Arizona Native Plant Seedling Identification Pocket Guide

Abstract

This guide is meant to assist in the identification of a few of Arizona’s most common native grasses and forbs. Identifying plants can be hard, identifying seedlings can be outrageously difficult. Here, we attempt to provide general guidelines for seedling identification in the field, in the garden, or in the greenhouse. The species in this guide are just a small fraction of all of the native plants in Arizona. They were chosen for inclusion due to their general common distribution across the state and their high frequency of use in ecological restoration projects. To confirm your identification, take a picture of your plant and ask a Master Gardener for assistance, or wait until the plant grows. Never pick a native (or unknown) plant from the ground. Measurements for this guide were taken inside of a greenhouse and environmental conditions can modify aspects of growth, so all values are provided as a suggested guide.