How to Identify Shrubs and Plants

Identifying plants and shrubs allows you to determine the type of care they need and what type of fruits, seeds or nuts they may produce. Many plants and shrubs are easy to identify, while others are difficult. Many online guides are available to help identify plants and shrubs.

• Inspect the leaves of the plants. Tropical plant leaves tend to be large and bright. Ferns tend to have dark leaves with several ridges that run on either side of them.


• Look at the flowers or buds on the plant. Many plants produce flowers that make them easy to identify. You can also check for seeds or fruits that may be growing from the plant.


• Observe the stem of the plants. Trees, shrubs and bushes usually have brown, wooden stems. Flowers usually have soft green stems.


• Check the area around the plants for any fallen leaves. Evergreen trees will not drop leaves until winter, and even when the leaves or needles are dropped, the ones on the trees remain green. Deciduous trees drop their leaves in late summer and early fall. Once the leaves begin to fall, the ones remaining on the tree will fade to red, yellow, orange or brown.


• Visit the Online Plant Guide website. Compare your observations to match up your plant with one in the guide. You can also browse through the plant types to narrow your search. This site has more than 3,500 pictures of various plants species and the flowers, seeds and fruits that they produce.