Plants & Environment

1.5 units

Students will learn to identify plants found in the natural communities and built environments of Missouri and the Midwest, both exotic and native, in order to form a base palette of landscape plants for the region. In addition to learning the plants' spatial characteristics, students will gain a basic understanding of the biological factors and horticultural practices influencing plant growth. While addressing the roles of individual species and selections, plants are also examined as parts of an interdependent community. The final goal will be to assess, and begin to practice, the appropriate use of plants in landscape design.