Stand tall and proud! Sink your roots deeply into the Earth Reflect the Light of Your Own True Nature! Think Long Term Go Out on a Limb Remember Your Place

Stand tall and proud! Stand tall and proud! Sink your roots deeply into the EarthSink your roots deeply into the EarthReflect the Light of Your Own True Nature!Reflect the Light of Your Own True Nature!Think Long TermThink Long TermGo Out on a LimbGo Out on a LimbRemember Your Place Among All Living BeingsRemember Your Place Among All Living BeingsEmbrace with Joy the Changing Seasons For Each Yields its own Embrace with Joy the Changing Seasons For Each Yields its own AbundanceAbundanceThe Energy and Birth of Spring!The Energy and Birth of Spring!The Growth and Contentment of SummerThe Growth and Contentment of SummerThe Wisdom to Let Go like Leaves in the FallThe Wisdom to Let Go like Leaves in the FallThe Rest and Quiet Renewal of WinterThe Rest and Quiet Renewal of WinterFeel the Wind and the Sun and Delight in Their PresenceFeel the Wind and the Sun and Delight in Their PresenceLook up at the Moon that Shines Down Upon YouLook up at the Moon that Shines Down Upon YouAnd the Mystery of the Stars at NightAnd the Mystery of the Stars at NightSeek Nourishment from Good Things in LifeSeek Nourishment from Good Things in LifeSimple Pleasures: Earth, Fresh Air, LightSimple Pleasures: Earth, Fresh Air, LightBe Content with Your Natural BeautyBe Content with Your Natural BeautyDrink Plenty of WaterDrink Plenty of WaterLet Your Limbs Sway and Dance in the BreezesLet Your Limbs Sway and Dance in the BreezesBe FlexibleBe FlexibleRemember Your RootsRemember Your RootsEnjoy the View!Enjoy the View!

Advice from a TreeAdvice from a Treeby Ilan Shamirby Ilan Shamir

Michael in Bolinas, CAMarch 2007

Penstemon nitidusPenstemon nitidus Dougl. Dougl. Ex Benth.Ex Benth.

Sometimes, two or more authorities are listed Sometimes, two or more authorities are listed after a species name. These names may be after a species name. These names may be separated by an ampersand (&) or by the separated by an ampersand (&) or by the prepositions, “ex” or “in,” or the first name may prepositions, “ex” or “in,” or the first name may be in parentheses. The ampersand indicates be in parentheses. The ampersand indicates that two authors worked together on the that two authors worked together on the descriptions whereas “ex” means that the descriptions whereas “ex” means that the second author published a name proposed by second author published a name proposed by the first. The word “in” is used to designate the first. The word “in” is used to designate the situation where the first author wrote a the situation where the first author wrote a section of a book or article edited by the section of a book or article edited by the second. second.

RubiaceaeRubiaceaeSub-class: AsteridaeSub-class: Asteridae

The Bedstraw or Madder Family The Bedstraw or Madder Family This is one of This is one of the largest flowering plant families, with around the largest flowering plant families, with around 7000 species, most of them occuring in tropical 7000 species, most of them occuring in tropical regions of the world, where they are mainly woody regions of the world, where they are mainly woody trees and shrubs. A few occur in temperate trees and shrubs. A few occur in temperate regions, when they are herbaceous. regions, when they are herbaceous.

In the tropics, many have economic uses - Coffee In the tropics, many have economic uses - Coffee ((Coffea arabicaCoffea arabica), Quinine (), Quinine (CinchonaCinchona), or are ), or are conspicuous ornamentals (conspicuous ornamentals (Ixora, GardeniaIxora, Gardenia), but in ), but in temperate areas, they are often small plants with temperate areas, they are often small plants with inconspicuous flowers, or even weeds (inconspicuous flowers, or even weeds (Asperula, Asperula, GaliumGalium). ).

Some members of the Family are grown for use as Some members of the Family are grown for use as medicine (ipecacuanha) or dyes. medicine (ipecacuanha) or dyes.


Characteristics of this Plant Family:Characteristics of this Plant Family: Leaves, Stem & Roots ~Leaves, Stem & Roots ~ In many tropical species, the In many tropical species, the

plants are woody and evergreen. The leaves are simple and plants are woody and evergreen. The leaves are simple and usually entire, occurring opposite one another or in whorls. usually entire, occurring opposite one another or in whorls. The presence of stipules is a characteristic of this The presence of stipules is a characteristic of this FamilyFamily. In temperate regions, plants are herbaceous, and . In temperate regions, plants are herbaceous, and may have 4-angled, prostrate or prickly stems and leaves may have 4-angled, prostrate or prickly stems and leaves (especially in the temperate species (especially in the temperate species GaliumGalium). Some species ). Some species have calcium oxylate in the leaves. have calcium oxylate in the leaves.

Flowers ~Flowers ~ There are usually four or five unjoined sepals, There are usually four or five unjoined sepals, and four or five joined petals, usually borne in panicles or in and four or five joined petals, usually borne in panicles or in congested heads. There are four or five stamens. In congested heads. There are four or five stamens. In temperate species, the flowers are often small and temperate species, the flowers are often small and insignificant, in pale colors, but in tropical species they are insignificant, in pale colors, but in tropical species they are often large and brightly colored. often large and brightly colored.

Seeds ~Seeds ~ The ovary is usually inferior, and the fruit may be a The ovary is usually inferior, and the fruit may be a capsule, berry, drupe or schizocarp. Sometimes, the seeds capsule, berry, drupe or schizocarp. Sometimes, the seeds are winged. are winged.


Members of this Family usually have: Members of this Family usually have: Many small flowers in dense clustered Many small flowers in dense clustered

heads heads Leaves opposite or in whorls Leaves opposite or in whorls Stipules Stipules Inferior ovary Inferior ovary and are usually woody trees and shrubs and are usually woody trees and shrubs

in tropical areas, or small herbaceous in tropical areas, or small herbaceous plants in temperate zones plants in temperate zones


Genera in this family include: Genera in this family include: Adina, Alberta, Anthocephalus, Asperula, Couvardia, Adina, Alberta, Anthocephalus, Asperula, Couvardia,

Burchellia, Calycophyllum, Canthium, Catesbaea, Burchellia, Calycophyllum, Canthium, Catesbaea, Cephaelis, Cepahlanthus, Chiococca, Cinchona, Cephaelis, Cepahlanthus, Chiococca, Cinchona, Coccocypselum, Coffea, Coprosma, Coutarea, Coccocypselum, Coffea, Coprosma, Coutarea, Crucianella, Crusea, Damnacanthus, Duggena, Crucianella, Crusea, Damnacanthus, Duggena, Emmenopterys, Faramea, Feretia, Galium, Gardenia, Emmenopterys, Faramea, Feretia, Galium, Gardenia, Genipa, Guettarda, Hamelia, Luculia, Manettia, Genipa, Guettarda, Hamelia, Luculia, Manettia, Mitchella, Mitragyna, Mitriostigma, Morinda, Mitchella, Mitragyna, Mitriostigma, Morinda, Mussaenda, Nauclea, Nertera, Oldenlandia, Mussaenda, Nauclea, Nertera, Oldenlandia, Palicourea, Pavetta, Pentas, Pinckneya, P)ogonopus, Palicourea, Pavetta, Pentas, Pinckneya, P)ogonopus, Portlandia, Posoqueria, Psychotria, Putoria, Randia, Portlandia, Posoqueria, Psychotria, Putoria, Randia, Ravnia, Richardia, Rondeletia, Rothmannia, Rubia, Ravnia, Richardia, Rondeletia, Rothmannia, Rubia, Serissa, Tarenna, Vangueria, Warszewicizia, Serissa, Tarenna, Vangueria, Warszewicizia, Wendlandia, and Xeromphis.Wendlandia, and Xeromphis.



In Montana, we have two genera in In Montana, we have two genera in this family represented:this family represented:

Galium Galium and and KelloggiaKelloggia


Galium asparineGalium asparine L. L.

Cleavers


Galium trifidum Galium trifidum L.L.

Small bedstraw


Gallium odoratum (Sweet woodruff)


Kelloggia galioides


Pentas lanceolataPentas lanceolata


Coffee

CaprifoliaceaeCaprifoliaceaeSub-class: AsteridaeSub-class: Asteridae

The Honeysuckle FamilyThe Honeysuckle Family Perennial and mostly woody plants that Perennial and mostly woody plants that

include vines, shrubs, and small trees. include vines, shrubs, and small trees. The family contains about a dozen The family contains about a dozen

genera and perhaps 400 species, of genera and perhaps 400 species, of wide distribution, chiefly in the North wide distribution, chiefly in the North temperate zone, or of mountainous temperate zone, or of mountainous areas in the tropics.areas in the tropics.


Genera represented in this family Genera represented in this family include:include:

Abelia, Alseuosmia, Diervilla, Abelia, Alseuosmia, Diervilla, Dipelta, Kolkwitzia, Leycesteria, Dipelta, Kolkwitzia, Leycesteria, Linnaea, Lonicera, Sambucus, Linnaea, Lonicera, Sambucus, Symphoricarpos, Triosteum, Symphoricarpos, Triosteum, Viburnum, and WeigelaViburnum, and Weigela


The flowers have a 4- or 5-lobed calyx, which is The flowers have a 4- or 5-lobed calyx, which is usually small, and a 4- or 5-lobed corolla which often usually small, and a 4- or 5-lobed corolla which often forms a substantial tube. The lobes may be equal, or forms a substantial tube. The lobes may be equal, or formed into two lips with 4 lobes for the upper lip, formed into two lips with 4 lobes for the upper lip, and 1 large lobe for the lower lip. and 1 large lobe for the lower lip.

The 4 or 5 stamens attach to the tube, alternating The 4 or 5 stamens attach to the tube, alternating with the lobes, with the fruiting portion of the pistil with the lobes, with the fruiting portion of the pistil below where the calyx and corolla lobes originate. below where the calyx and corolla lobes originate.

The fruit, usually a fleshy berry, has 2 to 5 seed-The fruit, usually a fleshy berry, has 2 to 5 seed-forming divisions. forming divisions.

The leaves are opposite and broad and being either The leaves are opposite and broad and being either entire or having several lobes or leaflets. The leaves entire or having several lobes or leaflets. The leaves sometimes join together to form a disc around the sometimes join together to form a disc around the stem (as in the honeysuckles). stem (as in the honeysuckles).


Lonicera sp






Genera representing this family in Genera representing this family in Montana are:Montana are:

Linnaea, Lonicera, Sambucus, Linnaea, Lonicera, Sambucus, Symphoricarpos, Symphoricarpos, andand Viburnum Viburnum


LinnaeaLinnaea borealis borealis - Twinflower - TwinflowerEvergreen plant, 3-10 cm tall. Shaded and mossy Evergreen plant, 3-10 cm tall. Shaded and mossy sites, foothills-subalpine.sites, foothills-subalpine.Flowers pink to nearly white, 6-15 mm long, nodding, Flowers pink to nearly white, 6-15 mm long, nodding, in pairs on slender stalks.in pairs on slender stalks.Leaves opposite, evergreen, broadly egg-shaped, 1-2 Leaves opposite, evergreen, broadly egg-shaped, 1-2 cm long.cm long.


SambucusSambucus ceruleacerulea - Blue Elderberry - Blue ElderberryShrub 1-4 m tall, strong-Shrub 1-4 m tall, strong-smelling. Not too dry smelling. Not too dry sites, foothills-montane.sites, foothills-montane.Flowers white, 3-6 mm Flowers white, 3-6 mm wide, numerous in wide, numerous in dense, flat-topped dense, flat-topped clusters, smelly.clusters, smelly.Leaves opposite, Leaves opposite, pinnate with 7-9 pinnate with 7-9 leaflets, lance-shaped, leaflets, lance-shaped, sharp-toothed.sharp-toothed.


SymphoricarposSymphoricarpos albusalbus - Common Snowberry - Common SnowberryShrub 50-200 cm tall. Shrub 50-200 cm tall. Thickets, woodlands Thickets, woodlands and open slopes, and open slopes, plains-montane.plains-montane.Flowers white to pink, Flowers white to pink, narrowly funnel-narrowly funnel-shaped, 5-7 mm long, shaped, 5-7 mm long, the lobes short.the lobes short.Leaves opposite, Leaves opposite, broadly elliptic to oval, broadly elliptic to oval, 1.5-5 cm long.1.5-5 cm long.

RanunculaceaeRanunculaceaeSub-class: MagnoliidaeSub-class: Magnoliidae

The Buttercup Family The Buttercup Family There are around 1800 species in this There are around 1800 species in this

family, which is found mainly in the colder family, which is found mainly in the colder regions of the world. Most of them are well-regions of the world. Most of them are well-known wild flowers or garden flowers, known wild flowers or garden flowers, including Buttercups, Anemones, including Buttercups, Anemones, Delphiniums, Aquilegias and Clematis. Delphiniums, Aquilegias and Clematis. Some species, particularly Some species, particularly AconitumAconitum, are , are poisonous. Nearly all members of the family poisonous. Nearly all members of the family are herbaceous, with are herbaceous, with ClematisClematis being the being the only woody species. only woody species.


Characteristics of this Plant Family:Characteristics of this Plant Family: Leaves, Stem & Roots ~Leaves, Stem & Roots ~ The leaves of this family are usually The leaves of this family are usually

divided or lobed, but are heart-shaped in divided or lobed, but are heart-shaped in Ranunculus ficariaRanunculus ficaria (Lesser (Lesser Celandine) and narrow and undivided in some species of Celandine) and narrow and undivided in some species of RanunculusRanunculus. . They usually arise from the base of the plant, or alternately up the They usually arise from the base of the plant, or alternately up the stem, but in stem, but in ClematisClematis they are opposite. The perennial species form a they are opposite. The perennial species form a small rhizome or tuber which develops new roots each year. small rhizome or tuber which develops new roots each year.

Flowers ~Flowers ~ The flowers may be solitary, but they are frequently in The flowers may be solitary, but they are frequently in clusters or spikes. In many species, there are no proper petals, and it clusters or spikes. In many species, there are no proper petals, and it is the brightly coloured calyx which forms the 'flower'. There are is the brightly coloured calyx which forms the 'flower'. There are usually five sepals, although there may be many, and they come in a usually five sepals, although there may be many, and they come in a wide variety of shapes. Those in the genus wide variety of shapes. Those in the genus RanunculusRanunculus, the , the Buttercups, are the only ones which have a true calyx and petals. Buttercups, are the only ones which have a true calyx and petals. There are many stamens surrounding many fused carpels. There are many stamens surrounding many fused carpels.

Seeds ~Seeds ~ The seeds are carried in several different types of fruit. In The seeds are carried in several different types of fruit. In Actaea (Actaea (Baneberry), it is a berry; in Baneberry), it is a berry; in ClematisClematis, each seed develops a , each seed develops a hard woody coating and a fluffy tail, but in most species the seeds hard woody coating and a fluffy tail, but in most species the seeds develop either as a globe from which they separate when they are develop either as a globe from which they separate when they are riper or inside a (usually five-sided) capsule which splits at maturity riper or inside a (usually five-sided) capsule which splits at maturity to release them (as in to release them (as in AquilegiaAquilegia). ).


Members of this Family usually Members of this Family usually have: have:

Five colored sepals instead of petals Five colored sepals instead of petals (except Buttercups) (except Buttercups)

Divided leaves Divided leaves Non-woody tissue (except Clematis) Non-woody tissue (except Clematis)


Aquill

Aquilegia sp.Columbine

Ranunculus sp.Buttercup


Anemone sp

Delphinium sp


Clematis xNigella sp (Love in a mist)


PapaveraceaePapaveraceaeSub-class: MagnoliidaeSub-class: Magnoliidae

The Poppy Family The Poppy Family This is quite a small This is quite a small family, with about 250 species found mainly in family, with about 250 species found mainly in the northern temperate regions of the world. the northern temperate regions of the world. Many are familiar garden plants - Poppies, Many are familiar garden plants - Poppies, Meconopsis, California Poppies, Argemone Meconopsis, California Poppies, Argemone and Dendromecon. Few are of economic and Dendromecon. Few are of economic importance, although the Opium Poppy importance, although the Opium Poppy ((Papaver somniferumPapaver somniferum) is the source of opium ) is the source of opium and heroin, and its seeds are used in baking. and heroin, and its seeds are used in baking. Other species yield oils used in making soap. Other species yield oils used in making soap. Most members of this Family are herbaceous Most members of this Family are herbaceous annuals or perennials, but there are also a few annuals or perennials, but there are also a few shrubs.shrubs.


Characteristics of this Plant Family:Characteristics of this Plant Family: Leaves, Stem & Roots ~Leaves, Stem & Roots ~ The leaves of plants in this The leaves of plants in this

family are entire, but often deeply cut, and arise family are entire, but often deeply cut, and arise alternately up the stem. The stem may be smooth, alternately up the stem. The stem may be smooth, hairy, or prickly. The sap is a milky latex, and it is this hairy, or prickly. The sap is a milky latex, and it is this which gave the family its name - pappa is the Latin for which gave the family its name - pappa is the Latin for food or milk. Instead of the normal calyx, members of food or milk. Instead of the normal calyx, members of this Family have two large sepals which enclose the this Family have two large sepals which enclose the flower bud, and these fall off when the bud opens. flower bud, and these fall off when the bud opens.

Flowers ~Flowers ~ There are two rings of two large, rounded There are two rings of two large, rounded petals, except in petals, except in MacleayaMacleaya (Plume Poppy) and some (Plume Poppy) and some tropical species. The petals are often crumpled inside tropical species. The petals are often crumpled inside the bud. There are many rows of stamens. the bud. There are many rows of stamens.

Seeds ~Seeds ~ The seeds develop inside a rounded capsule The seeds develop inside a rounded capsule with one chamber, which opens by small holes around with one chamber, which opens by small holes around the lid. the lid.


Members of this Family usually have: Members of this Family usually have: Two sepals enclosing the flower bud, Two sepals enclosing the flower bud,

which fall off when it opens. which fall off when it opens. Four brightly-colored petalsFour brightly-colored petals Many stamens Many stamens Rounded seed pod forming inside the Rounded seed pod forming inside the

flower flower


Papaver (poppy)


Argemone sp.

ApiaceaeApiaceaeSub-class: RosidaeSub-class: Rosidae

(formerly (formerly UMBELLIFERAEUMBELLIFERAE) - ) - The Celery Family The Celery Family There There are between 2500 and 3000 members of this family, are between 2500 and 3000 members of this family, found all over the world, but mainly in the temperate found all over the world, but mainly in the temperate areas and rarely in tropical regions. Some well-known areas and rarely in tropical regions. Some well-known vegetables and herbs are in this family (Carrot, Parsnip, vegetables and herbs are in this family (Carrot, Parsnip, Celery, Fennel, Angelica) some are familiar weeds of Celery, Fennel, Angelica) some are familiar weeds of hedgerows and woodland (Cow Parsley, Hogweed), and hedgerows and woodland (Cow Parsley, Hogweed), and some are grown as ornamental garden plants (some are grown as ornamental garden plants (Eryngium, Eryngium, Astrantia, AciphyllaAstrantia, Aciphylla), although these mainly do not look ), although these mainly do not look like umbellifers at all. Some are poisonous, notably like umbellifers at all. Some are poisonous, notably Hemlock. The international panel of botanists who rule Hemlock. The international panel of botanists who rule on these things decided that all plant families ought to on these things decided that all plant families ought to have the same ending (-aceae), and be named after a have the same ending (-aceae), and be named after a plant typical of the family, so the family is now called plant typical of the family, so the family is now called Apiaceae after the type plant, Apium (Celery). Apiaceae after the type plant, Apium (Celery).


Characteristics of this Plant Family:Characteristics of this Plant Family: Leaves, Stem & Roots ~Leaves, Stem & Roots ~ Most members of this Family are soft- Most members of this Family are soft-

stemmed annuals, biennials or perennials, although some grow tough stemmed annuals, biennials or perennials, although some grow tough stems and there are a few woody tree-like or shrubby species in stems and there are a few woody tree-like or shrubby species in tropical regions. Several species are prickly (Eryngium, Aciphylla). tropical regions. Several species are prickly (Eryngium, Aciphylla). The stems are hollow between the leaf-joints, often ribbed (Angelica, The stems are hollow between the leaf-joints, often ribbed (Angelica, Celery), and the leaves themselves are alternate, usually divided or Celery), and the leaves themselves are alternate, usually divided or pinnate, sometimes very like a fern. Sometimes they may be bluish pinnate, sometimes very like a fern. Sometimes they may be bluish ((EryngiumEryngium). ).

Flowers ~Flowers ~ It is the flowers which gave this plant family its original It is the flowers which gave this plant family its original name of Umbelliferae. The flowers grow in umbels or clusters forming name of Umbelliferae. The flowers grow in umbels or clusters forming an umbrella shape. The flowers have stalks of different lengths so that an umbrella shape. The flowers have stalks of different lengths so that all the flowers are the same height so that the umbel has a flat top. all the flowers are the same height so that the umbel has a flat top. The flower head may be a single umbel or many smaller umbels The flower head may be a single umbel or many smaller umbels making up a large 'flower'. Each individual flower has five petals and making up a large 'flower'. Each individual flower has five petals and five stamens, and they are generally small and insignificant, even in an five stamens, and they are generally small and insignificant, even in an umbel. The outer flowers may have some larger and some smaller umbel. The outer flowers may have some larger and some smaller petals. They are very often white, sometimes cream, yellow or pink.. petals. They are very often white, sometimes cream, yellow or pink.. The outer flowers open first. The flower stalk arises from the leaf axil. The outer flowers open first. The flower stalk arises from the leaf axil. The overall appearance of many umbels is unimposing, as they are The overall appearance of many umbels is unimposing, as they are generally relatively tall and leggy. generally relatively tall and leggy.



The members of this Family grown for The members of this Family grown for ornament often have flowers very different from ornament often have flowers very different from the normal type. In the normal type. In Eryngium Eryngium (Sea Holly) and (Sea Holly) and Astrantia Astrantia (Masterwort), it is the large bracts (Masterwort), it is the large bracts surrounding the umbel which are colored and surrounding the umbel which are colored and the flowers themselves are insignificant. the flowers themselves are insignificant.

Seeds ~Seeds ~ The seed capsule in this Family is The seed capsule in this Family is behind the petals (inferior). The seed capsule behind the petals (inferior). The seed capsule has two parts with a single seed in each part. has two parts with a single seed in each part. The seeds themselves are of many different The seeds themselves are of many different shapes and sizes. They may be spiny, hooked or shapes and sizes. They may be spiny, hooked or winged. Some are of culinary or medicinal use winged. Some are of culinary or medicinal use


Eryngium sp


Astrantia sp



Hollow stemsHollow stems Small flowers in umbelsSmall flowers in umbels Flowers with five petalsFlowers with five petals White, yellow or pink (not blue) White, yellow or pink (not blue)

flowers flowers

ApiaceaeApiaceaeSub-class: AsteridaeSub-class: Asteridae

AsclepidaceaeAsclepidaceaeSub-class: AsteridaeSub-class: Asteridae

Plants of the Milkweed family are herbs, shrubs, or Plants of the Milkweed family are herbs, shrubs, or vines usually with thick, milky juice. There are about vines usually with thick, milky juice. There are about 250 genera and 2,000 species of this family 250 genera and 2,000 species of this family worldwide, most are found in warmer climates.worldwide, most are found in warmer climates.The flowers are radially symmetrical, growing in flat The flowers are radially symmetrical, growing in flat or round clusters. They have 5 sepals and a corolla of or round clusters. They have 5 sepals and a corolla of 5 united petals with lobes that are bent backwards, 5 united petals with lobes that are bent backwards, and a 5-lobed crown between the corolla and the and a 5-lobed crown between the corolla and the stamens. The number of stamens are 5, all flower stamens. The number of stamens are 5, all flower parts are attached at the base of the 2 ovaries.parts are attached at the base of the 2 ovaries.

Leaves are simple, mostly paired opposite or in Leaves are simple, mostly paired opposite or in whorls of 4.whorls of 4.

The fruit consists of 2 pods, often joined at tips by The fruit consists of 2 pods, often joined at tips by the style and filled with many silky-haired seeds. the style and filled with many silky-haired seeds.


Economic importance is basically none, Economic importance is basically none, except that some species are grown as except that some species are grown as ornamentals, and some cause livestock ornamentals, and some cause livestock poisoning.poisoning.

Medicinal uses are few, they have Medicinal uses are few, they have sometimes been used for laxative, sometimes been used for laxative, expectorant, diuretic, emetic purposes, expectorant, diuretic, emetic purposes, and for wart removal. and for wart removal.

All members of this family should be All members of this family should be considered toxic. considered toxic.



SolanaceaeSolanaceaeSub-class: AsteridaeSub-class: Asteridae

The Potato FamilyThe Potato Family This is a large Family with around This is a large Family with around 2000-3000 species in 90 different genera, found in most 2000-3000 species in 90 different genera, found in most temperate and tropical regions, with a large number temperate and tropical regions, with a large number coming from Australia and Central and South America. coming from Australia and Central and South America. It is a family mainly of herbs, with a few shrubs and It is a family mainly of herbs, with a few shrubs and trees, and contains many of our most well-known food trees, and contains many of our most well-known food plants, including Potatoes, Tomatoes, Eggplant and plants, including Potatoes, Tomatoes, Eggplant and Peppers. It also contains many popular garden Peppers. It also contains many popular garden ornamental plants, including ornamental plants, including PetuniasPetunias, , BrowalliaBrowallia and and SalpiglossisSalpiglossis. There are several poisonous species, . There are several poisonous species, including Deadly Nightshade (including Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonnaAtropa belladonna), ), Henbane (Henbane (Hyoscyamus nigerHyoscyamus niger) and Thorn Apple () and Thorn Apple (Datura Datura stramoniumstramonium), and the family also contains the important ), and the family also contains the important economic plant, Tobacco (economic plant, Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacumNicotiana tabacum), which ), which contains the highly toxic alkaloid nicotine.contains the highly toxic alkaloid nicotine.


Characteristics of this Plant Family:Characteristics of this Plant Family: Leaves, Stem & Roots ~Leaves, Stem & Roots ~ Members of this Family are often Members of this Family are often

climbers or at least scrambling plants, often with hairy stems climbers or at least scrambling plants, often with hairy stems and leaves. The leaves are variable, and may be entire or and leaves. The leaves are variable, and may be entire or dissected, without stipules, and are usually alternate. The calyx dissected, without stipules, and are usually alternate. The calyx has five parts, which may be joined, and it often remains and has five parts, which may be joined, and it often remains and enlarges around the fruit, as in Cape Gooseberry (enlarges around the fruit, as in Cape Gooseberry (PhysalisPhysalis) or ) or the Shoo-Fly Plant (the Shoo-Fly Plant (NicandraNicandra). ).

Flowers ~Flowers ~ The flowers have five petals and are generally The flowers have five petals and are generally regular in shape. They may be round and flat or star-shaped, regular in shape. They may be round and flat or star-shaped, but are often bell shaped or tubular. They usually occur in but are often bell shaped or tubular. They usually occur in groups in the leaf axils, although they may be solitary. There groups in the leaf axils, although they may be solitary. There are five stamens attached to the corolla tube. are five stamens attached to the corolla tube.

Seeds ~Seeds ~ The ovary is superior (inside the flower), and the fruit The ovary is superior (inside the flower), and the fruit is either a berry or a capsule, often containing many light is either a berry or a capsule, often containing many light brown disc-shaped seeds. brown disc-shaped seeds.







Regular flowers with five petalsRegular flowers with five petals Alternate leavesAlternate leaves Five stamens attached to the corolla Five stamens attached to the corolla

tubetube Superior ovary containing many Superior ovary containing many

yellowish disc-shaped seeds yellowish disc-shaped seeds


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Stand tall and proud! Sink your roots deeply into the Earth Reflect the Light of Your Own True Nature! Think Long Term Go Out on a Limb Remember Your Place