Introduction About Wild Flower Growing

Some leaves arise from a short stem, or directly from the crown of the mot, sorrounding the base of the flowering stalk. Such leaves are known as I ead leaves and are exemplified by Saxifrage and Hawkweed; they often farm a compact rosette as in Mullein. When leaves grow in the erect stems they generally follow one of three patterns of arrangement. If only one If arises at a point on the stem, the leaves are said to be alternate, as in False Solomon's-seal. If the leaves appear in pairs they are known as opposite, as in Boneset and Honeysuckle. When three or more leaves grow at the same level on the stem, they are whorled, as in Indian Cucumber-root.

The leaf shape is another important identification feature. If the blade is considerably longer than broad, grass-like and with parallel margins, it is said to be linear, as in Phlox, Cattail, and Iris. If the margins are not parallel and the blade tapers to a pointed tip, the leaf is lanceolate, as in the Milkweeds. If the blade is but a little longer than broad, with parallel sides, it is said to be oblong, as in some Aqueberries. A broad egg-shaped leaf is ovate, as in the Trilliums An ova eaf is found in Showy Orchis. Elliptic leaves are typical of Turtlehead. Many leaves have a cordate or heart- shaped outline.

The leaf margin is also a clue to the plant's identity. If the margin is not indented in any way, the leaf is entire. Rounded indentations in the margin results in a lobed leaf, represented by Bloodroot and Compass-plant. The margins of many leaves are variously toothed; some teeth are delicate and fine, others are large and coarse. Currant is a good example of a toothed leaf.

In summarizing the use of leaf form and arrangement in identifying a plant, we should remember to notice ( 1) whether the leaves are simple or compound, (2) whether they grow alternately, opposite or in whorls, (3) the leaf shape, and (4) the leaf margin. A combination of these leaf features will often give considerable assistance in placing the unknown flowering plant in the correct family, genus or species.