PSS 125 Woody Plant Identification
Fall Semester 2000
Instructor: Dr. Mark C. Starrett, Hills Science Building, Room 5 
Phone: 656-0467. E-mail: Mark.Starrett@uvm.edu
Teaching assistant: Adam Wheeler. E-mail: Wheelclimb79@aol.com
Textbook: Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, Michael Dirr, Stipes Publishing Co., 5th ed. 1998.
Lab Manual: Starrett, 2000 (required)
Optional texts: Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs, Michael A. Dirr, Timber Press, 1997
The Tree Identification Book, George W.D. Symonds, Quill, 1958.
The Shrub Identification Book, George W.D. Symonds, William Morrow and Co., 1963
Landscape Plants for Eastern North America, Harrison L. Flint, John Wiley and Sons, Inc. 2nd edition, 1997
Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Culture, and Use, Ferrell M. Bridwell, Delmar Publishers, Inc., 1994
Optional CD-ROM: Michael A. Dirr's Photo-Library of Woody Landscape Plants, 1997
Format: One 1-hour lecture on Tuesdays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, and 
Two 2 1/2-hour lab periods per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 - 3:30 pm, Room 17 Hills Science
Description: In this course, we will study the art and science of woody plant identification. We will also study the culture, use, and adaptation of ornamental plants in specific landscape situations.
Objectives: The student will be able to:
1.) Identify 250 plants by their scientific and common name, using correct spelling!
2.) Determine the most desirable ornamental characteristics for these plants.
3.) Determine the most suitable locations for specific plants based on their cultural requirements and landscape characteristics.
4.) Master the skill of plant observation and description, both orally and in writing.
Assignments: 12 Plant I.D. Quizzes = 60% (you may drop your two lowest scores)
Homework, Notebook, Attendance, Discussion = 05%
Debate (native vs. exotic) = 05%
1 Culture and I.D. Midterm Exam = 15%
1 Culture and I.D. Final Exam = 15%
Grading: A- = 90 - 92%  C- = 70 - 72%
B+ = 86 - 89%  D+ = 66 - 69%
B = 83 - 85%  D = 63 - 65%
B- = 80 - 82% D- = 60 - 62%
C+ = 76 - 79% F = below 60%

see Lecture Schedule
see Lab Schedule