How to Identify Garden Shrubs
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Purchase a field guide from a bookstore or borrow one from a library.Bookstore image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
Purchase a plant field guide from a book store. You can also checkout one from your local library or download Conservation Trees and Shrubs Pocket ID Guide from the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service website. - 2
Shrubs can grow differently and develop into various shapes and sizes.pyracantha image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
Check the height, width and shape of your shrub, preferably before it is trimmed. If it is trimmed, try to recall as best you can the measurement before trimming. If you are in no hurry and do not mind having overgrown shrubs, allow your shrub to grow to a natural height. - 3
Flowers can be an immediate giveaway in identifying shrubs.garden view image by Sheila Button from Fotolia.com
Check the flowers and berries on your shrub. Note the shape, size and color. - 4
Some shrubs will need to be identified by leaves instead of flowers or berries.Leaves image by Lin from Fotolia.com
Note the qualities of the leaves. Some shrubs will not have flowers or berries, so it may be necessary to pay most attention to the leaves. Shape, size and color will help you identify your shrub. Note if the leaves are broad or needles. This will help you identify if the shrub is deciduous or evergreen. - 5
Branch qualities can vary.forsythia image by Edsweb from Fotolia.com
Look at the branching on your shrub. Notice the color, texture and whether or not the bark flakes off. - 6). Take all the information you have collected and search through your plant field guide for the matching shrub.
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