In the Weeds: Glossary of Terms

Alternate – when leaves are arranged alternately along stem (as opposed to opposite).¹

Anther – organs at the end of stamens carrying powdery yellow or orange pollen. Stamens and anthers are male organs.¹ Above, 1 shows the anther and 2 shows the stamen.

Compound – a leaf that is divided into two or more leaflets.⁴

Floret – small flowers which have no petals, found on grasses and sedges.¹

Genus – a group of plants that scientists have determined are related, and the first part of any plant’s scientific name; think “generic”.⁵

Example: Rosa rugosa – the genus is Rosa

Lateral branch – a shoot rising off of the main stalk or trunk.³

Leaf sheath – seen on grasses and sedges, the portion of the leaf that wraps around the stem.¹

Leaflet – often resembling small leaves, leaflets are the parts of a compound leaf.

Lobed – leaf with large indentations that do not reach the middle vein of the leaf as compound leaves do.⁴

Mid-vein – the central vein of a leaf.²

Monoculture – an area comprised of mainly one species of plant; very low biodiversity.

Node – position on stem where leaf or branch originates.³

Opposite – leaves arranged in pairs growing from one node directly across from one another on stem (as opposed to alternate).⁴

Pistil – the female organ, usually located at the center of the flower.¹ Above, 3 shows the pistil.

Pith – The spongy, central tissue in some twigs and stems.⁵ Break a small twig to discover the color of the pith.

Rosette – leaves overlapping and growing in whorl (see below) that is very close to the ground.²

Simple – the most common shape for a leaf, may be lobed but is not divided into leaflets.³

Species – the second part of any plant’s scientific name, which has no meaning on its own. Describes one kind of plant within the genus; think “specific”.⁵

Example: Rosa rugosa – the species is rugosa

Stamen – thin shaft holding up the pollen-bearing anther. Anther and Stamen are male organs.¹ Above, 1 shows the anther and 2 shows the stamen.

Stipule – A leaf-like structure that occurs where the leaf joins the stem; stipules occur in pairs.¹

Taproot – a root that originates from center of a plant.¹

Tendril – a slender, twining organ used to grasp support for climbing.³

Toothed – leaf edge that is saw-like.⁴

Tuberous root – a coarse root, thickened for nutrient storage.²

Variety – a population of plants within a species that differs significantly from other members of the species. The third part of a plant’s scientific name, appearing in single quotation marks. When intentionally cultivated by people a variety can also be referred to as a cultivar.⁵

Example: Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’ – the variety is Compactus

Whorl – where three or more leaves or petals arise from the same point and form a circle around it.⁴