We have described what makes a flora, and who uses these books. Next we should examine how one uses the flora. Easiest thing is to start big. NS Plants is organized by the type of plant: evergreen, spore-producing and flowering plants. We have the fewest evergreens, so picture-matching is relatively simple. The spore-producers or fern allies are an eclectic bunch requiring more observations before attempting to picture match. The flowering plants are split in two, according to the number of seed leaves, number of flower parts and leaf venation. From there it becomes complicated.
But don’t panic. This is the time of year to learn about a few basic skills, which should serve you well always. Plant identification is a process. It begins with making observations, using the senses you have. Visual is generally more complete, supplemented by touch and smell. I can’t hear the plants whispering usually, so I am afraid the auditory amongst us may feel deprived.
Seriously, before photographing, collecting or otherwise committing to memory, look to see the plant’s habit: is it a tree, a shrub (multiple woody stems), fernlike, with long straplike leaves like grass or with a flower: petals/sepals/stamens/
A small notebook while out and about makes this simple to keep track. Habitat can also give us a clue. By habitat we mean surroundings. Forested, unforested, meadows, streamside, lakeside or coastal? Wetlands may be bogs, swamps or fens. Unforested and human altered landscapes can include fields, fallow or not, dooryards, railbeds, roadsides, etc. Plants like people have certain environmental needs, generally revolving around access to water, sunlight and nutrients.
Making observations becomes second nature with practice. With a few photos to assist, one can confidently turn to the appropriate section within the synoptic keys and begin to follow them. Keys are logical statements which should answer:
If this state is present (on the left), then this is the answer, (on the right). Sometimes multiple conditions need to be present in order for a conclusion to be reached. A to B to C etc. Other times, only a single pair is required: if this state is not present, then THIS ONE is the answer.
Most of us use specialized vocabulary in our working day or hobby, whether it is science-based or not. Botany is no different. None of us (myself included) can always remember the diversity of words to describe some conditions. Hairy is a perfect example. There are many words to describe the type and orientation of hairs, or pubescence. The glossary is useful as the keys are used. If nothing else once learned, the words make awesome fillers in a Scrabble game!
Following the keys to the plant families, is a glossary. Chances are the unfamiliar words in the keys are listed in the glossary to help you understand some of the science. Once you have identified the plant to family, simply turn to the family containing your plant. Families are grouped alphabetically within types. Please remember that only plants growing in Nova Scotia habitats are included. That does not include your office or garden.
A final note on the Latin names. Latin names are official names. They are registered and recognized the world over. Singleames ending in -aceae are family names. Generic names are diverse. Species are always binomial, 2 words.
My apologies for the length of this note. But I do ask of you, that you attempt to use the keys in Nova Scotia Plants. Please drop a note here if you have difficulties. Chances are others can learn from your questions too.
Key for the conifers from NS Plants
Key for the Pines from NS Plants
Species entry for Balsam-fir, the only Abies entry in NS Plants
Glossary sample from NS Plants, found at the beginning of NS Plants following keys to families
But don’t panic. This is the time of year to learn about a few basic skills, which should serve you well always. Plant identification is a process. It begins with making observations, using the senses you have. Visual is generally more complete, supplemented by touch and smell. I can’t hear the plants whispering usually, so I am afraid the auditory amongst us may feel deprived.
Seriously, before photographing, collecting or otherwise committing to memory, look to see the plant’s habit: is it a tree, a shrub (multiple woody stems), fernlike, with long straplike leaves like grass or with a flower: petals/sepals/stamens/
A small notebook while out and about makes this simple to keep track. Habitat can also give us a clue. By habitat we mean surroundings. Forested, unforested, meadows, streamside, lakeside or coastal? Wetlands may be bogs, swamps or fens. Unforested and human altered landscapes can include fields, fallow or not, dooryards, railbeds, roadsides, etc. Plants like people have certain environmental needs, generally revolving around access to water, sunlight and nutrients.
Making observations becomes second nature with practice. With a few photos to assist, one can confidently turn to the appropriate section within the synoptic keys and begin to follow them. Keys are logical statements which should answer:
If this state is present (on the left), then this is the answer, (on the right). Sometimes multiple conditions need to be present in order for a conclusion to be reached. A to B to C etc. Other times, only a single pair is required: if this state is not present, then THIS ONE is the answer.
Most of us use specialized vocabulary in our working day or hobby, whether it is science-based or not. Botany is no different. None of us (myself included) can always remember the diversity of words to describe some conditions. Hairy is a perfect example. There are many words to describe the type and orientation of hairs, or pubescence. The glossary is useful as the keys are used. If nothing else once learned, the words make awesome fillers in a Scrabble game!
Following the keys to the plant families, is a glossary. Chances are the unfamiliar words in the keys are listed in the glossary to help you understand some of the science. Once you have identified the plant to family, simply turn to the family containing your plant. Families are grouped alphabetically within types. Please remember that only plants growing in Nova Scotia habitats are included. That does not include your office or garden.
A final note on the Latin names. Latin names are official names. They are registered and recognized the world over. Singleames ending in -aceae are family names. Generic names are diverse. Species are always binomial, 2 words.
My apologies for the length of this note. But I do ask of you, that you attempt to use the keys in Nova Scotia Plants. Please drop a note here if you have difficulties. Chances are others can learn from your questions too.
Key for the conifers from NS PlantsKey for the Pines from NS PlantsSpecies entry for Balsam-fir, the only Abies entry in NS PlantsGlossary sample from NS Plants, found at the beginning of NS Plants following keys to families
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