Question about plant identification?

Question

I'm doing an art project that involves identifying numerous plant species that I have photographed which are growing out of pavement, sidewalks, things like that. Almost all of the plants are babies, and I need to know where I can go (website or otherwise) that can help me identify their species. A couple of my professors suggested going to a horticulturist. Any suggestions?

Oh, and I live in LA so if you know any specific place that would help too :)

Thanks!

Answer 1

plants are classified according to the Linnaen system, which uses the arrangement and function of the flowers to distinguish species.Without a flower it is very difficult to be certain of the species. If the plant has a distintive leaf, habit or other feature, i.e thorns you may be able to assign it to a genus, or a family. Always try to get at least one good flower (photo ideally) and as much info about where and how the plant is growing as this really helps identify to species level.

Answer 2

I agree, without a mature plant or flower it will be difficult to identify.

You can search websites specifically for native plants and see if that gets you anywhere. It will be hard to determine if the plant is a native or just a seedling that has escaped from a nearby garden. Or if you truly have a weed.

You can also take your pictures to a good nursery and see if they are willing to help. You would want to go when it's not busy (like a week day, early) and see if someone can sit with you for a bit to see.

I'm in N. Cal. so I don't know your area, but check to see if there are any arboretums or botanical gardens. You can ask them for help too.

Also, call your local cooperative extension office and tell them of your project and see what they recommend.

Here are some sites to browse for natives:

http://www.calflora.org/

http://www.theodorepayne.org/

http://www.laspilitas.com/

Weeds of California:

http://plants.usda.gov/java/invasiveOne?...

http://californiarangeland.ucdavis.edu/w...

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/weeds_com...

Hope this helps! Good luck.

Answer 3

Two very good guidebooks are from the Audubon series.

They are very common and are probably available at your local library.

http://www.amazon.com/National-Audubon-S...

http://www.amazon.com/National-Audubon-S...

Mr. Socks from Australia is right: Try to look at the leaves and/or flowers. You will probably find some small trees starting out, and leaves are the best way to identify trees.

The flower guidebook is divided up by the color of the flowers, which is the easiest way to find them.

You will probably also find a lot of non -native plants that have escaped people's gardens, too. Some of them are in the guidebooks.