In this course, species identification is the starting point for understanding the biology of woody plant species and ecological communities. The identification portion is taught in the field and with specimens in the lab. You’ll become familiar with several forest types and natural communities in SE Michigan.

The lectures start with the basics of identification and transition to broader topics related to our species,
including pollination and dispersal, community and ecosystem ecology, evolution, ethnobotany and climate
change. We will also have student presentations on these topics. You will need to know the scientific and common names of more than 120 plant species and recognize them in the field, even after they have dropped their leaves. Developing a system for learning plant names and associating them with the plants is a basic necessity of the course! Your instructors are here to help you.