Dendrology: Woody Plant Taxonomy and Identification

Graduate / Professional

Dendrology literally translates as “the study of trees” and integrates morphology, phenology, ecology, biogeography, and the natural history of tree species. In this course students learn how to identify the major temperate woody plant families, with a focus on eastern North American species. Students will learn to identify by sight using morphological and ecological traits of over 100 woody plant taxa, using an ecosystem focused approach for plant identification. Besides learning how to identify species, we discuss principles of plant ecology, biogeography, phylogenetic community structure, and natural history in each ecosystem. Class periods consist of practical field and laboratory skills used in plant taxonomy and field lecturing. Weather permitting, we are outside in the field/forest for most class periods. Limited to twelve students. Students are expected to take this concurrently with Forest Dynamics; a waiver can be given if the student has taken similar courses in forest ecology. 3 Course cr T 1pm-5pm