Introduction to Plant Identification

Morning: lectures/group discussion; part-field observation Understanding Scottish habitats and species,

• identification, vascular plant characteristics
• key species and methods
• use of plant ID keys

Ecological requirements – habitats and species:

• Plant ecological requirements
• Different vegetation types and key species
• Topography, common species and habitats
• Plant identification and species indicators for habitats
• Afternoon: field excursion
• Plant indicators for habitat identification

This is likely to include a few of the most common but also most interesting plants and communities in the areas visited. We will focus on common plants associated with these communities. Incidental observation and awareness for other species e.g. introduced species. Late afternoon – summing up and close

Lectures/group discussion; part-field observation Understanding Scottish species and habitats,

• Plant characteristics
• identification keys,
• key species
• identification methods
• Plant identification and species indicators for habitats

This is likely to include a few of the most common but also most interesting species and their habitats in the areas visited. We will focus on common species and plants associated with these communities. Incidental observation and awareness for other species e.g. introduced species.

Students, graduate botanists and interested ecologists.

• Understand the key characteristics of different types of vascular plants
• Use keys to identify vascular plants
• Identify 5 grasses (including sedges and rushes)
• Identify 10 wildflowers
• Identify 5 trees and shrubs