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Scientific Lead Number Lead Position Lead Characteristics Lead Characteristics with Glossary Line result key id Line result taxon id result text
Huperzia
Leaves dimorphic, those at the base longer and spreading wider from the shoot axis than those from the apical portion of the plant; gemma-bearing branches borne throughout the apical portion of mature shoots; lateral leaves of gemmae 0.5-1.1 mm wide
Leaves dimorphic, those at the base longer and spreading wider from the shoot axis than those from the apical portion of the plant; gemma-bearing branches borne throughout the apical portion of mature shoots; lateral leaves of gemmae 0.5-1.1 mm wide
Lycopodiaceae
Branches 4-12 mm wide, terete (to somewhat compressed in Dendrolycopodium obscurum), with 6 or more ranks of leaves; branching of strobilus stalks (when present), pseudomonopodial (falsely appearing to have a main axis from which branches arise).
Branches 4-12 mm wide, terete (to somewhat compressed in Dendrolycopodium obscurum), with 6 or more ranks of leaves; branching of strobilus stalks (when present), pseudomonopodial (falsely appearing to have a main axis from which branches arise).
Lycopodiaceae
Branches 4-12 mm wide, terete (to somewhat compressed in Dendrolycopodium obscurum), with 6 or more ranks of leaves; branching of strobilus stalks (when present), pseudomonopodial (falsely appearing to have a main axis from which branches arise).
Branches 4-12 mm wide, terete (to somewhat compressed in Dendrolycopodium obscurum), with 6 or more ranks of leaves; branching of strobilus stalks (when present), pseudomonopodial (falsely appearing to have a main axis from which branches arise).
Lycopodiaceae
Erect leafy stems 3-8 mm in diameter (including the leaves), treelike or fanlike, with a definite main axis; leaves acute at the apex; horizontal shoots subterranean, without winter bud constrictions
Erect leafy stems 3-8 mm in diameter (including the leaves), treelike or fanlike, with a definite main axis; leaves acute at the apex; horizontal shoots subterranean, without winter bud constrictions
Lycopodiaceae
Erect leafy stems 3-8 mm in diameter (including the leaves), treelike or fanlike, with a definite main axis; leaves acute at the apex; horizontal shoots subterranean, without winter bud constrictions
Erect leafy stems 3-8 mm in diameter (including the leaves), treelike or fanlike, with a definite main axis; leaves acute at the apex; horizontal shoots subterranean, without winter bud constrictions
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
Dendrolycopodium
Leaves of the main vertical axis appressed (15-30° angle to stem) in the vicinity of the lower lateral branches, soft to the touch; branchlets slightly to strongly dorsiventrally flattened in cross-section, the 6 ranks of leaves (4 lateral ranks, 1 adaxial rank, 1 abaxial rank) round or slightly to very unequal, the abaxial leaves more appressed and mostly shorter than (to equal to) the spreading lateral leaves.
Leaves of the main vertical axis appressed (15-30° angle to stem) in the vicinity of the lower lateral branches, soft to the touch; branchlets slightly to strongly dorsiventrally flattened in cross-section, the 6 ranks of leaves (4 lateral ranks, 1 adaxial rank, 1 abaxial rank) round or slightly to very unequal, the abaxial leaves more appressed and mostly shorter than (to equal to) the spreading lateral leaves.
Adiantum
Leaves longer than broad, pinnately divided, with a main central axis, not fanlike; ultimate segments rhombic, about as long as broad (usually 0.7-1.3× as long as broad).
Leaves longer than broad, pinnately divided, with a main central axis, not fanlike; ultimate segments rhombic, about as long as broad (usually 0.7-1.3× as long as broad).
Adiantum
Leaves longer than broad, pinnately divided, with a main central axis, not fanlike; Ultimate leaf segments glabrous on the lower surface; rachises strigose; false indusia crescent-shaped.
Leaves longer than broad, pinnately divided, with a main central axis, not fanlike; Ultimate leaf segments glabrous on the lower surface; rachises strigose; false indusia crescent-shaped.
Dryopteris
Fertile pinnae usually twisted out of the plane of the leaf axis, often nearly to 90° (like an open Venetian blind); fertile leaves 8-12 cm wide
Fertile pinnae usually twisted out of the plane of the leaf axis, often nearly to 90° (like an open Venetian blind); fertile leaves 8-12 cm wide
Tsuga
Most of the leaves 10-18 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 not appressed, spreading at a 60-90 degree angle from the twig, mostly 3/4 to fully as long as the adjacent lateral leaves, 8-15 mm long, the whitened undersurface (consisting of rows of stomata) not exposed upward; leaf margins entire; leaf apices minutely retuse (notched), truncate, or rounded; seed cones 20-38 mm long, the ovuliferous scales spreading at a right angle to the axis at maturity
Most of the leaves 10-18 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 not appressed, spreading at a 60-90 degree angle from the twig, mostly 3/4 to fully as long as the adjacent lateral leaves, 8-15 mm long, the whitened undersurface (consisting of rows of stomata) not exposed upward; leaf margins entire; leaf apices minutely retuse (notched), truncate, or rounded; seed cones 20-38 mm long, the ovuliferous scales spreading at a right angle to the axis at maturity
Tsuga
Most of the leaves 10-18 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 not appressed, spreading at a 60-90 degree angle from the twig, mostly 3/4 to fully as long as the adjacent lateral leaves, 8-15 mm long, the whitened undersurface (consisting of rows of stomata) not exposed upward; leaf margins entire; leaf apices minutely retuse (notched), truncate, or rounded; seed cones 20-38 mm long, the ovuliferous scales spreading at a right angle to the axis at maturity
Most of the leaves 10-18 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 not appressed, spreading at a 60-90 degree angle from the twig, mostly 3/4 to fully as long as the adjacent lateral leaves, 8-15 mm long, the whitened undersurface (consisting of rows of stomata) not exposed upward; leaf margins entire; leaf apices minutely retuse (notched), truncate, or rounded; seed cones 20-38 mm long, the ovuliferous scales spreading at a right angle to the axis at maturity
Arisaema
Leaf with (5-) 7-15 leaflets, arranged pedately on a semicircular axis; spadix 9-20 cm long, attenuate, long-exserted from the spathe; [section Flagellarisaema].
Leaf with (5-) 7-15 leaflets, arranged pedately on a semicircular axis; spadix 9-20 cm long, attenuate, long-exserted from the spathe; [section Flagellarisaema].
Sagittaria
Beak of the achene lateral (at a right angle to the long axis of the achene); bracts of the inflorescence 2-15 mm long, boat-shaped, obtuse or broadly acute.
Beak of the achene lateral (at a right angle to the long axis of the achene); bracts of the inflorescence 2-15 mm long, boat-shaped, obtuse or broadly acute.
Sagittaria
Beak of the achene terminal (extending along the long axis of the achene); bracts of the inflorescence 5-40 mm long, either blunt or acuminate, not boat-shaped.
Beak of the achene terminal (extending along the long axis of the achene); bracts of the inflorescence 5-40 mm long, either blunt or acuminate, not boat-shaped.
Triglochin
Pistils 6, all fertile; fruits 2-4.5 mm long; central axis between the carpels not winged; [of NJ northward]
Pistils 6, all fertile; fruits 2-4.5 mm long; central axis between the carpels not winged; [of NJ northward]
Triglochin
Pistils 6, 3 fertile and 3 sterile; fruits either 1.0-2.0 mm OR 7.0-8.3 mm long; central axis between the carpels broadly winged.
Pistils 6, 3 fertile and 3 sterile; fruits either 1.0-2.0 mm OR 7.0-8.3 mm long; central axis between the carpels broadly winged.
Stenanthium
Basal sheaths purple, fibers absent (occasionally sparse, rarely moderate); inflorescence unbranched (a raceme) or branched (a panicle); number of pedicels per 5 cm of inflorescence axis 30-60 (mean 43); tepals fade to pink or purple on living plants; [southern Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain].
Basal sheaths purple, fibers absent (occasionally sparse, rarely moderate); inflorescence unbranched (a raceme) or branched (a panicle); number of pedicels per 5 cm of inflorescence axis 30-60 (mean 43); tepals fade to pink or purple on living plants; [southern Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain].
Lilium
Flowers 3-4 cm in diameter; pistil 3-4 cm long; tepals 3-5.5 cm long, deep red, mucronate by extension of the midrib, reflexed < 45 degrees from the flower axis, the terminal third of the tepals generally gently incurved; anthers 4-6 mm long, completely included within the perianth when viewed from the side; [high to moderate elevations in the Blue Ridge of w. NC, ne. TN, and sw. VA]
Flowers 3-4 cm in diameter; pistil 3-4 cm long; tepals 3-5.5 cm long, deep red, mucronate by extension of the midrib, reflexed < 45 degrees from the flower axis, the terminal third of the tepals generally gently incurved; anthers 4-6 mm long, completely included within the perianth when viewed from the side; [high to moderate elevations in the Blue Ridge of w. NC, ne. TN, and sw. VA]
Lilium
Flowers 4.5-9 cm in diameter; pistil 4-6 cm long; tepals 6-8 cm long, yellow, orange to brick-red, acuminate, reflexed 60-120 degrees from the flower axis; anthers 5-10 mm long, exserted to fully included within the perianth when viewed from the side; [low to moderate elevations, more widespread]
Flowers 4.5-9 cm in diameter; pistil 4-6 cm long; tepals 6-8 cm long, yellow, orange to brick-red, acuminate, reflexed 60-120 degrees from the flower axis; anthers 5-10 mm long, exserted to fully included within the perianth when viewed from the side; [low to moderate elevations, more widespread]
Iridaceae
Inflorescence bent at its base, the inflorescence axis more-or-less horizontal, the flowers facing upward
Inflorescence bent at its base, the inflorescence axis more-or-less horizontal, the flowers facing upward
Agave
Terminal leaf spine truncate (the tough spine tissue ending abruptly, at essentially a right angle to the axis of the leaf).
Terminal leaf spine truncate (the tough spine tissue ending abruptly, at essentially a right angle to the axis of the leaf).
Arecaceae
Leaves palmate or costapalmate (lacking a central axis or with a short central axis, the outline of the leaf blade about as long as wide); [subfamily Coryphoideae].
Leaves palmate or costapalmate (lacking a central axis or with a short central axis, the outline of the leaf blade about as long as wide); [subfamily Coryphoideae].
Arecaceae
Leaves pinnate or bipinnate (with a well-developed central axis, the outline of the leaf blade much longer than wide).
Leaves pinnate or bipinnate (with a well-developed central axis, the outline of the leaf blade much longer than wide).
Typha
Pistillate bracteoles absent, or if present then narrower than stigmas and generally not evident at spike surface; stigmas ovate to lanceolate, persistent on mature spikes; pistillate spikes green in flower when fresh, in fruit mostly 19-36 mm thick; carpodia concealed among pistil hairs; compound pedicels on denuded axis 0.6-3.5 mm; staminate scales colorless to brown.
Pistillate bracteoles absent, or if present then narrower than stigmas and generally not evident at spike surface; stigmas ovate to lanceolate, persistent on mature spikes; pistillate spikes green in flower when fresh, in fruit mostly 19-36 mm thick; carpodia concealed among pistil hairs; compound pedicels on denuded axis 0.6-3.5 mm; staminate scales colorless to brown.
Typha
Pistillate bracteoles present (but generally evident only at 20-30× after removal from spike, resembling perigonial hairs, with brown, enlarged tips narrower than stigmas); stigmas lanceolate, brown when dry; pistillate spikes usually separated from staminate spikes by gap, in fruit mostly 19-25 mm thick; compound pedicels on denuded axis 0.6-2 mm; seeds absent or few; staminate scales brownish; pollen a mixture of tetrads, triads, dyads, and single grains, sometimes mostly single grains.
Pistillate bracteoles present (but generally evident only at 20-30× after removal from spike, resembling perigonial hairs, with brown, enlarged tips narrower than stigmas); stigmas lanceolate, brown when dry; pistillate spikes usually separated from staminate spikes by gap, in fruit mostly 19-25 mm thick; compound pedicels on denuded axis 0.6-2 mm; seeds absent or few; staminate scales brownish; pollen a mixture of tetrads, triads, dyads, and single grains, sometimes mostly single grains.
Typha
Pistillate bracteoles present, many as wide as or wider than stigmas, evident at spike surface; stigmas linear (to narrowly lanceolate), sometimes deciduous and thus absent from mature spikes; pistillate spikes brown at all stages (or whitish when flowering and fresh) (T. angustifolia sometimes greenish in fruit when fresh), in fruit mostly 13-25 mm thick; carpodia often evident at spike surface among pistil-hair tips; compound pedicels on denuded axis 0.5-0.9 mm; staminate scales brown or straw-colored.
Pistillate bracteoles present, many as wide as or wider than stigmas, evident at spike surface; stigmas linear (to narrowly lanceolate), sometimes deciduous and thus absent from mature spikes; pistillate spikes brown at all stages (or whitish when flowering and fresh) (T. angustifolia sometimes greenish in fruit when fresh), in fruit mostly 13-25 mm thick; carpodia often evident at spike surface among pistil-hair tips; compound pedicels on denuded axis 0.5-0.9 mm; staminate scales brown or straw-colored.
Bromeliaceae
Flowers arranged distichously along the inflorescence axis, or the inflorescence reduced to 1-3 flowers only; [collectively widespread in our area]
Flowers arranged distichously along the inflorescence axis, or the inflorescence reduced to 1-3 flowers only; [collectively widespread in our area]
Bromeliaceae
Flowers arranged spirally along the inflorescence axis; [of s. peninsular FL only].
Flowers arranged spirally along the inflorescence axis; [of s. peninsular FL only].
Carex
Inflorescence spicate-racemose, the individual spikes readily distinguishable (often separated by an exposed internode of the axis).
Inflorescence spicate-racemose, the individual spikes readily distinguishable (often separated by an exposed internode of the axis).
Carex
Inflorescences usually flexible, nodding at the tip, the lower spikes usually separated; perigynia usually 15-40, spreading at a 40-75 degree angle to the spike axis; leaf sheaths firm or friable at the summit
Inflorescences usually flexible, nodding at the tip, the lower spikes usually separated; perigynia usually 15-40, spreading at a 40-75 degree angle to the spike axis; leaf sheaths firm or friable at the summit
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.
Rhynchospora
Spikelets 1-fruited, the solitary achene terminating the axis; clusters 1-7, globose to turbinate.
Spikelets 1-fruited, the solitary achene terminating the axis; clusters 1-7, globose to turbinate.
Rhynchospora
Spikelets 1-5 fruited (if 1-fruited, then the axis terminated by a sterile floret); clusters 2-many, ovoid to turbinate (rarely globose).
Spikelets 1-5 fruited (if 1-fruited, then the axis terminated by a sterile floret); clusters 2-many, ovoid to turbinate (rarely globose).
Scleria
Inflorescence terminal only; if glomerules spike-like along an axis, then only the lowest with a (or no) bract.
Inflorescence terminal only; if glomerules spike-like along an axis, then only the lowest with a (or no) bract.
Scleria
Inflorescence of 2-9 sessile clusters along an axis up to 13 cm long, the individual spikelets 2-5 mm long; bracts (at least above proximal cluster) setaceous; [subgenus Hypoporum, section Hypoporum].
Inflorescence of 2-9 sessile clusters along an axis up to 13 cm long, the individual spikelets 2-5 mm long; bracts (at least above proximal cluster) setaceous; [subgenus Hypoporum, section Hypoporum].
Poaceae
Inflorescence of one or more spikes, the spikelets sessile (or very short-pedicelled) on the spike axis, 1-more per node, characteristically in 2-more ranks (these either on opposite sides of the axis or crowded on one side), the individual spikelets borne more-or-less touching one another.
Inflorescence of one or more spikes, the spikelets sessile (or very short-pedicelled) on the spike axis, 1-more per node, characteristically in 2-more ranks (these either on opposite sides of the axis or crowded on one side), the individual spikelets borne more-or-less touching one another.
Poaceae
Inflorescence of one or more spikes, the spikelets sessile (or very short-pedicelled) on the spike axis, 1-more per node, characteristically in 2-more ranks (these either on opposite sides of the axis or crowded on one side), the individual spikelets borne more-or-less touching one another.
Inflorescence of one or more spikes, the spikelets sessile (or very short-pedicelled) on the spike axis, 1-more per node, characteristically in 2-more ranks (these either on opposite sides of the axis or crowded on one side), the individual spikelets borne more-or-less touching one another.
Poaceae
Spikelets borne in a single terminal spike or raceme (an extension of the culm), usually 2-ranked on opposite sides of the axis
Spikelets borne in a single terminal spike or raceme (an extension of the culm), usually 2-ranked on opposite sides of the axis
Poaceae
Spikelets borne in a single terminal spike or raceme (an extension of the culm), usually 2-ranked on opposite sides of the axis
Spikelets borne in a single terminal spike or raceme (an extension of the culm), usually 2-ranked on opposite sides of the axis
Poaceae
Spikelets borne on 1-many spikes (the spikes themselves arranged digitately, subdigitately, or racemosely on the culm) in 2 (or more) rows; spikelets often on one side of the spike axis
Spikelets borne on 1-many spikes (the spikes themselves arranged digitately, subdigitately, or racemosely on the culm) in 2 (or more) rows; spikelets often on one side of the spike axis
Poaceae
Spikelets borne on 1-many spikes (the spikes themselves arranged digitately, subdigitately, or racemosely on the culm) in 2 (or more) rows; spikelets often on one side of the spike axis
Spikelets borne on 1-many spikes (the spikes themselves arranged digitately, subdigitately, or racemosely on the culm) in 2 (or more) rows; spikelets often on one side of the spike axis
Poaceae
Leaf blade margins not or only slightly bleached in winter, terminal blade parallel to shoot axis, blades often variegated
Leaf blade margins not or only slightly bleached in winter, terminal blade parallel to shoot axis, blades often variegated
Poaceae
Leaf blade margins more or less bleached in winter, terminal blade often angled from shoot axis, blades usually not variegated
Leaf blade margins more or less bleached in winter, terminal blade often angled from shoot axis, blades usually not variegated
Poaceae
Leaf blade margins not bleached in winter, terminal blade parallel to shoot axis; culm buds initially open or closed
Leaf blade margins not bleached in winter, terminal blade parallel to shoot axis; culm buds initially open or closed
Poaceae
Leaf blade margins bleached in winter, terminal blade often deflexed from shoot axis; culm buds initially closed
Leaf blade margins bleached in winter, terminal blade often deflexed from shoot axis; culm buds initially closed
Poaceae
Inflorescence an array of spikes, the spikelets closely imbricate in 2 rows along the rachis of the spikes, the spikes alternate along the primary inflorescence axis; [tribe Zoysieae; subtribe Sporobolinae]
Inflorescence an array of spikes, the spikelets closely imbricate in 2 rows along the rachis of the spikes, the spikes alternate along the primary inflorescence axis; [tribe Zoysieae; subtribe Sporobolinae]
Poaceae
Spikes normally 2 or more, alternate, digitate, subdigitate, or verticillate along the main inflorescence axis; second glume lacking a recurved spine; fresh plants not aromatic with a citrus odor.
Spikes normally 2 or more, alternate, digitate, subdigitate, or verticillate along the main inflorescence axis; second glume lacking a recurved spine; fresh plants not aromatic with a citrus odor.
Poaceae
Spikes arranged along the central inflorescence axis alternately, solitary at each node or inflorescences consisting of a solitary spikelike raceme (Zoysia).
Spikes arranged along the central inflorescence axis alternately, solitary at each node or inflorescences consisting of a solitary spikelike raceme (Zoysia).
Poaceae
Spikes arranged along the central inflorescence axis in a digitate, subdigitate, or verticillate manner, all or most nodes with 2 or more spikes; [tribe Cynodonteae].
Spikes arranged along the central inflorescence axis in a digitate, subdigitate, or verticillate manner, all or most nodes with 2 or more spikes; [tribe Cynodonteae].
Poaceae
All spikelets sessile or subsessile and arrayed along inflorescence axes (racemes) divergent from the central axis (but not both overlapping one another and clearly ranked on one side of the axis, so as to be keyed under Key H).
All spikelets sessile or subsessile and arrayed along inflorescence axes (racemes) divergent from the central axis (but not both overlapping one another and clearly ranked on one side of the axis, so as to be keyed under Key H).
Aristida
Sheaths lanose or floccose (the hairs kinked and intertwined); nodes of the panicle axis with tufts of lanose or floccose hairs
Sheaths lanose or floccose (the hairs kinked and intertwined); nodes of the panicle axis with tufts of lanose or floccose hairs
Aristida
Sheaths glabrous to pilose (the hairs straight and usually appressed, not intertwined); nodes of the panicle axis glabrous or pilose.
Sheaths glabrous to pilose (the hairs straight and usually appressed, not intertwined); nodes of the panicle axis glabrous or pilose.
Aristida
Spikelets borne singly at each node of the main axis, the inflorescence thus a spike or raceme
Spikelets borne singly at each node of the main axis, the inflorescence thus a spike or raceme
Aristida
Spikelets 2 or more per node of the main axis at most nodes (a few nodes may have single spikelets), often with side branches present as well, the inflorescence thus a panicle (less commonly a raceme).
Spikelets 2 or more per node of the main axis at most nodes (a few nodes may have single spikelets), often with side branches present as well, the inflorescence thus a panicle (less commonly a raceme).
Dichanthelium
Peduncle, panicle axis, and sheaths puberulent with hairs 0.1 mm long; larger blades 3-6 cm long, 3-5 mm wide; spikelets 1.3-1.7 mm long
Peduncle, panicle axis, and sheaths puberulent with hairs 0.1 mm long; larger blades 3-6 cm long, 3-5 mm wide; spikelets 1.3-1.7 mm long
Dichanthelium
Peduncle, panicle axis, and sheaths pubescent with hairs more than 0.1 mm long; larger blades 12-20 cm long, 7-9 mm wide; spikelets 1.9-2.3 mm long
Peduncle, panicle axis, and sheaths pubescent with hairs more than 0.1 mm long; larger blades 12-20 cm long, 7-9 mm wide; spikelets 1.9-2.3 mm long
Dichanthelium
Peduncle, panicle axis, and/or sheaths of vernal culms puberulent with hairs 0.1 mm long, sometimes also pubescent with longer hairs, but never grayish-villous; larger leaf blades 2-7 cm long, 2-7 mm wide.
Peduncle, panicle axis, and/or sheaths of vernal culms puberulent with hairs 0.1 mm long, sometimes also pubescent with longer hairs, but never grayish-villous; larger leaf blades 2-7 cm long, 2-7 mm wide.
Dichanthelium
Peduncle, panicle axis, and sheaths of vernal culms glabrous, or pilose, or grayish-villous with some shorter hairs 0.2-0.5 mm long, but not puberulent with hairs 0.1 mm long; larger blades 4-20 cm long, 4-12 mm wide.
Peduncle, panicle axis, and sheaths of vernal culms glabrous, or pilose, or grayish-villous with some shorter hairs 0.2-0.5 mm long, but not puberulent with hairs 0.1 mm long; larger blades 4-20 cm long, 4-12 mm wide.
Dichanthelium
Peduncle, panicle axis, and often middle and upper internodes glabrous; sheaths lacking hairs or papillae, at least near mid-length
Peduncle, panicle axis, and often middle and upper internodes glabrous; sheaths lacking hairs or papillae, at least near mid-length
Dichanthelium
Peduncle, panicle axis, and internodes puberulent, pubescent, or pilose; sheaths papillose-pilose to hispid.
Dichanthelium
Leaf blades 5-12 cm long, 6-12 mm wide; spikelets 1.5-2.0 mm long; peduncle, panicle axis, and sheaths variously pilose, but lacking puberulent hairs 0.1 mm long
Leaf blades 5-12 cm long, 6-12 mm wide; spikelets 1.5-2.0 mm long; peduncle, panicle axis, and sheaths variously pilose, but lacking puberulent hairs 0.1 mm long
Dichanthelium
Leaf blades 3-7 cm long, 3-7 mm wide; spikelets 1.1-1.7 mm long; puberulent hairs 0.1 mm long often present on peduncle, panicle axis, or sheaths.
Leaf blades 3-7 cm long, 3-7 mm wide; spikelets 1.1-1.7 mm long; puberulent hairs 0.1 mm long often present on peduncle, panicle axis, or sheaths.
Digitaria
Inflorescences digitate or sub-digitate, or with primary branches alternately arranged along a central axis; with (1) 2-3+ spikelets per node on primary branches, arranged in two rows along one side of the branch (and usually appressed on branches); the entire inflorescence not detaching at maturity.
Inflorescences digitate or sub-digitate, or with primary branches alternately arranged along a central axis; with (1) 2-3+ spikelets per node on primary branches, arranged in two rows along one side of the branch (and usually appressed on branches); the entire inflorescence not detaching at maturity.
Lolium
Inflorescence paniculate (spikelets borne on branches off the central axis, not 2-ranked).
Inflorescence paniculate (spikelets borne on branches off the central axis, not 2-ranked).
Lolium
Inflorescence spikelike (spikelets sessile on the central axis, 2-ranked).
Inflorescence spikelike (spikelets sessile on the central axis, 2-ranked).
Oplismenus
Leaf sheaths and culm axis glabrate to pilose (usually sparsely, but dense at sheath summit) with hairs < 1.5 mm long; hairs on leaf surfaces also < 1.5 mm long; leaves 1.5-6 cm long; longest leaves with acute to acuminate tip (but not long-acuminate); lemma (7-) 9-11-veined.
Leaf sheaths and culm axis glabrate to pilose (usually sparsely, but dense at sheath summit) with hairs < 1.5 mm long; hairs on leaf surfaces also < 1.5 mm long; leaves 1.5-6 cm long; longest leaves with acute to acuminate tip (but not long-acuminate); lemma (7-) 9-11-veined.
Oplismenus
Leaf sheaths and culm axis pilose with hairs 3-5 mm long; hairs on leaf surfaces also 3-5 mm long; leaves 2.5-10 cm long; longest leaves with long-acuminate tip; lemma 7-veined
Leaf sheaths and culm axis pilose with hairs 3-5 mm long; hairs on leaf surfaces also 3-5 mm long; leaves 2.5-10 cm long; longest leaves with long-acuminate tip; lemma 7-veined
Paspalum
Spikelets 1.3-1.9 mm long; upper glumes pilose along the margins; ligules 0.5-0.8 mm long; panicle branch axis 0.2-0.8 mm wide
Spikelets 1.3-1.9 mm long; upper glumes pilose along the margins; ligules 0.5-0.8 mm long; panicle branch axis 0.2-0.8 mm wide
Paspalum
Spikelets 2.4-3.2 mm long; upper glumes sparsely pubescent on the back; ligules 1-2 mm long; panicle branch axis 1.2-2.2 mm wide
Spikelets 2.4-3.2 mm long; upper glumes sparsely pubescent on the back; ligules 1-2 mm long; panicle branch axis 1.2-2.2 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 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.
Sorghastrum
Axis of the panicle straight, with the branches distributed no more than 180 degrees around the axis (as viewed from above); spikelets 1.3-1.8 mm wide; rachis 0.7-1.3 mm thick; flowering Jul-Aug.
Axis of the panicle straight, with the branches distributed no more than 180 degrees around the axis (as viewed from above); spikelets 1.3-1.8 mm wide; rachis 0.7-1.3 mm thick; flowering Jul-Aug.
Sorghastrum
Axis of the panicle arching, with the branchlets distributed through 360 degrees around the axis (as viewed from above); spikelets 1.1-1.4 mm wide; rachis 0.3-0.8 mm thick; flowering Sep-Nov.
Axis of the panicle arching, with the branchlets distributed through 360 degrees around the axis (as viewed from above); spikelets 1.1-1.4 mm wide; rachis 0.3-0.8 mm thick; flowering Sep-Nov.
Sporobolus
Inflorescence an array of spikes, the spikelets closely imbricate in 2 rows along the rachis of the spikes, the spikes alternate along the primary inflorescence axis; [genus Spartina, or, if treated as part of Sporobolus, section Spartina].
Inflorescence an array of spikes, the spikelets closely imbricate in 2 rows along the rachis of the spikes, the spikes alternate along the primary inflorescence axis; [genus Spartina, or, if treated as part of Sporobolus, section Spartina].
Sporobolus
Inflorescence an array of spikes, the spikelets closely imbricate in 2 rows along the rachis of the spikes, the spikes alternate along the primary inflorescence axis; [genus Spartina, or, if treated as part of Sporobolus, section Spartina].
Inflorescence an array of spikes, the spikelets closely imbricate in 2 rows along the rachis of the spikes, the spikes alternate along the primary inflorescence axis; [genus Spartina, or, if treated as part of Sporobolus, section Spartina].
Micranthes
Inflorescence remaining compact with age; inflorescence axis sparsely short-hairy, the hairs not glandular (or with a very few glandular hairs interspersed); pedicels glabrous or nearly so; petals 2-3.5 mm long (only slightly longer than the sepals); [west of the Mississippi River; disjunct on granite outcrops in GA]
Inflorescence remaining compact with age; inflorescence axis sparsely short-hairy, the hairs not glandular (or with a very few glandular hairs interspersed); pedicels glabrous or nearly so; petals 2-3.5 mm long (only slightly longer than the sepals); [west of the Mississippi River; disjunct on granite outcrops in GA]
Micranthes
Inflorescence branching with age, some branches often lower than the midpoint of the plant's height; inflorescence axis either glandular-hairy or mostly non-glandular-hairy; pedicels either glandular-hairy or nearly glabrous; petals 3.5-6 mm long (2-3× as long as the sepals); [collectively widespread in our area].
Inflorescence branching with age, some branches often lower than the midpoint of the plant's height; inflorescence axis either glandular-hairy or mostly non-glandular-hairy; pedicels either glandular-hairy or nearly glabrous; petals 3.5-6 mm long (2-3× as long as the sepals); [collectively widespread in our area].
Parthenocissus
Inflorescence with a well-developed (zigzag) central axis, the dichotomous branches very unequal, the inflorescence therefore paniculiform, with a total of 25-200+ flowers; tendrils with mostly 3-8 branches, most or all branches terminating with adhesive disks (though young shoots may not have the disks yet formed); leaves usually dull above, medium green; leaflets sessile, subsessile, or short-petiolulate (usually < 5 mm long); leaflet margins toothed primarily past the widest point, with few and obscure teeth below that point; berries 4-8 mm in diameter; [widespread in our area]
Inflorescence with a well-developed (zigzag) central axis, the dichotomous branches very unequal, the inflorescence therefore paniculiform, with a total of 25-200+ flowers; tendrils with mostly 3-8 branches, most or all branches terminating with adhesive disks (though young shoots may not have the disks yet formed); leaves usually dull above, medium green; leaflets sessile, subsessile, or short-petiolulate (usually < 5 mm long); leaflet margins toothed primarily past the widest point, with few and obscure teeth below that point; berries 4-8 mm in diameter; [widespread in our area]
Parthenocissus
Inflorescence with a well-developed (zigzag) central axis, the dichotomous branches very unequal, the inflorescence therefore paniculiform, with a total of 25-200+ flowers; tendrils with mostly 3-8 branches, most or all branches terminating with adhesive disks (though young shoots may not have the disks yet formed); leaves usually dull above, medium green; leaflets sessile, subsessile, or short-petiolulate (usually < 5 mm long); leaflet margins toothed primarily past the widest point, with few and obscure teeth below that point; berries 4-8 mm in diameter; [widespread in our area]
Inflorescence with a well-developed (zigzag) central axis, the dichotomous branches very unequal, the inflorescence therefore paniculiform, with a total of 25-200+ flowers; tendrils with mostly 3-8 branches, most or all branches terminating with adhesive disks (though young shoots may not have the disks yet formed); leaves usually dull above, medium green; leaflets sessile, subsessile, or short-petiolulate (usually < 5 mm long); leaflet margins toothed primarily past the widest point, with few and obscure teeth below that point; berries 4-8 mm in diameter; [widespread in our area]
Parthenocissus
Inflorescence without a well-developed central axis, the dichotomous branches relatively equal, the inflorescence therefore corymbiform, as wide or wider than long, with 2-3 main branches, with a total of 10-60 flowers; tendrils with mostly 3-5 branches, usually none terminating in adhesive disks (though sometimes swollen at the tip); leaves usually glossy above, often dark green; leaflets borne on long petiolules, often > 10 mm long; leaflet margins coarsely and jaggedly toothed, the teeth usually prominent in the lower half of each leaflet as well as the upper half; berries 6-12 mm in diameter; [from e. VA, n. WV northward, but also cultivated and spreading from horticultural use]
Inflorescence without a well-developed central axis, the dichotomous branches relatively equal, the inflorescence therefore corymbiform, as wide or wider than long, with 2-3 main branches, with a total of 10-60 flowers; tendrils with mostly 3-5 branches, usually none terminating in adhesive disks (though sometimes swollen at the tip); leaves usually glossy above, often dark green; leaflets borne on long petiolules, often > 10 mm long; leaflet margins coarsely and jaggedly toothed, the teeth usually prominent in the lower half of each leaflet as well as the upper half; berries 6-12 mm in diameter; [from e. VA, n. WV northward, but also cultivated and spreading from horticultural use]
Parthenocissus
Inflorescence without a well-developed central axis, the dichotomous branches relatively equal, the inflorescence therefore corymbiform, as wide or wider than long, with 2-3 main branches, with a total of 10-60 flowers; tendrils with mostly 3-5 branches, usually none terminating in adhesive disks (though sometimes swollen at the tip); leaves usually glossy above, often dark green; leaflets borne on long petiolules, often > 10 mm long; leaflet margins coarsely and jaggedly toothed, the teeth usually prominent in the lower half of each leaflet as well as the upper half; berries 6-12 mm in diameter; [from e. VA, n. WV northward, but also cultivated and spreading from horticultural use]
Inflorescence without a well-developed central axis, the dichotomous branches relatively equal, the inflorescence therefore corymbiform, as wide or wider than long, with 2-3 main branches, with a total of 10-60 flowers; tendrils with mostly 3-5 branches, usually none terminating in adhesive disks (though sometimes swollen at the tip); leaves usually glossy above, often dark green; leaflets borne on long petiolules, often > 10 mm long; leaflet margins coarsely and jaggedly toothed, the teeth usually prominent in the lower half of each leaflet as well as the upper half; berries 6-12 mm in diameter; [from e. VA, n. WV northward, but also cultivated and spreading from horticultural use]
Vitis
Nodal diaphragms > 1 mm wide; growing shoot tips not enveloped by enlarging, unfolded leaves; inflorescence axis (flowering or early-fruiting) hispid and/or white-floccose.
Nodal diaphragms > 1 mm wide; growing shoot tips not enveloped by enlarging, unfolded leaves; inflorescence axis (flowering or early-fruiting) hispid and/or white-floccose.
Fabaceae
Inflorescences elongate racemes with an axis 5-15 cm long, the flowers well-spaced along the axis, the overall inflorescence much longer than its diameter
Inflorescences elongate racemes with an axis 5-15 cm long, the flowers well-spaced along the axis, the overall inflorescence much longer than its diameter
Fabaceae
Inflorescences umbellate or headlike clusters or short racemes with an axis < 2 cm long, the flowers closely clustered, the overall inflorescence little (if at all) longer than its diameter.
Inflorescences umbellate or headlike clusters or short racemes with an axis < 2 cm long, the flowers closely clustered, the overall inflorescence little (if at all) longer than its diameter.
Tephrosia
Inflorescences with 1-several reduced leaves; inflorescences mainly borne terminally on the principal axis or branches
Inflorescences with 1-several reduced leaves; inflorescences mainly borne terminally on the principal axis or branches
Galactia
Inflorescence axis 10-20 mm; calyces 3-4 mm; corollas 6-7 mm; [Panhandle FL and adjacent s. AL]
Inflorescence axis 10-20 mm; calyces 3-4 mm; corollas 6-7 mm; [Panhandle FL and adjacent s. AL]
Galactia
Inflorescence axis (5-) 20-60 (-90) mm; calyces 6-7 mm; corollas 12-15 mm; [s. FL]
Inflorescence axis (5-) 20-60 (-90) mm; calyces 6-7 mm; corollas 12-15 mm; [s. FL]
Lespedeza
Central axis not strongly dominant, branches divaricate, irregular; stems slender, wiry; [subgenus Lespedeza; clade E]
Central axis not strongly dominant, branches divaricate, irregular; stems slender, wiry; [subgenus Lespedeza; clade E]
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.
Desmodium
Loment segments 3-5.5 mm long, nearly symmetrical along the axis of the loment (the isthmi more or less equal above and below, thus each segment diamond-shaped, rounded-diamond-shaped, or essentially elliptical).
Loment segments 3-5.5 mm long, nearly symmetrical along the axis of the loment (the isthmi more or less equal above and below, thus each segment diamond-shaped, rounded-diamond-shaped, or essentially elliptical).
Desmodium
Loment segments 5-11 mm long, asymmetrical along the axis of the loment (the isthmi deeper below than above, thus each segment triangular, rounded-triangular, or semi-circular).
Loment segments 5-11 mm long, asymmetrical along the axis of the loment (the isthmi deeper below than above, thus each segment triangular, rounded-triangular, or semi-circular).
Vicia
Stipules with a dark (purple or blackish) nectariferous patch on the lower surface; inflorescence < 1 cm long (peduncle plus axis), of 1-7 flowers nearly clustered in the leaf axil; [exotic species]; [subgenus Vicia]
Stipules with a dark (purple or blackish) nectariferous patch on the lower surface; inflorescence < 1 cm long (peduncle plus axis), of 1-7 flowers nearly clustered in the leaf axil; [exotic species]; [subgenus Vicia]
Vicia
Stipules lacking a dark nectariferous patch on the lower surface; inflorescence pedunculate and distinctly racemose, of 2-50 flowers along a well-developed raceme axis; [exotic and native species]; [subgenus Vicilla].
Stipules lacking a dark nectariferous patch on the lower surface; inflorescence pedunculate and distinctly racemose, of 2-50 flowers along a well-developed raceme axis; [exotic and native species]; [subgenus Vicilla].
Senega
Racemes 2-5 cm long, becoming interrupted below through persistence of the fruits on the axis; wing sepals equaling the fruit
Racemes 2-5 cm long, becoming interrupted below through persistence of the fruits on the axis; wing sepals equaling the fruit
Senega
Inflorescence bracts dropping from the axis promptly following flowering
Inflorescence bracts dropping from the axis promptly following flowering
Rosaceae
Ovary and fruit 5-locular; inflorescence a cyme, umbel, or fascicle (lacking an elongated central axis); pome 0.7-10 cm in diameter.
Ovary and fruit 5-locular; inflorescence a cyme, umbel, or fascicle (lacking an elongated central axis); pome 0.7-10 cm in diameter.
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
Glistening glands of the stem and inflorescence axis short stalked, or both short-stalked and sessile.
Glistening glands of the stem and inflorescence axis short stalked, or both short-stalked and sessile.
Agrimonia
Glistening glands of the stem and inflorescence axis only sessile.
Glistening glands of the stem and inflorescence axis only sessile.
Agrimonia
Major leaflets obovate to elliptic, apex obtuse to acute; flowers mostly alternate along inflorescence axis; [Coastal Plain pinelands; e. SC south to c. peninsular FL and west to e. TX]
Major leaflets obovate to elliptic, apex obtuse to acute; flowers mostly alternate along inflorescence axis; [Coastal Plain pinelands; e. SC south to c. peninsular FL and west to e. TX]
Agrimonia
Major leaflets lanceolate to narrowly elliptic, apex acuminate to rarely acute; flowers mostly sub-opposite along inflorescence axis; [bottomlands, marshes; CT west to s. MI and SD, south to FL, TX, the West Indies and Mexico]
Major leaflets lanceolate to narrowly elliptic, apex acuminate to rarely acute; flowers mostly sub-opposite along inflorescence axis; [bottomlands, marshes; CT west to s. MI and SD, south to FL, TX, the West Indies and Mexico]
Prunus
Inflorescence with a central axis, thus nearly or actually racemose; fruit blackish; leaves 1-1.5× as long as wide; [exotic tree]
Inflorescence with a central axis, thus nearly or actually racemose; fruit blackish; leaves 1-1.5× as long as wide; [exotic tree]
Prunus
Inflorescence umbellate to corymbose, the central axis absent or poorly developed; fruit red; leaves 2-5× as long as wide; [native tree]
Inflorescence umbellate to corymbose, the central axis absent or poorly developed; fruit red; leaves 2-5× as long as wide; [native tree]
Moraceae
Stipules free, the stipule scar not encircling the twig; inflorescence a spike, head, or catkin (the flowers borne exposed on a contracted or elongated axis or receptacle).
Stipules free, the stipule scar not encircling the twig; inflorescence a spike, head, or catkin (the flowers borne exposed on a contracted or elongated axis or receptacle).
Tragia
Pedicels of the staminate flowers 1.5-2 mm long, the lower persistent part 1-1.8 mm long (longer than the subtending bract); sepals of the pistillate flowers 1.3-2.3 mm long; staminate flowers 11-40 per raceme, evenly distributed along the raceme axis; [widespread in our region]
Pedicels of the staminate flowers 1.5-2 mm long, the lower persistent part 1-1.8 mm long (longer than the subtending bract); sepals of the pistillate flowers 1.3-2.3 mm long; staminate flowers 11-40 per raceme, evenly distributed along the raceme axis; [widespread in our region]
Circaea
Flowers opening before elongation of the raceme axis, therefore clustered and corymbiform at the apex of the raceme, borne on erect or ascending pedicels; plant 5-25 (-30) cm tall; fruits clavate, 2.0-2.5 mm long, 0.7-1.2 mm thick, 1-locular
Flowers opening before elongation of the raceme axis, therefore clustered and corymbiform at the apex of the raceme, borne on erect or ascending pedicels; plant 5-25 (-30) cm tall; fruits clavate, 2.0-2.5 mm long, 0.7-1.2 mm thick, 1-locular
Circaea
Flowers opening after elongation of the raceme axis, more or less loosely spaced, borne on spreading pedicels; plants (12-) 20-100 cm tall; fruits obovoid to pyriform, 2.8-3.9 (-4.5) mm long, 1.5-3.6 mm thick, 2-locular, or the fruits sterile and aborting shortly after anthesis, 1-2-locular when present.
Flowers opening after elongation of the raceme axis, more or less loosely spaced, borne on spreading pedicels; plants (12-) 20-100 cm tall; fruits obovoid to pyriform, 2.8-3.9 (-4.5) mm long, 1.5-3.6 mm thick, 2-locular, or the fruits sterile and aborting shortly after anthesis, 1-2-locular when present.
Melaleuca
Filaments red or crimson; flowers attached to the inflorescence axis singly or occasionally doubly (monads and dyads).
Filaments red or crimson; flowers attached to the inflorescence axis singly or occasionally doubly (monads and dyads).
Leavenworthia
Siliques 12-15 mm long, 3-4 mm wide; seeds slightly elongate, cleft at one side of the long axis; [TN (Sumner, Smith, Wilson, Davidson, Rutherford, Bedford, and Maury counties)]
Siliques 12-15 mm long, 3-4 mm wide; seeds slightly elongate, cleft at one side of the long axis; [TN (Sumner, Smith, Wilson, Davidson, Rutherford, Bedford, and Maury counties)]
Lepidium
Upper cauline leaves entire, serrate, or dentate; inflorescence axis glabrous, papillose, or with hairs < 0.1 mm long.
Upper cauline leaves entire, serrate, or dentate; inflorescence axis glabrous, papillose, or with hairs < 0.1 mm long.
Tamarix
Petals 3.5-5 mm long; bracts subtending the pedicels herbaceous; young growth (especially the bracts and the raceme axis) papillose; [section Oligadenia; series Anisandrae]
Petals 3.5-5 mm long; bracts subtending the pedicels herbaceous; young growth (especially the bracts and the raceme axis) papillose; [section Oligadenia; series Anisandrae]
Tamarix
Young growth glabrous (except sometimes papillose on the raceme axis); disk synlophic; flowers with 5 antesepalous stamens and 0 antepetalous stamens
Young growth glabrous (except sometimes papillose on the raceme axis); disk synlophic; flowers with 5 antesepalous stamens and 0 antepetalous stamens
Rumex
Stems 6-12 (-15) dm tall; leaf blades 20-40 cm long; inflorescence branches normally ascending, making an angle of 30-45° with inflorescence axis; tubercles of the inner tepals smooth
Stems 6-12 (-15) dm tall; leaf blades 20-40 cm long; inflorescence branches normally ascending, making an angle of 30-45° with inflorescence axis; tubercles of the inner tepals smooth
Rumex
Stems 2-6 (-7) dm tall; leaf blades 4-10 (-15) cm long; inflorescence branches spreading, making an angle of 60-90° with inflorescence axis; tubercles of the inner tepals usually verrucose
Stems 2-6 (-7) dm tall; leaf blades 4-10 (-15) cm long; inflorescence branches spreading, making an angle of 60-90° with inflorescence axis; tubercles of the inner tepals usually verrucose
Dysphania
Flowers either solitary and spaced along the inflorescence axis, or in dense glomerules arranged secondarily into spikes and panicles.
Flowers either solitary and spaced along the inflorescence axis, or in dense glomerules arranged secondarily into spikes and panicles.
Cactaceae
Main axis of plant unsegmented, bearing ‘pads’ at its summit; fruits and flowers bearing spines; [FL peninsula only]
Main axis of plant unsegmented, bearing ‘pads’ at its summit; fruits and flowers bearing spines; [FL peninsula only]
Cactaceae
Main axis of plant segmented throughout into ‘pads’; fruits and flowers lacking spines; [widespread in our area]
Main axis of plant segmented throughout into ‘pads’; fruits and flowers lacking spines; [widespread in our area]
Opuntia
Spreading shrubs, plants clump forming or with chains of cladodes spreading from the central axis of the plant, the flat surface generally parallel to the ground surface; cladodes becoming cross-wrinkled during fall and winter months, fruit clavate (widest towards the tip); [collectively widespread in our area].
Spreading shrubs, plants clump forming or with chains of cladodes spreading from the central axis of the plant, the flat surface generally parallel to the ground surface; cladodes becoming cross-wrinkled during fall and winter months, fruit clavate (widest towards the tip); [collectively widespread in our area].
Galium
Inflorescence relatively diffuse, branches divaricate; ultimate fruits (2-) 3-6 (-7) nodes beyond primary stem axis (with largest leaves); first inflorescence internode (beyond primary stem axis) 15-50 mm long; fruit surface glabrous (without hairs)
Inflorescence relatively diffuse, branches divaricate; ultimate fruits (2-) 3-6 (-7) nodes beyond primary stem axis (with largest leaves); first inflorescence internode (beyond primary stem axis) 15-50 mm long; fruit surface glabrous (without hairs)
Galium
Inflorescence relatively strict, branches ascending; ultimate fruits 2-3 (-4) nodes beyond primary stem axis (with largest leaves); first inflorescence internode (beyond primary stem axis) 3-12 (-20) mm long; fruit surface glabrous or bristly-hispid.
Inflorescence relatively strict, branches ascending; ultimate fruits 2-3 (-4) nodes beyond primary stem axis (with largest leaves); first inflorescence internode (beyond primary stem axis) 3-12 (-20) mm long; fruit surface glabrous or bristly-hispid.
Hydrophyllaceae
Inflorescence with a strong central axis (some secondary branching in P. bipinnatifida, but not as above); larger leaf blades < 5 cm wide (except P. bipinnatifida); stamens slightly exserted from the corolla (< 3 mm beyond the corolla) (except well-exserted in P. bipinnatifida, included in P. covillei); plants annual (biennial in P. bipinnatifida) from a taproot; [tribe Romanzoffieae]
Inflorescence with a strong central axis (some secondary branching in P. bipinnatifida, but not as above); larger leaf blades < 5 cm wide (except P. bipinnatifida); stamens slightly exserted from the corolla (< 3 mm beyond the corolla) (except well-exserted in P. bipinnatifida, included in P. covillei); plants annual (biennial in P. bipinnatifida) from a taproot; [tribe Romanzoffieae]
Datura
Corollas < 6 cm long; leaf blade < 1.5 × as long as wide; spines of fruit unequal along axis of fruit, some > 1.5 cm long
Corollas < 6 cm long; leaf blade < 1.5 × as long as wide; spines of fruit unequal along axis of fruit, some > 1.5 cm long
Datura
Corollas 6-9 cm long; leaf blade > 1.5 × as long as wide; spines of fruit +/- equal along axis of fruit, all < 1.5 cm long
Corollas 6-9 cm long; leaf blade > 1.5 × as long as wide; spines of fruit +/- equal along axis of fruit, all < 1.5 cm long
Oleaceae
Leaf margins entire; leaves usually >7 cm long; inflorescence an axillary panicle (with a central axis); [native tree of Coastal Plain forests]
Leaf margins entire; leaves usually >7 cm long; inflorescence an axillary panicle (with a central axis); [native tree of Coastal Plain forests]
Oleaceae
Leaf margins on at least some leaves coarsely spinose-serrate; leaves < 10 cm long; inflorescence an axillary fascicle (lacking a central axis); [horticulturally planted, rarely naturalizing]
Leaf margins on at least some leaves coarsely spinose-serrate; leaves < 10 cm long; inflorescence an axillary fascicle (lacking a central axis); [horticulturally planted, rarely naturalizing]
Osmanthus
Leaf margins entire; leaves usually >7 cm long; inflorescence an axillary panicle (with a central axis); [native tree of Coastal Plain forests]
Leaf margins entire; leaves usually >7 cm long; inflorescence an axillary panicle (with a central axis); [native tree of Coastal Plain forests]
Osmanthus
Leaf margins on at least some leaves lobed, the lobes tipped by spines; leaves < 10 cm long; inflorescence an axillary fascicle (lacking a central axis); [horticulturally planted, rarely naturalizing].
Leaf margins on at least some leaves lobed, the lobes tipped by spines; leaves < 10 cm long; inflorescence an axillary fascicle (lacking a central axis); [horticulturally planted, rarely naturalizing].
Plantaginaceae
Inflorescence compact, the inflorescence axis generally hidden by the closely packed and overlapping flowers; each flower subtended by large overlapping bracts
Inflorescence compact, the inflorescence axis generally hidden by the closely packed and overlapping flowers; each flower subtended by large overlapping bracts
Plantaginaceae
Inflorescence more diffuse, the inflorescence axis readily visible between the flowers; flowers lacking extra subtending bracts
Inflorescence more diffuse, the inflorescence axis readily visible between the flowers; flowers lacking extra subtending bracts
Penstemon
Corollas unlined; inflorescence branches spreading-ascending, obviously diverging from the vertical inflorescence axis; [Penstemon hirsutus complex].
Corollas unlined; inflorescence branches spreading-ascending, obviously diverging from the vertical inflorescence axis; [Penstemon hirsutus complex].
Penstemon
Inflorescence branches spreading-ascending, obviously diverging from the vertical inflorescence axis; sepals 3.2-4.5 mm long; corollas 20-30 mm long; corolla:calyx length ratio 7-9; cauline leaf pairs 3-7
Inflorescence branches spreading-ascending, obviously diverging from the vertical inflorescence axis; sepals 3.2-4.5 mm long; corollas 20-30 mm long; corolla:calyx length ratio 7-9; cauline leaf pairs 3-7
Lantana
Shrubs rounded, central axis +/- developed, not prominent, all branches +/-spreading-arching; stem hairs 0.5--1 mm; corolla limbs 8--10 mm wide
Shrubs rounded, central axis +/- developed, not prominent, all branches +/-spreading-arching; stem hairs 0.5--1 mm; corolla limbs 8--10 mm wide
Lantana
Shrubs pyramidal, central axis well-developed, prominent, erect, distal branches stiffly ascending, basal branches sometimes decumbent; stem hairs 1--1.5 mm; corolla limbs 6--8 mm wide
Shrubs pyramidal, central axis well-developed, prominent, erect, distal branches stiffly ascending, basal branches sometimes decumbent; stem hairs 1--1.5 mm; corolla limbs 6--8 mm wide
Clerodendrum
Corollas orange or orangey-red; inflorescence with an obvious central axis, longer than wide.
Corollas orange or orangey-red; inflorescence with an obvious central axis, longer than wide.
Scutellaria
Racemes not secund, flowers on more than one side of the axis.
Racemes not secund, flowers on more than one side of the axis.
Scutellaria
Mid to upper leaves mostly ovate or obovate, occasionally widely elliptic (lowest leaves strongly ovate); leaves mostly crenate or serrate throughout, if leaves entire, then just below the inflorescence; lowest pedicels of main inflorescence axis mostly > 4 mm long; [xeric, sandy uplands; s. GA south to s. FL]
Mid to upper leaves mostly ovate or obovate, occasionally widely elliptic (lowest leaves strongly ovate); leaves mostly crenate or serrate throughout, if leaves entire, then just below the inflorescence; lowest pedicels of main inflorescence axis mostly > 4 mm long; [xeric, sandy uplands; s. GA south to s. FL]
Physostegia
Axis of raceme with at least some of the hairs 0.13-0.25 mm long; nutlets 2-3 mm long; flowering Apr to early Jul (or later if burned)
Axis of raceme with at least some of the hairs 0.13-0.25 mm long; nutlets 2-3 mm long; flowering Apr to early Jul (or later if burned)
Physostegia
Axis of raceme with hairs < 0.1 mm long; nutlets usually 3-4 mm long; flowering Jul-Oct.
Axis of raceme with hairs < 0.1 mm long; nutlets usually 3-4 mm long; flowering Jul-Oct.
Physostegia
Perennating buds usually borne directly on the primary rhizome or at the ends of short, vertical secondary rhizomes (horizontal secondary rhizomes usually lacking), the plant thus forming clumps; nonglandular trichomes of the raceme axis < 0.1 (-0.13) mm long; sterile floral bracts usually present below lowest flowers; flowers (16-) 18-37 mm long
Perennating buds usually borne directly on the primary rhizome or at the ends of short, vertical secondary rhizomes (horizontal secondary rhizomes usually lacking), the plant thus forming clumps; nonglandular trichomes of the raceme axis < 0.1 (-0.13) mm long; sterile floral bracts usually present below lowest flowers; flowers (16-) 18-37 mm long
Physostegia
Perennating buds usually borne at the ends of elongate, horizontal, secondary rhizomes, the plant thus forming clonal patches; nonglandular trichomes of the raceme axis frequently 0.15-(-0.20) mm long; sterile floral bracts usually not present below lowest flowers; flowers (13-) 14-28 mm long
Perennating buds usually borne at the ends of elongate, horizontal, secondary rhizomes, the plant thus forming clonal patches; nonglandular trichomes of the raceme axis frequently 0.15-(-0.20) mm long; sterile floral bracts usually not present below lowest flowers; flowers (13-) 14-28 mm long
Physostegia
Raceme axis densely tomentose, the hairs mostly 0.2-0.3 mm long; calyx lobes at anthesis generally 2-3 mm long, attenuate or cuspidate
Raceme axis densely tomentose, the hairs mostly 0.2-0.3 mm long; calyx lobes at anthesis generally 2-3 mm long, attenuate or cuspidate
Physostegia
Raceme axis puberulent to pubescent, the hairs almost all < 0.2 mm long; calyx lobes at anthesis generally 1-2 mm long, mostly acute
Raceme axis puberulent to pubescent, the hairs almost all < 0.2 mm long; calyx lobes at anthesis generally 1-2 mm long, mostly acute
Physostegia
Flowers 22-35 mm long; larger stem leaves acute to attenuate at the tip; axis of raceme with at least some of the hairs 0.13-0.25 mm long; larger stem leaves mostly sharply serrate
Flowers 22-35 mm long; larger stem leaves acute to attenuate at the tip; axis of raceme with at least some of the hairs 0.13-0.25 mm long; larger stem leaves mostly sharply serrate
Physostegia
Flowers smaller, or most of the leaves obtuse at the tip, or hairs of the raceme axis < 0.13 mm long; larger stem leaves bluntly toothed to entire.
Flowers smaller, or most of the leaves obtuse at the tip, or hairs of the raceme axis < 0.13 mm long; larger stem leaves bluntly toothed to entire.
Gamochaeta
Involucres 2.5-3 mm high, seated in tomentum; capitulescence initially cylindric and uninterrupted, at least distally, the main axis obscured by clustered heads; phyllaries in 3-4 (-5) series, the outer and middle ovate-lanceolate with narrowly to broadly acute apices, the outer ½-2/3 as long as the inner, at least the innermost commonly tinged with purple at the stereome-lamina junction; flowering (Feb-) Mar-May (sometimes later because of moisture or disturbance)
Involucres 2.5-3 mm high, seated in tomentum; capitulescence initially cylindric and uninterrupted, at least distally, the main axis obscured by clustered heads; phyllaries in 3-4 (-5) series, the outer and middle ovate-lanceolate with narrowly to broadly acute apices, the outer ½-2/3 as long as the inner, at least the innermost commonly tinged with purple at the stereome-lamina junction; flowering (Feb-) Mar-May (sometimes later because of moisture or disturbance)
Gamochaeta
Involucres 3-3.5 mm high, lightly arachnose only at the base if at all; capitulescence interrupted at least distally, the main axis visible up to the terminal heads; phyllaries in 5-7 series, the outer and middle ovate-triangular with sharply acute-acuminate apices, the outer 1/3-½ as long as the inner, slightly brown, none with purplish color; flowering May-Jul
Involucres 3-3.5 mm high, lightly arachnose only at the base if at all; capitulescence interrupted at least distally, the main axis visible up to the terminal heads; phyllaries in 5-7 series, the outer and middle ovate-triangular with sharply acute-acuminate apices, the outer 1/3-½ as long as the inner, slightly brown, none with purplish color; flowering May-Jul
Trilisa
Fresh plants with a strong odor of coumarin/vanilla; basal leaves usually > 15 cm long and > 5 cm wide; midstem leaves broadly elliptic, the apex flared away from the stem, the margins often shallowly toothed; inflorescence 1.5-3× as tall as broad, the primary inflorescence branches diverging from the main axis at a 10-20° angle; heads mostly with 7-10 flowers; of c. peninsular FL northwards to se. NC and northwestwards to e. LA]
Fresh plants with a strong odor of coumarin/vanilla; basal leaves usually > 15 cm long and > 5 cm wide; midstem leaves broadly elliptic, the apex flared away from the stem, the margins often shallowly toothed; inflorescence 1.5-3× as tall as broad, the primary inflorescence branches diverging from the main axis at a 10-20° angle; heads mostly with 7-10 flowers; of c. peninsular FL northwards to se. NC and northwestwards to e. LA]
Trilisa
Fresh plants with very slight or no odor of coumarin/vanilla; basal leaves < 15 cm long and < 4 cm wide; midstem leaves narrowly elliptic, tightly clasping the stem, the margins entire; inflorescence 0.5-1× as tall as broad, the primary inflorescence branches diverging from the main axis at a 30-45° angle; heads mostly with 10-14 flowers; [of c. peninsular FL south to s. FL]
Fresh plants with very slight or no odor of coumarin/vanilla; basal leaves < 15 cm long and < 4 cm wide; midstem leaves narrowly elliptic, tightly clasping the stem, the margins entire; inflorescence 0.5-1× as tall as broad, the primary inflorescence branches diverging from the main axis at a 30-45° angle; heads mostly with 10-14 flowers; [of c. peninsular FL south to s. FL]
Viburnum
Leaves oblong-obovate, wider toward the tip; inflorescence paniculate, with an elongate central axis, the lowest branches opposite and with other branches above; fresh leaves malodorous; [section Solenotinus]
Leaves oblong-obovate, wider toward the tip; inflorescence paniculate, with an elongate central axis, the lowest branches opposite and with other branches above; fresh leaves malodorous; [section Solenotinus]
Viburnum
Leaves oblong-obovate, wider toward the tip; inflorescence paniculate, with an elongate central axis, the lowest branches opposite and with other branches above; fresh leaves malodorous; [section Solenotinus]
Leaves oblong-obovate, wider toward the tip; inflorescence paniculate, with an elongate central axis, the lowest branches opposite and with other branches above; fresh leaves malodorous; [section Solenotinus]
Aralia
Inflorescence 3-6 dm long, often broader than long, the main axis absent or to 15 cm long; main lateral veins of the leaflets running all the way to the teeth; petiolules 0-1 (-6) mm long; dry fruit 3.0-3.5 mm long; corolla white to off-white; leaves 2-pinnate, basal pair of pinnae subtended by pair of accessory leaflets; drupes 4-4.5 mm in diameter; [exotic spreading southward from ne. United States]
Inflorescence 3-6 dm long, often broader than long, the main axis absent or to 15 cm long; main lateral veins of the leaflets running all the way to the teeth; petiolules 0-1 (-6) mm long; dry fruit 3.0-3.5 mm long; corolla white to off-white; leaves 2-pinnate, basal pair of pinnae subtended by pair of accessory leaflets; drupes 4-4.5 mm in diameter; [exotic spreading southward from ne. United States]
Aralia
Inflorescence 3-6 dm long, often broader than long, the main axis absent or to 15 cm long; main lateral veins of the leaflets running all the way to the teeth; petiolules 0-1 (-6) mm long; dry fruit 3.0-3.5 mm long; corolla white to off-white; leaves 2-pinnate, basal pair of pinnae subtended by pair of accessory leaflets; drupes 4-4.5 mm in diameter; [exotic spreading southward from ne. United States]
Inflorescence 3-6 dm long, often broader than long, the main axis absent or to 15 cm long; main lateral veins of the leaflets running all the way to the teeth; petiolules 0-1 (-6) mm long; dry fruit 3.0-3.5 mm long; corolla white to off-white; leaves 2-pinnate, basal pair of pinnae subtended by pair of accessory leaflets; drupes 4-4.5 mm in diameter; [exotic spreading southward from ne. United States]
Aralia
Inflorescence 4-12 dm long, usually longer than broad, with a well-developed central axis 30-40 cm long; main lateral veins of the leaflets branching repeatedly and getting smaller before reaching the marginal teeth as small branching veinlets; petiolules 1-7 mm long; dry fruit 4.0-5.0 mm long; corolla creamy or buttery yellow; leaves 2-3-pinnate, basal pair of pinnae usually subtended by pair of accessory pinnae with 3--5 leaflets, sometimes by pair of accessory leaflets; drupes 5-8 mm in diameter; [widespread native]
Inflorescence 4-12 dm long, usually longer than broad, with a well-developed central axis 30-40 cm long; main lateral veins of the leaflets branching repeatedly and getting smaller before reaching the marginal teeth as small branching veinlets; petiolules 1-7 mm long; dry fruit 4.0-5.0 mm long; corolla creamy or buttery yellow; leaves 2-3-pinnate, basal pair of pinnae usually subtended by pair of accessory pinnae with 3--5 leaflets, sometimes by pair of accessory leaflets; drupes 5-8 mm in diameter; [widespread native]
Aralia
Inflorescence 4-12 dm long, usually longer than broad, with a well-developed central axis 30-40 cm long; main lateral veins of the leaflets branching repeatedly and getting smaller before reaching the marginal teeth as small branching veinlets; petiolules 1-7 mm long; dry fruit 4.0-5.0 mm long; corolla creamy or buttery yellow; leaves 2-3-pinnate, basal pair of pinnae usually subtended by pair of accessory pinnae with 3--5 leaflets, sometimes by pair of accessory leaflets; drupes 5-8 mm in diameter; [widespread native]
Inflorescence 4-12 dm long, usually longer than broad, with a well-developed central axis 30-40 cm long; main lateral veins of the leaflets branching repeatedly and getting smaller before reaching the marginal teeth as small branching veinlets; petiolules 1-7 mm long; dry fruit 4.0-5.0 mm long; corolla creamy or buttery yellow; leaves 2-3-pinnate, basal pair of pinnae usually subtended by pair of accessory pinnae with 3--5 leaflets, sometimes by pair of accessory leaflets; drupes 5-8 mm in diameter; [widespread native]
Hydrocotyle
Inflorescence compound, the main inflorescence axis with nodes which produce verticils or umbels of pedicellate flowers, the inflorescence nodes also producing branches which themselves produce verticils or umbels of flowers; leaves (1-) 4-15 cm wide, the blade characteristically held in a vertical plane
Inflorescence compound, the main inflorescence axis with nodes which produce verticils or umbels of pedicellate flowers, the inflorescence nodes also producing branches which themselves produce verticils or umbels of flowers; leaves (1-) 4-15 cm wide, the blade characteristically held in a vertical plane
Hydrocotyle
Inflorescence verticillate, all the flowers borne sessile or on pedicels on the unbranched inflorescence axis; leaves 1-6 cm wide, the blade usually more-or-less in a horizontal plane.
Inflorescence verticillate, all the flowers borne sessile or on pedicels on the unbranched inflorescence axis; leaves 1-6 cm wide, the blade usually more-or-less in a horizontal plane.
Plantae
Leaves (or leaf-like adventitious roots) 1-pinnately compound or divided (with a central axis bearing pinnae, the pinnae not further divided).
Leaves (or leaf-like adventitious roots) 1-pinnately compound or divided (with a central axis bearing pinnae, the pinnae not further divided).
Plantae
Inflorescence an axillary spike or axillary raceme (with an elongate central axis, to which all flowers/fruits are attached).
Inflorescence an axillary spike or axillary raceme (with an elongate central axis, to which all flowers/fruits are attached).
Plantae
Inflorescence an axillary spike or axillary raceme (with an elongate central axis, to which all flowers/fruits are attached).
Inflorescence an axillary spike or axillary raceme (with an elongate central axis, to which all flowers/fruits are attached).
Plantae
Fruit a fleshy (but not oily) 1-8-seeded drupe, a berry, or a 2-4-locular capsule; flowers 4-8-merous, with differentiated sepals and petals, the petals usually basally fused; fresh plants not strongly aromatic; inflorescence an axillary umbel or fascicle (or reduced to solitary), a central axis absent or < 1 cm long; [Eudicots].
Fruit a fleshy (but not oily) 1-8-seeded drupe, a berry, or a 2-4-locular capsule; flowers 4-8-merous, with differentiated sepals and petals, the petals usually basally fused; fresh plants not strongly aromatic; inflorescence an axillary umbel or fascicle (or reduced to solitary), a central axis absent or < 1 cm long; [Eudicots].
Plantae
Inflorescence various, either with < 30 flowers or if with > 50 flowers a catkin (with a single axis); corolla with separate petals (or petals absent); fruit various, fleshy or dry, if a 5-valved capsule (Franklinia in THEACEAE), then 15-20 mm in diameter; fresh leaves without a sour taste.
Inflorescence various, either with < 30 flowers or if with > 50 flowers a catkin (with a single axis); corolla with separate petals (or petals absent); fruit various, fleshy or dry, if a 5-valved capsule (Franklinia in THEACEAE), then 15-20 mm in diameter; fresh leaves without a sour taste.
Plantae
Inflorescence a catkin, the flowers small (< 5 mm in diameter) and tightly arranged on the inflorescence axis (> 5 per cm of the axis)
Inflorescence a catkin, the flowers small (< 5 mm in diameter) and tightly arranged on the inflorescence axis (> 5 per cm of the axis)
Plantae
Inflorescence various, but more diffuse, the flowers larger (> 5 mm in diameter, except for some flowers in Hydrangea in HYDRANGEACEAE) and loosely arranged (< 5 per cm of axis).
Inflorescence various, but more diffuse, the flowers larger (> 5 mm in diameter, except for some flowers in Hydrangea in HYDRANGEACEAE) and loosely arranged (< 5 per cm of axis).
Plantae
Inflorescence axis and bracts densely lanuginose
Plantae
Inflorescence axis and bracts glabrous or inconspicuously pubescent.
Inflorescence axis and bracts glabrous or inconspicuously pubescent.
Plantae
Inflorescence bracteate, with < 10 flowers; leaf with a terminal pore; carpels widely divergent, at nearly right angles to the axis
Inflorescence bracteate, with < 10 flowers; leaf with a terminal pore; carpels widely divergent, at nearly right angles to the axis
Plantae
Corolla 6-8 mm long, white to pale pink; fruit a 1-seeded achene contained in the accrescent calyx, this “lopping down” against the inflorescence axis
Corolla 6-8 mm long, white to pale pink; fruit a 1-seeded achene contained in the accrescent calyx, this “lopping down” against the inflorescence axis
Senega
Peduncle + axis length (11-) avg. 35 (-96) mm (in late flower or fruit); raceme (10-) avg. 12 (-15) mm wide
Peduncle + axis length (11-) avg. 35 (-96) mm (in late flower or fruit); raceme (10-) avg. 12 (-15) mm wide
Senega
Peduncle + axis length (10-) avg. 16 (-23) mm (in late flower or fruit); raceme (8.5-) avg. 9.9 (-12) mm wide
Peduncle + axis length (10-) avg. 16 (-23) mm (in late flower or fruit); raceme (8.5-) avg. 9.9 (-12) mm wide
Pterocaulon
Heads in dense, usually continuous clusters 2-8 cm long (the inflorescence axis usually completely hidden by the crowded heads); flowering May-Jun; [AL eastwards]
Heads in dense, usually continuous clusters 2-8 cm long (the inflorescence axis usually completely hidden by the crowded heads); flowering May-Jun; [AL eastwards]
Pterocaulon
Heads in open, interrupted arrays, (5-) 8-20 cm long (the inflorescence axis visible in the interruptions between clusters of heads); flowering Aug-Oct; [s. AL westwards]
Heads in open, interrupted arrays, (5-) 8-20 cm long (the inflorescence axis visible in the interruptions between clusters of heads); flowering Aug-Oct; [s. AL westwards]
Blephilia
Erect stems typically unbranched or with 1-2 branches; typically a single inflorescence on the central axis; bracteoles acute; leaves acute to obtuse; lower calyx lobes linear, more-or-less reaching the sinuses of the upper calyx lip; plants flowering in Apr - early Jun.
Erect stems typically unbranched or with 1-2 branches; typically a single inflorescence on the central axis; bracteoles acute; leaves acute to obtuse; lower calyx lobes linear, more-or-less reaching the sinuses of the upper calyx lip; plants flowering in Apr - early Jun.
Liriodendron
Fruiting axis ("lance") (34-) avg. 38 (-42) mm long; stamen apex acute to apiculate; tree producing pencil-like pneumatophores; mature leaves of fertile branches small to medium, 4-lobed, the terminal lobes obtuse, broadly rounded to acuminate, though when acuminate the ultimate tip minutely blunt, the base cuneate, rounded, or truncate; [peninsular FL]
Fruiting axis ("lance") (34-) avg. 38 (-42) mm long; stamen apex acute to apiculate; tree producing pencil-like pneumatophores; mature leaves of fertile branches small to medium, 4-lobed, the terminal lobes obtuse, broadly rounded to acuminate, though when acuminate the ultimate tip minutely blunt, the base cuneate, rounded, or truncate; [peninsular FL]
Liriodendron
Fruiting axis ("lance") (42-) avg. 44-53 (-60) mm long (see below); stamen apex rounded, truncate, or retuse; tree never producing pneumatophores; mature leaves of fertile branches small to large (see below), 0-8-lobed, the terminal lobes (acute to acuminate, and often terminating in an apiculum, the base cordate to broadly cuneate; [collectively widespread].
Fruiting axis ("lance") (42-) avg. 44-53 (-60) mm long (see below); stamen apex rounded, truncate, or retuse; tree never producing pneumatophores; mature leaves of fertile branches small to large (see below), 0-8-lobed, the terminal lobes (acute to acuminate, and often terminating in an apiculum, the base cordate to broadly cuneate; [collectively widespread].
Liriodendron
Fruiting axis ("lance") (42-) avg. 44-53 (-60) mm long (see below); stamen apex rounded, truncate, or retuse; tree never producing pneumatophores; mature leaves of fertile branches small to large (see below), 0-8-lobed, the terminal lobes (acute to acuminate, and often terminating in an apiculum, the base cordate to broadly cuneate; [collectively widespread].
Fruiting axis ("lance") (42-) avg. 44-53 (-60) mm long (see below); stamen apex rounded, truncate, or retuse; tree never producing pneumatophores; mature leaves of fertile branches small to large (see below), 0-8-lobed, the terminal lobes (acute to acuminate, and often terminating in an apiculum, the base cordate to broadly cuneate; [collectively widespread].
Liriodendron
Fruiting axis ("lance") (42-) avg. 44-53 (-60) mm long (see below); stamen apex rounded, truncate, or retuse; tree never producing pneumatophores; mature leaves of fertile branches small to large (see below), 0-8-lobed, the terminal lobes (acute to acuminate, and often terminating in an apiculum, the base cordate to broadly cuneate; [collectively widespread].
Fruiting axis ("lance") (42-) avg. 44-53 (-60) mm long (see below); stamen apex rounded, truncate, or retuse; tree never producing pneumatophores; mature leaves of fertile branches small to large (see below), 0-8-lobed, the terminal lobes (acute to acuminate, and often terminating in an apiculum, the base cordate to broadly cuneate; [collectively widespread].
Azolla
Largest hairs on the upper leaf surfaces 1-celled; plants usually (0.7-) 2-6 cm long, elongate and pinnate in its main axis (pseudodichotomously branched only peripherally); megaspores with raised hexagonal markings/angular bumps
Largest hairs on the upper leaf surfaces 1-celled; plants usually (0.7-) 2-6 cm long, elongate and pinnate in its main axis (pseudodichotomously branched only peripherally); megaspores with raised hexagonal markings/angular bumps
Azolla
Plants usually 1-1.5 cm long, the stems more or less pinnately branched (with a central axis), pseudodichotomously branched only at outer periphery or frond; megaspores (which are rarely present) pitted, sparsely covered with a few long filaments (use 100× magnification); leaves slightly to greatly imbricate, the upper lobes usually > 0.7 mm long
Plants usually 1-1.5 cm long, the stems more or less pinnately branched (with a central axis), pseudodichotomously branched only at outer periphery or frond; megaspores (which are rarely present) pitted, sparsely covered with a few long filaments (use 100× magnification); leaves slightly to greatly imbricate, the upper lobes usually > 0.7 mm long
Micranthes
Leaves entire or with very shallow crenations; pedicels glabrous or nearly so; hairs of the inflorescence axis mainly non-glandular; [AR and e. OK]
Leaves entire or with very shallow crenations; pedicels glabrous or nearly so; hairs of the inflorescence axis mainly non-glandular; [AR and e. OK]
Hexastylis
Calyx lobes 4-15 mm long, spreading, typically at a 45-90 degree angle (at least in part of their length) from the vertical axis of the flower, often undulate-margined; leaves solid green or variegated.
Calyx lobes 4-15 mm long, spreading, typically at a 45-90 degree angle (at least in part of their length) from the vertical axis of the flower, often undulate-margined; leaves solid green or variegated.
Sabal
Fruits 9-15.4 mm in diameter; inflorescences with 3 orders of branching (the main inflorescence axis counting as the first, thus the flowers borne primarily on the third order branches); [deep acid sands of Florida scrub, ne. FL south through FL peninsula]
Fruits 9-15.4 mm in diameter; inflorescences with 3 orders of branching (the main inflorescence axis counting as the first, thus the flowers borne primarily on the third order branches); [deep acid sands of Florida scrub, ne. FL south through FL peninsula]
Sabal
Fruits 9-15.4 mm in diameter; inflorescences with 3 orders of branching (the main inflorescence axis counting as the first, thus the flowers borne primarily on the third order branches); [deep acid sands of Florida scrub, ne. FL south through FL peninsula]
Fruits 9-15.4 mm in diameter; inflorescences with 3 orders of branching (the main inflorescence axis counting as the first, thus the flowers borne primarily on the third order branches); [deep acid sands of Florida scrub, ne. FL south through FL peninsula]
Sabal
Fruits 9-15.4 mm in diameter; inflorescences with 3 orders of branching (the main inflorescence axis counting as the first, thus the flowers borne primarily on the third order branches); [deep acid sands of Florida scrub, ne. FL south through FL peninsula]
Fruits 9-15.4 mm in diameter; inflorescences with 3 orders of branching (the main inflorescence axis counting as the first, thus the flowers borne primarily on the third order branches); [deep acid sands of Florida scrub, ne. FL south through FL peninsula]
Sabal
Fruits 15.7-19.0 mm in diameter; inflorescences with 4 orders of branching (including the main inflorescence axis); [calcareous soils of pine rocklands, s. FL]
Fruits 15.7-19.0 mm in diameter; inflorescences with 4 orders of branching (including the main inflorescence axis); [calcareous soils of pine rocklands, s. FL]
Sabal
Flowers 4-7 mm across; inflorescences with 4 orders of branching (the main inflorescence axis counting as the first); [native from e. NC south to s. FL, west to w. Panhandle FL, but extensively planted inland and westwards along the Gulf Coast]
Flowers 4-7 mm across; inflorescences with 4 orders of branching (the main inflorescence axis counting as the first); [native from e. NC south to s. FL, west to w. Panhandle FL, but extensively planted inland and westwards along the Gulf Coast]
Sabal
Flowers 4-7 mm across; inflorescences with 4 orders of branching (the main inflorescence axis counting as the first); [native from e. NC south to s. FL, west to w. Panhandle FL, but extensively planted inland and westwards along the Gulf Coast]
Flowers 4-7 mm across; inflorescences with 4 orders of branching (the main inflorescence axis counting as the first); [native from e. NC south to s. FL, west to w. Panhandle FL, but extensively planted inland and westwards along the Gulf Coast]
Sabal
Flowers 4-7 mm across; inflorescences with 4 orders of branching (the main inflorescence axis counting as the first); [native from e. NC south to s. FL, west to w. Panhandle FL, but extensively planted inland and westwards along the Gulf Coast]
Flowers 4-7 mm across; inflorescences with 4 orders of branching (the main inflorescence axis counting as the first); [native from e. NC south to s. FL, west to w. Panhandle FL, but extensively planted inland and westwards along the Gulf Coast]
Sabal
Flowers 5-8 mm across; inflorescences with 3-4 orders of branching (the main inflorescence axis counting as the first); [Brazoria County, TX]
Flowers 5-8 mm across; inflorescences with 3-4 orders of branching (the main inflorescence axis counting as the first); [Brazoria County, TX]
Polypodiaceae
Leaves pinnatifid or pinnate (the lobes arrayed along an axis); foliage indument absent or of simple hairs or scales.
Leaves pinnatifid or pinnate (the lobes arrayed along an axis); foliage indument absent or of simple hairs or scales.
Arecaceae
Inflorescence having one main axis (with 3 orders of branching); mature fruits blue-green
Inflorescence having one main axis (with 3 orders of branching); mature fruits blue-green
Delphinium
Midstem leaves with 3-9 ultimate segments, each 3-10 mm wide; roots with an elongate, vertically oriented, central axis; flowers (sepals) white to blue; [sw. AR and LA west to c. and s. TX, COA, NLE, and TAM]
Midstem leaves with 3-9 ultimate segments, each 3-10 mm wide; roots with an elongate, vertically oriented, central axis; flowers (sepals) white to blue; [sw. AR and LA west to c. and s. TX, COA, NLE, and TAM]
Acalypha
Pistillate inflorescences with the bracts loosely arranged, the axis visible between the bracts; bracts of pistillate flowers with the lobes linear throughout, glabrous or pubescence with nonglandular hairs < 0.25 mm long (glandular hairs may be longer).
Pistillate inflorescences with the bracts loosely arranged, the axis visible between the bracts; bracts of pistillate flowers with the lobes linear throughout, glabrous or pubescence with nonglandular hairs < 0.25 mm long (glandular hairs may be longer).
Acalypha
Pistillate inflorescences with the bracts densely crowded, completely hiding the inflorescence axis; bracts of pistillate flowers with lobes consisting of deltate bases bearing long linear tips, long-hirsute with nonglandular hairs to 2 mm long.
Pistillate inflorescences with the bracts densely crowded, completely hiding the inflorescence axis; bracts of pistillate flowers with lobes consisting of deltate bases bearing long linear tips, long-hirsute with nonglandular hairs to 2 mm long.
Linaria
Infructescence axis straight or nearly so; fruiting pedicels glabrous or with a few scattered glandular hairs, 2-6 (-9) mm long, < 1× as long as the calyx; corolla spur 2-11 mm long.
Infructescence axis straight or nearly so; fruiting pedicels glabrous or with a few scattered glandular hairs, 2-6 (-9) mm long, < 1× as long as the calyx; corolla spur 2-11 mm long.
Linaria
Infructescence axis zigzag; fruiting pedicels densely glandular pubescent, 5-13 mm long, 2× or more as long as the calyx; corolla spur almost obsolete, reduced to a bulge 0.1-0.4 mm long
Infructescence axis zigzag; fruiting pedicels densely glandular pubescent, 5-13 mm long, 2× or more as long as the calyx; corolla spur almost obsolete, reduced to a bulge 0.1-0.4 mm long
Digitaria
Inflorescences of primary branches alternately arranged along a central axis; all the rachilla internodes more or less conspicuously elongated, hence upper florets stipitate; spikelets 3.0-6.6 mm long, the lower lemmas and upper glumes with conspicuously long marginal hairs, these generally spreading and at least ½ as long as the spikelet at maturity); upper lemmas dark brown at maturity; [Trichachne].
Inflorescences of primary branches alternately arranged along a central axis; all the rachilla internodes more or less conspicuously elongated, hence upper florets stipitate; spikelets 3.0-6.6 mm long, the lower lemmas and upper glumes with conspicuously long marginal hairs, these generally spreading and at least ½ as long as the spikelet at maturity); upper lemmas dark brown at maturity; [Trichachne].
Digitaria
Inflorescences of primary branches alternately arranged along a central axis; all the rachilla internodes more or less conspicuously elongated, hence upper florets stipitate; spikelets 3.0-6.6 mm long, the lower lemmas and upper glumes with conspicuously long marginal hairs, these generally spreading and at least ½ as long as the spikelet at maturity); upper lemmas dark brown at maturity; [Trichachne].
Inflorescences of primary branches alternately arranged along a central axis; all the rachilla internodes more or less conspicuously elongated, hence upper florets stipitate; spikelets 3.0-6.6 mm long, the lower lemmas and upper glumes with conspicuously long marginal hairs, these generally spreading and at least ½ as long as the spikelet at maturity); upper lemmas dark brown at maturity; [Trichachne].
Trichachne
Spikelets 3-3.2 mm long, ellipsoid or linear-lanceolate, apex acuminate; panicle 10-18 cm long, with 6-9 patent racemes, loosely spiculate, on an axis 7-10 cm long
Spikelets 3-3.2 mm long, ellipsoid or linear-lanceolate, apex acuminate; panicle 10-18 cm long, with 6-9 patent racemes, loosely spiculate, on an axis 7-10 cm long
Trichachne
Spikelets 3-4.5 mm long, ovate, apex abruptly acuminate; panicle 5-19 cm long, with 4-10 appressed racemes, densely spiculate, on an axis 5-7 cm long
Spikelets 3-4.5 mm long, ovate, apex abruptly acuminate; panicle 5-19 cm long, with 4-10 appressed racemes, densely spiculate, on an axis 5-7 cm long
Pinaceae
Seed cones erect, disintegrating scale by scale and leaving the cone axis as a persistent spike on the tree; [subfamily Abietoideae]
Seed cones erect, disintegrating scale by scale and leaving the cone axis as a persistent spike on the tree; [subfamily Abietoideae]
Pinaceae
Seed cones erect, disintegrating scale by scale and leaving the cone axis as a persistent spike on the tree; [subfamily Abietoideae]
Seed cones erect, disintegrating scale by scale and leaving the cone axis as a persistent spike on the tree; [subfamily Abietoideae]
Viola
Uppermost lobes of lateral primary divisions (or longest axis of lateral primary divisions if not deeply cleft or divided) strongly ascending; foliage color in life gray- to medium green, lower surface of leaf blades not flushed with purple; [widespread at lower elevations of Piedmont and Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains in se. U.S, and Lower Midwest]
Uppermost lobes of lateral primary divisions (or longest axis of lateral primary divisions if not deeply cleft or divided) strongly ascending; foliage color in life gray- to medium green, lower surface of leaf blades not flushed with purple; [widespread at lower elevations of Piedmont and Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains in se. U.S, and Lower Midwest]
Neottia
Lip 6-10 mm long, lacking prominent teeth near the base (but with 2 vertically-oriented lobes); pedicels and raceme axis glandular-puberulent; sepals and petals 1-2 mm long
Lip 6-10 mm long, lacking prominent teeth near the base (but with 2 vertically-oriented lobes); pedicels and raceme axis glandular-puberulent; sepals and petals 1-2 mm long
Neottia
Lip 3-5 mm long, with 2 prominent teeth near the base, these diverging horizontally; pedicels and raceme axis glabrous; sepals and petals 1-5-3 mm long
Lip 3-5 mm long, with 2 prominent teeth near the base, these diverging horizontally; pedicels and raceme axis glabrous; sepals and petals 1-5-3 mm long
Schoenocaulon
Flowers crowded on axis, usually 4-10 per cm of axis; [e., se., and c. TX westwards and southwestwards].
Flowers crowded on axis, usually 4-10 per cm of axis; [e., se., and c. TX westwards and southwestwards].
Schoenocaulon
Flowers spaced along the axis after anthesis, usually 1-3 per cm of axis; [peninsular FL]
Flowers spaced along the axis after anthesis, usually 1-3 per cm of axis; [peninsular FL]
Galphimia
Inflorescence a terminal raceme with only 1-2 (-3) flowers open at one time, flowers widely spaced along the axis, usually the distance between flowers about as long or longer than the length of the pedicels; peduncles absent or rudimentary; petals deciduous, subequal; anthers 0.7-0.9 mm long; suffrutescent herb or shrub to 1 m tall; [native, TX]
Inflorescence a terminal raceme with only 1-2 (-3) flowers open at one time, flowers widely spaced along the axis, usually the distance between flowers about as long or longer than the length of the pedicels; peduncles absent or rudimentary; petals deciduous, subequal; anthers 0.7-0.9 mm long; suffrutescent herb or shrub to 1 m tall; [native, TX]
Galphimia
Inflorescence a terminal raceme or a panicle, more than 3 flowers open at one time, flowers closely spaced along the axis, the distance between flowers variable and shorter than the length of the pedicels; peduncles present; petals deciduous or persistent, the posterior petal differing from the lateral petals; anthers 2.3-3.0 mm long; shrub to 4 m tall; [exotic]
Inflorescence a terminal raceme or a panicle, more than 3 flowers open at one time, flowers closely spaced along the axis, the distance between flowers variable and shorter than the length of the pedicels; peduncles present; petals deciduous or persistent, the posterior petal differing from the lateral petals; anthers 2.3-3.0 mm long; shrub to 4 m tall; [exotic]
Heteranthera
Inflorescences 2-8-flowered, the axis mostly enclosed in the spathe, only 0-2 flowers of the flowers borne outside the spathe; perianth lobes white to pale lavender; [collectively widespread in our region].
Inflorescences 2-8-flowered, the axis mostly enclosed in the spathe, only 0-2 flowers of the flowers borne outside the spathe; perianth lobes white to pale lavender; [collectively widespread in our region].
Heteranthera
Inflorescences 5-16-flowered, the axis elongating well beyond the spathe tip, thus many of the flowers borne well beyond the spathe; perianth lobes lavender to purple; [s. IL, s. IA, se. NE south to MS, LA, and s. TX; rarely adventive eastwards, as in n. AL and c. NC]
Inflorescences 5-16-flowered, the axis elongating well beyond the spathe tip, thus many of the flowers borne well beyond the spathe; perianth lobes lavender to purple; [s. IL, s. IA, se. NE south to MS, LA, and s. TX; rarely adventive eastwards, as in n. AL and c. NC]
Galactia
Fruits straight; flowers 1-8 (-16), solitary and pedicellate or 2-8 (-16) on an inflorescence axis 10-150(-280) mm long; [collectively widespread].
Fruits straight; flowers 1-8 (-16), solitary and pedicellate or 2-8 (-16) on an inflorescence axis 10-150(-280) mm long; [collectively widespread].
Galactia
Fruits falcate; flowers 1-5, solitary and pedicellate or 2-5 on an inflorescence axis 1-4 (-40) mm long; [TX]
Fruits falcate; flowers 1-5, solitary and pedicellate or 2-5 on an inflorescence axis 1-4 (-40) mm long; [TX]
Botrychium
Sterile leaf blade (trophophore) oblong to ovate, with 1 main axis, usually stalked; fertile leaf (sporophore) mainly erect in bud, only the very tip curved over
Sterile leaf blade (trophophore) oblong to ovate, with 1 main axis, usually stalked; fertile leaf (sporophore) mainly erect in bud, only the very tip curved over
Dysphania
Flowers solitary, sessile, and spaced along the inflorescence axis; calyx lobes strongly keeled, at maturity with a continuous, horizontal, scarious wing; [section Adenois].
Flowers solitary, sessile, and spaced along the inflorescence axis; calyx lobes strongly keeled, at maturity with a continuous, horizontal, scarious wing; [section Adenois].
Liatris
Phyllary apices spreading to recurving, many or most spreading at more than 30 degrees from the axis of the head; colored portions of the phyllaries either white to cream or light yellow or lavender to pink or magenta; [e., se., and s. TX].
Phyllary apices spreading to recurving, many or most spreading at more than 30 degrees from the axis of the head; colored portions of the phyllaries either white to cream or light yellow or lavender to pink or magenta; [e., se., and s. TX].
Liatris
Phyllary apices loosely erect, few if any diverging > 30 degrees from the axis of the head; colored portions of the phyllaries lavender to pink or magenta (rarely mainly green with whitish margins); [widespread in w. and s. AR, e. and se. OK, w. LA, and e. TX]
Phyllary apices loosely erect, few if any diverging > 30 degrees from the axis of the head; colored portions of the phyllaries lavender to pink or magenta (rarely mainly green with whitish margins); [widespread in w. and s. AR, e. and se. OK, w. LA, and e. TX]
Dichanthelium
Lower internodes with retrorse or spreading hairs to 3+ mm long; blade adaxial surface pilose with hairs to 4+ mm long, these appressed and angled away from the leaf axis; spikelets 2.1-2.5 mm long
Lower internodes with retrorse or spreading hairs to 3+ mm long; blade adaxial surface pilose with hairs to 4+ mm long, these appressed and angled away from the leaf axis; spikelets 2.1-2.5 mm long
Solidago
Inflorescence axis and branches densely pubescent with arching hairs; basal leaves lanceolate to ovate, up to 35 mm wide; [known only from the Hiwassee River in e. TN]
Inflorescence axis and branches densely pubescent with arching hairs; basal leaves lanceolate to ovate, up to 35 mm wide; [known only from the Hiwassee River in e. TN]
Solidago
Inflorescence axis and branches glabrous; basal leaves linear-lanceolate, up to 22 mm wide [known only from the Yadkin River in sc. NC]
Inflorescence axis and branches glabrous; basal leaves linear-lanceolate, up to 22 mm wide [known only from the Yadkin River in sc. NC]
Oenothera
Stigmas surrounded by anthers at anthesis; petals 5-10 mm; flowers spaced out along an elongate inflorescence axis, axis nodding distally in bud; capsules narrowly obovoid, glandular-pubescent initially, often glabrate at maturity
Stigmas surrounded by anthers at anthesis; petals 5-10 mm; flowers spaced out along an elongate inflorescence axis, axis nodding distally in bud; capsules narrowly obovoid, glandular-pubescent initially, often glabrate at maturity
Fabaceae
Peduncles short, the flowers scattered along a (sometimes branched) raceme axis, the raceme axis about as long as or longer than the peduncle; plants uncinulate pubescent (use 20× magnification, or touch the plant for the 'tacky' feel)
Peduncles short, the flowers scattered along a (sometimes branched) raceme axis, the raceme axis about as long as or longer than the peduncle; plants uncinulate pubescent (use 20× magnification, or touch the plant for the 'tacky' feel)
Fabaceae
Peduncles long, the flowers borne in clusters on a raceme axis shorter than the peduncle; plants glabrate to villous, the hairs not hooked
Peduncles long, the flowers borne in clusters on a raceme axis shorter than the peduncle; plants glabrate to villous, the hairs not hooked
Anacardiaceae
Fruits glabrous; stamens 10; inflorescence of axillary panicles, the central axis angled from the main stem
Fruits glabrous; stamens 10; inflorescence of axillary panicles, the central axis angled from the main stem
Anacardiaceae
Fruits glandular-pubescent; stamens 5; inflorescence a terminal panicle, the central axis upright as a continuation of the stem
Fruits glandular-pubescent; stamens 5; inflorescence a terminal panicle, the central axis upright as a continuation of the stem
Anacardiaceae
Inflorescence of axillary or cauliflorous panicles, the central axis lax and often dangling.
Inflorescence of axillary or cauliflorous panicles, the central axis lax and often dangling.
Anacardiaceae
Inflorescence either a terminal panicle (the central axis stiff and upright) or of axillary or terminal clusters of short spikes
Inflorescence either a terminal panicle (the central axis stiff and upright) or of axillary or terminal clusters of short spikes
Anacardiaceae
Inflorescence either a terminal panicle (the central axis stiff and upright) or of axillary or terminal clusters of short spikes
Inflorescence either a terminal panicle (the central axis stiff and upright) or of axillary or terminal clusters of short spikes
Dalea
Stems clustered or branched at the base, decumbent to ascending, 0.5-3 dm long; inflorescence initially compact, the axis hidden (elongating and loosening later); flowers pink to violet- or magenta-purple.
Stems clustered or branched at the base, decumbent to ascending, 0.5-3 dm long; inflorescence initially compact, the axis hidden (elongating and loosening later); flowers pink to violet- or magenta-purple.
Dalea
Stems solitary or a few, erect to ascending, 5-10 dm tall; inflorescence loosely flowered, the axis readily visible; flowers white, with a green ‘eye’
Stems solitary or a few, erect to ascending, 5-10 dm tall; inflorescence loosely flowered, the axis readily visible; flowers white, with a green ‘eye’
Aphyllon
Flowers (1-) 6-15 (-20) per stem; stem 1.5--15 (-22) cm tall; pedicels 1-7 (-15) cm long, similar in length to the stem axis; [peripheral to our region, s. IL, c. OK, and nc. TX northwards and westwards]
Flowers (1-) 6-15 (-20) per stem; stem 1.5--15 (-22) cm tall; pedicels 1-7 (-15) cm long, similar in length to the stem axis; [peripheral to our region, s. IL, c. OK, and nc. TX northwards and westwards]
Aphyllon
Flowers 1-2 (-4) per stem; stem 1-5 (-7) cm tall; pedicels (1-) 2-11 (-17) cm long, longer than the stem axis; [widespread in our region]
Flowers 1-2 (-4) per stem; stem 1-5 (-7) cm tall; pedicels (1-) 2-11 (-17) cm long, longer than the stem axis; [widespread in our region]
Hibiscus
Petals white, cream, bright yellow, dark red, with a darker maroon blaze at the base, 3-8 cm long, funnel-form, at an acute angle to the flower axis, overlapping one another; epicalyx bracts 7-12, 0.5-1.6 cm long, usually forked or appendaged near the tip; leaf nectary usually present, slit-like, on underside of midvein near junction with petiole; calyx lobes conspicuously 3-ribbed, 1 medial and 2 marginal.
Petals white, cream, bright yellow, dark red, with a darker maroon blaze at the base, 3-8 cm long, funnel-form, at an acute angle to the flower axis, overlapping one another; epicalyx bracts 7-12, 0.5-1.6 cm long, usually forked or appendaged near the tip; leaf nectary usually present, slit-like, on underside of midvein near junction with petiole; calyx lobes conspicuously 3-ribbed, 1 medial and 2 marginal.
Hibiscus
Petals bright red, lacking a differently colored blaze at the base, 7.5-10 cm long, rotate, at right angles to flower axis, not overlapping one another; staminal column 6.5-7 cm long; epicalyx bracts 9-15, 2.5-4 cm long, not forked or appendaged near the tip; leaf nectary absent; calyx lobes not conspicuously 3-ribbed
Petals bright red, lacking a differently colored blaze at the base, 7.5-10 cm long, rotate, at right angles to flower axis, not overlapping one another; staminal column 6.5-7 cm long; epicalyx bracts 9-15, 2.5-4 cm long, not forked or appendaged near the tip; leaf nectary absent; calyx lobes not conspicuously 3-ribbed
Phytolacca
Racemes sparsely-flowered to somewhat dense, the flowers and later the fruits spaced (most not touching another), the inflorescence axis therefore visible for most of its length; [collectively widespread in our region].
Racemes sparsely-flowered to somewhat dense, the flowers and later the fruits spaced (most not touching another), the inflorescence axis therefore visible for most of its length; [collectively widespread in our region].
Phytolacca
Racemes dense, the flowers and later the fruits mostly touching one another, the inflorescence axis therefore almost completely hidden; [rare waif].
Racemes dense, the flowers and later the fruits mostly touching one another, the inflorescence axis therefore almost completely hidden; [rare waif].
Ipomoea
Corollas 3.5-6 cm long; calyx (4-) 6-7 mm long, glabrous; inflorescence axis free
Corollas 3.5-6 cm long; calyx (4-) 6-7 mm long, glabrous; inflorescence axis free
Ipomoea
Corollas 1.5-2.5 cm long; calyx 3-5 mm long, muricate; inflorescence axis clasped by the cordate leaf base
Corollas 1.5-2.5 cm long; calyx 3-5 mm long, muricate; inflorescence axis clasped by the cordate leaf base
Narcissus
Tepal lobes borne at close to a 90 degree angle to the flower axis.
Tepal lobes borne at close to a 90 degree angle to the flower axis.
Viola
Largest leaf blades resembling a walkingstick insect (Diapheromera femorata), with main axis narrowly oblong-linear, each margin with 2-4 long, slender, variously bent processes scattered on basal ½ of each margin; peduncle bracts 5-10 mm long; [sc. VA and c. NC]
Largest leaf blades resembling a walkingstick insect (Diapheromera femorata), with main axis narrowly oblong-linear, each margin with 2-4 long, slender, variously bent processes scattered on basal ½ of each margin; peduncle bracts 5-10 mm long; [sc. VA and c. NC]
Stenotaphrum
Inflorescence axis flattened on the back with a wavy midrib on the inner surface; spikelets 2-7 in short racemes on either side of the midrib, the racemes each fitting into a shallow cavity; [rare escape, FL only]
Inflorescence axis flattened on the back with a wavy midrib on the inner surface; spikelets 2-7 in short racemes on either side of the midrib, the racemes each fitting into a shallow cavity; [rare escape, FL only]
Stenotaphrum
Inflorescence axis compressed; spikelets solitary (rarely in 2s or 3s), somewhat embedded in the axis; [widespread in the southern portion of our region]
Inflorescence axis compressed; spikelets solitary (rarely in 2s or 3s), somewhat embedded in the axis; [widespread in the southern portion of our region]
Solidago
Heads borne in a cylindrical and thyrsoid array, the central axis being the upper stem, the lateral branches of the array of similar length to one another and subtended by either well-developed leaves (longer than the branch) or smaller bracts (shorter than the branch).
Heads borne in a cylindrical and thyrsoid array, the central axis being the upper stem, the lateral branches of the array of similar length to one another and subtended by either well-developed leaves (longer than the branch) or smaller bracts (shorter than the branch).
Solidago
Heads borne in cylindrical and thyrsoid arrays, the central axis being the upper stem, the lateral branches of the array of similar length to one another and subtended by either well-developed leaves (longer than the branch) or smaller bracts (shorter than the branch).
Heads borne in cylindrical and thyrsoid arrays, the central axis being the upper stem, the lateral branches of the array of similar length to one another and subtended by either well-developed leaves (longer than the branch) or smaller bracts (shorter than the branch).
Manfreda
Leaves erect or arching, blade linear-lanceolate; flowers spreading from the inflorescence axis
Leaves erect or arching, blade linear-lanceolate; flowers spreading from the inflorescence axis
Manfreda
Leaves erect or arching, blade linear-lanceolate; flowers spreading from the inflorescence axis
Leaves erect or arching, blade linear-lanceolate; flowers spreading from the inflorescence axis
Manfreda
Leaves spreading, blade broadly lanceolate; flowers erect, almost appressed to the inflorescence axis
Leaves spreading, blade broadly lanceolate; flowers erect, almost appressed to the inflorescence axis
Manfreda
Leaves spreading, blade broadly lanceolate; flowers erect, almost appressed to the inflorescence axis
Leaves spreading, blade broadly lanceolate; flowers erect, almost appressed to the inflorescence axis
Manfreda
Leaves spreading, blade broadly lanceolate; flowers erect, almost appressed to the inflorescence axis
Leaves spreading, blade broadly lanceolate; flowers erect, almost appressed to the inflorescence axis
Cenchrus
Upper floret of spikelet not readily deciduous at maturity; inflorescence axis terete, not sharply decurrent; bristles sparsely long ciliate.
Upper floret of spikelet not readily deciduous at maturity; inflorescence axis terete, not sharply decurrent; bristles sparsely long ciliate.
Cenchrus
Upper floret of spikelet readily deciduous at maturity; inflorescence axis with sharp decurrent wings below each involucre; bristles densely wooly with crinkled hairs
Upper floret of spikelet readily deciduous at maturity; inflorescence axis with sharp decurrent wings below each involucre; bristles densely wooly with crinkled hairs
Erigeron
Plants erect, with a well-developed central axis, sparingly branched (unless on coastal dunes, mowed, or otherwise injured); plants 1-15 dm tall.
Plants erect, with a well-developed central axis, sparingly branched (unless on coastal dunes, mowed, or otherwise injured); plants 1-15 dm tall.
Digitaria
Spikelets 3-3.2 mm long, ellipsoid or linear-lanceolate, apex acuminate; panicle 10-18 cm long, with 6-9 patent racemes, loosely spiculate, on an axis 7-10 cm long
Spikelets 3-3.2 mm long, ellipsoid or linear-lanceolate, apex acuminate; panicle 10-18 cm long, with 6-9 patent racemes, loosely spiculate, on an axis 7-10 cm long
Digitaria
Spikelets 3-4.5 mm long, ovate, apex abruptly acuminate; panicle 5-19 cm long, with 4-10 appressed racemes, densely spiculate, on an axis 5-7 cm long
Spikelets 3-4.5 mm long, ovate, apex abruptly acuminate; panicle 5-19 cm long, with 4-10 appressed racemes, densely spiculate, on an axis 5-7 cm long
Plantae
Plants variously glabrous or pubescent (sometimes villous), usually herbaceous, occasionally suffrutescent and mound or mat-forming; inflorescence variously elongate or racemose, often scirpioid (curved or coiled on one side of the inflorescence axis; e.g., Heliotropium), occasionally solitary (e.g., Euploca, in part; although in this case the leaves of the shrubby Euploca are significantly narrower); corolla variously colored (including lavender); [plants collectively widespread, including TX]
Plants variously glabrous or pubescent (sometimes villous), usually herbaceous, occasionally suffrutescent and mound or mat-forming; inflorescence variously elongate or racemose, often scirpioid (curved or coiled on one side of the inflorescence axis; e.g., Heliotropium), occasionally solitary (e.g., Euploca, in part; although in this case the leaves of the shrubby Euploca are significantly narrower); corolla variously colored (including lavender); [plants collectively widespread, including TX]


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