Levels of Classification

1
Levels of Classification

• order
• family
• genus
• species
• genus and specific epithet

Acer negundo
2
Plant Classification example

• Plantae
• Magnoliophyta
• Magnoliopsida
• Sapindales
• Ulmaceae
• Ulmus
• americana

• Kingdom
• Phylum (Division)
• Class
• Order
• Family
• Genus
• Specific epithet

3
Nomenclature

• Common name
• Many names used for same plant
• Confusing
• Scientific name
• Always italicized
• Binomial system (two names)
• Universal use
• Varieties and Cultivars
• cv
• Single quotes

Eastern Arborvitae American Arborvitae White Ceder
Thuja occidentalis
cv. Techny or 'Techny'
4
Principles of Identification

• Based on morphology
• Size, shape, and appearance of plant parts

5
Principles of Identification

• Learn to use several characteristics
• Trunk form and texture, twigs, leaves, flowers,
  and fruit