Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU/UC
- Unit(s)
- 3.00
- Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
- Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 85.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: This course is a study of identification, growth habits, culture and ornamental use of spring landscape and indoor plants adapted to climates of California. Plants emphasized will come from the current California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers (CANGC) and California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) Certification Test Plant Lists. This course covers those plants best observed and studied in the spring of the year. (C-ID AG-EH 112L).
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Explain the binomial method of plant nomenclature.
- Utilize plant identification terminology to identify by leaf, bark, flower, fruit and growth habit.
- Describe the importance of understanding soil requirements, cultural practices and ecology of different spring plants.
- Recognize the various growth habits, environmental requirements and uses of spring plants.
- Select and specify spring plants which fit selected criteria such as drought tolerance, deer resistance, and sun or shade requirements.
- Use plant dichotomous keys to identify collected and preserved plant materials.
- Demonstrate the use of computerized plant selection programs.
- Develop a plant characteristics key for future design work.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
Botanical nomenclature and terminology of plant identification sheets | 3.00 |
External structures used in identification of plants | 3.00 |
Discussion and lessons on the use of the Latin language in the botanical naming system | 3.00 |
Evergreen shrub and tree identification | 5.00 |
Deciduous shrub and tree identification | 5.00 |
Ground cover and vine identification | 3.00 |
House plants, annuals and tropical identification | 3.00 |
Design and usage of plant materials in the landscape | 3.00 |
Aesthetics, practicalities and utilities of plants for man | 3.00 |
Insects, pests and diseases of ornamental plants | 3.00 |
| Total Hours: | 34.00 |
Lab
| Topics | Lab Hrs |
|---|---|
Botanical nomenclature and terminology of plant identification sheets | 4.00 |
External structures used in identification of plants | 4.00 |
Discussion and lessons on the use of the Latin language in the botanical naming system | 4.00 |
Evergreen shrub and tree identification | 7.00 |
Deciduous shrub and tree identification | 7.00 |
Ground cover and vine identification | 5.00 |
House plants, annuals and tropical identification | 5.00 |
Design and usage of plant materials in the landscape | 5.00 |
Aesthetics, practicalities and utilities of plants for man | 5.00 |
Insects, pests and diseases of ornamental plants | 5.00 |
| Total Hours: | 51.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Field Trips
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Instructor Demonstrations
- Lecture
- Laboratory: Each week the students will be introduced to 15 new plants selected by the instructor. The students will be encouraged to take samples for their collection to study. During the 'plant walk', students will have the opportunity to see the plants growing in the landscapes and in containers.
Methods of Evaluation
- Exams/Tests
- Quizzes
- Homework
- Class participation
- Student participation and weekly involvement. There will be a weekly test on (30) different plant species requiring correct identification and spelling of botanical and common names., Laboratory: This portion of the course consists of the weekly 'plant walk', collection of
specimens and data research for completion of the plant identification sheets for the class binders.
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read the textbook chapter on USDA hardiness zones and heat summation regions. Prepare to discuss in small groups in class.
- Read the chapter of plant taxonomy and use of dichotomous keys for specimen identification. Use the keys in class to identify unknown species in a class activity.
Writing Assignments
- Prepare a binder of 200 specimen identification cards. Each card should list the 40 environmental requirements for that species.
- Write a 2-3 page page paper about an ornamental plant family of your choice. Your paper should include details such sun and shade requirements, growth characteristics, use as a pollinizer, etc.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Attend a field trip to Sank Park in Oroville, CA to identify specimens in an institutional setting. Submit an ID list of specimens viewed.
- Attend a walking tour of Estates Drive, Chico, CA to view, identify, and comment on cultural care of specimens from the course ID list. Submit a written description of your walking tour including a minimum of 150 specimens.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Editors of Sunset Books. (2012). Sunset Western Garden Book. Sunset Publishing Corporation, 9th. 0376039167.
Wait, D. Dwight. (1994). Ornamental Plants: Their Care, Use, Propagation, and Identification. E.H.C., Modesto, CA.
Other Learning Materials
Student will need one or two large (2 -3") three-ring binders and 1 package of plant identification data sheets (200), which are available from the campus bookstore. Some type of containers, such as sandwich bags, and pruning shears will be needed to collect weekly specimens.
Minimum Qualifications
Agriculture (Masters Required)
Ornamental Horticulture