Simple Key: Which group best describes your plant?
Please go through the groups in order.
![Fruits: Vaccinium corymbosum. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Ericaceae/vaccinium-corymbosum-fr-ahaines.jpg)
![Plant form: Iva frutescens. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Asteraceae/iva-frutescens-ha-ahaines.jpg)
![Flowers: Hamamelis virginiana. ~ By Adelaide Pratt. ~ Copyright © 2025 New England Wild Flower Society. ~ Image Request, images[at]newenglandwild.org](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Hamamelidaceae/hamamelis-virginiana-fl-apratt.jpg)
![Flowers: Linnaea borealis. ~ By Marilee Lovit. ~ Copyright © 2025 Marilee Lovit. ~ lovitm[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Caprifoliaceae/linnaea-borealis-fl-mlovit.jpg)
![Plant form: Parthenocissus quinquefolia. ~ By William Cullina. ~ Copyright © 2025 William Cullina. ~ bill[at]williamcullina.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Vitaceae/parthenocissus-quinquefolia-ha-wcullina.jpg)
![Fruits: Abies balsamea. ~ By Jill Weber. ~ Copyright © 2025 Jill Weber. ~ jillweber03[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Pinaceae/abies-balsamea-fr-jweber.jpg)
![Flowers: Rhododendron maximum. ~ By John Lynch. ~ Copyright © 2025 New England Wild Flower Society. ~ Image Request, images[at]newenglandwild.org](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Ericaceae/rhododendron-maximum-fl-jlynch-b.jpg)
Woody plants
Trees, shrubs, sub-shrubs, and lianas
Key characteristics
The outer tissues of the stems are thickened; most have bark and winter buds during the dormant season
Exceptions
Some very short shrubs can be mistaken for herbaceous plants
Video about this group
Woody plants![Plant form: Eriocaulon aquaticum. ~ By Cheryl Lowe. ~ Copyright © 2025 New England Wild Flower Society. ~ Image Request, images[at]newenglandwild.org](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Eriocaulaceae/eriocaulon-aquaticum-ha-clowe.jpg)
![Plant form: Lobelia dortmanna. ~ By Marilee Lovit. ~ Copyright © 2025 Marilee Lovit. ~ lovitm[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Campanulaceae/lobelia-dortmanna-ha-mlovit-b.jpg)
![Plant form: Sparganium angustifolium. ~ By Marilee Lovit. ~ Copyright © 2025 Marilee Lovit. ~ lovitm[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Typhaceae/sparganium-angustifolium-ha-mlovit-b.jpg)
![Plant form: Zostera marina. ~ By Ben Kimball. ~ Copyright © 2025 Ben Kimball. ~ alpinefin[at]comcast.net](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Zosteraceae/zostera-marina-ha-bkimball.jpg)
![Plant form: Spirodela polyrrhiza. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Araceae/spirodela-polyrrhiza-ha-ahaines-a.jpg)
Aquatic plants
Plants with their leaves and/or stems submerged or floating in water
Key characteristics
Specialized submersed or floating leaves and tissues to withstand flooding
Exceptions
Some land plants can be flooded temporarily but cannot live long in water. Also, sometimes aquatic plants are stranded out of water or may be amphibious
Video about this group
Aquatic plants
![Plant form: Alopecurus pratensis. ~ By Marilee Lovit. ~ Copyright © 2025 Marilee Lovit. ~ lovitm[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Poaceae/alopecurus-pratensis-ha-mlovit.jpg)
![Spikelets: Glyceria canadensis. ~ By Marilee Lovit. ~ Copyright © 2025 Marilee Lovit. ~ lovitm[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Poaceae/glyceria-canadensis-si-mlovit-b.jpg)
![Plant form: Setaria pumila. ~ By Marilee Lovit. ~ Copyright © 2025 Marilee Lovit. ~ lovitm[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Poaceae/setaria-pumila-ha-mlovit-b.jpg)
![Plant form: Cyperus strigosus. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Cyperaceae/cyperus-strigosus-ha-ahaines-b.jpg)
![Plant form: Triglochin maritima. ~ By Marilee Lovit. ~ Copyright © 2025 Marilee Lovit. ~ lovitm[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Juncaginaceae/triglochin-maritima-ha-mlovit-c.jpg)
Grass-like plants
Grasses, sedges, and other plants with long, narrow leaves
Key characteristics
Leaves consisting of a narrow blade and a tubular sheath around the stem; small, inconspicuous flowers without obvious sepals and petals
Exceptions
Some non-grasses have very narrow leaves but produce showy flowers
Video about this group
Grass-like plants![Flowers: Arisaema triphyllum. ~ By Adelaide Pratt. ~ Copyright © 2025 New England Wild Flower Society. ~ Image Request, images[at]newenglandwild.org](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Araceae/arisaema-triphyllum-fl-apratt.jpg)
![Plant form: Asparagus officinalis. ~ By Marilee Lovit. ~ Copyright © 2025 Marilee Lovit. ~ lovitm[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Asparagaceae/asparagus-officinalis-ha-mlovit-a.jpg)
![Plant form: Iris versicolor. ~ By Ben Kimball. ~ Copyright © 2025 Ben Kimball. ~ alpinefin[at]comcast.net](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Iridaceae/iris-versicolor-ha-bkimball.jpg)
![Fruits: Lilium canadense. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Liliaceae/lilium-canadense-fr-ahaines-b.jpg)
![Fruits: Maianthemum canadense. ~ By Adelaide Pratt. ~ Copyright © 2025 New England Wild Flower Society. ~ Image Request, images[at]newenglandwild.org](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Ruscaceae/maianthemum-canadense-fr-apratt-d.jpg)
![Flowers: Sagittaria latifolia. ~ By Albert Bussewitz. ~ Copyright © 2025 New England Wild Flower Society. ~ Image Request, images[at]newenglandwild.org](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Alismataceae/sagittaria-latifolia-fl-abussewitz-a.jpg)
![Leaves: Smilax herbacea. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Smilacaceae/smilax-herbacea-le-ahaines-b.jpg)
![Plant form: Goodyera pubescens. ~ By Jill Weber. ~ Copyright © 2025 Jill Weber. ~ jillweber03[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Orchidaceae/goodyera-pubescens-ha-jweber-b.jpg)
![Flowers: Platanthera lacera. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Orchidaceae/platanthera-lacera-fl-ahaines-a.jpg)
Orchids and related plants
Lilies, orchids, irises, aroids, and other monocots
Key characteristics
Seedlings have a single embryo leaf (cotyledon); plants have flower parts in multiples of 3 and parallel-veined leaves
Exceptions
Grasses are also monocots but are grouped under Grass-like Plants
Orchids, related plants
![Vegetative leaves: Isoetes lacustris. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Isoetaceae/isoetes-lacustris-tr-ahaines.jpg)
![Plant form: Huperzia appressa. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Huperziaceae/huperzia-appressa-ha-ahaines-a.jpg)
![Plant form: Asplenium rhizophyllum. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Aspleniaceae/asplenium-rhizophyllum-ha-ahaines.jpg)
![Leaf: Botrychium simplex. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Ophioglossaceae/botrychium-simplex-le-ahaines-b.jpg)
![Plant form: Isoetes echinospora. ~ By Marilee Lovit. ~ Copyright © 2025 Marilee Lovit. ~ lovitm[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Isoetaceae/isoetes-echinospora-ha-mlovit.jpg)
![Plant form: Polypodium virginianum. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Polypodiaceae/polypodium-virginianum-ha-ahaines-a.jpg)
![Leaf: Marsilea quadrifolia. ~ By Cheryl Lowe. ~ Copyright © 2025 New England Wild Flower Society. ~ Image Request, images[at]newenglandwild.org](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Marsileaceae/marsilea-quadrifolia-le-clowe.jpg)
![Plant form: Equisetum hyemale. ~ By Frank Bramley. ~ Copyright © 2025 New England Wild Flower Society. ~ Image Request, images[at]newenglandwild.org](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Equisetaceae/equisetum-hyemale-ha-fbramley-a.jpg)
![Vegetative leaves: Isoetes echinospora. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Isoetaceae/isoetes-echinospora-tr-ahaines.jpg)
Ferns
Ferns, horsetails, quillworts, lycopods, and relatives
Key characteristics
Plants that reproduce by spores; the spores often grouped in specialized structures like sori, sporangia, and/or spore cones
Exceptions
Some seed plants have frilly, highly dissected leaves that resemble ferns
Video about this group
Ferns![Flowers: Euphorbia cyparissias. ~ By Dawn Dentzer. ~ Copyright © 2025. ~ dawndentzer[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Euphorbiaceae/euphorbia-cyparissias-fl-ddentzer.jpg)
![Fruits: Taraxacum officinale. ~ By Marilee Lovit. ~ Copyright © 2025 Marilee Lovit. ~ lovitm[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Asteraceae/taraxacum-officinale-fr-mlovit-a.jpg)
![Flowers: Aralia hispida. ~ By Albert Bussewitz. ~ Copyright © 2025 New England Wild Flower Society. ~ Image Request, images[at]newenglandwild.org](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Apiaceae/aralia-hispida-fl-abussewitz-b.jpg)
![Flowers: Xanthium strumarium. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Asteraceae/xanthium-strumarium-canadense-fl-ahaines-b.jpg)
![Flowers: Fallopia japonica. ~ By Marilee Lovit. ~ Copyright © 2025 Marilee Lovit. ~ lovitm[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Polygonaceae/fallopia-japonica-fl-mlovit.jpg)
![Plant form: Sarracenia purpurea. ~ By Dorothy Long. ~ Copyright © 2025 New England Wild Flower Society. ~ Image Request, images[at]newenglandwild.org](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Sarraceniaceae/sarracenia-purpurea-ha-dlong-c.jpg)
![Flowers: Ipomoea hederacea. ~ By Lawrence Newcomb. ~ Copyright © 2025 New England Wild Flower Society. ~ Image Request, images[at]newenglandwild.org](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Convolvulaceae/ipomoea-hederacea-fl-lnewcomb-a.jpg)
![Flowers: Asarum canadense. ~ By William Cullina. ~ Copyright © 2025 William Cullina. ~ bill[at]williamcullina.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Aristolochiaceae/asarum-canadense-fl-wcullina-b.jpg)
![Plant form: Eupatorium perfoliatum. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Asteraceae/eupatorium-perfoliatum-ha-ahaines-b.jpg)
![Plant form: Taraxacum officinale. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Asteraceae/taraxacum-officinale-ha-ahaines-c.jpg)
![Flowers: Sabatia kennedyana. ~ By Dorothy Long. ~ Copyright © 2025 New England Wild Flower Society. ~ Image Request, images[at]newenglandwild.org](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Gentianaceae/sabatia-kennedyana-fl-dlong-a.jpg)
![Flowers: Oenothera biennis. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Onagraceae/oenothera-biennis-fl-ahaines-d.jpg)
![Flowers: Gentianopsis crinita. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Gentianaceae/gentianopsis-crinita-fl-ahaines-c.jpg)
![Flowers: Prunella vulgaris. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Lamiaceae/prunella-vulgaris-fl-ahaines-a.jpg)
![Flowers: Centaurea nigra. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Asteraceae/centaurea-nigra-fl-ahaines.jpg)
![Flowers: Campanula rotundifolia. ~ By Arthur Haines. ~ Copyright © 2025 Arthur Haines. ~ arthur.d.haines[at]gmail.com](https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxon-images-1000s1000/Campanulaceae/campanula-rotundifolia-fl-ahaines-b.jpg)
All other flowering non-woody plants
Asters and all other flowering plants
Key characteristics
Flowering plants without parallel-veined leaves, and flower parts usually in multiples of 4 or 5
Exceptions
This is a large group with species that vary widely in characteristics; some narrow-leaved species have only one leaf blade vein, so floral characteristics are important
Other flowering non-woody plants