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Glossary

Woody vines            Parallel-veined plants           Trees and Shrubs

Gymnosperms

All gymnosperms in this key produce seeds in female cones and pollen in male cones or drooping clusters of microsporangia.  Leaves are needle-like in clusters; somewhat flattened in small, feather-like arrangements on branchlets; or scale-like and tightly overlapping.  The majority of species are evergreen.

1. Leaves needle-like and in clusters of three …2

1. Leaves flattened, in small, feather-like arrangements on branchlets or leaves scale-like …4

2. Scales of terminal bud gray, fringed; needles 20-45 cm long; primarily CP …Pinus palustris (longleaf pine)

2. Scales of terminal bud brownish, not fringed; needles 15-23 cm long …3

3. Female cones broadly ovate; epicormic branches often present; upper portion of bole frequently scraggly; frequently in organic soils; primarily CP ….Pinus serotina (pond pine)

3. Female cones lanceolate; epicormic branches lacking; upper portion of bole usually straight; typically in mineral soil; CP & P …Pinus taeda (loblolly pine)

4. Leaves flattened, in small, feather-like arrangements on branchlets …5

4. Leaves scale-like, tightly overlapping; CP only …Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic white cedar)

5. Individual leaves spreading horizontally; primarily CP …Taxodium distichum (bald cypress)

5. Individual leaves ascending; primarily CP …Taxodium ascendens (pond cypress)