10001118Landscape Plant Identification
Course Information
Description
Introduction to identification of woody trees, shrubs and common plant life in the Madison area. Emphasizes methods for identifying large and small canopy trees and ecological characteristics. Introduces industry context.
Total Credits
2

Course Competencies
  1. Identify plant parts and morphology used for identification
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz
    Criteria
    Recognize leaf shape, bud arrangement, bark texture, ornamental property and tree form
    Differentiate between woody, deciduous, evergreens and perennials in Wisconsin
    Describe standards for tree naming (nomenclature)
    Use both common names and scientific taxonomy for genus and species

  2. Use dichotomous keys
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz
    Criteria
    Use fundamental knowledge of plant morphology
    Identify unknown woody plant in the key
    Navigate decision making tree

  3. Identify trees and shrubs
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Given specimen in lab or in field, Exam
    Criteria
    Apply accurate nomenclature for tree identification and naming
    Differentiate between species within a genus
    Develop methods for recognizing and recalling tree genus and species
    Utilize references for identifying characteristics of plants

  4. Identify ecological characteristics and cultural requirements of plants in urban settings
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz
    Criteria
    Identify geographic origin of common plants used in urban projects
    Determine what impacts tree vitality, such as soil types, climate, sun/shade requirements, hydrology
    Explain characteristics of urban environments for tree vitality

  5. Examine tree development over time
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz
    Criteria
    Explain characteristics of nursery stock
    Explore basic principles of identification of young and mature trees of the same species
    Describe varied growth rate between species
    Examine principles of tree measurement