About this course
In this course, students learn a systematic approach to the identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, and use of woody landscape deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, vines, and groundcovers, with special emphasis on cultivated varieties.
Though the professional scope of landscape architecture is wide-ranging, landscape architects must understand the basic elements that define woody plants. Regardless of where in the world you eventually work, it is important to be able to identify woody plants from memory or to be able to key them out using your understanding of plant morphology. Woody plant materials are often present in the surrounding landscape, if not dominating them at times. In many cases, understanding a variety of genus and species and how those can function in the built and natural environment is pivotal to a successful design. Also, with growing emphasis on the environment, landscape architects are properly placed to “be a part of the solution.” That work will often draw on woody plant materials and their roles.
This class will equip you with the basics of tree identification and knowledge of their growing conditions, potential limitations, pest and disease issues, and design implications. Lectures and labs will reinforce each other, with introductions made in lecture form and first-hand lab experiences taking place at sites around campus. In addition to identification, other topics of interest discussed throughout the semester include plant specification, plant measuring, tree benefits, landscape design considerations, and construction protection, among others. Using this information, students learn to identify woody plants properly during future site analysis stages in their future
Prerequisite: IB 103 . Students must register for both the lecture and lab section.
4 credit hours