Flora of the Southeastern United States

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

Bryodesma

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

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

Bryodesma

Leaves of the underground (rhizomatous) stems not scalelike; rhizophores mostly aerial; sporophyll base pubescent; leaf and sporophyll apices often pubescent

Leaves of the underground (rhizomatous) stems not scalelike; rhizophores mostly aerial; sporophyll base pubescent; leaf and sporophyll apices often pubescent

Bryodesma

Leaves of the underground (rhizomatous) stems scalelike; rhizophores mostly subterranean; sporophyll base glabrous; leaf and sporophyll apices glabrous.

Leaves of the underground (rhizomatous) stems scalelike; rhizophores mostly subterranean; sporophyll base glabrous; leaf and sporophyll apices glabrous.

Equisetum

Sheaths of the mid or upper stem after their first August tan or grayish, with a black circumferential band at the sheath summit (just below the teeth) and a black band at the base of the sheath ; cone apiculate.

Sheaths of the mid or upper stem after their first August tan or grayish, with a black circumferential band at the sheath summit (just below the teeth) and a black band at the base of the sheath ; cone apiculate.

Ophioglossaceae

Fertile stalk joined to the stalk of the sterile leaf blade near the rhizome, far below the base of the leaf blade, and usually at or below the surface of the ground; leaves evergreen, appearing in spring, summer, or fall, and withering the following spring; sterile leaf blades triangular (or pentagonal) in general outline

Fertile stalk joined to the stalk of the sterile leaf blade near the rhizome, far below the base of the leaf blade, and usually at or below the surface of the ground; leaves evergreen, appearing in spring, summer, or fall, and withering the following spring; sterile leaf blades triangular (or pentagonal) in general outline

Ophioglossaceae

Fertile stalk joined to the stalk of the sterile leaf blade near the base of the leaf blade, far above the rhizome, and usually well above the surface of the ground; leaves deciduous, appearing in spring and withering the same summer or fall; sterile leaf blades either triangular (or pentagonal) or elongate in general outline.

Fertile stalk joined to the stalk of the sterile leaf blade near the base of the leaf blade, far above the rhizome, and usually well above the surface of the ground; leaves deciduous, appearing in spring and withering the same summer or fall; sterile leaf blades either triangular (or pentagonal) or elongate in general outline.

Ophioglossum

Sterile blade ovate-lanceolate, the base obtuse to nearly truncate, broadest < ¼ of the way from the base to the apex; primary areoles mostly > 2 mm wide, without included veinlets

Sterile blade ovate-lanceolate, the base obtuse to nearly truncate, broadest < ¼ of the way from the base to the apex; primary areoles mostly > 2 mm wide, without included veinlets

Ophioglossum

Sterile blade ovate to elliptic, the base cuneate to obtuse, broadest between one quarter and one half of the way from the base to the tip; primary areoles mostly < 2 mm wide, with included veinlets.

Sterile blade ovate to elliptic, the base cuneate to obtuse, broadest between one quarter and one half of the way from the base to the tip; primary areoles mostly < 2 mm wide, with included veinlets.

Ophioglossum

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

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

Ophioglossum

Sterile blade ovate, broadest below the middle, obtuse at the base, dark green, shiny, firm in texture; basal frond sheath leathery and tending to persist; spores 35-45 μ in diameter

Sterile blade ovate, broadest below the middle, obtuse at the base, dark green, shiny, firm in texture; basal frond sheath leathery and tending to persist; spores 35-45 μ in diameter

Sceptridium

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

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

Sceptridium

Sterile pinna and pinnule apices round to obtuse; ultimate segments cuneate, rounded, or truncate at the base; ultimate segments remote or overlapping; [VA and KY southwards]

Sterile pinna and pinnule apices round to obtuse; ultimate segments cuneate, rounded, or truncate at the base; ultimate segments remote or overlapping; [VA and KY southwards]

Sceptridium

Sterile blade mostly 3-pinnate (or more divided, those forms keyed above), leathery in texture; ultimate blade segments trowel-shaped, the margins usually not parallel, the base truncate or obtuse, the apex relatively pointed

Sterile blade mostly 3-pinnate (or more divided, those forms keyed above), leathery in texture; ultimate blade segments trowel-shaped, the margins usually not parallel, the base truncate or obtuse, the apex relatively pointed

Lygodium

Pinnules usually 1-pinnate, the primary divisions usually undivided and without basal lobes (other than the cordate to hastate base)

Pinnules usually 1-pinnate, the primary divisions usually undivided and without basal lobes (other than the cordate to hastate base)

Lygodium

Pinnules usually 1-pinnate, the primary divisions usually undivided and without basal lobes (other than the cordate to hastate base)

Pinnules usually 1-pinnate, the primary divisions usually undivided and without basal lobes (other than the cordate to hastate base)

Marsilea

Leaves strongly bicolored (pale green toward the base of each of the 4 leaflets, darker green toward the tip); aquatic forms with a swollen air bladder just below the leaf

Leaves strongly bicolored (pale green toward the base of each of the 4 leaflets, darker green toward the tip); aquatic forms with a swollen air bladder just below the leaf

Marsilea

Distal tooth 0.3-0.8 mm long; sporocarps 3.5-5.0 mm long; sporocarps 1 or 2(-4) per fertile frond, attached to stipe up to 5 mm above stipe base; common peduncle joining 2 peduncles to stipe, if present then only 1 mm

Distal tooth 0.3-0.8 mm long; sporocarps 3.5-5.0 mm long; sporocarps 1 or 2(-4) per fertile frond, attached to stipe up to 5 mm above stipe base; common peduncle joining 2 peduncles to stipe, if present then only 1 mm

Marsilea

Distal tooth absent or < 0.2 mm long; sporocarps 4.5-6.0 mm long; sporocarps (1-) 2-5 (-7) per fertile frond, attached to stipe up to 25 mm above stipe base; common peduncle joining 2 or more peduncles to stipe 2-8 mm

Distal tooth absent or < 0.2 mm long; sporocarps 4.5-6.0 mm long; sporocarps (1-) 2-5 (-7) per fertile frond, attached to stipe up to 25 mm above stipe base; common peduncle joining 2 or more peduncles to stipe 2-8 mm

Ceratopteris

Sterile leaves simple, or palmately to pinnately lobed, or 1-4-pinnately divided, the pinnae (or veins) toward the base of the leaf opposite; petioles often inflated; sporangia with or without an annulus, the annulus with 0-10 (-40) indurated cells

Sterile leaves simple, or palmately to pinnately lobed, or 1-4-pinnately divided, the pinnae (or veins) toward the base of the leaf opposite; petioles often inflated; sporangia with or without an annulus, the annulus with 0-10 (-40) indurated cells

Ceratopteris

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

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

Myriopteris

Leaves 3-pinnate at base; ultimate segments 1-3 mm long, round (beadlike); spores 32 per sporangium

Leaves 3-pinnate at base; ultimate segments 1-3 mm long, round (beadlike); spores 32 per sporangium

Pellaea

Petioles and rachises sparsely to densely pubescent, dull; pinnae long-stalked, those toward the base of the leaf on stalks 5-15 mm long; [of a variety of substrates, including non-calcareous]

Petioles and rachises sparsely to densely pubescent, dull; pinnae long-stalked, those toward the base of the leaf on stalks 5-15 mm long; [of a variety of substrates, including non-calcareous]

Pellaea

Petioles and rachises glabrous to very sparsely pubescent, shiny; pinnae sessile or short-stalked, those toward the base of the leaf on stalks 0-4 (-6) mm long; [strictly of calcareous substrates]

Petioles and rachises glabrous to very sparsely pubescent, shiny; pinnae sessile or short-stalked, those toward the base of the leaf on stalks 0-4 (-6) mm long; [strictly of calcareous substrates]

Pellaea

Leaves oblong to elliptic in outline; pinnae either ternate toward the base of the leaf and simple toward the tip of the leaf, or all simple; primary leaf segments 5-10× as long as wide (unflattened); [known from outcrops in the upper Piedmont of SC]

Leaves oblong to elliptic in outline; pinnae either ternate toward the base of the leaf and simple toward the tip of the leaf, or all simple; primary leaf segments 5-10× as long as wide (unflattened); [known from outcrops in the upper Piedmont of SC]

Pellaea

Leaves usually narrowly triangular in outline; pinnae usually pinnate toward the base, becoming ternate to simple toward the tip; primary leaf segments 3-5× as long as wide (unflattened); [known from outcrops in Piedmont of NC]

Leaves usually narrowly triangular in outline; pinnae usually pinnate toward the base, becoming ternate to simple toward the tip; primary leaf segments 3-5× as long as wide (unflattened); [known from outcrops in Piedmont of NC]

Adiantum

Blackish-brown color of the stalks extending into the base of the ultimate segments, making 1 or 2 dichotomous branchings before fading to green; [of VA, KT, and MO southwards]; [capillus-veneris clade]

Blackish-brown color of the stalks extending into the base of the ultimate segments, making 1 or 2 dichotomous branchings before fading to green; [of VA, KT, and MO southwards]; [capillus-veneris clade]

Adiantum

Blackish-brown color of the stalks ending abruptly at the base of the ultimate segments in a cupule-like swelling (use at least 10× magnification); [of n. FL southwards]; [tenerum clade]

Blackish-brown color of the stalks ending abruptly at the base of the ultimate segments in a cupule-like swelling (use at least 10× magnification); [of n. FL southwards]; [tenerum clade]

Cystopteris

Leaf blade 10-55 cm long, usually 2-3× as long as the reddish to tan petiole, lowest pair of pinnae the longest, thus the leaf widest at the base; bulblets usually present, smooth, green, 2-3 mm in diameter, usually on the rachis and the midrib; spores 20-38 μ long

Leaf blade 10-55 cm long, usually 2-3× as long as the reddish to tan petiole, lowest pair of pinnae the longest, thus the leaf widest at the base; bulblets usually present, smooth, green, 2-3 mm in diameter, usually on the rachis and the midrib; spores 20-38 μ long

Cystopteris

Leaf blade 10-55 cm long, usually 2-3× as long as the reddish to tan petiole, lowest pair of pinnae the longest, thus the leaf widest at the base; bulblets usually present, smooth, green, 2-3 mm in diameter, usually on the rachis and the midrib; spores 20-38 μ long

Leaf blade 10-55 cm long, usually 2-3× as long as the reddish to tan petiole, lowest pair of pinnae the longest, thus the leaf widest at the base; bulblets usually present, smooth, green, 2-3 mm in diameter, usually on the rachis and the midrib; spores 20-38 μ long

Cystopteris

Leaf blade 6-25 cm long, usually about 1× as long as the dark brown petiole, thus the leaf widest above the base; bulblets present or absent, deformed and scaly, dark, < 1.5 mm in diameter, on the rachis only; spores 25-60 μ long.

Leaf blade 6-25 cm long, usually about 1× as long as the dark brown petiole, thus the leaf widest above the base; bulblets present or absent, deformed and scaly, dark, < 1.5 mm in diameter, on the rachis only; spores 25-60 μ long.

Cystopteris

Leaf blade (2.5-) 3-4× as long as wide; pinnae usually perpendicular to the rachis (or even reflexed); margins of pinnae serrulate, the teeth sharp; basal pinnules sessile, truncate to rounded at the base; indusium up to1 mm long, lanceolate; pinnae usually perpendicular to rachis; [on rock outcrops]

Leaf blade (2.5-) 3-4× as long as wide; pinnae usually perpendicular to the rachis (or even reflexed); margins of pinnae serrulate, the teeth sharp; basal pinnules sessile, truncate to rounded at the base; indusium up to1 mm long, lanceolate; pinnae usually perpendicular to rachis; [on rock outcrops]

Cystopteris

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

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

Cystopteris

Rhizome long-creeping, the apex extending 10-60 mm beyond the last of the widely-spaced petioles (especially as seen from late spring to summer); rhizome covered with scales and tan to golden hairs; spores 20-32 μ long; leaves membranaceous in texture; basal pinnules conspicuously stalked; petiole green to tan, darkened at base; lowermost pinnules of each pinna deeply cut; [typically on forest floor, less commonly on rocks]

Rhizome long-creeping, the apex extending 10-60 mm beyond the last of the widely-spaced petioles (especially as seen from late spring to summer); rhizome covered with scales and tan to golden hairs; spores 20-32 μ long; leaves membranaceous in texture; basal pinnules conspicuously stalked; petiole green to tan, darkened at base; lowermost pinnules of each pinna deeply cut; [typically on forest floor, less commonly on rocks]

Cystopteris

Rhizome short-creeping, the apex extending only 1-5 mm beyond the last of the closely-spaced petioles; rhizome covered with scales, lacking hairs; spores 32-42 μ long; leaves thicker in texture; basal pinnules slightly stalked or merely cuneate to the base; petiole dark brown; lowermost pinnules of each pinna slightly lobed; [often on rocks, less commonly on forest floor]

Rhizome short-creeping, the apex extending only 1-5 mm beyond the last of the closely-spaced petioles; rhizome covered with scales, lacking hairs; spores 32-42 μ long; leaves thicker in texture; basal pinnules slightly stalked or merely cuneate to the base; petiole dark brown; lowermost pinnules of each pinna slightly lobed; [often on rocks, less commonly on forest floor]

Asplenium

Rachis dull green throughout its length, or at least toward the tip; rachis grooved on the upper surface, at least in the green portion; leaves pinnatifid to tripinnate, the outline of the leaf blade narrowly to broadly triangular, widest at the base (or slightly above the base in A. abscissum) (except A. dentatum).

Rachis dull green throughout its length, or at least toward the tip; rachis grooved on the upper surface, at least in the green portion; leaves pinnatifid to tripinnate, the outline of the leaf blade narrowly to broadly triangular, widest at the base (or slightly above the base in A. abscissum) (except A. dentatum).

Asplenium

Petiole shiny black or brown throughout its length (from base to first leaflet).

Petiole shiny black or brown throughout its length (from base to first leaflet).

Asplenium

Leaves bipinnate at the base, pinnate-pinnatifid above; spores normal; [XI. Pleurosorus clade; Onopteris subclade]

Leaves bipinnate at the base, pinnate-pinnatifid above; spores normal; [XI. Pleurosorus clade; Onopteris subclade]

Asplenium

Leaves pinnate at the base, pinnatifid above; spores abortive (or normal in A. tutwilerae, known only from Hale County, AL); [V. Schaffneria clade; reticulation between two subclades].

Leaves pinnate at the base, pinnatifid above; spores abortive (or normal in A. tutwilerae, known only from Hale County, AL); [V. Schaffneria clade; reticulation between two subclades].

Asplenium

Petiole partially or entirely green (darkened or not at its base).

Petiole partially or entirely green (darkened or not at its base).

Asplenium

Leaves pinnatifid or 1-pinnate through most or all of their lengths (sometimes pinnate-pinnatifid at the base of the leaf).

Leaves pinnatifid or 1-pinnate through most or all of their lengths (sometimes pinnate-pinnatifid at the base of the leaf).

Asplenium

Leaves pinnatifid, sometimes fully pinnate at the base; spores normal

Leaves pinnatifid, sometimes fully pinnate at the base; spores normal

Asplenium

Leaves pinnate (sometimes pinnate-pinnatifid at the base of the leaf in A. ×trudellii and A. dentatum); spores normal or abortive.

Leaves pinnate (sometimes pinnate-pinnatifid at the base of the leaf in A. ×trudellii and A. dentatum); spores normal or abortive.

Asplenium

Petiole darkened toward the base; pinnules toothed, lacerate, pinnatifid, or pinnate; leaves bipinnate to tripinnate, the leaf blades lanceolate-ovate to lanceolate-oblong; ultimate leaf segments sessile or nearly so; [of acidic rocks] ; [XI. Pleurosorus clade; Onopteris subclade]

Petiole darkened toward the base; pinnules toothed, lacerate, pinnatifid, or pinnate; leaves bipinnate to tripinnate, the leaf blades lanceolate-ovate to lanceolate-oblong; ultimate leaf segments sessile or nearly so; [of acidic rocks] ; [XI. Pleurosorus clade; Onopteris subclade]

Asplenium

Pinnae orbicular to obovate-oblong, 1-2× as long as wide, the base more-or-less symmetrical (if auriculate, only slightly so and on the side of the pinna toward the base of the leaf); old leaf rachises often with persistent projections left from the disarticulation of the pinnae; [VI. A. trichomanes clade; A. trichomanes subclade].

Pinnae orbicular to obovate-oblong, 1-2× as long as wide, the base more-or-less symmetrical (if auriculate, only slightly so and on the side of the pinna toward the base of the leaf); old leaf rachises often with persistent projections left from the disarticulation of the pinnae; [VI. A. trichomanes clade; A. trichomanes subclade].

Asplenium

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

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

Asplenium

Pinnae oblong-rectangular, 2× or more as long as wide, the base asymmetrical or auricled (more prominently auricled on the side of the pinna toward the tip of the leaf); old leaf rachises lacking persistent projections left from the disarticulation of the pinnae.

Pinnae oblong-rectangular, 2× or more as long as wide, the base asymmetrical or auricled (more prominently auricled on the side of the pinna toward the tip of the leaf); old leaf rachises lacking persistent projections left from the disarticulation of the pinnae.

Asplenium

Pinna margins crenate to serrate; pinna base lacking an auricle, or the auricle rudimentary; veins evident; spores 64 per sporangium

Pinna margins crenate to serrate; pinna base lacking an auricle, or the auricle rudimentary; veins evident; spores 64 per sporangium

Asplenium

Pinna margins shallowly crenate; pinna base with auricle; veins obscure; spores 32 per sporangium

Pinna margins shallowly crenate; pinna base with auricle; veins obscure; spores 32 per sporangium

Phegopteris

Rhizome long creeping; all the pinnae interconnected by a narrow rachis wing, or the proximal 1-3 pairs of pinnae free; leaf blade broadly triangular, broadest at or near the base (the largest pinnae the basal or next pair); primary pinnae opposite.

Rhizome long creeping; all the pinnae interconnected by a narrow rachis wing, or the proximal 1-3 pairs of pinnae free; leaf blade broadly triangular, broadest at or near the base (the largest pinnae the basal or next pair); primary pinnae opposite.

Phegopteris

Rachis wings absent between the two basal pinna pairs; frond blade longer than wide; basalmost pinnae 4-5× as long as wide; rachis bearing on its lower surface numerous tan to brown, lanceolate scales (these mostly 6-12 cells wide at the base) and acicular hairs 0.3-1.0 mm long.

Rachis wings absent between the two basal pinna pairs; frond blade longer than wide; basalmost pinnae 4-5× as long as wide; rachis bearing on its lower surface numerous tan to brown, lanceolate scales (these mostly 6-12 cells wide at the base) and acicular hairs 0.3-1.0 mm long.

Phegopteris

Rachis wings present between the two basal pinna pairs; basalmost pinnae (2-) ca. 3× as long as wide; frond blade usually wider than long; rachis bearing on its lower surface relatively few, white to pale tan, narrowly lanceolate scales (these mostly 3-5 cells wide at the base) and hairs 0.1-0.25 mm long

Rachis wings present between the two basal pinna pairs; basalmost pinnae (2-) ca. 3× as long as wide; frond blade usually wider than long; rachis bearing on its lower surface relatively few, white to pale tan, narrowly lanceolate scales (these mostly 3-5 cells wide at the base) and hairs 0.1-0.25 mm long

Christella

Rachises and petioles usually purplish; costae densely short-hairy on the lower surface, the hairs 0-0.1 (-0.2) mm long (about half as long as the costa width); widest point of the leaf usually 3-5 pairs of pinnae up from the base

Rachises and petioles usually purplish; costae densely short-hairy on the lower surface, the hairs 0-0.1 (-0.2) mm long (about half as long as the costa width); widest point of the leaf usually 3-5 pairs of pinnae up from the base

Christella

Rachises and petioles usually tan; costae sparsely hairy on the lower surface, the hairs variable in length, most of them > 0.3 mm long and at least some > 0.5 mm long (the longer as long as or longer than the costa width); widest point of the leaf usually 1-3 pairs of pinnae up from the base

Rachises and petioles usually tan; costae sparsely hairy on the lower surface, the hairs variable in length, most of them > 0.3 mm long and at least some > 0.5 mm long (the longer as long as or longer than the costa width); widest point of the leaf usually 1-3 pairs of pinnae up from the base

Woodsia

Petioles with a distinct joint about 1-3 cm above the base, the petiole bases of former leaves forming a fairly even stubble; leaf blade lacking glands (though bearing both long septate hairs and pale linear scales); indusium of numerous filamentous segments; [subgenus Woodsia or genus Woodsia subgenus Woodsia (Lu et al 2020) or genus Woodsia (Shmakov2015)]

Petioles with a distinct joint about 1-3 cm above the base, the petiole bases of former leaves forming a fairly even stubble; leaf blade lacking glands (though bearing both long septate hairs and pale linear scales); indusium of numerous filamentous segments; [subgenus Woodsia or genus Woodsia subgenus Woodsia (Lu et al 2020) or genus Woodsia (Shmakov2015)]

Onocleaceae

Sterile leaves pinnatifid, 2-10 dm tall, broadest near the base; fertile leaves 2-pinnate; veins netted; rhizomes all slender and creeping, the leaves borne scattered along the rhizome

Sterile leaves pinnatifid, 2-10 dm tall, broadest near the base; fertile leaves 2-pinnate; veins netted; rhizomes all slender and creeping, the leaves borne scattered along the rhizome

Athyrium

Leaf blade widest near middle (the fourth or fifth pair of pinnae from the base the largest); margins of indusium toothed or ciliate (not glandular); rachis glandular; spores yellow or brown, finely papillose; petiole scales persistent, up to 1 cm long and 1.5 mm wide

Leaf blade widest near middle (the fourth or fifth pair of pinnae from the base the largest); margins of indusium toothed or ciliate (not glandular); rachis glandular; spores yellow or brown, finely papillose; petiole scales persistent, up to 1 cm long and 1.5 mm wide

Athyrium

Leaf blade widest near base (the second or third pair of pinnae from the base the largest); margins of indusium ciliate and glandular-ciliate; rachis eglandular; spores brown or dark brown, reticulate-wrinkled; petiole scales early deciduous, up to 5 mm long and 1 mm wide

Leaf blade widest near base (the second or third pair of pinnae from the base the largest); margins of indusium ciliate and glandular-ciliate; rachis eglandular; spores brown or dark brown, reticulate-wrinkled; petiole scales early deciduous, up to 5 mm long and 1 mm wide

Deparia

Leaf blade narrowed to base; petiole bases swollen, with 2 rows of teeth; [plant a common native species of moist forests]; [section Lunathyrium]

Leaf blade narrowed to base; petiole bases swollen, with 2 rows of teeth; [plant a common native species of moist forests]; [section Lunathyrium]

Deparia

Leaves widest at the base; petiole bases not markedly swollen, lacking teeth; [plant an exotic species, rarely introduced and naturalized]; [section Deparia; subsection Athyriopsis]

Leaves widest at the base; petiole bases not markedly swollen, lacking teeth; [plant an exotic species, rarely introduced and naturalized]; [section Deparia; subsection Athyriopsis]

Dryopteris

Leaves dimorphic, the deciduous, fertile leaves erect, 2-3× as long as the spreading, evergreen, sterile leaves, which form a winter "rosette"; fertile leaves linear-lanceolate in outline, generally 4-8× as long as wide; pinnae mostly 1.5-3× as long as wide, triangular; scales at base of petiole tan; [“clade II”].

Leaves dimorphic, the deciduous, fertile leaves erect, 2-3× as long as the spreading, evergreen, sterile leaves, which form a winter "rosette"; fertile leaves linear-lanceolate in outline, generally 4-8× as long as wide; pinnae mostly 1.5-3× as long as wide, triangular; scales at base of petiole tan; [“clade II”].

Dryopteris

Leaves not dimorphic, or only slightly so, deciduous (D. goldieana), evergreen (D. ludoviciana) , or else with usually deciduous fertile and semi-evergreen sterile fronds (D. celsa); fertile leaves lanceolate to ovate in outline, generally 1.5-4× as long as wide; pinnae mostly 3-5× as long as wide; scales at base of petiole dark brown with tan margins.

Leaves not dimorphic, or only slightly so, deciduous (D. goldieana), evergreen (D. ludoviciana) , or else with usually deciduous fertile and semi-evergreen sterile fronds (D. celsa); fertile leaves lanceolate to ovate in outline, generally 1.5-4× as long as wide; pinnae mostly 3-5× as long as wide; scales at base of petiole dark brown with tan margins.

Dryopteris

Leaves evergreen, fertile only toward the tip, the fertile pinnae and segments narrower than the sterile and more widely spaced; scales at the petiole base light brown, not shiny.

Leaves evergreen, fertile only toward the tip, the fertile pinnae and segments narrower than the sterile and more widely spaced; scales at the petiole base light brown, not shiny.

Dryopteris

Leaves deciduous or semi-evergreen, fertile throughout or nearly so, the fertile pinnae and segments not differentiated from sterile ones; scales at petiole base medium to dark brown, shiny or not.

Leaves deciduous or semi-evergreen, fertile throughout or nearly so, the fertile pinnae and segments not differentiated from sterile ones; scales at petiole base medium to dark brown, shiny or not.

Dryopteris

Sterile leaves semi-evergreen; fertile leaves deciduous with sori submedial, not touching the costule at maturity; leaf blade lanceolate, usually 2-4× as long as wide, gradually tapering at the apex; scales at the petiole base medium to dark brown, with a narrow black central band

Sterile leaves semi-evergreen; fertile leaves deciduous with sori submedial, not touching the costule at maturity; leaf blade lanceolate, usually 2-4× as long as wide, gradually tapering at the apex; scales at the petiole base medium to dark brown, with a narrow black central band

Dryopteris

Leaves deciduous with sori medial, touching the costule at maturity; leaf blade ovate to narrowly ovate, usually 1.5-3× as long as wide; abruptly tapering at the apex; scales at the petiole base dark brown, nearly black, with a narrow pale margin

Leaves deciduous with sori medial, touching the costule at maturity; leaf blade ovate to narrowly ovate, usually 1.5-3× as long as wide; abruptly tapering at the apex; scales at the petiole base dark brown, nearly black, with a narrow pale margin

Nephrolepis

Upper side of the costae sparsely to densely hairy with hairs 0.2-0.6 mm long; pinnae 2.5-23 cm long, not distinctly auricled at the base.

Upper side of the costae sparsely to densely hairy with hairs 0.2-0.6 mm long; pinnae 2.5-23 cm long, not distinctly auricled at the base.

Nephrolepis

Upper side of the costae glabrous; pinnae 1-7.3 cm long, auricled at base on the side toward the leaf tip.

Upper side of the costae glabrous; pinnae 1-7.3 cm long, auricled at base on the side toward the leaf tip.

Nephrolepis

Scales on the upper surface of the rachis bicolored (pale but distinctly darker at the base); pinnae attachments spaced 5-12 mm apart; leaf blade with an obtuse apex; underside of rachis almost completely hidden by the overlapping basal lobes of the pinnae; rhizomes bearing spherical tubers (not always present)

Scales on the upper surface of the rachis bicolored (pale but distinctly darker at the base); pinnae attachments spaced 5-12 mm apart; leaf blade with an obtuse apex; underside of rachis almost completely hidden by the overlapping basal lobes of the pinnae; rhizomes bearing spherical tubers (not always present)

Tectaria

Indusia peltate; pinnae cordate at the base; rachis and midvein pubescent above only

Indusia peltate; pinnae cordate at the base; rachis and midvein pubescent above only

Tectaria

Indusia attached at the sinus; pinnae oblique at the base; rachis and midvein pubescent above and below

Indusia attached at the sinus; pinnae oblique at the base; rachis and midvein pubescent above and below

Pecluma

Petiole and rachis lacking scales, but with acicular hairs and minute comblike hairs; veins (1-) 2-4-forked; sori surrounded by an oblong patch of erect hairs; segments at base of blade gradually reduced to auricles; [usually terrestrial]

Petiole and rachis lacking scales, but with acicular hairs and minute comblike hairs; veins (1-) 2-4-forked; sori surrounded by an oblong patch of erect hairs; segments at base of blade gradually reduced to auricles; [usually terrestrial]

Pecluma

Petiole and/or rachis with ovate to lanceolate scales (and also often with additional vestiture of acicular hairs, septate hairs, or minute comblike hairs); veins 1-2-forked; sori without a patch of erect hairs; segments at base of blade abruptly reduced in size; [usually epiphytic or epipetric].

Petiole and/or rachis with ovate to lanceolate scales (and also often with additional vestiture of acicular hairs, septate hairs, or minute comblike hairs); veins 1-2-forked; sori without a patch of erect hairs; segments at base of blade abruptly reduced in size; [usually epiphytic or epipetric].

Pleopeltis

Laminar scales of the upper leaf surface bearing scattered scales, these subulate, the base pectinate-stellate, apex long caudate, margin weakly erose; glands conspicuous, round to elliptic, rather swollen with a central depression, on a small auricle within the sinus near the acroscopic side of the basal pinnae; rhizome scale margins erose-ciliate; laminar scales of the lower leaf surface dense, lanceolate, their margins ciliate (peripheral scales often extending beyond the margin of the blade); orbicular scales present, but not readily visible; [FL Keys only]

Laminar scales of the upper leaf surface bearing scattered scales, these subulate, the base pectinate-stellate, apex long caudate, margin weakly erose; glands conspicuous, round to elliptic, rather swollen with a central depression, on a small auricle within the sinus near the acroscopic side of the basal pinnae; rhizome scale margins erose-ciliate; laminar scales of the lower leaf surface dense, lanceolate, their margins ciliate (peripheral scales often extending beyond the margin of the blade); orbicular scales present, but not readily visible; [FL Keys only]

Polypodium

Leaf blade averaging 5.8 cm wide (range of 3.2-8.2 cm), widest at the base, thus the blade elongate-deltoid in outline; rhizome scales averaging 1.1 mm wide, mostly golden brown throughout; paraphyses (sporangiasters) usually > 40 per sorus (range of 25-120); leaves mostly lobed to apex, without an attenuate, unlobed tip

Leaf blade averaging 5.8 cm wide (range of 3.2-8.2 cm), widest at the base, thus the blade elongate-deltoid in outline; rhizome scales averaging 1.1 mm wide, mostly golden brown throughout; paraphyses (sporangiasters) usually > 40 per sorus (range of 25-120); leaves mostly lobed to apex, without an attenuate, unlobed tip

Pinaceae

Leaves jointed, on short, persistent base; cones 1-3.8 cm long, pendent; [subfamily Abietoideae]

Leaves jointed, on short, persistent base; cones 1-3.8 cm long, pendent; [subfamily Abietoideae]

Pinaceae

Leaves jointed, on short, persistent base; cones 1-3.8 cm long, pendent; [subfamily Abietoideae]

Leaves jointed, on short, persistent base; cones 1-3.8 cm long, pendent; [subfamily Abietoideae]

Pinus

Leaves mostly in bundles of 2 (and some bundles of 3); seedlings with a grass stage; resin canals 3-9 per leaf; base of open cone rounded; [of peninsular FL]

Leaves mostly in bundles of 2 (and some bundles of 3); seedlings with a grass stage; resin canals 3-9 per leaf; base of open cone rounded; [of peninsular FL]

Pinus

Leaves mostly in bundles of 3 (and some bundles of 2); seedlings lacking a grass stage; resin canals 3-5 per leaf; base of open cone truncate; [more widespread]

Leaves mostly in bundles of 3 (and some bundles of 2); seedlings lacking a grass stage; resin canals 3-5 per leaf; base of open cone truncate; [more widespread]

Cupressaceae

Leaves evergreen, rigid, > 2 cm long, tapering from near the base to a long-acuminate apex; [subfamily Cunninghamioideae]

Leaves evergreen, rigid, > 2 cm long, tapering from near the base to a long-acuminate apex; [subfamily Cunninghamioideae]

Cupressaceae

Leaves evergreen, rigid, > 2 cm long, tapering from near the base to a long-acuminate apex; [subfamily Cunninghamioideae]

Leaves evergreen, rigid, > 2 cm long, tapering from near the base to a long-acuminate apex; [subfamily Cunninghamioideae]

Taxodium

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

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

Taxodium

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

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

Taxodium

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

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

Taxodium

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

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

Juniperus

Leaves flat-acicular or grooved, 8-25 mm long, never scale-like, with a white stomatal band on the upper surface and an abscission zone at the base; leaves borne in whorls of 3, spreading at 45-90 degrees from the twig; female cones ("berries") axillary, maturing in 2-3 years; [section Juniperus or genus Juniperus]

Leaves flat-acicular or grooved, 8-25 mm long, never scale-like, with a white stomatal band on the upper surface and an abscission zone at the base; leaves borne in whorls of 3, spreading at 45-90 degrees from the twig; female cones ("berries") axillary, maturing in 2-3 years; [section Juniperus or genus Juniperus]

Juniperus

Leaves flat-acicular or grooved, 8-25 mm long, never scale-like, with a white stomatal band on the upper surface and an abscission zone at the base; leaves borne in whorls of 3, spreading at 45-90 degrees from the twig; female cones ("berries") axillary, maturing in 2-3 years; [section Juniperus or genus Juniperus]

Leaves flat-acicular or grooved, 8-25 mm long, never scale-like, with a white stomatal band on the upper surface and an abscission zone at the base; leaves borne in whorls of 3, spreading at 45-90 degrees from the twig; female cones ("berries") axillary, maturing in 2-3 years; [section Juniperus or genus Juniperus]

Juniperus

Leaves primarily scale-like (scale-leaves), ca. 1-2 mm long, though acicular and 2-10 mm long (whip-leaves) are often present on young trees and some lower branches of larger trees, without a white line on the upper surface (though often somewhat glaucous) and lacking an abscission zone at the base; leaves of mature twigs borne in opposite pairs of 2, decussate (thus 4-ranked), appressed to the twig (leaves of immature twigs sometimes in whorls of 3, spreading at 10-45 degrees from the twig); female cones ("berries") terminal on short branches, maturing the first year; [section Sabina or genus Sabina].

Leaves primarily scale-like (scale-leaves), ca. 1-2 mm long, though acicular and 2-10 mm long (whip-leaves) are often present on young trees and some lower branches of larger trees, without a white line on the upper surface (though often somewhat glaucous) and lacking an abscission zone at the base; leaves of mature twigs borne in opposite pairs of 2, decussate (thus 4-ranked), appressed to the twig (leaves of immature twigs sometimes in whorls of 3, spreading at 10-45 degrees from the twig); female cones ("berries") terminal on short branches, maturing the first year; [section Sabina or genus Sabina].

Nuphar

Leaf petiole flattened on the upper (adaxial) surface and winged along the margins; fruit usually purplish; sepals red or maroon at the base adaxially

Leaf petiole flattened on the upper (adaxial) surface and winged along the margins; fruit usually purplish; sepals red or maroon at the base adaxially

Nuphar

Leaf petiole flattened on the upper (adaxial) surface and winged along the margins; fruit usually purplish; sepals red or maroon at the base adaxially

Leaf petiole flattened on the upper (adaxial) surface and winged along the margins; fruit usually purplish; sepals red or maroon at the base adaxially

Nuphar

Leaf petiole terete or slightly flattened, not winged; fruit usually greenish or yellowish; sepals yellow or red at the base adaxially.

Leaf petiole terete or slightly flattened, not winged; fruit usually greenish or yellowish; sepals yellow or red at the base adaxially.

Saururaceae

Flowers in a raceme without petal-like basal bracts; ovary of (3-) 4 carpels fused only at the base, fruit a schizocarp; stamens 6

Flowers in a raceme without petal-like basal bracts; ovary of (3-) 4 carpels fused only at the base, fruit a schizocarp; stamens 6

Saururaceae

Flowers in a raceme without petal-like basal bracts; ovary of (3-) 4 carpels fused only at the base, fruit a schizocarp; stamens 6

Flowers in a raceme without petal-like basal bracts; ovary of (3-) 4 carpels fused only at the base, fruit a schizocarp; stamens 6

Peperomia

Leaves 0.8-2× as long as wide, the apex rounded to emarginate (or if broadly cuneate, then the base rounded to truncate); plant lacking dark punctate glands (may have pellucid or amber glands).

Leaves 0.8-2× as long as wide, the apex rounded to emarginate (or if broadly cuneate, then the base rounded to truncate); plant lacking dark punctate glands (may have pellucid or amber glands).

Peperomia

Leaves 0.8-1.3× as long as wide; largest leaves < 3 cm long, < 2.5 cm wide; leaf base rounded, truncate, or cordate; leaf venation palmate (with 3-7 main veins arising from a point at the leaf base).

Leaves 0.8-1.3× as long as wide; largest leaves < 3 cm long, < 2.5 cm wide; leaf base rounded, truncate, or cordate; leaf venation palmate (with 3-7 main veins arising from a point at the leaf base).

Peperomia

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

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

Peperomia

Leaf base broadly rounded; leaf apex broadly rounded; primary palmate veins 3 from the leaf base

Leaf base broadly rounded; leaf apex broadly rounded; primary palmate veins 3 from the leaf base

Peperomia

Leaves 1.3-2× as long as wide; largest leaves > 4 cm long, > 1.5 cm wide; leaf base cuneate; leaf venation pinnate (4-10 secondary veins diverging from the midvein at intervals above the base).

Leaves 1.3-2× as long as wide; largest leaves > 4 cm long, > 1.5 cm wide; leaf base cuneate; leaf venation pinnate (4-10 secondary veins diverging from the midvein at intervals above the base).

Aristolochiaceae

Leaf blade narrower than long; leaf venation pinnate (3-veined from the base, pinnate above); [subtribe Isotrematinae]

Leaf blade narrower than long; leaf venation pinnate (3-veined from the base, pinnate above); [subtribe Isotrematinae]

Aristolochiaceae

Leaf blade narrower than long; leaf venation pinnate (3-veined from the base, pinnate above); [subtribe Isotrematinae]

Leaf blade narrower than long; leaf venation pinnate (3-veined from the base, pinnate above); [subtribe Isotrematinae]

Asarum

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

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

Asarum

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

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

Magnolia

Leaves cordate-auriculate at base; leaves clustered in a 'pseudowhorl' near the apex of the twigs.

Leaves cordate-auriculate at base; leaves clustered in a 'pseudowhorl' near the apex of the twigs.

Magnolia

Leaves cordate-auriculate at base; leaves clustered in a 'pseudowhorl' near the apex of the twigs.

Leaves cordate-auriculate at base; leaves clustered in a 'pseudowhorl' near the apex of the twigs.

Magnolia

Leaves cuneate to rounded (subcordate) at base; leaves distributed along the twigs (or clustered in a 'pseudowhorl' in M. tripetala).

Leaves cuneate to rounded (subcordate) at base; leaves distributed along the twigs (or clustered in a 'pseudowhorl' in M. tripetala).

Magnolia

Leaves cuneate to rounded (subcordate) at base; leaves distributed along the twigs (or clustered in a 'pseudowhorl' in M. tripetala).

Leaves cuneate to rounded (subcordate) at base; leaves distributed along the twigs (or clustered in a 'pseudowhorl' in M. tripetala).

Magnolia

Leaf base rounded to subcordate (often cuneate to widely cuneate in M. acuminata var. subcordata); leaves 10-30 cm long, broader toward the base; tepals green to yellow; [native]; [section Tulipastrum].

Leaf base rounded to subcordate (often cuneate to widely cuneate in M. acuminata var. subcordata); leaves 10-30 cm long, broader toward the base; tepals green to yellow; [native]; [section Tulipastrum].

Lauraceae

Leaf surfaces glabrous, bright green; leaf venation either 3-nerved from at or near the base of the blade or pinnate; crushed leaves with the odor of camphor

Leaf surfaces glabrous, bright green; leaf venation either 3-nerved from at or near the base of the blade or pinnate; crushed leaves with the odor of camphor

Lindera

Leaf base cuneate; leaves widely obovate, plane (not rugose), with a short-acuminate apex, glabrous above, borne horizontally, spicy-fragrant when crushed; shrubs not colonial, often multi-stemmed from base, short to tall (to 5 m tall); fruiting pedicels 3-5 mm long

Leaf base cuneate; leaves widely obovate, plane (not rugose), with a short-acuminate apex, glabrous above, borne horizontally, spicy-fragrant when crushed; shrubs not colonial, often multi-stemmed from base, short to tall (to 5 m tall); fruiting pedicels 3-5 mm long

Lindera

Leaf base cuneate; leaves widely obovate, plane (not rugose), with a short-acuminate apex, glabrous above, borne horizontally, spicy-fragrant when crushed; shrubs not colonial, often multi-stemmed from base, short to tall (to 5 m tall); fruiting pedicels 3-5 mm long

Leaf base cuneate; leaves widely obovate, plane (not rugose), with a short-acuminate apex, glabrous above, borne horizontally, spicy-fragrant when crushed; shrubs not colonial, often multi-stemmed from base, short to tall (to 5 m tall); fruiting pedicels 3-5 mm long

Lindera

Leaf base cuneate; leaves widely obovate, plane (not rugose), with a short-acuminate apex, glabrous above, borne horizontally, spicy-fragrant when crushed; shrubs not colonial, often multi-stemmed from base, short to tall (to 5 m tall); fruiting pedicels 3-5 mm long

Leaf base cuneate; leaves widely obovate, plane (not rugose), with a short-acuminate apex, glabrous above, borne horizontally, spicy-fragrant when crushed; shrubs not colonial, often multi-stemmed from base, short to tall (to 5 m tall); fruiting pedicels 3-5 mm long

Lindera

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

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

Lindera

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

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

Lindera

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

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

Araceae

Spadix fused basally along one side (for several cm) to the spathe; spathe bisexual, with a basal section of female flowers, a sterile gap, a section of male and female flowers on the free side; leaves either palmately compound with 3 leaflets (juvenile leaves sometimes simple or very deeply 3-lobed) or pedately compound with 5-7 (-9) leaflets, the central leaflet as large as or larger than the others; bulblets either absent or present at base and summit of the petiole; [exotic, rarely naturalized]

Spadix fused basally along one side (for several cm) to the spathe; spathe bisexual, with a basal section of female flowers, a sterile gap, a section of male and female flowers on the free side; leaves either palmately compound with 3 leaflets (juvenile leaves sometimes simple or very deeply 3-lobed) or pedately compound with 5-7 (-9) leaflets, the central leaflet as large as or larger than the others; bulblets either absent or present at base and summit of the petiole; [exotic, rarely naturalized]

Araceae

Spadix fused basally along one side (for several cm) to the spathe; spathe bisexual, with a basal section of female flowers, a sterile gap, a section of male and female flowers on the free side; leaves either palmately compound with 3 leaflets (juvenile leaves sometimes simple or very deeply 3-lobed) or pedately compound with 5-7 (-9) leaflets, the central leaflet as large as or larger than the others; bulblets either absent or present at base and summit of the petiole; [exotic, rarely naturalized]

Spadix fused basally along one side (for several cm) to the spathe; spathe bisexual, with a basal section of female flowers, a sterile gap, a section of male and female flowers on the free side; leaves either palmately compound with 3 leaflets (juvenile leaves sometimes simple or very deeply 3-lobed) or pedately compound with 5-7 (-9) leaflets, the central leaflet as large as or larger than the others; bulblets either absent or present at base and summit of the petiole; [exotic, rarely naturalized]

Araceae

Spathe absent or obscure; leaf blade 2.5-5× as long as wide, cuneate at the base, lanceolate or narrowly elliptic; leaf venation parallel; [subfamily Orontioideae, tribe Orontieae]

Spathe absent or obscure; leaf blade 2.5-5× as long as wide, cuneate at the base, lanceolate or narrowly elliptic; leaf venation parallel; [subfamily Orontioideae, tribe Orontieae]

Araceae

Spathe absent or obscure; leaf blade 2.5-5× as long as wide, cuneate at the base, lanceolate or narrowly elliptic; leaf venation parallel; [subfamily Orontioideae, tribe Orontieae]

Spathe absent or obscure; leaf blade 2.5-5× as long as wide, cuneate at the base, lanceolate or narrowly elliptic; leaf venation parallel; [subfamily Orontioideae, tribe Orontieae]

Araceae

Spathe present, surrounding the spadix, at least at its base; leaf blade 1-2.5× as long as wide, either hastate at the base (Arum, Peltandra, Syngonium, and Xanthosoma), or rounded (Symplocarpus), or cordate (Calla), broadly ovate in outline.

Spathe present, surrounding the spadix, at least at its base; leaf blade 1-2.5× as long as wide, either hastate at the base (Arum, Peltandra, Syngonium, and Xanthosoma), or rounded (Symplocarpus), or cordate (Calla), broadly ovate in outline.

Araceae

Spathe green or white; leaves hastate or rounded at base; plants from fibrous roots, a short thick rhizome, tuber, or a corm; [collectively widespread].

Spathe green or white; leaves hastate or rounded at base; plants from fibrous roots, a short thick rhizome, tuber, or a corm; [collectively widespread].

Araceae

Leaves ovate, rounded or subcordate at the base; spathe purple, or purple flecked with white; [subfamily Orontioideae, tribe Symplocarpeae]

Leaves ovate, rounded or subcordate at the base; spathe purple, or purple flecked with white; [subfamily Orontioideae, tribe Symplocarpeae]

Araceae

Leaves ovate, rounded or subcordate at the base; spathe purple, or purple flecked with white; [subfamily Orontioideae, tribe Symplocarpeae]

Leaves ovate, rounded or subcordate at the base; spathe purple, or purple flecked with white; [subfamily Orontioideae, tribe Symplocarpeae]

Araceae

Leaves hastate at the base (somewhat arrowhead-shaped); spathe green or white; [subfamily Aroideae].

Leaves hastate at the base (somewhat arrowhead-shaped); spathe green or white; [subfamily Aroideae].

Araceae

Leaves hastate at the base (somewhat arrowhead-shaped); spathe green or white; [subfamily Aroideae].

Leaves hastate at the base (somewhat arrowhead-shaped); spathe green or white; [subfamily Aroideae].

Lemna

Root sheath winged at the base; root tip sharply pointed; roots not longer than 3 cm long; anthocyanin absent in fronds; [section Alatae].

Root sheath winged at the base; root tip sharply pointed; roots not longer than 3 cm long; anthocyanin absent in fronds; [section Alatae].

Lemna

Root sheath not winged at the base; root tip mostly rounded; roots often longer than 3 cm long; anthocyanin present or absent in fronds; [section Lemna].

Root sheath not winged at the base; root tip mostly rounded; roots often longer than 3 cm long; anthocyanin present or absent in fronds; [section Lemna].

Lemna

Fronds not reddish on the lower surface (or if so only slightly so and much less so than on the upper surface); greatest spacing of veins near the middle of the frond or toward its base

Fronds not reddish on the lower surface (or if so only slightly so and much less so than on the upper surface); greatest spacing of veins near the middle of the frond or toward its base

Peltandra

Spathe green at base, bright white above (the white portion not merely a margin), flared open and therefore only loosely surrounding the spadix, succulent below, the white portion thin and herbaceous, the margins generally nearly entire and plane; fruits red; distal portion of leaf blade lacking broad, coarse veins similar to the midvein (all the veins alike and fine); leaf underside distinctly paler than upper surface, and glaucescent

Spathe green at base, bright white above (the white portion not merely a margin), flared open and therefore only loosely surrounding the spadix, succulent below, the white portion thin and herbaceous, the margins generally nearly entire and plane; fruits red; distal portion of leaf blade lacking broad, coarse veins similar to the midvein (all the veins alike and fine); leaf underside distinctly paler than upper surface, and glaucescent

Peltandra

Spathe green at base, bright white above (the white portion not merely a margin), flared open and therefore only loosely surrounding the spadix, succulent below, the white portion thin and herbaceous, the margins generally nearly entire and plane; fruits red; distal portion of leaf blade lacking broad, coarse veins similar to the midvein (all the veins alike and fine); leaf underside distinctly paler than upper surface, and glaucescent

Spathe green at base, bright white above (the white portion not merely a margin), flared open and therefore only loosely surrounding the spadix, succulent below, the white portion thin and herbaceous, the margins generally nearly entire and plane; fruits red; distal portion of leaf blade lacking broad, coarse veins similar to the midvein (all the veins alike and fine); leaf underside distinctly paler than upper surface, and glaucescent

Peltandra

Spathe green at base, bright white above (the white portion not merely a margin), flared open and therefore only loosely surrounding the spadix, succulent below, the white portion thin and herbaceous, the margins generally nearly entire and plane; fruits red; distal portion of leaf blade lacking broad, coarse veins similar to the midvein (all the veins alike and fine); leaf underside distinctly paler than upper surface, and glaucescent

Spathe green at base, bright white above (the white portion not merely a margin), flared open and therefore only loosely surrounding the spadix, succulent below, the white portion thin and herbaceous, the margins generally nearly entire and plane; fruits red; distal portion of leaf blade lacking broad, coarse veins similar to the midvein (all the veins alike and fine); leaf underside distinctly paler than upper surface, and glaucescent

Peltandra

Spathe green at base, bright white above (the white portion not merely a margin), flared open and therefore only loosely surrounding the spadix, succulent below, the white portion thin and herbaceous, the margins generally nearly entire and plane; fruits red; distal portion of leaf blade lacking broad, coarse veins similar to the midvein (all the veins alike and fine); leaf underside distinctly paler than upper surface, and glaucescent

Spathe green at base, bright white above (the white portion not merely a margin), flared open and therefore only loosely surrounding the spadix, succulent below, the white portion thin and herbaceous, the margins generally nearly entire and plane; fruits red; distal portion of leaf blade lacking broad, coarse veins similar to the midvein (all the veins alike and fine); leaf underside distinctly paler than upper surface, and glaucescent

Alisma

Leaf blades 2.7-5× as long as wide (or even narrower on submerged leaves), tapering at the base; petals pink, 2.3-3.7 mm long; achene with a dorsal ridge flanked by two dorsal grooves

Leaf blades 2.7-5× as long as wide (or even narrower on submerged leaves), tapering at the base; petals pink, 2.3-3.7 mm long; achene with a dorsal ridge flanked by two dorsal grooves

Alisma

Leaf blades 2.7-5× as long as wide (or even narrower on submerged leaves), tapering at the base; petals pink, 2.3-3.7 mm long; achene with a dorsal ridge flanked by two dorsal grooves

Leaf blades 2.7-5× as long as wide (or even narrower on submerged leaves), tapering at the base; petals pink, 2.3-3.7 mm long; achene with a dorsal ridge flanked by two dorsal grooves

Alisma

Leaf blades 1.3-2.5 (2.7)× as long as wide, rounded to subcordate at the base; petals white, either 1.8-2.5 mm or 3.8-4.5 mm long; achene with a single dorsal groove.

Leaf blades 1.3-2.5 (2.7)× as long as wide, rounded to subcordate at the base; petals white, either 1.8-2.5 mm or 3.8-4.5 mm long; achene with a single dorsal groove.

Alisma

Leaf blades 1.3-2.5 (2.7)× as long as wide, rounded to subcordate at the base; petals white, either 1.8-2.5 mm or 3.8-4.5 mm long; achene with a single dorsal groove.

Leaf blades 1.3-2.5 (2.7)× as long as wide, rounded to subcordate at the base; petals white, either 1.8-2.5 mm or 3.8-4.5 mm long; achene with a single dorsal groove.

Sagittaria

Petals white, with a purple spot at the base; stamens of pistillate flowers generally nonfunctional; [exotic, introduced around coastal ports]

Petals white, with a purple spot at the base; stamens of pistillate flowers generally nonfunctional; [exotic, introduced around coastal ports]

Sagittaria

Petiole corrugated but not wing-angled in cross-section; inflorescence often branched at the base; fruiting heads (1.2-) 1.7-2.2 cm in diameter, often globular-depressed

Petiole corrugated but not wing-angled in cross-section; inflorescence often branched at the base; fruiting heads (1.2-) 1.7-2.2 cm in diameter, often globular-depressed

Sagittaria

Petiole corrugated but not wing-angled in cross-section; inflorescence often branched at the base; fruiting heads (1.2-) 1.7-2.2 cm in diameter, often globular-depressed

Petiole corrugated but not wing-angled in cross-section; inflorescence often branched at the base; fruiting heads (1.2-) 1.7-2.2 cm in diameter, often globular-depressed

Sagittaria

Stamen filaments linear, less thick than the anther, changing little in diameter from near base to near summit.

Stamen filaments linear, less thick than the anther, changing little in diameter from near base to near summit.

Sagittaria

Stamen filaments either distinctly dilated toward the base (often broadly conic) or thickened throughout, the filament (at least basally) as thick or thicker than the anther.

Stamen filaments either distinctly dilated toward the base (often broadly conic) or thickened throughout, the filament (at least basally) as thick or thicker than the anther.

Sagittaria

Inflorescence branched at the base (in at least some plants of a population); bracts of the inflorescence only slightly connate, the free tips narrowly triangular, 6-15 mm long

Inflorescence branched at the base (in at least some plants of a population); bracts of the inflorescence only slightly connate, the free tips narrowly triangular, 6-15 mm long

Sagittaria

Inflorescence unbranched at the base; bracts of the inflorescence slightly to almost fully connate

Inflorescence unbranched at the base; bracts of the inflorescence slightly to almost fully connate

Sagittaria

Inflorescence unbranched at the base; bracts of the inflorescence slightly to almost fully connate

Inflorescence unbranched at the base; bracts of the inflorescence slightly to almost fully connate

Hydrocharitaceae

Leaves slightly narrowed or straight-sided to base, sessile; perianth present; [subfamily Anacharoideae]

Leaves slightly narrowed or straight-sided to base, sessile; perianth present; [subfamily Anacharoideae]

Hydrocharitaceae

Leaves broadened and sheathing at base, narrowing upward via “shoulders”; perianth absent; [subfamily Hydrilloideae]

Leaves broadened and sheathing at base, narrowing upward via “shoulders”; perianth absent; [subfamily Hydrilloideae]

Potamogeton

Stipular sheaths of submersed leaves adnate with leaf blade base, the tip usually projecting as a ligule

Stipular sheaths of submersed leaves adnate with leaf blade base, the tip usually projecting as a ligule

Potamogeton

Stipular sheaths of submersed leaves free from the leaf blade base, or with only a few adnate, the ligule not obvious.

Stipular sheaths of submersed leaves free from the leaf blade base, or with only a few adnate, the ligule not obvious.

Potamogeton

Submersed leaves 1-10 mm wide, 3-13 veined; stipules of submersed leaves not adnate to the leaf base; floating leaves rounded at apex

Submersed leaves 1-10 mm wide, 3-13 veined; stipules of submersed leaves not adnate to the leaf base; floating leaves rounded at apex

Potamogeton

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

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

Potamogeton

Petiole junction with leaf distinctly pale in color; floating leaves ovate, oblong-ovate, cordate at base, rarely tapering

Petiole junction with leaf distinctly pale in color; floating leaves ovate, oblong-ovate, cordate at base, rarely tapering

Potamogeton

Floating leaves 10-20 (-30) mm wide, obtuse, round or tapering at the base; fruit often produced

Floating leaves 10-20 (-30) mm wide, obtuse, round or tapering at the base; fruit often produced

Cymodoceaceae

Leaves flat, with a notched or tricuspidate apex; stipules absent, or if present, either free or adnate to the leaf base and forming a sheath for < 10 mm; flowers solitary; pistils 2

Leaves flat, with a notched or tricuspidate apex; stipules absent, or if present, either free or adnate to the leaf base and forming a sheath for < 10 mm; flowers solitary; pistils 2

Cymodoceaceae

Leaves flat, with a notched or tricuspidate apex; stipules absent, or if present, either free or adnate to the leaf base and forming a sheath for < 10 mm; flowers solitary; pistils 2

Leaves flat, with a notched or tricuspidate apex; stipules absent, or if present, either free or adnate to the leaf base and forming a sheath for < 10 mm; flowers solitary; pistils 2

Cymodoceaceae

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

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

Cymodoceaceae

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

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

Aletris

Perianth 4-6 mm long, campanulate at anthesis, ca. 1× as long as broad, the perianth lobes broadly deltoid (about as long as broad); fruiting perianth somewhat narrowed above the base

Perianth 4-6 mm long, campanulate at anthesis, ca. 1× as long as broad, the perianth lobes broadly deltoid (about as long as broad); fruiting perianth somewhat narrowed above the base

Trillium

Petals relatively thick in texture, straight-margined, maroon or white, rarely yellow or green (if white, turning brown with age); stigmas thicker at base, tapering gradually toward tip, distinct; ovary purple-black, maroon, pink, or white, 6-angled; [subgenus Trillium]

Petals relatively thick in texture, straight-margined, maroon or white, rarely yellow or green (if white, turning brown with age); stigmas thicker at base, tapering gradually toward tip, distinct; ovary purple-black, maroon, pink, or white, 6-angled; [subgenus Trillium]

Trillium

Petals relatively delicate in texture, wavy-margined, white to deep pink (if white, generally fading to pink with age); stigmas thin, uniform in thickness from base to apex, somewhat fused at the base into a short style; ovary greenish-white to white, 3- or 6-angled or-lobed

Petals relatively delicate in texture, wavy-margined, white to deep pink (if white, generally fading to pink with age); stigmas thin, uniform in thickness from base to apex, somewhat fused at the base into a short style; ovary greenish-white to white, 3- or 6-angled or-lobed

Trillium

Ovary 3-angled at base of stigmas (rarely 6-angled); petals 7-17 mm wide, narrowly spatulate (appearing clawed); outer whorl of stamens broader, anther dehiscence introrse; flower fragrance faintly spicy-fragrant, banana-like; [of AL, n. FL, GA, and e. SC]

Ovary 3-angled at base of stigmas (rarely 6-angled); petals 7-17 mm wide, narrowly spatulate (appearing clawed); outer whorl of stamens broader, anther dehiscence introrse; flower fragrance faintly spicy-fragrant, banana-like; [of AL, n. FL, GA, and e. SC]

Trillium

Ovary flask-shaped, broadest near the base, usually white to pinkish (sometimes darker); petals usually white to creamy white (maroon forma occasional).

Ovary flask-shaped, broadest near the base, usually white to pinkish (sometimes darker); petals usually white to creamy white (maroon forma occasional).

Trillium

Petals lanceolate to narrowly ovate or elliptic, spreading from base in the same plane as the sepals, rarely > 2× as broad as the sepals; sepals 0.5-0.8× as long as the pedicel, weakly sulcate-tipped (roundly keeled and upturned near apex); flower fragrance unpleasant, musty.

Petals lanceolate to narrowly ovate or elliptic, spreading from base in the same plane as the sepals, rarely > 2× as broad as the sepals; sepals 0.5-0.8× as long as the pedicel, weakly sulcate-tipped (roundly keeled and upturned near apex); flower fragrance unpleasant, musty.

Trillium

Petals ovate, overlapping in some instances and forming a cup-shaped base, variably recurved apically, > 2× as broad as the sepals; sepals 0.2-0.7× as long as the pedicel, sulcate-tipped; fragrance pleasant, sweet to fungal.

Petals ovate, overlapping in some instances and forming a cup-shaped base, variably recurved apically, > 2× as broad as the sepals; sepals 0.2-0.7× as long as the pedicel, sulcate-tipped; fragrance pleasant, sweet to fungal.

Trillium

Petals obovate, tightly rolled at base, abruptly flared near the apex; leaves broadly elliptic, acuminate; style minute, < 1.0 mm long; [subgenus Callipetalon]

Petals obovate, tightly rolled at base, abruptly flared near the apex; leaves broadly elliptic, acuminate; style minute, < 1.0 mm long; [subgenus Callipetalon]

Melanthiaceae

Main (basal) leaves linear, elliptic, or obovate, the main veins parallel, all diverging at the base of the leaf and rejoining at the apex; flowers white, cream, yellowish, greenish, or brownish.

Main (basal) leaves linear, elliptic, or obovate, the main veins parallel, all diverging at the base of the leaf and rejoining at the apex; flowers white, cream, yellowish, greenish, or brownish.

Melanthiaceae

Leaves cauline; leaves strongly plicate, 6-15 cm wide; tepals pubescent, 8-13 mm long, 3-5 mm wide, with a conspicuous pair of glands near the base of the tepal blade (these sometimes more or less fused); filaments free from the tepals

Leaves cauline; leaves strongly plicate, 6-15 cm wide; tepals pubescent, 8-13 mm long, 3-5 mm wide, with a conspicuous pair of glands near the base of the tepal blade (these sometimes more or less fused); filaments free from the tepals

Melanthiaceae

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

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

Melanthiaceae

Leaves slightly or not at all keeled, 2-12 mm wide; plant solitary, from a bulbous or semibulbous base; inner tepals (petals) 3-6 or 7-12 mm long, clawed or not, bearing either a single (sometimes obscure to essentially invisible) gland near the base or a bilobed gland well above the base.

Leaves slightly or not at all keeled, 2-12 mm wide; plant solitary, from a bulbous or semibulbous base; inner tepals (petals) 3-6 or 7-12 mm long, clawed or not, bearing either a single (sometimes obscure to essentially invisible) gland near the base or a bilobed gland well above the base.

Melanthiaceae

Inner tepals 3-10 mm long, not clawed, with a single, unlobed gland borne near the base (this often difficult or impossible to see, consisting only of a greenish line at the very base of the tepal); [of acid habitats of the Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain]

Inner tepals 3-10 mm long, not clawed, with a single, unlobed gland borne near the base (this often difficult or impossible to see, consisting only of a greenish line at the very base of the tepal); [of acid habitats of the Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain]

Melanthiaceae

Inner tepals (petals) 6-12 mm long, clawed, with a single unlobed or bilobed gland borne well above the base; [of calcareous habitats].

Inner tepals (petals) 6-12 mm long, clawed, with a single unlobed or bilobed gland borne well above the base; [of calcareous habitats].

Melanthium

Leaf blades (the larger, basal) narrowly to broadly elliptic, 17-50 cm long, 3-14 cm wide, with an obvious petiolar base 1-10 cm long; tepals green to maroon or purple, cuneate (not clawed); tepal blade 2-4× as long as wide.

Leaf blades (the larger, basal) narrowly to broadly elliptic, 17-50 cm long, 3-14 cm wide, with an obvious petiolar base 1-10 cm long; tepals green to maroon or purple, cuneate (not clawed); tepal blade 2-4× as long as wide.

Veratrum

Leaves cauline; leaves strongly plicate, 6-15 cm wide; tepals pubescent, 8-13 mm long, 3-5 mm wide, with a conspicuous pair of glands near the base of the tepal blade (these sometimes more or less fused); filaments free from the tepals

Leaves cauline; leaves strongly plicate, 6-15 cm wide; tepals pubescent, 8-13 mm long, 3-5 mm wide, with a conspicuous pair of glands near the base of the tepal blade (these sometimes more or less fused); filaments free from the tepals

Smilax

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

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

Smilax

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

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

Smilax

Leaves relatively many, (4-) 6-13 (-20), often well distributed in the upper half of the stem, notably reduced in size from lower to upper, mostly with the base cordate and the tip acuminate; berry 3-5 seeded.

Leaves relatively many, (4-) 6-13 (-20), often well distributed in the upper half of the stem, notably reduced in size from lower to upper, mostly with the base cordate and the tip acuminate; berry 3-5 seeded.

Smilax

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

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

Erythronium

Capsule distinctly beaked at the apex; petals (inner tepals) with well-developed auricles at the base, each pair clasping a filament

Capsule distinctly beaked at the apex; petals (inner tepals) with well-developed auricles at the base, each pair clasping a filament

Erythronium

Capsule truncate, rounded, or apiculate at the apex; petals (inner tepals) with small auricles at the base, not clasping a filament.

Capsule truncate, rounded, or apiculate at the apex; petals (inner tepals) with small auricles at the base, not clasping a filament.

Lilium

Leaves lanceolate, 10-30 mm wide; plants < 1 m tall; tepals 13-18 cm long, white or greenish externally; tepal surface glabrous internally near the base

Leaves lanceolate, 10-30 mm wide; plants < 1 m tall; tepals 13-18 cm long, white or greenish externally; tepal surface glabrous internally near the base

Lilium

Leaves linear, 5-13 mm wide; plants 0.3-3 m tall; tepals 18-25 cm long, with reddish flush externally, especially on the main vein; tepal surface papillose internally near the base

Leaves linear, 5-13 mm wide; plants 0.3-3 m tall; tepals 18-25 cm long, with reddish flush externally, especially on the main vein; tepal surface papillose internally near the base

Lilium

Flowers nodding or declined, facing downward or to the side; tepals narrowed to the base, but not clawed.

Flowers nodding or declined, facing downward or to the side; tepals narrowed to the base, but not clawed.

Lilium

Flowers nodding or declined, facing downward or to the side; tepals narrowed to the base, but not clawed.

Flowers nodding or declined, facing downward or to the side; tepals narrowed to the base, but not clawed.

Orchidaceae

Lip with 2 fleshy keels near the base; pollinia 4; plants holomycotrophic (without chlorophyll) and never with leaves

Lip with 2 fleshy keels near the base; pollinia 4; plants holomycotrophic (without chlorophyll) and never with leaves

Orchidaceae

Lip with 3-7 keels near the base or extending most of the length of the lip; pollinia 4 or 8; plants either holomycotrophic (without chlorophyll) and never with leaves, or with a plicate winter leaf withering shortly before flowering.

Lip with 3-7 keels near the base or extending most of the length of the lip; pollinia 4 or 8; plants either holomycotrophic (without chlorophyll) and never with leaves, or with a plicate winter leaf withering shortly before flowering.

Calopogon

Petals wider toward the tip than toward the base; lip usually as wide as or wider than long; flowers strongly fragrant

Petals wider toward the tip than toward the base; lip usually as wide as or wider than long; flowers strongly fragrant

Calopogon

Petals equal or narrower toward the tip than toward the base; lip usually narrower than long; flowers scentless or mildly fragrant.

Petals equal or narrower toward the tip than toward the base; lip usually narrower than long; flowers scentless or mildly fragrant.

Corallorhiza

Middle lobe of lip expanded slightly or not at all distally, the ratio of the width of the dilated part to the base of the mid-lobe < 1.5; floral bracts averaging 0.5-1.0 mm long

Middle lobe of lip expanded slightly or not at all distally, the ratio of the width of the dilated part to the base of the mid-lobe < 1.5; floral bracts averaging 0.5-1.0 mm long

Corallorhiza

Middle lobe of the lip distinctly expanded, the ratio of the width of the dilated part to the base of the midlobe greater than 1.5; floral bracts averaging 1.0-2.8 (-4.5) mm long

Middle lobe of the lip distinctly expanded, the ratio of the width of the dilated part to the base of the midlobe greater than 1.5; floral bracts averaging 1.0-2.8 (-4.5) mm long

Malaxis

Pedicels 3-5 (-5.8) mm long (even in plants with inflorescences over 80 mm long); basal lobes of the lip prominent, 0.75-1.1 mm long, usually 1.5-2 (-2.5)× as long as the apical lateral lobes and > 0.6× as long as the length from the base to the tip of the mid-lobe; inflorescences loosely flowered above, the lower flowers withering slowly

Pedicels 3-5 (-5.8) mm long (even in plants with inflorescences over 80 mm long); basal lobes of the lip prominent, 0.75-1.1 mm long, usually 1.5-2 (-2.5)× as long as the apical lateral lobes and > 0.6× as long as the length from the base to the tip of the mid-lobe; inflorescences loosely flowered above, the lower flowers withering slowly

Malaxis

Pedicels (4-) 5-10 (-13) mm long (and > 5 mm long in plants with inflorescences > 45 mm long); basal lobes of the lip not prominent, 0.4-1.1 mm long, mostly < 1.5× as long as the apical lateral lobes and < 0.6× as long as the length from the base to the tip of the mid-lobe; inflorescences densely flowered above, the lower flowers soon withering

Pedicels (4-) 5-10 (-13) mm long (and > 5 mm long in plants with inflorescences > 45 mm long); basal lobes of the lip not prominent, 0.4-1.1 mm long, mostly < 1.5× as long as the apical lateral lobes and < 0.6× as long as the length from the base to the tip of the mid-lobe; inflorescences densely flowered above, the lower flowers soon withering

Hypoxis

Leaves glabrous, or with a few trichomes near the base; seeds black.

Leaves glabrous, or with a few trichomes near the base; seeds black.

Hypoxis

Leaves evenly pubescent, at least near the base; seeds black or brown.

Leaves evenly pubescent, at least near the base; seeds black or brown.

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

Iridaceae

Style branches divided nearly to base; style arms extending horizontally between the anthers; tepals blue, white in the center

Style branches divided nearly to base; style arms extending horizontally between the anthers; tepals blue, white in the center

Sisyrinchium

Perianth with tepals campanulate basally, flaring distally; annual; plants usually < 2 dm tall; tepals lavender, pink, white, magenta, or yellow, with a maroon blaze near the base (S. micranthum) or the base wholly yellow (S. minus).

Perianth with tepals campanulate basally, flaring distally; annual; plants usually < 2 dm tall; tepals lavender, pink, white, magenta, or yellow, with a maroon blaze near the base (S. micranthum) or the base wholly yellow (S. minus).

Sisyrinchium

Stems with 1-2 (-3) nodes; tepals with maroon blaze near base; mature capsules globose, tan with purple sutures; [widespread]

Stems with 1-2 (-3) nodes; tepals with maroon blaze near base; mature capsules globose, tan with purple sutures; [widespread]

Sisyrinchium

Base of plant with fibrous remains of leaves

Base of plant with fibrous remains of leaves

Sisyrinchium

Base of plant without fibrous remains of leaves.

Base of plant without fibrous remains of leaves.

Allium

Leaves (1.5-) 2-4 (-4.5) cm wide, without a distinct petiolar base, the basal portion white; flowers (6-) 10-18 (-25) per umbel (fruits often fewer by abortion); spathe bracts 1-2 cm long; fruiting pedicels (8-) 10-15 (-18) mm long

Leaves (1.5-) 2-4 (-4.5) cm wide, without a distinct petiolar base, the basal portion white; flowers (6-) 10-18 (-25) per umbel (fruits often fewer by abortion); spathe bracts 1-2 cm long; fruiting pedicels (8-) 10-15 (-18) mm long

Allium

Leaves (1.5-) 2-4 (-4.5) cm wide, without a distinct petiolar base, the basal portion white; flowers (6-) 10-18 (-25) per umbel (fruits often fewer by abortion); spathe bracts 1-2 cm long; fruiting pedicels (8-) 10-15 (-18) mm long

Leaves (1.5-) 2-4 (-4.5) cm wide, without a distinct petiolar base, the basal portion white; flowers (6-) 10-18 (-25) per umbel (fruits often fewer by abortion); spathe bracts 1-2 cm long; fruiting pedicels (8-) 10-15 (-18) mm long

Allium

Leaves (1.5-) 2-4 (-4.5) cm wide, without a distinct petiolar base, the basal portion white; flowers (6-) 10-18 (-25) per umbel (fruits often fewer by abortion); spathe bracts 1-2 cm long; fruiting pedicels (8-) 10-15 (-18) mm long

Leaves (1.5-) 2-4 (-4.5) cm wide, without a distinct petiolar base, the basal portion white; flowers (6-) 10-18 (-25) per umbel (fruits often fewer by abortion); spathe bracts 1-2 cm long; fruiting pedicels (8-) 10-15 (-18) mm long

Allium

Leaves (3-) 5-8 (-9) cm wide, with a distinct petiolar base, the petioles usually red or pink; flowers (15-) 30-55 (-63) per umbel (fruits often fewer by abortion); spathe bracts 2-3 cm long; fruiting pedicels (10-) 15-25 (-30) mm long

Leaves (3-) 5-8 (-9) cm wide, with a distinct petiolar base, the petioles usually red or pink; flowers (15-) 30-55 (-63) per umbel (fruits often fewer by abortion); spathe bracts 2-3 cm long; fruiting pedicels (10-) 15-25 (-30) mm long

Allium

Leaves (3-) 5-8 (-9) cm wide, with a distinct petiolar base, the petioles usually red or pink; flowers (15-) 30-55 (-63) per umbel (fruits often fewer by abortion); spathe bracts 2-3 cm long; fruiting pedicels (10-) 15-25 (-30) mm long

Leaves (3-) 5-8 (-9) cm wide, with a distinct petiolar base, the petioles usually red or pink; flowers (15-) 30-55 (-63) per umbel (fruits often fewer by abortion); spathe bracts 2-3 cm long; fruiting pedicels (10-) 15-25 (-30) mm long

Allium

Stem scapose, leafy only at its base (lowermost 1/4 or less of stem); leaves < 1.4 cm wide; [subgenus Amerallium].

Stem scapose, leafy only at its base (lowermost 1/4 or less of stem); leaves < 1.4 cm wide; [subgenus Amerallium].

Nothoscordum

Leaves 1-4 (-5) mm wide; tepals distinct or only slightly connate at the base; flowers 3-6 (-10) per umbel; flowers not fragrant (or sweetly fragrant)

Leaves 1-4 (-5) mm wide; tepals distinct or only slightly connate at the base; flowers 3-6 (-10) per umbel; flowers not fragrant (or sweetly fragrant)

Lycoris

Tepals pink to rose, 6-7 cm long, 1.2-1.8 cm wide, only slightly crisped-margined at the base; stamens 0.8-1.2× as long as the tepals; leaves 18-25 mm wide; [subgenus Symmanthus]

Tepals pink to rose, 6-7 cm long, 1.2-1.8 cm wide, only slightly crisped-margined at the base; stamens 0.8-1.2× as long as the tepals; leaves 18-25 mm wide; [subgenus Symmanthus]

Galanthus

Leaves with margins flat, or folded under only when young or towards the base of mature leaves.

Leaves with margins flat, or folded under only when young or towards the base of mature leaves.

Hyacinthaceae

Tepals separate or fused only at the extreme base.

Tepals separate or fused only at the extreme base.

Hyacinthaceae

Tepals separate or fused only at the extreme base.

Tepals separate or fused only at the extreme base.

Hyacinthaceae

Tepals blue (less commonly white or pink), separate or fused at the extreme base; bracts either 0-1 or 2 per flower; [subfamily Hyacinthoideae, tribe Hyacintheae].

Tepals blue (less commonly white or pink), separate or fused at the extreme base; bracts either 0-1 or 2 per flower; [subfamily Hyacinthoideae, tribe Hyacintheae].

Commelina

Spathes with margins free to the base; [introduced species, usually in weedy habitats].

Spathes with margins free to the base; [introduced species, usually in weedy habitats].

Commelina

Spathes with margins free to the base; [introduced species, usually in weedy habitats].

Spathes with margins free to the base; [introduced species, usually in weedy habitats].

Pontederiaceae

Inflorescence with > 30 flowers; fruit 1-seeded, indehiscent, a utricle; seeds smooth; leaves lanceolate to ovate, 1.5-10× as long as wide, the base cordate, truncate, or cuneate

Inflorescence with > 30 flowers; fruit 1-seeded, indehiscent, a utricle; seeds smooth; leaves lanceolate to ovate, 1.5-10× as long as wide, the base cordate, truncate, or cuneate

Pontederiaceae

Inflorescence with > 30 flowers; fruit 1-seeded, indehiscent, a utricle; seeds smooth; leaves lanceolate to ovate, 1.5-10× as long as wide, the base cordate, truncate, or cuneate

Inflorescence with > 30 flowers; fruit 1-seeded, indehiscent, a utricle; seeds smooth; leaves lanceolate to ovate, 1.5-10× as long as wide, the base cordate, truncate, or cuneate

Pontederiaceae

Inflorescence with < 30 flowers; fruit 10-200-seeded, a capsule; seeds longitudinally winged; leaves either reniform or ovate, 0.5-1.5× as long as wide, the base cordate or rounded, or narrowly linear, 20-50× as long as wide, the base attenuate.

Inflorescence with < 30 flowers; fruit 10-200-seeded, a capsule; seeds longitudinally winged; leaves either reniform or ovate, 0.5-1.5× as long as wide, the base cordate or rounded, or narrowly linear, 20-50× as long as wide, the base attenuate.

Heteranthera

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

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

Heteranthera

Base of petiolate leaf blades truncate to cordate; leaf apex obtuse to rounded; perianth bilaterally symmetrical; vegetative stems commonly elongating; perianth tube 11-29 mm long

Base of petiolate leaf blades truncate to cordate; leaf apex obtuse to rounded; perianth bilaterally symmetrical; vegetative stems commonly elongating; perianth tube 11-29 mm long

Pontederia

Floral tube villous when young, essentially glabrous to sparsely glandular in maturity; leaves primarily ovate to triangular-lanceolate, 2.2-21 cm wide, the base generally cordate or truncate (rarely cuneate)

Floral tube villous when young, essentially glabrous to sparsely glandular in maturity; leaves primarily ovate to triangular-lanceolate, 2.2-21 cm wide, the base generally cordate or truncate (rarely cuneate)

Pontederia

Floral tube persistently pubescent with short glandular hairs; leaves lanceolate, 0.4-8.3 cm wide, the base generally cuneate to truncate

Floral tube persistently pubescent with short glandular hairs; leaves lanceolate, 0.4-8.3 cm wide, the base generally cuneate to truncate

Canna

Flowers not tubular at the base (or with a short tube to 2 cm long); petals erect

Flowers not tubular at the base (or with a short tube to 2 cm long); petals erect

Canna

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

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

Thalia

Flowers crowded on the rachis, the zigzag internodes 2-3 mm long; leaves pilose at the base on the upper surface; bracts of the inflorescence white-pruinose

Flowers crowded on the rachis, the zigzag internodes 2-3 mm long; leaves pilose at the base on the upper surface; bracts of the inflorescence white-pruinose

Thalia

Flowers separated on the rachis, the zigzag internodes 5-10 mm long; leaves glabrous at the base on the upper surface; bracts of the inflorescence green or purple, not pruinose

Flowers separated on the rachis, the zigzag internodes 5-10 mm long; leaves glabrous at the base on the upper surface; bracts of the inflorescence green or purple, not pruinose

Sparganium

Rachis of inflorescence branched; fruit beak curved; tepals reaching about half or more the length of fruit body; leaves usually keeled only near bases (S. americanum) or from base to at least the middle of leaves (S. androcladum(); perianth segments not translucent, their apices with a dark brown or black pad of tissue.

Rachis of inflorescence branched; fruit beak curved; tepals reaching about half or more the length of fruit body; leaves usually keeled only near bases (S. americanum) or from base to at least the middle of leaves (S. androcladum(); perianth segments not translucent, their apices with a dark brown or black pad of tissue.

Catopsis

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

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

Catopsis

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

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

Catopsis

Leaves bright green, lacking chalky powder, abruptly narrowed above the dilated base to a long-attenuate tip; floral bracts 4-5 mm long; sepals 4-6 mm long

Leaves bright green, lacking chalky powder, abruptly narrowed above the dilated base to a long-attenuate tip; floral bracts 4-5 mm long; sepals 4-6 mm long

Xyris

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

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

Xyris

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

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

Xyris

Leaves spreading, not twisted or only slightly so; spikes narrowly ovoid, ellipsoidal, or oblong; bracts and sepals without a small apical tuft of hairs; bases of leaves whitish, tan, pink, purplish, maroon, or dark brown, the outermost leaves not scale-like, the plant base not appearing bulbous; [typically of the Coastal Plain, rarely disjunct inland].

Leaves spreading, not twisted or only slightly so; spikes narrowly ovoid, ellipsoidal, or oblong; bracts and sepals without a small apical tuft of hairs; bases of leaves whitish, tan, pink, purplish, maroon, or dark brown, the outermost leaves not scale-like, the plant base not appearing bulbous; [typically of the Coastal Plain, rarely disjunct inland].

Xyris

Leaves (1.5-) 2.0-25 mm wide, strongly twisted to straight, the leaf bases either not expanded, lustrous, hard, and tan to brown, or, if so, then the base also either bulbous and/or deeply seated in the substrate; spikes narrowly lanceolate, ellipsoid, to broadly ovoid, 4-40 mm long.

Leaves (1.5-) 2.0-25 mm wide, strongly twisted to straight, the leaf bases either not expanded, lustrous, hard, and tan to brown, or, if so, then the base also either bulbous and/or deeply seated in the substrate; spikes narrowly lanceolate, ellipsoid, to broadly ovoid, 4-40 mm long.

Xyris

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

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

Xyris

Seeds translucent, not farinose; surfaces of leaves smooth (or sparsely tuberculate-scabrid in X. curtissii, which also has leaves linear-curvate and generally < 10 cm long); leaves generally a bright yellowish-green above the base.

Seeds translucent, not farinose; surfaces of leaves smooth (or sparsely tuberculate-scabrid in X. curtissii, which also has leaves linear-curvate and generally < 10 cm long); leaves generally a bright yellowish-green above the base.

Eriocaulaceae

Scape pubescent with glandular hairs (or a mixture of glandular and eglandular hairs); roots spongy, unbranched, pale; heads yellowish-tan or gray; leaves bluish green, narrowly linear to the abruptly flared base, stiff in texture

Scape pubescent with glandular hairs (or a mixture of glandular and eglandular hairs); roots spongy, unbranched, pale; heads yellowish-tan or gray; leaves bluish green, narrowly linear to the abruptly flared base, stiff in texture

Eriocaulon

Receptacle and/or base of flowers copiously hairy; some or most of perianth parts with chalk white hairs; heads overall appearing white, 5-20 mm in diameter when in full flower or fruit.

Receptacle and/or base of flowers copiously hairy; some or most of perianth parts with chalk white hairs; heads overall appearing white, 5-20 mm in diameter when in full flower or fruit.

Eriocaulon

Receptacle and/or base of flowers glabrous or sparingly hairy; receptacular bracteoles and/or perianth parts glabrous or hairy, the hairs club-shaped, clear or white; heads dark gray or white, 3-4 mm (E. koernickianum, E. parkeri, and E. ravenelii), or 4-10 mm (E. aquaticum and E. lineare) in diameter when in full flower or fruit.

Receptacle and/or base of flowers glabrous or sparingly hairy; receptacular bracteoles and/or perianth parts glabrous or hairy, the hairs club-shaped, clear or white; heads dark gray or white, 3-4 mm (E. koernickianum, E. parkeri, and E. ravenelii), or 4-10 mm (E. aquaticum and E. lineare) in diameter when in full flower or fruit.

Juncus

Flowers borne in heads (glomerules) of 2-6 flowers per head; leaves spine-tipped; single bracteole subtending glomerule present at base of pedicel; [plants of brackish habitats]; [subgenus Juncus, section Juncus]

Flowers borne in heads (glomerules) of 2-6 flowers per head; leaves spine-tipped; single bracteole subtending glomerule present at base of pedicel; [plants of brackish habitats]; [subgenus Juncus, section Juncus]

Juncus

Flowers borne singly on branches of inflorescence; leaves not spine-tipped; each flower subtended by two bracteoles in addition to bracteole at base of pedicel; [plants of various habitats].

Flowers borne singly on branches of inflorescence; leaves not spine-tipped; each flower subtended by two bracteoles in addition to bracteole at base of pedicel; [plants of various habitats].

Juncus

At least a few sheaths at base of plant with well developed blades; inflorescence bract channeled on one side; [subgenus Agathryon, section Steirochloa]

At least a few sheaths at base of plant with well developed blades; inflorescence bract channeled on one side; [subgenus Agathryon, section Steirochloa]

Juncus

Sheaths at base of plant bladeless; bract not channeled; [subgenus Agathryon, section Juncotypus].

Sheaths at base of plant bladeless; bract not channeled; [subgenus Agathryon, section Juncotypus].

Juncus

Inflorescence bract sheathes swollen and dilated at the base of the inflorescence; inflorescence bract often reflexed after fruit ripening; sheath bases of leaves on the lower stem warm reddish-brown to brown; infructescences capitate, occasionally lobed; [introduction in few sites in our region]

Inflorescence bract sheathes swollen and dilated at the base of the inflorescence; inflorescence bract often reflexed after fruit ripening; sheath bases of leaves on the lower stem warm reddish-brown to brown; infructescences capitate, occasionally lobed; [introduction in few sites in our region]

Juncus

Flowers borne in heads (glomerules) of 2 or more, individual flowers not subtended by two bracteoles (in addition to the bracteole at the base of the pedicel); [subgenus Juncus, section Graminifolii].

Flowers borne in heads (glomerules) of 2 or more, individual flowers not subtended by two bracteoles (in addition to the bracteole at the base of the pedicel); [subgenus Juncus, section Graminifolii].

Juncus

Widest leaf blade (2.6-) 3.1-4.5 (-7.0) mm wide; sheath of lowest leaf (3.2-) 4.3-7.8 (-9.7) cm long; tallest culm (27.2-) 50.8-81.2 (-100.7) cm; anthers (0.5-) 0.6-1.0 (-1.3) mm long, exserted; stem base (3.4-) 5.8-9.6 (-12.0) mm wide

Widest leaf blade (2.6-) 3.1-4.5 (-7.0) mm wide; sheath of lowest leaf (3.2-) 4.3-7.8 (-9.7) cm long; tallest culm (27.2-) 50.8-81.2 (-100.7) cm; anthers (0.5-) 0.6-1.0 (-1.3) mm long, exserted; stem base (3.4-) 5.8-9.6 (-12.0) mm wide

Juncus

Widest leaf blade (1.3-) 1.6-2.6 (-3.5) mm wide; sheath of lowest leaf (1.7-) 2.2-3.8 (-4.7) cm long; tallest culm (19.2-) 26.0-44.0 (-56.8) cm; anthers (0.2-) 0.3-0.5 (-0.7) mm long, concealed by tepals; stem base (0.4-) 2.0-4.4 (-6.0) mm wide

Widest leaf blade (1.3-) 1.6-2.6 (-3.5) mm wide; sheath of lowest leaf (1.7-) 2.2-3.8 (-4.7) cm long; tallest culm (19.2-) 26.0-44.0 (-56.8) cm; anthers (0.2-) 0.3-0.5 (-0.7) mm long, concealed by tepals; stem base (0.4-) 2.0-4.4 (-6.0) mm wide

Juncus

Flowers borne singly on branches of inflorescence, individual flowers subtended by two bracteoles (in addition to the bracteole at the base of the pedicel).

Flowers borne singly on branches of inflorescence, individual flowers subtended by two bracteoles (in addition to the bracteole at the base of the pedicel).

Juncus

Flowers borne singly on branches of inflorescence, individual flowers subtended by two bracteoles (in addition to the bracteole at the base of the pedicel).

Flowers borne singly on branches of inflorescence, individual flowers subtended by two bracteoles (in addition to the bracteole at the base of the pedicel).

Juncus

Flowers borne singly on branches of inflorescence, individual flowers subtended by two bracteoles (in addition to the bracteole at the base of the pedicel).

Flowers borne singly on branches of inflorescence, individual flowers subtended by two bracteoles (in addition to the bracteole at the base of the pedicel).

Juncus

Flowers borne singly on branches of inflorescence, individual flowers subtended by two bracteoles (in addition to the bracteole at the base of the pedicel).

Flowers borne singly on branches of inflorescence, individual flowers subtended by two bracteoles (in addition to the bracteole at the base of the pedicel).

Juncus

Culms 4-8 mm in diameter near the base, usually > 80 cm tall; inflorescences usually > 15 cm tall, with > 25 heads; largest leaf blades > 25 cm long and > 3 mm in diameter

Culms 4-8 mm in diameter near the base, usually > 80 cm tall; inflorescences usually > 15 cm tall, with > 25 heads; largest leaf blades > 25 cm long and > 3 mm in diameter

Juncus

Culms 1-3 mm in diameter near the base, usually < 80 cm tall; inflorescences usually < 10 cm tall, with < 25 heads; largest leaf blades < 25 cm long and 1-2 mm in diameter.

Culms 1-3 mm in diameter near the base, usually < 80 cm tall; inflorescences usually < 10 cm tall, with < 25 heads; largest leaf blades < 25 cm long and 1-2 mm in diameter.

Luzula

Inflorescences simple, with an occasional pedicel branching from the base of a flower; apical appendages of seeds 0.6-1.5 (-2.1) mm long; seed/appendage length ratio 0.8-1.7

Inflorescences simple, with an occasional pedicel branching from the base of a flower; apical appendages of seeds 0.6-1.5 (-2.1) mm long; seed/appendage length ratio 0.8-1.7

Luzula

Inflorescences simple, with an occasional pedicel branching from the base of a flower; apical appendages of seeds 0.6-1.5 (-2.1) mm long; seed/appendage length ratio 0.8-1.7

Inflorescences simple, with an occasional pedicel branching from the base of a flower; apical appendages of seeds 0.6-1.5 (-2.1) mm long; seed/appendage length ratio 0.8-1.7

Cyperaceae

Achene (when ripe) bony and white; style base persistent on the summit of the achene, forming a differently-textured or differently-colored tubercle; spikelets all unisexual, the pistillate spikelets 1-flowered, the staminate spikelets several-flowered; [subfamily Sclerioideae, tribe Sclerieae]

Achene (when ripe) bony and white; style base persistent on the summit of the achene, forming a differently-textured or differently-colored tubercle; spikelets all unisexual, the pistillate spikelets 1-flowered, the staminate spikelets several-flowered; [subfamily Sclerioideae, tribe Sclerieae]

Cyperaceae

Achene mostly brown, black, or tan; style base either persistent as a differentiated tubercle (Bulbostylis, Eleocharis, Rhynchospora) or not (Cladium, Eriophorum, Fuirena, Isolepis, Cyperus, Schoenoplectus, Scirpus, Trichophorum); spikelets mostly or all bisexual; [subfamily Cyperoideae].

Achene mostly brown, black, or tan; style base either persistent as a differentiated tubercle (Bulbostylis, Eleocharis, Rhynchospora) or not (Cladium, Eriophorum, Fuirena, Isolepis, Cyperus, Schoenoplectus, Scirpus, Trichophorum); spikelets mostly or all bisexual; [subfamily Cyperoideae].

Cyperaceae

Style base persistent as a differentiated tubercle (this small and inconspicuous in Bulbostylis and some spp. of Rhynchospora).

Style base persistent as a differentiated tubercle (this small and inconspicuous in Bulbostylis and some spp. of Rhynchospora).

Cyperaceae

Style base not persistent as a differentiated tubercle.

Style base not persistent as a differentiated tubercle.

Bulbostylis

Inflorescence bracts widened abruptly at its base, the widened portion prominently fimbriate-pectinate; perennial, culms 10-50 cm tall; achene 1-1.3 mm long, white or yellowish, the apex retuse (the three lobes projecting beyond and surrounding the tubercle)

Inflorescence bracts widened abruptly at its base, the widened portion prominently fimbriate-pectinate; perennial, culms 10-50 cm tall; achene 1-1.3 mm long, white or yellowish, the apex retuse (the three lobes projecting beyond and surrounding the tubercle)

Bulbostylis

Inflorescence bracts not widened abruptly at its base, the membranous margins smooth or ciliate; annual, culms 5-35 cm tall; achene 0.5-1.2 mm long, pale brown or gray, the apex rounded or truncate (the three lobes not exceeding the tubercle).

Inflorescence bracts not widened abruptly at its base, the membranous margins smooth or ciliate; annual, culms 5-35 cm tall; achene 0.5-1.2 mm long, pale brown or gray, the apex rounded or truncate (the three lobes not exceeding the tubercle).

Carex

Culms distinctly red or purple at the base

Culms distinctly red or purple at the base

Carex

Lateral spikes usually pedunculate; lowermost inflorescence bracts sometimes with sheath; peduncles with prophyll at base.

Lateral spikes usually pedunculate; lowermost inflorescence bracts sometimes with sheath; peduncles with prophyll at base.

Carex

Margins of perigynia flat, at least in the upper ½, flat portion (measured at the tip of the achene and base of beak) > (0.1-) 0.2 mm wider

Margins of perigynia flat, at least in the upper ½, flat portion (measured at the tip of the achene and base of beak) > (0.1-) 0.2 mm wider

Carex

Achenes rounded at apex (style dehiscing at the surface of the achene); style conspicuously enlarged at the base

Achenes rounded at apex (style dehiscing at the surface of the achene); style conspicuously enlarged at the base

Carex

Achenes with short apiculus formed by the persistent base of the style; style not conspicuously enlarged at base

Achenes with short apiculus formed by the persistent base of the style; style not conspicuously enlarged at base

Carex

Perigynia mostly > 2× as long as wide, widest near the base

Perigynia mostly > 2× as long as wide, widest near the base

Carex

Inflorescence usually branched, at least at the base, usually with > 15 spikes; pistillate scales usually yellow or brown, sometimes with hyaline margins, 3-veined

Inflorescence usually branched, at least at the base, usually with > 15 spikes; pistillate scales usually yellow or brown, sometimes with hyaline margins, 3-veined

Carex

Inflorescence unbranched or with 1 or 2 short branches at the base, with < 15 spikes; pistillate scales greenish hyaline, 1-veined

Inflorescence unbranched or with 1 or 2 short branches at the base, with < 15 spikes; pistillate scales greenish hyaline, 1-veined

Carex

Perigynia widest near the base; culms usually > 1 mm wide

Perigynia widest near the base; culms usually > 1 mm wide

Carex

Perigynium widest near the base, tapering from base to beak

Perigynium widest near the base, tapering from base to beak

Carex

Perigynium widest above the base, often abruptly beaked

Perigynium widest above the base, often abruptly beaked

Carex

Pistillate spikes all from the base of the plant

Pistillate spikes all from the base of the plant

Carex

Achene tip with persistent, enlarged, circular style base

Achene tip with persistent, enlarged, circular style base

Carex

Longer peduncles of pistillate spikes > 1 cm long; perigynia > 3× as long as wide, tapering gradually to the base

Longer peduncles of pistillate spikes > 1 cm long; perigynia > 3× as long as wide, tapering gradually to the base