 Tree- a single- stem, woody perennial plant reaching the height of 12 feet or more.  Some trees such as a birch have several stems, but that is a rare case. ◦ Trees may be deciduous or evergreen ◦ Deciduous-lose their leaves. ◦ Evergreen- stay green year-round or don’t lose their leaves.

 Shrubs- are multi-stem, woody plants that do not exceed 20 feet in height.  In general shrubs are as tall as they are wide.  They can be deciduous or evergreen.  Ground cover- may be woody or herbaceous. It forms a mat less than 1 foot high covering the ground. Grass is the most common ground cover.

 Vines- are woody or soft stemmed (herbaceous) plants that need some type of support. They may climb on objects or along the ground.  Annuals- are herbaceous plants that live for one growing season and are valued for their flowers or colored leaves( foliage).  Perennials- a plant that has a life cycle of more than 2 growing seasons. They can be trees, shrubs, or herbaceous.

 Ornamental grasses- are grasses valued for their textures and colors which add interest.

 Is the naming of plants.  Horticultural plants have two types of name: common names and botanical names.  Common names for the same plant can be different especially in different parts of the country.  Genus- is a closely related group of plants made up of one or more species. Example: Red Maple, Silver Maple, Sugar Maple– are all Acer

 Species- is composed of plants that show characteristics that distinguish them from other groups in the genus. Example– Red Maple is Acer rubrum.  Variety- a group of plants within a species that show a significant difference from other plants in the species. (Example a plant with thorns vs. one without thorns)

 Cultivar- a plant that is created by grafting or cuttings.

 Fewer trees are used in landscapes than other plants, because of their size and since they may live for 100’s of years.  Shade Tree- a large tree with a spreading canopy.  Ornamental Tree- a smaller tree used for its beauty.

 Hardiness- the ability of a tree (or other plants) to withstand cold temperatures.  Our part of Ohio is in Zone 5, we can use plants that can tolerate 1,2,3,4, and 5.  Messiness- avoid using trees that are known to drop fruit, twigs, and peeling bark. Messy trees can increase labor needed to maintain the appearance of the landscape.

 Specimen plants- displays outstanding form, texture, and colors. It can stand alone because of these colors.  Group plantings- consists of several different species of shrubs. The group provides a bigger impact than alone.  Hedges- consists of all one type of shrub. They define space, they tie other landscape elements together, and they may screen views.

 Screens- is a solid mass of one type of shrub. It serves as a living wall that effectively blocks views.  Foundation plants- are shrubs that are placed around the foundation of the house. They help soften the corners of the house and block the view of the foundation.  Shrub borders- a mass of many shrubs on the border of the property.

 Provide an accent of color to the landscape.  Use with caution, since they can be so colorful.  Use flowers near outdoor living area or in small numbers near the entry way to the public area.  Flowers should enhance the house and landscape and not distract from them.

 Flowers should be planted in front of woody plants or physical structures.  Place taller plants to the rear.  Avoid mixing colors in the beds.  Angled or incurves flower beds work the best.