ENV 671a/EVST 231 () / 2023-2024

Temperate Woody Plant Taxonomy and Dendrology

Dendrology literally translates as “the study of trees” and integrates morphology, phenology, ecology, biogeography, and the natural history of tree species. In this course you will learn how to identify the major temperate woody plant families, with a focus on North American forest species. In addition, you will learn the morphological and ecological traits used for field identification of woody plants. We will use phylogenetic systematics as the structure for understanding the evolutionary history and relationships between species. Class period will consist of practical field and laboratory skills used in plant taxonomy and field lecturing. Weather permitting, we will be in the field for the majority of class periods. We will use an ecosystem focused approach for plant identification. Besides learning how to identify species, we will discuss principles of plant ecology, biogeography, and natural history in each of the ecosystems we visit.