Identifying Forage Crops Legumes & Grasses
Why is it Important? Improved Performance Benefits Conservation Nutrition
Identifying Plants The Basics
Leave Types
Leaf Shapes
Leave margins
Petiole
Modified Stems
Modified Stem
Grass ID Looks alike Wind Pollinated Focus on flowers & collar Leaves can also be helpful
Grass ID- Terms
Grass ID-Collar
The Collar
Different Ligules
Grass ID-Spikelet Seedhead or Inflorescence Pancile, spike or raceme Awns How Spikelet attached or arranged Type of inflorescence
Grass ID - Seeds Notice Rachilla
Grass ID-Leaves
Legume ID Dicot Compound leaves Nodules on roots Have Stipules Some leaflets have water marks Has five petals Petiole present
Legume ID-Terms
Legume ID-Leaves Trifoliate Pubescent Compound Leaf Pubescent