HRT-150 Herbaceous Plant Materials
This course integrates classroom and hands-on learning towards the identification and utilization of herbaceous annual, biennial, and perennial plants - native and non-indigenous – in commercial and residential ornamental landscapes as well as the horticulture industry at large, emphasizing plant anatomy, taxonomic identification, culture requirements, landscape value, proper placement and care, and seasonal interest within gardens and the broader landscape. Students will develop recognition skills of commonly used herbaceous plants in Northeast gardens and planted landscapes according to their scientific classification and, with their new found academic knowledge of said plants, develop plant selection skills – assembling best-fit plants for garden/landscape application based on plant aesthetics, ecology, and sustainability. Classroom learning will be reinforced by practical experiences at local and regional botanic gardens.
Course Learning Outcomes
- Define and give examples of relevant terms as they relate to herbaceous annual, biennial, and perennial plant material.
- Identity herbaceous plants using classification criteria (e.g., seasonal characteristics, cultural needs, and landscape uses).
- Apply an identification scheme (e.g., health, leaf arrangement, flower type and morphology) to differentiate herbaceous plants with similar characteristics.
- Recommend herbaceous material based on a variety of aesthetic needs and observed cultural conditions.