DEFINITIONS            Do you want to add a word?
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Adventitious: appearing in an abnormal or unusual position or place. (Example: Buds are usually found on the end or along the sides of a stem. An adventitious bud along the roots is unusual for most plants.)
Allelopathic: the ability for a plant to release toxins that suppress the growth of nearby plants of the same or different species. This mechanism is used to displace other plant species, suppress seedling growth, and/or space out plants over an area. (Top)

Bolt: fast upright growth of a plant, usually of a flowering stock. (Example: dandelions form a low-lying rosette that usually survives mowing. Then, in 2-3 days grows a 3-6 inch flowering stalk.)

Carrying Capacity: the largest number of organisms, of a particular species, that can be supported indefinitely in a given environment.(Top)

Ecosystem: a system formed by the interactions of a community of organisms with their environment.

Forb: any herb that is not a grass or grass like (wildflowers, alfalfa, dandelions). (Top)

Germinate: to begin to grow or develop from a seed. To put forth shoots or to sprout.

Invasive: something that is part of an invasion or offensive (war). (Top)

Life Cycle: stages that characterize the life of an individual or group.
     • Perennial: lasting more than two years (tree).
     • Biennial: lasting or living for two growing seasons.
        Some consider this a "short lived perennial" (thistle).
     • Annual: living only one growing season (corn). (Top)

Monoculture: a group of plants comprised of only one species that covers an area (a lawn with no weeds).

Ornamental: a plant grown for decorative purposes (roses, carnations, ivy).(Top)

Plant Community: a group of plants that interact. They may or may not be of the same species.

Rangelands: an area that is vegitated mainly by native grass, forbs, and shrubs. Open region of land used by grazing wildlife and livestock.
Rhizomes: stems that grow underground, close to the soil surface. They can send shoots up through the surface to form new plants (sod-forming grass). (Top)
Riparian: the banks and surrounding area of a river or other body of water.
Rosette: a low growing, circular cluster of leaves (dandelion, before flowering).

Species: individuals that are grouped together because of like characteristics. (Example: not all thistles are of the same species, but all musk thistles [Carduus nutans] are.)
Stand: a standing (upright) group of plants (grass, cattails, corn). (Top)