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Excurrent branching: Tree growth in which the main axis continues to the top of the tree from which smaller, lateral branches arise (as in conifers).* *Burns, Russell M. and Barbara H. …

Deliquescent branching: A mode of branching in trees in which the trunk divides into many branches leaving no central axis, as in elms.* Many deciduous trees have deliquescent branching patterns. *Burns, …

Invasive: A non-native plant that is reproducing on its own and interfering with the normal functions and/or composition of an ecosystem.* February 25 – March 3, 2019 is Invasive Species Awareness …

Force: To cause a plant to bloom out of its normal season or sequence by using horticultural techniques.* Forcing bulbs is easier than most people think. Last November, these Muscari (grape …

Biconvex: Shaped like a lentil, i.e., round and convex on both sides.*   *Pell, S.K., Angell, B. (2016). A botanist’s vocabulary: 1300 terms explained and illustrated. Portland: Timber Press.

Vinaceous: Of the (reddish) colour of wine; wine-coloured.* For great winter interest, plant our native red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) for the bright red branches. *Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Online. Photo: Matt …

Radicant: A root arising from the node of a prostrate stem.* This tangled mat of periwinkle (Vinca) and ivy (Hedera) is smothering native plants in Wilket Creek Ravine. These plants are …

Vimineous: With long, flexible twigs; composed of twigs; twig-like.* This group of alders, willows, and dogwoods growing alongside Wilket Creek are all fairly vimineous. *Harris, J.G., Harris, M.W. (2001). Plant identification …

Holarctic: A geographic distribution all around the northern hemisphere in the arctic, boreal, or north temperate climatic zones, or all three; it need not be completely continuous, just have representation in …

Culm: A hollow or pithy stalk or stem, as in the grasses, sedges, and rushes.* Besides adding winter interest to the garden, grasses provide homes for many native insects which overwinter …