynia ascending, nerveless on the ventral surface; scales awned, the awns 1.5-4 mm long; lowest inflorescence bract elongate, the free portion 1-5 cm long

Perigynia ascending, nerveless on the ventral surface; scales awned, the awns 1.5-4 mm long; lowest inflorescence bract elongate, the free portion 1-5 cm long

Carex

Perigynia ascending, nerveless on the ventral surface; scales awned, the awns 1.5-4 mm long; lowest inflorescence bract elongate, the free portion 1-5 cm long

Perigynia ascending, nerveless on the ventral surface; scales awned, the awns 1.5-4 mm long; lowest inflorescence bract elongate, the free portion 1-5 cm long

Carex

Perigynia ascending to spreading, strongly and evenly veined on the adaxial face, finely granular-papillose; spikes (3-) 7-15, the uppermost usually densely aggregated

Perigynia ascending to spreading, strongly and evenly veined on the adaxial face, finely granular-papillose; spikes (3-) 7-15, the uppermost usually densely aggregated

Carex

Perigynia erect-ascending, often veinless on the adaxial face or with a few veins of unequal strength, smooth; spikes 3-7 (-11), the uppermost often more-or-less separated

Perigynia erect-ascending, often veinless on the adaxial face or with a few veins of unequal strength, smooth; spikes 3-7 (-11), the uppermost often more-or-less separated

Carex

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

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

Carex

Lower perigynia of each spike appressed-ascending to somewhat spreading (at a 30-75 degree angle); spikes subglobose to ovate-oblong; pistillate scales evident, 2.0-3.0 mm long.

Lower perigynia of each spike appressed-ascending to somewhat spreading (at a 30-75 degree angle); spikes subglobose to ovate-oblong; pistillate scales evident, 2.0-3.0 mm long.

Carex

Inflorescences straight and stiff, the lower spikes overlapping; perigynia usually > 40, appressed-ascending at a 30-40 degree angle to the spike axis; leaf sheaths firm at the summit.

Inflorescences straight and stiff, the lower spikes overlapping; perigynia usually > 40, appressed-ascending at a 30-40 degree angle to the spike axis; leaf sheaths firm at the summit.

Carex

Perigynium beak appressed-ascending, triangular; pistillate scales obtuse; styles straight

Perigynium beak appressed-ascending, triangular; pistillate scales obtuse; styles straight

Carex

Sheaths, at least some, papillose near the collar (at magnification of 30 ×), not prominently whitish-mottled; perigynium beak appressed or ascending in spikes, exceeding the pistillate scales by 0.0-0.8 mm; beak and shoulders of perigynia straw-colored to reddish-brown at maturity

Sheaths, at least some, papillose near the collar (at magnification of 30 ×), not prominently whitish-mottled; perigynium beak appressed or ascending in spikes, exceeding the pistillate scales by 0.0-0.8 mm; beak and shoulders of perigynia straw-colored to reddish-brown at maturity

Carex

Perigynium beak appressed-ascending, triangular; pistillate scales obtuse; styles straight.

Perigynium beak appressed-ascending, triangular; pistillate scales obtuse; styles straight.

Carex

Achenes of larger perigynia broadly oblong to nearly orbicular, 1.35-1.8 mm wide, 1-1.3 × as long as wide; perigynia (10-) 15-40 (-45) per spike, appressed-ascending at maturity, (2.1-) 2.5-3.4 (-3.5) mm wide.

Achenes of larger perigynia broadly oblong to nearly orbicular, 1.35-1.8 mm wide, 1-1.3 × as long as wide; perigynia (10-) 15-40 (-45) per spike, appressed-ascending at maturity, (2.1-) 2.5-3.4 (-3.5) mm wide.

Carex

Lowest spike erect or ascending.

Lowest spike erect or ascending.

Carex

Spikes loosely flowered; perigynium beaks straight; lowest spike on a short, erect or ascending, peduncle

Spikes loosely flowered; perigynium beaks straight; lowest spike on a short, erect or ascending, peduncle

Carex

Spikes loosely flowered; perigynium beaks straight; lowest spike on a short, erect or ascending, peduncle

Spikes loosely flowered; perigynium beaks straight; lowest spike on a short, erect or ascending, peduncle

Carex

Bract of lowest pistillate spike (excepting isolated spikes from long-sheathing bracts on the lower part of the stem) 0.5-2.5× as long as the inflorescence; staminate spikes 2-4 (-5), well elevated above the summit of the crowded pistillate spikes; perigynia spreading or ascending.

Bract of lowest pistillate spike (excepting isolated spikes from long-sheathing bracts on the lower part of the stem) 0.5-2.5× as long as the inflorescence; staminate spikes 2-4 (-5), well elevated above the summit of the crowded pistillate spikes; perigynia spreading or ascending.

Carex

Perigynia lanceoloid to ovoid, convex to the base, 1-12 (-20) per spike, ascending to spreading (the lowest sometimes slightly reflexed) and therefore forming an ovoid to obovoid spike.

Perigynia lanceoloid to ovoid, convex to the base, 1-12 (-20) per spike, ascending to spreading (the lowest sometimes slightly reflexed) and therefore forming an ovoid to obovoid spike.

Carex

Achenes as wide as long or longer, widest near the middle; perigynia ascending.

Achenes as wide as long or longer, widest near the middle; perigynia ascending.

Cladium

Plants 0.4-1 m tall, relatively delicate, from creeping rhizomes, forming loosely tufted colonies; leaves 1-3 dm long, 1-3 mm wide, flat to channeled (terete apically), margins only slightly scabrous; inflorescence 0.5-3 dm long, of 2-4 umbelliform cymes, the branches rigidly ascending and bearing simple glomerules of spikelets; achene base squarely truncate to slightly flaring; [of Coastal Plain acidic seepages and tidal freshwater to slightly brackish marshes, Mountain fens or bogs]

Plants 0.4-1 m tall, relatively delicate, from creeping rhizomes, forming loosely tufted colonies; leaves 1-3 dm long, 1-3 mm wide, flat to channeled (terete apically), margins only slightly scabrous; inflorescence 0.5-3 dm long, of 2-4 umbelliform cymes, the branches rigidly ascending and bearing simple glomerules of spikelets; achene base squarely truncate to slightly flaring; [of Coastal Plain acidic seepages and tidal freshwater to slightly brackish marshes, Mountain fens or bogs]

Fimbristylis

Plant an annual; leaves spreading or ascending, 1-4 mm wide; achenes with or without warts.

Plant an annual; leaves spreading or ascending, 1-4 mm wide; achenes with or without warts.

Fimbristylis

Achenes lacking warts or with warts scattered over the entire surface; primary rays of umbel spreading or ascending, the inflorescence generally longer than broad; leaves relatively soft

Achenes lacking warts or with warts scattered over the entire surface; primary rays of umbel spreading or ascending, the inflorescence generally longer than broad; leaves relatively soft

Fuirena

Perianth bristles no longer than the achene stipe (not nearly reaching halfway up the achene body), without barbs (sometimes very finely toothed, the teeth ascending); blades of the perianth scales with a blunt or short-apiculate apex

Perianth bristles no longer than the achene stipe (not nearly reaching halfway up the achene body), without barbs (sometimes very finely toothed, the teeth ascending); blades of the perianth scales with a blunt or short-apiculate apex

Rhynchospora

Clusters usually compact, branches ascending to spreading (sometimes widely so in R. vernalis); spikelets 1.5-3.0 mm long; achene suborbicular to elliptic, averaging 5-8 (-9) transverse ridges, most tubercle bases flat across the achene summit, not or only slightly decurrent, the tubercle surface usually dark, not waxy.

Clusters usually compact, branches ascending to spreading (sometimes widely so in R. vernalis); spikelets 1.5-3.0 mm long; achene suborbicular to elliptic, averaging 5-8 (-9) transverse ridges, most tubercle bases flat across the achene summit, not or only slightly decurrent, the tubercle surface usually dark, not waxy.

Rhynchospora

Primary branches of the inflorescence ascending.

Primary branches of the inflorescence ascending.

Scirpus

Perianth bristles (extended) shorter than, equal to, or slightly exceeding the achene; mature culms lax, the inflorescences lopping over to (or nearly to) the ground, with 2-3 lateral inflorescences in addition to the terminal one; rays of the inflorescence scabrous throughout their lengths, ascending to divergent, with axillary bulblets

Perianth bristles (extended) shorter than, equal to, or slightly exceeding the achene; mature culms lax, the inflorescences lopping over to (or nearly to) the ground, with 2-3 lateral inflorescences in addition to the terminal one; rays of the inflorescence scabrous throughout their lengths, ascending to divergent, with axillary bulblets

Scirpus

Perianth bristles (extended) exceeding the achene by 2-3×; mature culms rigid, nearly upright, with 0-2 lateral inflorescences in addition to the terminal one; rays of the inflorescence glabrous for most of their lengths (moderately scabrous toward outer end), ascending, lacking axillary bulblets

Perianth bristles (extended) exceeding the achene by 2-3×; mature culms rigid, nearly upright, with 0-2 lateral inflorescences in addition to the terminal one; rays of the inflorescence glabrous for most of their lengths (moderately scabrous toward outer end), ascending, lacking axillary bulblets

Poaceae

Inflorescence a narrow panicle with the branches strongly ascending to appressed; spikelets ellipsoid to obovoid; [of Coastal Plain pinelands]

Inflorescence a narrow panicle with the branches strongly ascending to appressed; spikelets ellipsoid to obovoid; [of Coastal Plain pinelands]

Poaceae

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

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

Agrostis

Leaves mostly 1-3 mm wide; inflorescence narrowly ovoid, the branches ascending at maturity, usually tan; plant without rhizomes, with or without stolons

Leaves mostly 1-3 mm wide; inflorescence narrowly ovoid, the branches ascending at maturity, usually tan; plant without rhizomes, with or without stolons

Aira

Panicle dense and spike-like, 0.5-4.1 cm long, 0.3-0.7 cm wide, the branches short and appressed to ascending

Panicle dense and spike-like, 0.5-4.1 cm long, 0.3-0.7 cm wide, the branches short and appressed to ascending

Aira

Panicle open, 1.2-13.5 cm long, 1.5-10 cm wide, the branches elongate, diffusely spreading or ascending.

Panicle open, 1.2-13.5 cm long, 1.5-10 cm wide, the branches elongate, diffusely spreading or ascending.

Anthenantia

Leaves weakly if at all geniculate and auriculate at junction of blade and sheath, ascending to erect (lacking a sharp bend outward at the summit of the sheath), medium green; blade (3-) 4-8 (-10) mm wide, the proximal margins glabrous or sometimes ascending pilose-ciliate; pigmentation of leaves, spikelets and their trichomes variously reddish or purplish; fertile lemma red-brown to nearly black, leaf tip with a very short taper to a blunt or rounded apex; lower sheaths crowded and keeled (therefore distichous)

Leaves weakly if at all geniculate and auriculate at junction of blade and sheath, ascending to erect (lacking a sharp bend outward at the summit of the sheath), medium green; blade (3-) 4-8 (-10) mm wide, the proximal margins glabrous or sometimes ascending pilose-ciliate; pigmentation of leaves, spikelets and their trichomes variously reddish or purplish; fertile lemma red-brown to nearly black, leaf tip with a very short taper to a blunt or rounded apex; lower sheaths crowded and keeled (therefore distichous)

Anthenantia

Leaves strongly geniculate and auriculate at junction of blade and sheath, spreading, usually squarrose (with a sharp bend outward at the summit of the sheath), yellowish green; blade 4-10 (-15) mm wide, the proximal margins ciliate at least basally with ascending strumose-hirsute cilia; pigment of leaves, spikelets and their trichomes usually with little or any red; fertile lemma brown; leaf tip with a long taper to a sharp apex; lower sheaths not crowded, keeled, or distichous

Leaves strongly geniculate and auriculate at junction of blade and sheath, spreading, usually squarrose (with a sharp bend outward at the summit of the sheath), yellowish green; blade 4-10 (-15) mm wide, the proximal margins ciliate at least basally with ascending strumose-hirsute cilia; pigment of leaves, spikelets and their trichomes usually with little or any red; fertile lemma brown; leaf tip with a long taper to a sharp apex; lower sheaths not crowded, keeled, or distichous

Aristida

Main lower branches of the panicle (or pedicels in racemose species) ascending to appressed and lacking pulvini.

Main lower branches of the panicle (or pedicels in racemose species) ascending to appressed and lacking pulvini.

Aristida

Basal internode of the culm 0.7-1.2 mm wide; most nodes of the inflorescence with 3 or more spikelets; central awn spreading to slightly deflexed, not spirally twisted basally, the lateral awns ascending to erect (best seen in fresh material); central awn 13-22 mm long, lateral awns 8-15 mm long, the ratio of the lateral:central awn length 0.55-0.69; lemma callus beard 0.2-0.6 mm long

Basal internode of the culm 0.7-1.2 mm wide; most nodes of the inflorescence with 3 or more spikelets; central awn spreading to slightly deflexed, not spirally twisted basally, the lateral awns ascending to erect (best seen in fresh material); central awn 13-22 mm long, lateral awns 8-15 mm long, the ratio of the lateral:central awn length 0.55-0.69; lemma callus beard 0.2-0.6 mm long

Bromus

Panicle compact, the lateral branches erect or ascending, the pedicels < 10 mm long (shorter than the spikelets)

Panicle compact, the lateral branches erect or ascending, the pedicels < 10 mm long (shorter than the spikelets)

Bromus

Panicle relatively open, the lateral branches erect, ascending, or spreading, the pedicels > 15 mm long (longer than the spikelets).

Panicle relatively open, the lateral branches erect, ascending, or spreading, the pedicels > 15 mm long (longer than the spikelets).

Bromus

Panicle branches erect or ascending, relatively stiff and straight

Panicle branches erect or ascending, relatively stiff and straight

Bromus

Pedicels erect or ascending, mostly shorter than the spikelet; leaves 2-3 mm wide; [introduced, of disturbed habitats]

Pedicels erect or ascending, mostly shorter than the spikelet; leaves 2-3 mm wide; [introduced, of disturbed habitats]

Bromus

Pedicels ascending at first, later arching-drooping, mostly longer than the spikelet; leaves 4-15 mm wide; [mostly native, mostly of forests].

Pedicels ascending at first, later arching-drooping, mostly longer than the spikelet; leaves 4-15 mm wide; [mostly native, mostly of forests].

Chasmanthium

Panicle branches short, erect or ascending; spikelets 5-18 mm long, with 2-8 (-11) flowers.

Panicle branches short, erect or ascending; spikelets 5-18 mm long, with 2-8 (-11) flowers.

Coleataenia

Rhizomes short and stout, usually < 4 cm long, > 4 mm wide and ascending; spikelets (2.5-) 2.7-3.9 mm long, acuminate, often falcate distally; first glume with 3-5 prominent nerves; leaves to 50 cm long and 18 mm wide

Rhizomes short and stout, usually < 4 cm long, > 4 mm wide and ascending; spikelets (2.5-) 2.7-3.9 mm long, acuminate, often falcate distally; first glume with 3-5 prominent nerves; leaves to 50 cm long and 18 mm wide

Coleataenia

Culms to 1 m long; mature panicle ½ to nearly as wide as long, the branches ascending to spreading; spikelets 1.6-2.2 mm long

Culms to 1 m long; mature panicle ½ to nearly as wide as long, the branches ascending to spreading; spikelets 1.6-2.2 mm long

Dichanthelium

Plants densely tufted, often cushion-forming; leaves basally disposed, the blades ascending or spreading-ascending, not forming a distinct rosette of basal leaves shorter than the culm leaves; autumnal culms branching basally or from the lower nodes

Plants densely tufted, often cushion-forming; leaves basally disposed, the blades ascending or spreading-ascending, not forming a distinct rosette of basal leaves shorter than the culm leaves; autumnal culms branching basally or from the lower nodes

Dichanthelium

Plants densely tufted, often cushion-forming; leaves basally disposed, the blades ascending or spreading-ascending, not forming a distinct rosette of basal leaves shorter than the culm leaves; autumnal culms branching basally or from the lower nodes

Plants densely tufted, often cushion-forming; leaves basally disposed, the blades ascending or spreading-ascending, not forming a distinct rosette of basal leaves shorter than the culm leaves; autumnal culms branching basally or from the lower nodes

Dichanthelium

Plants densely tufted, often cushion-forming; leaves basally disposed, the blades ascending or spreading-ascending, not forming a distinct rosette of basal leaves shorter than the culm leaves; autumnal culms branching basally or from the lower nodes

Plants densely tufted, often cushion-forming; leaves basally disposed, the blades ascending or spreading-ascending, not forming a distinct rosette of basal leaves shorter than the culm leaves; autumnal culms branching basally or from the lower nodes

Dichanthelium

Ligule 2.5-4 mm long; lower internodes pubescent with long ascending or spreading hairs; cauline blades 8-15 cm long, 10-25 mm wide; first glume 1.8-2.5 mm long

Ligule 2.5-4 mm long; lower internodes pubescent with long ascending or spreading hairs; cauline blades 8-15 cm long, 10-25 mm wide; first glume 1.8-2.5 mm long

Dichanthelium

Ligule 0.3-1.3 mm long; lower internodes glabrous or pubescent with ascending hairs; cauline blades 5-15 cm long, either 1-13 or 12-40 mm wide; first glume 1.2-2.2 mm long.

Ligule 0.3-1.3 mm long; lower internodes glabrous or pubescent with ascending hairs; cauline blades 5-15 cm long, either 1-13 or 12-40 mm wide; first glume 1.2-2.2 mm long.

Dichanthelium

Lowest elongate internode moderately to densely papillose-pubescent with spreading to ascending hairs; all culm sheaths shorter than internodes; blades narrowly lanceolate, about 15× as long as wide; blade bases narrowed; spikelets 3.5-4.5 mm long, beaked; first glume triangular to ovate; second glume exceeding fertile lemma by 0.2-0.5 mm

Lowest elongate internode moderately to densely papillose-pubescent with spreading to ascending hairs; all culm sheaths shorter than internodes; blades narrowly lanceolate, about 15× as long as wide; blade bases narrowed; spikelets 3.5-4.5 mm long, beaked; first glume triangular to ovate; second glume exceeding fertile lemma by 0.2-0.5 mm

Dichanthelium

Plants densely pubescent to glabrate, but lacking velvety pubescence; nodes with spreading to ascending pubescence (sometimes retrorse in D. villosissimum); internode pubescence ascending, appressed, or spreading; blades ciliate only at base (sometimes appearing ciliate laterally in D. ovale var. ovale); mature vernal panicles 4-10 cm long, nearly or equally as wide.

Plants densely pubescent to glabrate, but lacking velvety pubescence; nodes with spreading to ascending pubescence (sometimes retrorse in D. villosissimum); internode pubescence ascending, appressed, or spreading; blades ciliate only at base (sometimes appearing ciliate laterally in D. ovale var. ovale); mature vernal panicles 4-10 cm long, nearly or equally as wide.

Dichanthelium

Sheaths retrorsely pilose with hairs 2-3 mm long; basal leaves usually numerous, ascending, similar in size and shape to the culm leaves; culms branching only at the base in autumnal phase

Sheaths retrorsely pilose with hairs 2-3 mm long; basal leaves usually numerous, ascending, similar in size and shape to the culm leaves; culms branching only at the base in autumnal phase

Dichanthelium

Culm internodes, at least the lower, strigose, pilose, or villous; culm nodes bearded with ascending or spreading hairs; blade surfaces glabrous or variously hairy.

Culm internodes, at least the lower, strigose, pilose, or villous; culm nodes bearded with ascending or spreading hairs; blade surfaces glabrous or variously hairy.

Dichanthelium

Lower nodes bearded with erect-ascending, soft, and long hairs; mid-culm blades usually 20× or more as long as wide.

Lower nodes bearded with erect-ascending, soft, and long hairs; mid-culm blades usually 20× or more as long as wide.

Dichanthelium

Vegetative parts glabrous (spikelets pubescent, lowest internodes and sheaths sometimes sparsely pubescent, blades and sheaths sometimes ciliate); mature panicles less than ¼ as wide as long, the branches erect-ascending, the spikelets often subsecund; autumnal blades 4-10 cm long, involute, < 2 mm wide; spikelets 1.8-2.2 mm long.

Vegetative parts glabrous (spikelets pubescent, lowest internodes and sheaths sometimes sparsely pubescent, blades and sheaths sometimes ciliate); mature panicles less than ¼ as wide as long, the branches erect-ascending, the spikelets often subsecund; autumnal blades 4-10 cm long, involute, < 2 mm wide; spikelets 1.8-2.2 mm long.

Dichanthelium

Larger vernal blades 5-8 cm long and 3-5 mm wide; vernal panicles usually less than ¼ as wide as long, spikelets often subsecund along the strongly ascending to erect branches; spikelets 1.8-2.2 mm long, second glume and sterile lemma pubescent, summits blunt, about equaling fertile lemma; [of coastal wetlands and Piedmont prairies from NC and AR south to the Caribbean and Central America]

Larger vernal blades 5-8 cm long and 3-5 mm wide; vernal panicles usually less than ¼ as wide as long, spikelets often subsecund along the strongly ascending to erect branches; spikelets 1.8-2.2 mm long, second glume and sterile lemma pubescent, summits blunt, about equaling fertile lemma; [of coastal wetlands and Piedmont prairies from NC and AR south to the Caribbean and Central America]

Dichanthelium

Larger vernal blades 5-9 cm long and 2-3 mm wide; vernal panicles usually ¼ to ½ as wide as long, the branches ascending; spikelets 2.3-3.0 mm long, second glume and sterile lemma sparsely pubescent to glabrous, summits pointed to blunt, exceeding fertile lemma; [of c. and s. FL]

Larger vernal blades 5-9 cm long and 2-3 mm wide; vernal panicles usually ¼ to ½ as wide as long, the branches ascending; spikelets 2.3-3.0 mm long, second glume and sterile lemma sparsely pubescent to glabrous, summits pointed to blunt, exceeding fertile lemma; [of c. and s. FL]

Dichanthelium

Vegetative parts pubescent, at least in the lower portion of plant; mature panicles usually more than half as wide as long, the branches spreading-ascending, the spikelets not noticeably subsecund; autumnal blades 1-6 cm long, involute and < 2 mm wide in D. aciculare and D. arenicoloides, or to 9 cm long, flat and 2-4 mm wide in D. angustifolium (autumnal blade dimensions not yet known for D. wilcoxianum); spikelets 1.5-3.2 mm long.

Vegetative parts pubescent, at least in the lower portion of plant; mature panicles usually more than half as wide as long, the branches spreading-ascending, the spikelets not noticeably subsecund; autumnal blades 1-6 cm long, involute and < 2 mm wide in D. aciculare and D. arenicoloides, or to 9 cm long, flat and 2-4 mm wide in D. angustifolium (autumnal blade dimensions not yet known for D. wilcoxianum); spikelets 1.5-3.2 mm long.

Dichanthelium

Culm leaves basally crowded, ascending, usually matted or cushion-forming, larger than the mid and upper culm blades.

Culm leaves basally crowded, ascending, usually matted or cushion-forming, larger than the mid and upper culm blades.

Dichanthelium

Ligule (1-) 1.5-2 (-2.5) mm long; nodes bearded with spreading-ascending hairs; blades moderately hirsute; autumnal blades flat

Ligule (1-) 1.5-2 (-2.5) mm long; nodes bearded with spreading-ascending hairs; blades moderately hirsute; autumnal blades flat

Dichanthelium

Ligule (1.5-) 2-5 mm long; sheaths glabrous to variously pubescent; internodes glabrous or pubescent; nodes glabrous, or bearded with ascending, spreading, or tangled hairs; leaves 3-10 cm long, 3-10 mm wide; spikelets 0.8-1.9 mm long

Ligule (1.5-) 2-5 mm long; sheaths glabrous to variously pubescent; internodes glabrous or pubescent; nodes glabrous, or bearded with ascending, spreading, or tangled hairs; leaves 3-10 cm long, 3-10 mm wide; spikelets 0.8-1.9 mm long

Dichanthelium

Spikelets 0.9-1.2 mm long; longer blades 6-8 cm long, erect to erect-ascending

Spikelets 0.9-1.2 mm long; longer blades 6-8 cm long, erect to erect-ascending

Dichanthelium

Spikelets 1.2-1.9 mm long; longer blades 8-20 cm long, ascending or the uppermost erect.

Spikelets 1.2-1.9 mm long; longer blades 8-20 cm long, ascending or the uppermost erect.

Dichanthelium

Sheaths and internodes of vernal culms gray-villous with a dense, tangled, or matted mixture of slender hairs 2-4 mm long, variously ascending, spreading, and retrorse, papillose or non-papillose, often with shorter hairs beneath; leaf blades velvety-pubescent on abaxial surface, the margins ciliate (or appearing ciliate) for half or more their length.

Sheaths and internodes of vernal culms gray-villous with a dense, tangled, or matted mixture of slender hairs 2-4 mm long, variously ascending, spreading, and retrorse, papillose or non-papillose, often with shorter hairs beneath; leaf blades velvety-pubescent on abaxial surface, the margins ciliate (or appearing ciliate) for half or more their length.

Dichanthelium

Sheaths and internodes of vernal culms puberulent, pubescent or papillose-pilose to hispid with ascending straight hairs, but never grayish-villous; leaf blades glabrous to variously pilose abaxially, but not velvety-pubescent, the margins eciliate or ciliate only below the middle.

Sheaths and internodes of vernal culms puberulent, pubescent or papillose-pilose to hispid with ascending straight hairs, but never grayish-villous; leaf blades glabrous to variously pilose abaxially, but not velvety-pubescent, the margins eciliate or ciliate only below the middle.

Dichanthelium

Cauline leaves mostly basally disposed, strongly ascending, much larger than the 2-3 remote middle and upper cauline leaves of fertile culms; spikelets 2.4-2.9 mm long; culms branch from basal and lower nodes, but are not known to produce autumnal inflorescences; [Wet pine savannas and seepages; endemic to Gulf Coastal Plain]

Cauline leaves mostly basally disposed, strongly ascending, much larger than the 2-3 remote middle and upper cauline leaves of fertile culms; spikelets 2.4-2.9 mm long; culms branch from basal and lower nodes, but are not known to produce autumnal inflorescences; [Wet pine savannas and seepages; endemic to Gulf Coastal Plain]

Dichanthelium

Spikelets 0.9-1.5 mm long; vernal blades 1-4 mm wide; culms stiffer, erect to ascending.

Spikelets 0.9-1.5 mm long; vernal blades 1-4 mm wide; culms stiffer, erect to ascending.

Dichanthelium

Spikelets 1.4-1.8 mm long; first glume 0.3-0.8 mm long; fertile lemma 1.3-1.5 mm long; mature vernal panicles usually short-exserted with ascending branches; fresh foliage bluish-glaucous

Spikelets 1.4-1.8 mm long; first glume 0.3-0.8 mm long; fertile lemma 1.3-1.5 mm long; mature vernal panicles usually short-exserted with ascending branches; fresh foliage bluish-glaucous

Elymus

Spikes with 15-30 nodes; internodes 3-5 mm long; blades lax, or often ascending and involute, pale dull green; auricles 0-2 mm long, brownish at maturity; flowering usually in mid-Jun to late Jul.

Spikes with 15-30 nodes; internodes 3-5 mm long; blades lax, or often ascending and involute, pale dull green; auricles 0-2 mm long, brownish at maturity; flowering usually in mid-Jun to late Jul.

Elymus

Lemma awns 1-3 (-5) mm long; blades often ascending, somewhat involute, those higher on the stiffly erect culms broader and more persistent; flowering usually in early Jul to mid-Aug

Lemma awns 1-3 (-5) mm long; blades often ascending, somewhat involute, those higher on the stiffly erect culms broader and more persistent; flowering usually in early Jul to mid-Aug

Enteropogon

Panicle branches 6-11 cm long, erect or ascending; spikelets with 5-6 florets, the upper 4-5 sterile; plant stoloniferous

Panicle branches 6-11 cm long, erect or ascending; spikelets with 5-6 florets, the upper 4-5 sterile; plant stoloniferous

Eragrostis

Spikelets (4-) 5-10 (-11) mm long, 5-11 (-15)-flowered; pedicels ascending, somewhat appressed along the branches.

Spikelets (4-) 5-10 (-11) mm long, 5-11 (-15)-flowered; pedicels ascending, somewhat appressed along the branches.

Erianthus

Callus hairs (ring of hairs beneath the spikelet) present, dense, 3-6.5 mm long (from about half as long to about as long as the spikelet); panicle branches ascending, the panicle usually 4-10 cm broad; panicle branches pubescent.

Callus hairs (ring of hairs beneath the spikelet) present, dense, 3-6.5 mm long (from about half as long to about as long as the spikelet); panicle branches ascending, the panicle usually 4-10 cm broad; panicle branches pubescent.

Eriochloa

Lemma of fertile floret with an awn > 0.2 mm long; second glume awned; panicle compact, the raceme-like lateral branches close together and ascending-appressed, of irregular lengths; spikelets 8-16 on a typical, primary branch

Lemma of fertile floret with an awn > 0.2 mm long; second glume awned; panicle compact, the raceme-like lateral branches close together and ascending-appressed, of irregular lengths; spikelets 8-16 on a typical, primary branch

Eriochloa

Lemma of fertile floret with an awn > 0.2 mm long; second glume awned; panicle compact, the raceme-like lateral branches close together and ascending-appressed, of irregular lengths; spikelets 8-16 on a typical, primary branch

Lemma of fertile floret with an awn > 0.2 mm long; second glume awned; panicle compact, the raceme-like lateral branches close together and ascending-appressed, of irregular lengths; spikelets 8-16 on a typical, primary branch

Glyceria

Inflorescence compact (at maturity), the branches stiffly ascending to appressed, the tips never nodding; ligule < 1 mm long.

Inflorescence compact (at maturity), the branches stiffly ascending to appressed, the tips never nodding; ligule < 1 mm long.

Glyceria

Inflorescence branches short, stiffly ascending; lower internodes of the inflorescence 0.8-2.0 (-2.5) cm long; spikelets with 4-7 flowers, 4-8 mm long; lemma 3.0-3.7 mm long; leaves 3-10 mm wide; [Coastal Plain, rarely disjunct inland to the Mountains of VA]

Inflorescence branches short, stiffly ascending; lower internodes of the inflorescence 0.8-2.0 (-2.5) cm long; spikelets with 4-7 flowers, 4-8 mm long; lemma 3.0-3.7 mm long; leaves 3-10 mm wide; [Coastal Plain, rarely disjunct inland to the Mountains of VA]

Glyceria

Inflorescence lax and diffuse (at maturity), the branches spreading to somewhat ascending, the tips often nodding or drooping; ligule 1-6 mm long.

Inflorescence lax and diffuse (at maturity), the branches spreading to somewhat ascending, the tips often nodding or drooping; ligule 1-6 mm long.

Panicum

Sheaths glabrous to sparsely pilose, the hairs not papillose-based; ligule 1-2 mm long; mature plant usually spreading to ascending, 5-10 (20) dm long; spikelets 2.3-3.8 mm long

Sheaths glabrous to sparsely pilose, the hairs not papillose-based; ligule 1-2 mm long; mature plant usually spreading to ascending, 5-10 (20) dm long; spikelets 2.3-3.8 mm long

Panicum

Spikelets 1.8-3.6 mm long; panicle branches ascending-spreading at maturity.

Spikelets 1.8-3.6 mm long; panicle branches ascending-spreading at maturity.

Panicum

Herbage usually purple-tinged (-yellowish-green); internodes glabrous to sparsely hispid; blades 2-6 mm wide, ascending; pulvini glabrous to sparsely pilose; spikelets 1.8-2.2 mm long, twice or more as long as wide; mature fertile lemma blackish (rarely stramineous); [plants of granite outcrops of NC, SC, and GA]

Herbage usually purple-tinged (-yellowish-green); internodes glabrous to sparsely hispid; blades 2-6 mm wide, ascending; pulvini glabrous to sparsely pilose; spikelets 1.8-2.2 mm long, twice or more as long as wide; mature fertile lemma blackish (rarely stramineous); [plants of granite outcrops of NC, SC, and GA]

Panicum

Herbage yellow-green to green or purple-tinged; internodes glabrate to densely hispid; blades 2-12 mm wide, spreading to ascending; pulvini glabrous to pilose; spikelets 1.4-2.4 mm long, < 2 to 2 × as long as wide; mature fertile lemma stramineous to blackish; [plants of a variety of open or wooded, dry or wet, and often disturbed sites].

Herbage yellow-green to green or purple-tinged; internodes glabrate to densely hispid; blades 2-12 mm wide, spreading to ascending; pulvini glabrous to pilose; spikelets 1.4-2.4 mm long, < 2 to 2 × as long as wide; mature fertile lemma stramineous to blackish; [plants of a variety of open or wooded, dry or wet, and often disturbed sites].

Panicum

Panicle with divergent to spreading-ascending branches; upper sheaths shorter than internodes; spikelets 2.8-5 mm long; fertile lemma 2-2.6 mm long.

Panicle with divergent to spreading-ascending branches; upper sheaths shorter than internodes; spikelets 2.8-5 mm long; fertile lemma 2-2.6 mm long.

Paspalum

Blades 2-5 mm wide; branches ascending to erect; branch axes 1.2-1.5 mm wide; spikelets 2.8-3 mm long, 1.5-1.6 mm wide

Blades 2-5 mm wide; branches ascending to erect; branch axes 1.2-1.5 mm wide; spikelets 2.8-3 mm long, 1.5-1.6 mm wide

Paspalum

Blades 4-18 mm wide; branches ascending to spreading; branch axes 1.1-2.3 mm wide; spikelets 2.8-3.6 mm long, 1.5-2 mm wide.

Blades 4-18 mm wide; branches ascending to spreading; branch axes 1.1-2.3 mm wide; spikelets 2.8-3.6 mm long, 1.5-2 mm wide.

Paspalum

Blades 2.2-8.3 mm wide, folded to flat; panicle branches 2-10, ascending to spreading, 0.8-10.3 cm long; spikelets 2.1-3.1 mm long, 2-2.8 mm wide.

Blades 2.2-8.3 mm wide, folded to flat; panicle branches 2-10, ascending to spreading, 0.8-10.3 cm long; spikelets 2.1-3.1 mm long, 2-2.8 mm wide.

Phalaris

Perennial, with scaly rhizomes; inflorescence either obviously paniculate, 7-25 cm long, with ascending to appressed branches, the main branches of the inflorescence apparent, the inflorescence outline thus appearing lobed, or densely spikelike, 1.5-15 cm long.

Perennial, with scaly rhizomes; inflorescence either obviously paniculate, 7-25 cm long, with ascending to appressed branches, the main branches of the inflorescence apparent, the inflorescence outline thus appearing lobed, or densely spikelike, 1.5-15 cm long.

Poa

Annual; culms decumbent to ascending and 1-3 dm long; inflorescence 2-8 cm long, the ascending branches bearing crowded spikelets above the middle; lemmas 2.4-3.4 mm long; [section Micrantherae]

Annual; culms decumbent to ascending and 1-3 dm long; inflorescence 2-8 cm long, the ascending branches bearing crowded spikelets above the middle; lemmas 2.4-3.4 mm long; [section Micrantherae]

Puccinellia

Inflorescence compact, the lower branches bearing spikelets nearly to the base; lower inflorescence branches ascending at maturity; lemma 2.0-2.5 mm long, the midnerve reaching the apex, and often excurrent as a mucro

Inflorescence compact, the lower branches bearing spikelets nearly to the base; lower inflorescence branches ascending at maturity; lemma 2.0-2.5 mm long, the midnerve reaching the apex, and often excurrent as a mucro

Schizachyrium

Sessile spikelets 4-10 mm long, 0.6-1.2 mm wide; pedicellate spikelets 0.7-10 mm long; leaf blades 7-100 cm long, basally disposed, strongly ascending.

Sessile spikelets 4-10 mm long, 0.6-1.2 mm wide; pedicellate spikelets 0.7-10 mm long; leaf blades 7-100 cm long, basally disposed, strongly ascending.

Sorghastrum

Axis of the panicle straight, erect, the branchlets appressed to ascending, the spikelets drooping-secund; spikelets 0.8-1.2 mm wide

Axis of the panicle straight, erect, the branchlets appressed to ascending, the spikelets drooping-secund; spikelets 0.8-1.2 mm wide

Sorghastrum

Axis of the panicle straight, erect, the branchlets appressed to ascending, the spikelets drooping-secund; spikelets 0.8-1.2 mm wide

Axis of the panicle straight, erect, the branchlets appressed to ascending, the spikelets drooping-secund; spikelets 0.8-1.2 mm wide

Sorghastrum

Axis of the panicle arching, usually strongly so, the branchlets ascending to spreading, the spikelets not drooping-secund; spikelets 1.1-1.8 mm wide.

Axis of the panicle arching, usually strongly so, the branchlets ascending to spreading, the spikelets not drooping-secund; spikelets 1.1-1.8 mm wide.

Sporobolus

Inflorescence an open panicle, > 2 cm broad, the branches ascending to spreading.

Inflorescence an open panicle, > 2 cm broad, the branches ascending to spreading.

Sporobolus

Flag blades ascending to appressed; sheath apices glabrous or with few and scattered hairs.

Flag blades ascending to appressed; sheath apices glabrous or with few and scattered hairs.

Sporobolus

First glume averaging 0.95-1.1× as long as the second glume (though variable, ranging from 0.8-1.3×); pedicels mostly 1-3 mm long (a few sometimes as long as 10 mm long), strongly appressed to the panicle branches; culms (including the inflorescence) 3-7 dm tall; inflorescence branches stiffly ascending; leaves 0.5-1.5 mm wide (or to 2.0 mm wide when unburned), mostly 1.5-4 dm long (rarely to 5 dm long), smooth on the margins; [of e. SC southward and westward to s. AL]

First glume averaging 0.95-1.1× as long as the second glume (though variable, ranging from 0.8-1.3×); pedicels mostly 1-3 mm long (a few sometimes as long as 10 mm long), strongly appressed to the panicle branches; culms (including the inflorescence) 3-7 dm tall; inflorescence branches stiffly ascending; leaves 0.5-1.5 mm wide (or to 2.0 mm wide when unburned), mostly 1.5-4 dm long (rarely to 5 dm long), smooth on the margins; [of e. SC southward and westward to s. AL]

Sporobolus

First glume averaging 0.5-0.9× as long as the second glume (though variable, ranging from 0.5-0.95×); pedicels mostly 4-15 mm long, ascending to spreading; culms (including the inflorescence) (3-) 7-16 (-22) dm tall; inflorescence branches initially ascending, later loosely ascending to spreading; leaves 1.2-10 mm wide, mostly (3-) 4-8 dm long, upwardly scabridulous on at least the lower leaf margins; [e. NC southward and westward to se. OK and e. TX].

First glume averaging 0.5-0.9× as long as the second glume (though variable, ranging from 0.5-0.95×); pedicels mostly 4-15 mm long, ascending to spreading; culms (including the inflorescence) (3-) 7-16 (-22) dm tall; inflorescence branches initially ascending, later loosely ascending to spreading; leaves 1.2-10 mm wide, mostly (3-) 4-8 dm long, upwardly scabridulous on at least the lower leaf margins; [e. NC southward and westward to se. OK and e. TX].

Sporobolus

Leaves 1.2-3.0 (-4.0) mm wide, yellowish-green to dark green, mostly strictly ascending; first glume averaging (0.5-) 0.6-0.8× as long as the second glume.

Leaves 1.2-3.0 (-4.0) mm wide, yellowish-green to dark green, mostly strictly ascending; first glume averaging (0.5-) 0.6-0.8× as long as the second glume.

Sporobolus

Inflorescence a contracted, (superficially) spike-like panicle, < 6 cm broad, the branches appressed to strongly ascending.

Inflorescence a contracted, (superficially) spike-like panicle, < 6 cm broad, the branches appressed to strongly ascending.

Sporobolus

Panicle branches strongly ascending, 2-8 cm long in the middle of the inflorescence; second glume truncate or broadly obtuse, < ½ as long as the spikelet.

Panicle branches strongly ascending, 2-8 cm long in the middle of the inflorescence; second glume truncate or broadly obtuse, < ½ as long as the spikelet.

Tridens

Panicle dense and spike-like, > 4× as long as wide, the branches ascending to appressed.

Panicle dense and spike-like, > 4× as long as wide, the branches ascending to appressed.

Tridens

Panicle open and spreading, < 4× as long as wide, the branches well-developed and spreading-ascending to reflexed.

Panicle open and spreading, < 4× as long as wide, the branches well-developed and spreading-ascending to reflexed.

Tridens

Primary pulvini glabrous to sparsely pubescent, tufted only in the axil (the upper surface of the panicle branch); secondary pulvini glabrous; spikelets on pedicels mostly < 3 mm long, these mainly appressed to the inflorescence branchlets; main branches of the inflorescence spreading, ascending or drooping

Primary pulvini glabrous to sparsely pubescent, tufted only in the axil (the upper surface of the panicle branch); secondary pulvini glabrous; spikelets on pedicels mostly < 3 mm long, these mainly appressed to the inflorescence branchlets; main branches of the inflorescence spreading, ascending or drooping

Zizania

Lower pistillate branches with 9-30 spikelets; pistillate portion of the inflorescence 10-40 (or more) cm wide, the branches ascending to widely divergent; leaves 10-40+ mm wide

Lower pistillate branches with 9-30 spikelets; pistillate portion of the inflorescence 10-40 (or more) cm wide, the branches ascending to widely divergent; leaves 10-40+ mm wide

Zizania

Lower pistillate branches with 2-8 spikelets; pistillate portion of the inflorescence 1-8 (-15) cm wide, the branches appressed or ascending; leaves 3-21 mm wide

Lower pistillate branches with 2-8 spikelets; pistillate portion of the inflorescence 1-8 (-15) cm wide, the branches appressed or ascending; leaves 3-21 mm wide

Zoysia

Pedicels 1.6-3.5 mm long; spikelets ovate, 1.1.4 mm wide; culm internodes 2-10 mm long; blades ascending

Pedicels 1.6-3.5 mm long; spikelets ovate, 1.1.4 mm wide; culm internodes 2-10 mm long; blades ascending

Fumariaceae

Flowers yellow or entirely pink-purple or white; annual (biennial in C. incisa, perennial in Pseudofumaria lutea); stem erect, decumbent, or prostrate, 1-3 (-4) dm tall; capsules erect, ascending, divergent, or pendent, 10-20 (-25) mm long.

Flowers yellow or entirely pink-purple or white; annual (biennial in C. incisa, perennial in Pseudofumaria lutea); stem erect, decumbent, or prostrate, 1-3 (-4) dm tall; capsules erect, ascending, divergent, or pendent, 10-20 (-25) mm long.

Fumaria

Corolla 4-8 (-9) mm long, white to pink or purple; fruiting pedicels ascending; fruit rugose or verrucose when dry.

Corolla 4-8 (-9) mm long, white to pink or purple; fruiting pedicels ascending; fruit rugose or verrucose when dry.

Ranunculaceae

Upper sepal hooded or helmet-shaped; petals hidden by the sepals; perianth blue or creamy white; stems weak, clambering, reclining, vining, or ascending in a curve

Upper sepal hooded or helmet-shaped; petals hidden by the sepals; perianth blue or creamy white; stems weak, clambering, reclining, vining, or ascending in a curve

Clematis

Sepal backs finely puberulent; pubescence on the summit of the achene and the base of the style closely appressed-ascending; mature styles tawny to deep reddish-brown, loosely spreading-recurved

Sepal backs finely puberulent; pubescence on the summit of the achene and the base of the style closely appressed-ascending; mature styles tawny to deep reddish-brown, loosely spreading-recurved

Clematis

Leaves (most of them) compound, petiolate; plant a trailing or climbing vine or shrubby, to many meters long (or erect or ascending in C. addisonii and C. socialis).

Leaves (most of them) compound, petiolate; plant a trailing or climbing vine or shrubby, to many meters long (or erect or ascending in C. addisonii and C. socialis).

Clematis

Plant an erect or ascending herb; lower leaves simple, upper leaves simple to 2-6-foliolate; [of dry limestone glades, endemic to wc. VA]

Plant an erect or ascending herb; lower leaves simple, upper leaves simple to 2-6-foliolate; [of dry limestone glades, endemic to wc. VA]

Clematis

Leaf blade coarsely reticulate-veined, the ultimate closed areoles often > 2 mm long in the longer dimension, the tertiary and quaternary veins not prominently raised; achene beak sparsely pubescent to silky, with ascending or appressed hairs

Leaf blade coarsely reticulate-veined, the ultimate closed areoles often > 2 mm long in the longer dimension, the tertiary and quaternary veins not prominently raised; achene beak sparsely pubescent to silky, with ascending or appressed hairs

Ribes

Stems lacking internodal bristles and nodal spines; racemes ascending to erect; fruit dark red when mature

Stems lacking internodal bristles and nodal spines; racemes ascending to erect; fruit dark red when mature

Ribes

Pedicels stipitate-glandular; petals reddish purple; anther sacs almost adjacent, the connective much narrower than the sacs; declining or ascending shrub; [native]

Pedicels stipitate-glandular; petals reddish purple; anther sacs almost adjacent, the connective much narrower than the sacs; declining or ascending shrub; [native]

Sedum

Leaves 3 (-4) per whorl; flowering shoots pendulous, creeping, or ascending.

Leaves 3 (-4) per whorl; flowering shoots pendulous, creeping, or ascending.

Sedum

Flowering shoots pendulous or ascending; leaves linear-lanceolate

Flowering shoots pendulous or ascending; leaves linear-lanceolate

Sedum

Flowering shoots creeping or ascending; leaves oblanceolate to elliptic

Flowering shoots creeping or ascending; leaves oblanceolate to elliptic

Fabaceae

Petiole with 1-several glands; stems ascending to erect; flowers greenish-white

Petiole with 1-several glands; stems ascending to erect; flowers greenish-white

Fabaceae

Main stems erect or ascending, not trailing, twining, or otherwise vine-like.

Main stems erect or ascending, not trailing, twining, or otherwise vine-like.

Chamaecrista

Perennial from a horizontal woody root or crown; stems usually clustered, and variously prostrate, decumbent, ascending, or erect; peduncles axillary, or supra-axillary by adnation 0-10 (-15) mm above the node.

Perennial from a horizontal woody root or crown; stems usually clustered, and variously prostrate, decumbent, ascending, or erect; peduncles axillary, or supra-axillary by adnation 0-10 (-15) mm above the node.

Chamaecrista

Annual from a taproot; stems solitary (rarely several), ascending to erect; peduncles adnate to the stem 1-26 mm above the node (appearing to diverge from the stem in the internode); [series Chamaecrista].

Annual from a taproot; stems solitary (rarely several), ascending to erect; peduncles adnate to the stem 1-26 mm above the node (appearing to diverge from the stem in the internode); [series Chamaecrista].

Guilandina

Stipules absent; seeds yellow; bracts in the inflorescence subulate, ascending to spreading

Stipules absent; seeds yellow; bracts in the inflorescence subulate, ascending to spreading

Thermopsis

Legumes erect or strongly ascending, densely villous; stipules clasping, those of the principal leaves (20-) 35-65 mm long, 10-30 mm wide; pedicels 2-3 mm long; plants mostly 6-20 dm tall, strict or few-branched

Legumes erect or strongly ascending, densely villous; stipules clasping, those of the principal leaves (20-) 35-65 mm long, 10-30 mm wide; pedicels 2-3 mm long; plants mostly 6-20 dm tall, strict or few-branched

Thermopsis

Legumes spreading to ascending, glabrate or pubescent; stipules not clasping, those of the principal leaves 12-25 (-32) mm long, 1-5 mm wide; pedicels 4-20 mm long; plants mostly 3-10 dm tall, branched.

Legumes spreading to ascending, glabrate or pubescent; stipules not clasping, those of the principal leaves 12-25 (-32) mm long, 1-5 mm wide; pedicels 4-20 mm long; plants mostly 3-10 dm tall, branched.

Baptisia

Leaflets 4-6 (-9) cm long, mostly > 12 mm wide; leaflets not oriented in a vertical plane; fertile stems usually 1-1.5 m tall, the leafy branches ascending; racemes 2-4 (-5) dm long, rather sparsely flowered; petioles 5-20 (-40) mm long; legumes 3.5-4 cm long, 1.0-1.5 cm in diameter; [of flood-scoured riverside cobblebars and rock outcrops, also frequently cultivated and sometimes persistent or escaped]

Leaflets 4-6 (-9) cm long, mostly > 12 mm wide; leaflets not oriented in a vertical plane; fertile stems usually 1-1.5 m tall, the leafy branches ascending; racemes 2-4 (-5) dm long, rather sparsely flowered; petioles 5-20 (-40) mm long; legumes 3.5-4 cm long, 1.0-1.5 cm in diameter; [of flood-scoured riverside cobblebars and rock outcrops, also frequently cultivated and sometimes persistent or escaped]

Crotalaria

Leaves trifoliolate; either a decumbent or ascending perennial herb to 1 m tall, or an erect annual herb, typically 1-2 m tall.

Leaves trifoliolate; either a decumbent or ascending perennial herb to 1 m tall, or an erect annual herb, typically 1-2 m tall.

Crotalaria

Leaflets glabrous above; leaflets of the upper portion of the plant usually (5-) 10 (-15)× as long as wide; plant erect or ascending

Leaflets glabrous above; leaflets of the upper portion of the plant usually (5-) 10 (-15)× as long as wide; plant erect or ascending

Crotalaria

Leaflets pubescent above with strigose hairs (the hairs sometimes sparse - check with hand lens); leaflets of the upper portion of the plant usually (1-) 2-10× as long as wide; plant erect, decumbent, or low-ascending.

Leaflets pubescent above with strigose hairs (the hairs sometimes sparse - check with hand lens); leaflets of the upper portion of the plant usually (1-) 2-10× as long as wide; plant erect, decumbent, or low-ascending.

Aeschynomene

Erect or ascending annual; leaves with 21-51 or more leaflets; stipules peltate or medifixed; loment articles separated by only a joint; calyx bilabiate; [of moist to wet habitats].

Erect or ascending annual; leaves with 21-51 or more leaflets; stipules peltate or medifixed; loment articles separated by only a joint; calyx bilabiate; [of moist to wet habitats].

Indigofera

Leaflets borne alternately or irregularly on the rachis; prostrate or ascending herbs.

Leaflets borne alternately or irregularly on the rachis; prostrate or ascending herbs.

Indigofera

Leaflets borne alternately or irregularly on the rachis; prostrate or ascending herbs.

Leaflets borne alternately or irregularly on the rachis; prostrate or ascending herbs.

Indigofera

Leaflets borne opposite on the rachis; mat-forming or ascending herbs, upright, bushy-branched herbs, or shrubs.

Leaflets borne opposite on the rachis; mat-forming or ascending herbs, upright, bushy-branched herbs, or shrubs.

Wisteria

Standard 20-23.5 mm long, 21-23 mm wide; leaflets (7-) 9-11 (-13) per leaf; raceme to 33 cm long, with 25-95 flowers opening nearly simultaneously; vine twining clockwise (dextrorse; from lower left ascending to upper right)

Standard 20-23.5 mm long, 21-23 mm wide; leaflets (7-) 9-11 (-13) per leaf; raceme to 33 cm long, with 25-95 flowers opening nearly simultaneously; vine twining clockwise (dextrorse; from lower left ascending to upper right)

Wisteria

Standard 16-18 mm long, 16-18 mm wide; leaflets 7-17 (-19) per leaf; raceme to 132 cm long, with 25-170 flowers opening nearly simultaneously or sequentially; vine twining counter-clockwise (sinistrorse; from lower right ascending to upper left).

Standard 16-18 mm long, 16-18 mm wide; leaflets 7-17 (-19) per leaf; raceme to 132 cm long, with 25-170 flowers opening nearly simultaneously or sequentially; vine twining counter-clockwise (sinistrorse; from lower right ascending to upper left).

Tephrosia

Leaflets (2.5-) 4-8× as long as wide, the broader with reticulate venation interconnecting the ascending secondary veins.

Leaflets (2.5-) 4-8× as long as wide, the broader with reticulate venation interconnecting the ascending secondary veins.

Tephrosia

Corolla unicolored, initially white or pink, darkening in age to a dark maroon or purple; racemes opposite the leaves (the uppermost appearing terminal); stems decumbent or ascending; stamens diadelphous or submonadelphous (see below); leaves with (3-) 5-23 (-27) leaflets.

Corolla unicolored, initially white or pink, darkening in age to a dark maroon or purple; racemes opposite the leaves (the uppermost appearing terminal); stems decumbent or ascending; stamens diadelphous or submonadelphous (see below); leaves with (3-) 5-23 (-27) leaflets.

Clitoria

Leaflets 3.0-4.5× as long as wide, obtuse at the tip; calyx tube of chasmogamous flowers 7-10 mm long, usually purplish; legume on a stipe 15-20 mm long, well exserted from the calyx; erect or ascending herb, 2-6 dm tall; [peninsular FL]

Leaflets 3.0-4.5× as long as wide, obtuse at the tip; calyx tube of chasmogamous flowers 7-10 mm long, usually purplish; legume on a stipe 15-20 mm long, well exserted from the calyx; erect or ascending herb, 2-6 dm tall; [peninsular FL]

Clitoria

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

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

Centrosema

Leaflets 3.0-4.5× as long as wide, obtuse at the tip; calyx tube of chasmogamous flowers 7-10 mm long, usually purplish; legume on a stipe 15-20 mm long, well exserted from the calyx; erect or ascending herb, 2-6 dm tall; [peninsular FL]

Leaflets 3.0-4.5× as long as wide, obtuse at the tip; calyx tube of chasmogamous flowers 7-10 mm long, usually purplish; legume on a stipe 15-20 mm long, well exserted from the calyx; erect or ascending herb, 2-6 dm tall; [peninsular FL]

Centrosema

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

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

Rhynchosia

Plants erect or ascending, usually with fewer than 6 leaves; stipels present

Plants erect or ascending, usually with fewer than 6 leaves; stipels present

Rhynchosia

Terminal leaflet suborbicular, 1.0-1.3× as long as wide; plants ascending to erect (or more usually twining [keyed elsewhere])

Terminal leaflet suborbicular, 1.0-1.3× as long as wide; plants ascending to erect (or more usually twining [keyed elsewhere])

Lespedeza

Plants trailing at maturity (young stems erect to arching-ascending up to 2 dm tall, then lopping over); stems slender, wiry; corolla pink to purple; [subgenus Lespedeza; clade E].

Plants trailing at maturity (young stems erect to arching-ascending up to 2 dm tall, then lopping over); stems slender, wiry; corolla pink to purple; [subgenus Lespedeza; clade E].

Lespedeza

Plant trailing, typically mat-forming (after initial ascending growth); calyx of legumes produced from cleistogamous flowers 1/4-1/3 as long as the pod (cleistogamous flowers are clustered and sessile in leaf axils, in contrast to the chasmogamous flowers borne in groups on long, axillary, ascending peduncles); stems usually lacking axillary leaves; keel subequal to the wings, or shorter; stipules 2-4 (-5) mm long

Plant trailing, typically mat-forming (after initial ascending growth); calyx of legumes produced from cleistogamous flowers 1/4-1/3 as long as the pod (cleistogamous flowers are clustered and sessile in leaf axils, in contrast to the chasmogamous flowers borne in groups on long, axillary, ascending peduncles); stems usually lacking axillary leaves; keel subequal to the wings, or shorter; stipules 2-4 (-5) mm long

Lespedeza

Plant ascending (keyed here for rare sprawling individuals); calyx of legumes produced from cleistogamous flowers ca. 1/5 as long as the pod; stems often with axillary leaves distinctly smaller than the primary leaves; keel usually longer than the wings; stipules 3-5 (-6) mm long

Plant ascending (keyed here for rare sprawling individuals); calyx of legumes produced from cleistogamous flowers ca. 1/5 as long as the pod; stems often with axillary leaves distinctly smaller than the primary leaves; keel usually longer than the wings; stipules 3-5 (-6) mm long

Lespedeza

Calyx lobes equal to or shorter than the calyx tube; corolla 8-11 mm long; leaflets 1.5-2× as long as wide; racemes erect or strongly ascending; stems 1-several per crown, brown when young

Calyx lobes equal to or shorter than the calyx tube; corolla 8-11 mm long; leaflets 1.5-2× as long as wide; racemes erect or strongly ascending; stems 1-several per crown, brown when young

Lespedeza

Central axis strongly dominant, branches ascending, mostly on the upper stem; stems stout, stiff.

Central axis strongly dominant, branches ascending, mostly on the upper stem; stems stout, stiff.

Lespedeza

Calyx lobes equal to or shorter than the calyx tube; leaflets 1.5-2 × as long as wide; racemes erect or strongly ascending; stems 1-several per crown, brown when young

Calyx lobes equal to or shorter than the calyx tube; leaflets 1.5-2 × as long as wide; racemes erect or strongly ascending; stems 1-several per crown, brown when young

Desmodium

Stems erect or ascending, not vinelike.

Stems erect or ascending, not vinelike.

Alysicarpus

Plant perennial, procumbent to ascending, < 0.5 m tall; lower and middle cauline (unifoliolate) leaves orbicular to broadly oblong, 1.5-3.0 cm long, 1.0-2.0 cm wide; upper cauline leaves lanceolate, 1.0-3.0 cm long, 0.25-1.0 cm wide; loments with septa between the segments

Plant perennial, procumbent to ascending, < 0.5 m tall; lower and middle cauline (unifoliolate) leaves orbicular to broadly oblong, 1.5-3.0 cm long, 1.0-2.0 cm wide; upper cauline leaves lanceolate, 1.0-3.0 cm long, 0.25-1.0 cm wide; loments with septa between the segments

Astragalus

Legume pilose with hairs > 1 mm long; stems conspicuously pubescent, the hairs spreading and simple; plants decumbent, spreading, or ascending, the stems 0.5-4 dm long.

Legume pilose with hairs > 1 mm long; stems conspicuously pubescent, the hairs spreading and simple; plants decumbent, spreading, or ascending, the stems 0.5-4 dm long.

Astragalus

Plants decumbent or ascending, stems 1-5 dm long; legume either dry and strongly curved (about 90 degrees), or globose and initially fleshy.

Plants decumbent or ascending, stems 1-5 dm long; legume either dry and strongly curved (about 90 degrees), or globose and initially fleshy.

Trifolium

Leaflets 1-2.8× as long as wide; stems erect, ascending, or decumbent; flowers white or purplish; plant an annual or biennial; [plants of a variety of natural woodlands, collectively widespread in our area]

Leaflets 1-2.8× as long as wide; stems erect, ascending, or decumbent; flowers white or purplish; plant an annual or biennial; [plants of a variety of natural woodlands, collectively widespread in our area]

Trifolium

Plant ascending to erect; terminal petiole 0.3-3.5 cm long; sepal lobes 0.3-0.7 cm long; peduncles 0.4-4.2× as long as the terminal petiole; [various woodlands and barrens, widespread in our region (at least formerly)]

Plant ascending to erect; terminal petiole 0.3-3.5 cm long; sepal lobes 0.3-0.7 cm long; peduncles 0.4-4.2× as long as the terminal petiole; [various woodlands and barrens, widespread in our region (at least formerly)]

Ononis

Stems procumbent to ascending, uniformly hairy; leaflets < 3× as long as wide, obtuse to emarginate

Stems procumbent to ascending, uniformly hairy; leaflets < 3× as long as wide, obtuse to emarginate

Ononis

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

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

Medicago

Plants perennial, mostly erect or ascending, 2-8 (-10) dm tall; corolla 6-11 mm long, violet, yellow, or varicolored; legumes spineless.

Plants perennial, mostly erect or ascending, 2-8 (-10) dm tall; corolla 6-11 mm long, violet, yellow, or varicolored; legumes spineless.

Medicago

Plants annual, mostly prostrate or ascending, 1-6 dm tall; corolla 3-6 mm long, yellow; legumes spiny (except lacking spines in M. orbicularis).

Plants annual, mostly prostrate or ascending, 1-6 dm tall; corolla 3-6 mm long, yellow; legumes spiny (except lacking spines in M. orbicularis).

Rubus

Primocanes erect, ascending, or high-arching, not rooting; [native blackberries].

Primocanes erect, ascending, or high-arching, not rooting; [native blackberries].

Agrimonia

Stem and inflorescence axis lacking sessile or short-stalked glistening glands (but with spreading or ascending non-glandular hairs).

Stem and inflorescence axis lacking sessile or short-stalked glistening glands (but with spreading or ascending non-glandular hairs).

Agrimonia

Stem and inflorescence with glistening glands, these either sessile, or short-stalked, or both (and also with spreading or ascending non-glandular hairs).

Stem and inflorescence with glistening glands, these either sessile, or short-stalked, or both (and also with spreading or ascending non-glandular hairs).

Agrimonia

Lower inflorescence rachis with mostly ascending hirsute eglandular hairs less than 1 mm long; leaves with minor leaflet pairs 0-1 between each major leaflet pair; roots with fusiform tubers

Lower inflorescence rachis with mostly ascending hirsute eglandular hairs less than 1 mm long; leaves with minor leaflet pairs 0-1 between each major leaflet pair; roots with fusiform tubers

Fragaria

Long hairs of the petioles and peduncles ascending to appressed; flowers (in life) 12-14.6 mm across

Long hairs of the petioles and peduncles ascending to appressed; flowers (in life) 12-14.6 mm across

Prunus

Leaf teeth triangular, ascending, the gland terminal; flowers opening with the leaves; leaves not folded along the midrib

Leaf teeth triangular, ascending, the gland terminal; flowers opening with the leaves; leaves not folded along the midrib

Amelanchier

Petals 6-10 mm long, 2.5-4 (-5) mm wide, not andropetalous; plants rhizomatous and in loosely scattered colonies; stems straggling-ascending

Petals 6-10 mm long, 2.5-4 (-5) mm wide, not andropetalous; plants rhizomatous and in loosely scattered colonies; stems straggling-ascending

Amelanchier

Young leaves at flowering half-expanded or more and unfolding, often reddish, and sparsely pubescent or glabrescent on the lower surface; proximal flowering pedicels 1-1.5 cm long; sepals ascending to recurving

Young leaves at flowering half-expanded or more and unfolding, often reddish, and sparsely pubescent or glabrescent on the lower surface; proximal flowering pedicels 1-1.5 cm long; sepals ascending to recurving

Celtis

Plants shrubs or small trees, to 7 m tall, with ascending trunks and horizontal or arching leaders; bark often nearly smooth (sometimes with corky warts near the base or around wounds); leaf undersurface glaucous or pale green, usually distinctly lighter than the upper surface; flower stalks usually hairy (puberulent); twigs usually moderately to densely hairy (sometimes glabrous); anthers small and indehiscent, pollen malformed and generally sterile (< 10% of the grains stainable with acetocarmine)

Plants shrubs or small trees, to 7 m tall, with ascending trunks and horizontal or arching leaders; bark often nearly smooth (sometimes with corky warts near the base or around wounds); leaf undersurface glaucous or pale green, usually distinctly lighter than the upper surface; flower stalks usually hairy (puberulent); twigs usually moderately to densely hairy (sometimes glabrous); anthers small and indehiscent, pollen malformed and generally sterile (< 10% of the grains stainable with acetocarmine)

Pilea

Plant erect to ascending; achenes 0.5-1.1 mm long.

Plant erect to ascending; achenes 0.5-1.1 mm long.

Quercus

Leaves bristle-tipped (sometimes the bristle fallen or broken off, but leaving a truncate scar), deciduous in autumn; multi-armed trichomes of the rosulate or multiradiate types, many of the arms ascending or erect (never with the stellate or fused-stellate trichomes characteristic of the live oaks); acorns maturing in 2 years (immature acorns present through the winter on fruiting trees); [section Lobatae; subsection Phellos].

Leaves bristle-tipped (sometimes the bristle fallen or broken off, but leaving a truncate scar), deciduous in autumn; multi-armed trichomes of the rosulate or multiradiate types, many of the arms ascending or erect (never with the stellate or fused-stellate trichomes characteristic of the live oaks); acorns maturing in 2 years (immature acorns present through the winter on fruiting trees); [section Lobatae; subsection Phellos].

Quercus

Leaves mostly narrowly elliptic, narrowly ovate, or narrowly obovate (but sometimes broadly obovate), with sharp ascending, often incurved teeth, the teeth ending in a hardened projection; hairs of the leaf undersurface tiny and stellate, with 6-10 rays parallel to the leaf surface; acorns 1-2 cm long; medium to large trees or stoloniferous shrubs; [section Quercus; subsection Prinoideae].

Leaves mostly narrowly elliptic, narrowly ovate, or narrowly obovate (but sometimes broadly obovate), with sharp ascending, often incurved teeth, the teeth ending in a hardened projection; hairs of the leaf undersurface tiny and stellate, with 6-10 rays parallel to the leaf surface; acorns 1-2 cm long; medium to large trees or stoloniferous shrubs; [section Quercus; subsection Prinoideae].

Quercus

Lower surfaces of mature leaves whitish to pale green, with a mixture of minute, sessile, stellate hairs with horizontal tips and longer stellate hairs with erect ascending tips; leaves shallowly lobed (if so, the lobes 9-19) to deeply lobed (if so, the lobes with acute apices), the sinuses extending 1/4 to 4/5 of the way to the midrib; [section Quercus; subsection Prinoideae].

Lower surfaces of mature leaves whitish to pale green, with a mixture of minute, sessile, stellate hairs with horizontal tips and longer stellate hairs with erect ascending tips; leaves shallowly lobed (if so, the lobes 9-19) to deeply lobed (if so, the lobes with acute apices), the sinuses extending 1/4 to 4/5 of the way to the midrib; [section Quercus; subsection Prinoideae].

Quercus

Leaves not cruciform, the largest lateral lobes usually not sublobed, the lobes tapering from base to tip, and borne at ascending angles relative to the midrib; upper leaf blade surface at least sparsely stellate-puberulent (even late into the season); [of temporarily flooded calcareous swamps of the Coastal Plain, from SC (NC?) southward and westward (Q. similis) or localized on sandstone in nc. AL (Q. boyntonii)].

Leaves not cruciform, the largest lateral lobes usually not sublobed, the lobes tapering from base to tip, and borne at ascending angles relative to the midrib; upper leaf blade surface at least sparsely stellate-puberulent (even late into the season); [of temporarily flooded calcareous swamps of the Coastal Plain, from SC (NC?) southward and westward (Q. similis) or localized on sandstone in nc. AL (Q. boyntonii)].

Euonymus

Primary stems trailing or decumbent, the tips and flowering branches ascending to 3 (-6) dm tall; upper leaves widest at or beyond the middle; petioles mostly 3-5 mm long; [of the Mountains]

Primary stems trailing or decumbent, the tips and flowering branches ascending to 3 (-6) dm tall; upper leaves widest at or beyond the middle; petioles mostly 3-5 mm long; [of the Mountains]

Hypericum

Leaves ascending or appressed, 1-nerved, < 1 mm wide; inflorescence either a compound raceme or a dichasial cyme; annual or perennial herbs; [section Brathys]

Leaves ascending or appressed, 1-nerved, < 1 mm wide; inflorescence either a compound raceme or a dichasial cyme; annual or perennial herbs; [section Brathys]

Hypericum

Leaves spreading or ascending, generally multi-nerved, > 1 mm wide; inflorescence a dichasial cyme; herbs or shrubs.

Leaves spreading or ascending, generally multi-nerved, > 1 mm wide; inflorescence a dichasial cyme; herbs or shrubs.

Hypericum

Plant normally >0.8 m tall; stem 1-several cm wide at base; crown broader with many ascending to spreading branches.

Plant normally >0.8 m tall; stem 1-several cm wide at base; crown broader with many ascending to spreading branches.

Hypericum

Young branches, leaves, and sepals strongly glaucous; bark of upper stem and branches silvery gray and smooth; mature plant 2-4 m tall with ascending branches imparting a tree-like or vase-like aspect; [restricted to shores of sinkhole ponds in Bay and Washington Counties, FL Panhandle]

Young branches, leaves, and sepals strongly glaucous; bark of upper stem and branches silvery gray and smooth; mature plant 2-4 m tall with ascending branches imparting a tree-like or vase-like aspect; [restricted to shores of sinkhole ponds in Bay and Washington Counties, FL Panhandle]

Hypericum

Mature plant 2-3 (-4) m tall; branches ascending and imparting a tree-like or vase-like aspect (younger plants may be bushy); youngest internodes terete; [of flatwoods depressions and cypress-gum ponds and stringers of FL Panhandle only]

Mature plant 2-3 (-4) m tall; branches ascending and imparting a tree-like or vase-like aspect (younger plants may be bushy); youngest internodes terete; [of flatwoods depressions and cypress-gum ponds and stringers of FL Panhandle only]

Hypericum

Leaves 10-35 (-40) mm long, 3-8 (-12) mm wide, 3-10× as long as wide, lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, mostly ascending to spreading, often equaling the internodes; sepals 3.0-5.0 mm long, 0.8-2.5 mm wide, acute to acuminate; lanceolate to linear-lanceolate; upper portion of stem with numerous axillary branches; lower stem usually spongy-thickened with aerenchymatous tissue; [of upland depression ponds of the Coastal Plain, growing where seasonally inundated]

Leaves 10-35 (-40) mm long, 3-8 (-12) mm wide, 3-10× as long as wide, lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, mostly ascending to spreading, often equaling the internodes; sepals 3.0-5.0 mm long, 0.8-2.5 mm wide, acute to acuminate; lanceolate to linear-lanceolate; upper portion of stem with numerous axillary branches; lower stem usually spongy-thickened with aerenchymatous tissue; [of upland depression ponds of the Coastal Plain, growing where seasonally inundated]

Viola

Current year’s stems ascending at chasmogamous flowering time, persistent through winter to become prostrate and root at the nodes, generating the following year's plants at their tips (plants thus mat-forming).

Current year’s stems ascending at chasmogamous flowering time, persistent through winter to become prostrate and root at the nodes, generating the following year's plants at their tips (plants thus mat-forming).

Viola

Stems ascending to erect at chasmogamous flowering time through fruiting, deciduous and not rooting at nodes (plants thus solitary).

Stems ascending to erect at chasmogamous flowering time through fruiting, deciduous and not rooting at nodes (plants thus solitary).

Viola

Leaf blades linear to linear-lanceolate, 8-15× as long as broad, (2-) 4-9 (-13) mm broad, tapering gradually to the petiole; gland of marginal teeth ascending to spreading, margins commonly appearing denticulate; summer plants rarely producing surficial stolons, these leafless and non-reproductive; lowest sepals of chasmogamous flowers linear-lanceolate to lance-triangular, acuminate to attenuate; foliage glabrous to moderately hirtellous; [se. Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain]

Leaf blades linear to linear-lanceolate, 8-15× as long as broad, (2-) 4-9 (-13) mm broad, tapering gradually to the petiole; gland of marginal teeth ascending to spreading, margins commonly appearing denticulate; summer plants rarely producing surficial stolons, these leafless and non-reproductive; lowest sepals of chasmogamous flowers linear-lanceolate to lance-triangular, acuminate to attenuate; foliage glabrous to moderately hirtellous; [se. Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain]

Salicaceae

Leaf blades (2-) 3-30× as long as wide; stamens 1-9; buds covered by a single scale; flowering catkins usually erect or ascending

Leaf blades (2-) 3-30× as long as wide; stamens 1-9; buds covered by a single scale; flowering catkins usually erect or ascending

Salix

Leaves long-sericeous beneath; branches ascending (rarely pendulous); leaves narrowly lanceolate, with length/width ratio of 5-6.5; petioles 3-6 mm long, sericeous, with spherical glands or lobes distally; flowering branchlets 1-1.5 cm long; [section Salix]

Leaves long-sericeous beneath; branches ascending (rarely pendulous); leaves narrowly lanceolate, with length/width ratio of 5-6.5; petioles 3-6 mm long, sericeous, with spherical glands or lobes distally; flowering branchlets 1-1.5 cm long; [section Salix]

Euphorbia

Petaloid appendages (0.5-) 1.0-4.4 mm long (measured along a radius), about as long as wide or longer, white; stems 1.4-9 (-11) dm tall, erect or ascending.

Petaloid appendages (0.5-) 1.0-4.4 mm long (measured along a radius), about as long as wide or longer, white; stems 1.4-9 (-11) dm tall, erect or ascending.

Euphorbia

Main stem not branching at base, erect or ascending, usually densely pubescent, dark grey or green; leaves not succulent, revolute, petiolate; stipules obsolete; glands green or rarely purple; petaloid appendages entire; [e. and c. GA (or e. SC?) south and west to Panhandle FL and e. TX]

Main stem not branching at base, erect or ascending, usually densely pubescent, dark grey or green; leaves not succulent, revolute, petiolate; stipules obsolete; glands green or rarely purple; petaloid appendages entire; [e. and c. GA (or e. SC?) south and west to Panhandle FL and e. TX]

Euphorbia

Main stem branching at base, ascending or spreading, glabrous, green or greenish purple; leaves succulent, involute, sessile or short petiole; stipules present and glandular; glands purple; petaloid appendages deeply crenate; [c. and s. peninsular FL]

Main stem branching at base, ascending or spreading, glabrous, green or greenish purple; leaves succulent, involute, sessile or short petiole; stipules present and glandular; glands purple; petaloid appendages deeply crenate; [c. and s. peninsular FL]

Euphorbia

Petaloid appendages 0.05-0.6 mm long (measured along a radius), shorter than wide, green, red, white, or pink; stems (0.8-) 1.5-4.5 (-6) dm tall, erect, ascending or decumbent; leaves ciliate-margined (E. mercurialina and E. curtisii) or not.

Petaloid appendages 0.05-0.6 mm long (measured along a radius), shorter than wide, green, red, white, or pink; stems (0.8-) 1.5-4.5 (-6) dm tall, erect, ascending or decumbent; leaves ciliate-margined (E. mercurialina and E. curtisii) or not.

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.

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

Onagraceae

Leaves all or at least the lowermost opposite; flowers few, axillary, or in poorly developed, leafy racemes; flower buds not reflexed, the flowers ascending; petals 2-8 mm long (except 10-15 mm long in E. hirsutum); stigma capitate (except 4-lobed in E. hirsutum); plants 1-20 dm tall

Leaves all or at least the lowermost opposite; flowers few, axillary, or in poorly developed, leafy racemes; flower buds not reflexed, the flowers ascending; petals 2-8 mm long (except 10-15 mm long in E. hirsutum); stigma capitate (except 4-lobed in E. hirsutum); plants 1-20 dm tall

Ludwigia