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Florida 4-H Horticulture Identification and Judging: Contest Rules and Glossary

Sydney Park Brown, Jeffrey G. Williamson, and Tom Wichman

Horticulture is the art and science of growing fruits and nuts, vegetables, flowers and foliage plants and ornamental plants. Horticulture is a profession, a vocation, a hobby, an industry, and a way of life for millions of people. Horticulture is very important to Florida's economy and is vital to everyone's health and well-being.

This publication provides guidelines and information for Florida 4H members and Master Gardeners interested in horticulture and/or in participating in state contests held annually at 4-H Congress or the Master Gardener Annual Conference.

These contests provide the opportunity to study horticultural plants and their parts and products. Participation in the contest should result in improved abilities to recognize, use, grow, and appreciate the offerings of horticulture.

 


Credit: UF/IFAS

 

Eligibility

  1. 4-H youth participants must comply with all 4-H rules and regulations governing county, district, and state events. For more information and regulations regarding 4-H eligibility, see the 4-H Program Handbook at http://florida4h.org/programs_ [21 March 2013].

  2. 4-H contestants are urged to participate first at the local and county level, but district elimination is not required in the state contests. Each county 4-H program may enter one 4-H senior team in the competition. Junior teams may participate to gain experience. Only one Master Gardener team can compete from each county, but individual Master Gardeners can participate for practice or as competitors.

  3. A 4-H or Master Gardener team consists of three to four members (only the top three scores are combined for a total team score). Team members also compete independently.

  4. The state winning team is eligible to represent Florida in the National Junior Horticultural Association (NJHA) Conference and Contest. Eligibility is based on score received at the state contest and is awarded at the discretions of the state specialist. More information on NJHA can be found at: http://njha.org/

  5. Individual or team state winners are not eligible to compete in future state 4-H Horticulture ID/Judging events. However, Master Gardener state winners (teams or individuals) may compete year after year.

Identification

The identification section of the contest includes four groups of plants: fruits and nuts, vegetables, flowers and foliage plants and ornamental plants (woody plants, vines, groundcovers, and ornamental grasses). Each group contains 50 plants. Participants are responsible for knowing all 200 plants, although only 35 specimens from each group (140 total) will be included in the contest.

The Florida Plant Identification website contains descriptions and color images of all 200 plants, as well as "self-tests" for each group of plants: http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/mastergardener/outreach/plant_id/. Botanical terms are linked to an online glossary; the glossary is also available at the end of this document.

Specimens for identification may be the plant, plant parts, or plant products. There are no duplications on the contest. Four score sheets are used for the identification section—one for each group. Each score sheet lists the plants in that group (see score sheets below). In the blank provided on the score sheet, the contestant must write the appropriate specimen number for each plant. Each item counts five points for a total possible score of 700 on the identification section.

Judging

The judging section of the contest consists of eight classes of horticultural plants or produce:

  1. Two classes of fruits.

  2. Two classes of vegetables.

  3. Two classes of flowering plants and/or foliage plants.

  4. Two classes of ornamental plants (woody plants vines, groundcovers, and ornamental grasses).

Each class consists of four individual or grouped specimens, lettered ABCD from left to right. Mentally arrange the specimens in order of highest to lowest overall quality and mark them in the appropriate space on the judging score sheet in the column labeled "Placing."

Judging counts for 200 points (25 points for each of the eight classes). Correct selection of the best group or specimen within a class is worth 76 percent of the total score for that class regardless of how the other three groups are ranked. By correctly placing the best and worst groups (specimens) within a class, the contestant earns 88 percent of the possible points for that class; 100 percent is considered correct placing.

The final score is determined by dividing the sum total of percentages by four to obtain the total points. For example, if all eight classes are placed correctly, the scoring would be as follows:

100% x 8 = 800 ÷ 4 = 200 points scored.

See Table 5 for an example of a Judging Sheet/Score Card.

Judging Fruits and Vegetables

General guidelines are presented here to help you better recognize high-quality fruits and vegetables and rank each class accordingly.

Judging fruits and vegetables is simply a matter of making choices. Consumers buy fruits and vegetables at the market by selecting those most appealing to them on the basis of external quality and past experience. Visit produce markets or produce sections of grocery stores to examine fruits and vegetables. Try to identify the best-quality produce and determine why some produce is of inferior quality.

Notice the behavior of other shoppers. Almost everyone "selects" fruits and vegetables. They do not just take the first ones or closest ones. The key to success in this contest is learning, through experience, how to select the best produce.

Judging fruits and vegetables is based on common-sense factors. The following criteria should be used when evaluating the quality of produce:

  1. Specimens should be fresh and at the optimum stage of maturity for eating. Produce that is over-mature or immature is downgraded.

  2. Specimens should be clean and free from insects and diseases or any damage caused by such pests.

  3. Specimens should be free of bruises and blemishes. Although many surface blemishes do not affect eating quality, they do reduce eye appeal.

  4. Grouped specimens should be uniform in size, shape, color, and type. Each group within a class will have the same number of specimens.

When grading, first visualize the ideal specimen. Then consider all departures from this based on the above criteria and common sense. Factors that affect usefulness are downgraded more than other factors. For example, severely overripe bananas would be ranked below bananas with slight abnormalities in size or shape. The specimen(s) with the most defects and serious faults should receive the lowest rankings. It is usually best to first identify the worst group within a class, then pick the best of the remaining three groups. Finally, try to place the final two groups in rank order.

Judging Flowering and Foliage Plants

Potted flowering plants should be short, compact, well shaped, and have dark-green foliage with flower buds just beginning to show color or perhaps with a few buds open. Specimens with the most flower buds are normally more desirable.

Judging foliage plants is similar to judging potted plants, but much more attention should be given to the quality of the foliage. Criteria to consider include the size, color, and number of the leaves, as well as the size and shape of the plant, and whether it appears to be growing and healthy.

Note: 4-H teams that compete at the annual NJHA contest will also judge cut flowers. Information on the plant contest and judging criteria for cut flowers is available at: http://njha.org/contests-projects-activities/horticulture-identification-judging-contest/.

Judging Ornamental Plants (Woody Plants, Vines, Groundcovers, and Ornamental Grasses)

When judging woody plants, look for a healthy, vigorous plant that is well shaped, heavily branched, and densely foliated. Density and condition of the plant are more important qualities than the physical measurement or height. A shrub with a number of stocky, well shaped branches is of better quality than a shrub with long, thin branches.

Some factors that downgrade ornamental plants are the following:

  1. Excessive succulence or a lack of health and vigor.

  2. Canes or trunk(s) and branches:

  • Weak or poorly formed;

  • Excessive scarring or scars not healed properly;

  • Poor graft unions not healing properly;

  • Branches poorly distributed;

  • Dead wood.

3. Foliage:

  • Leaves of improper shape, size, texture and color;

  • Excessive chlorosis (yellowing) due to nutrient deficiency or other causes;

  • Excessive pest or mechanical injury;

  • Dead leaves.

4. Root system of container-grown stock:
  • Not well established in container;

  • Excessively root bound;

  • Large roots growing out of container;

  • Weeds in container.

5. Root system of balled and burlapped stock:
  • Loosely established in the ball;

  • Ball soft or loosely tied;

  • Ball too small or shallow;

  • Weeds growing around trunk.

Glossary of Botanical Terms

Alternate Leaf Arrangement: One leaf at a node. (See Figure 1)

Figure 1. Alternate leaf arrangement.
Figure 1.  Alternate leaf arrangement.

Annual: A plant that completes its life cycle in one season. In Florida annuals are typically referred to as warm-season or cool-season.

Apical: At the tip, as in the end of a shoot or root.

Basal: Leaves that grow at the base of the stem.

Berry Type Fruit: A simple, pulpy fruit, such as blueberry, grape or tomato. (See Figure 2)

Figure 2. Berry type fruit.
Figure 2.  Berry type fruit.

Biennial: A plant that completes its life cycle in two growing seasons.

Bipinnate: Twice pinnate, with leaflets arranged on each side of a common stalk. (See Figure 3)

Figure 3. Bipinnate
Figure 3.  Bipinnate

Bloom: A waxy, white covering on leaves or fruit; a name for the flowering part of a plant.

Bract: A more-or-less-modified leaf, situated near a flower. Ex: The brightly colored "petals" of a poinsettia are actually bracts.

Branchlets: Small branches growing from a larger branch.

Bud: Much-condensed, undeveloped shoot.

Bulb: A short, modified stem, the thickened leaves of which store reserved food. Amaryllis, onion, and garlic are examples of plants that grow from bulbs.

Bulbous: Like a bulb or producing a bulb.

Catkins: A dense spike or raceme without petals, having only male or female reproductive parts.

Columnar: Slender, upright form.

Compound Leaf: A leaf composed of two or more leaflets.

Coniferous: Cone-bearing.

Cordate Leaf Shape: Heart-shaped. (See Figure 4)

Figure 4. Cordate leaf shape.
Figure 4.  Cordate leaf shape.

Corm: A thickened, vertical, solid, underground stem. Gladiolus and caladium are examples of plants that grow from corms.

Cormels: Small corms that arise from a larger corm.

Corolla: Collective name for petals.

Corymb Flower Arrangement: An inflorescence consisting of a central rachis bearing a number of branched pedicels—the lower ones much longer than the upper—resulting in a flat or more or less round-topped cluster. (See Figure 5)

Figure 5. Corymb flower arrangement.
Figure 5.  Corymb flower arrangement.

Crenate Leaf Margin: Blunt, rounded teeth. (See Figure 6)

Figure 6. Crenate leaf margin.
Figure 6.  Crenate leaf margin.

Cyme Flower Arrangement: An inflorescence consisting of a central rachis bearing a number of pedicelled flowers. (See Figure 7)

Figure 7. Cyme flower arrangement.
Figure 7.  Cyme flower arrangement.

Deciduous: A plant that sheds its leaves during certain seasons of the year.

Dioecious: Male and female flowers are borne on different plants. Ex: hollies, wax myrtle.

Drupe Fruit Type: A fruit with four major parts—a thin skin, a fleshy body, a hard stone and an inner seed. Ex: Peach. (See Figure 8)

Figure 8. Drupe fruit type.
Figure 8.  Drupe fruit type.

Elliptic Leaf Shape: Broadest at the middle with the ends nearly equal. (See Figure 9)

Figure 9. Elliptic leaf shape.
Figure 9.  Elliptic leaf shape.

Entire Leaf Margin: Uncut, without indentations. (See Figure 10)

Figure 10. Entire leaf margin.
Figure 10.  Entire leaf margin.

Evergreen: Bearing leaves throughout the year.

Exfoliating: Peeling off in thin layers.

Floret: A small flower or an individual flower in a cluster.

Funnelform Corolla Type: Tube gradually expanding upward as a funnel. The limb may be flaring or somewhat at right angles to the flower axis. (See Figure 11)

Figure 11. Funnelform corolla type.
Figure 11.  Funnelform corolla type.

Glabrous: Smooth, no hairs present.

Globose or Globular: Rounded or like a sphere.

Gymnosperm: Cone-bearing plants, considered to be more primitive than flowering plants. Ex: Pine trees.

Herbaceous: A plant with no persistent woody stem above ground.

Husk: The hard or tough layer that covers some fruits and seeds.

Indehiscent: A fruit that does not open spontaneously to release seeds.

Inflorescence: The flowering part of a plant.

Internode: The part of the stem that is between two nodes.

Kernel: The inner and usually edible part of a seed, grain, or nut.

Lanceolate: Shaped as the head of a lance, broadened at the base and tapering toward the apex. (See Figure 12)

Figure 12. Lanceolate
Figure 12.  Lanceolate

Leaf Axil: The angle between the stem and the upper surface of an attached leaf.

Leaflet: One of the divisions of a compound leaf.

Lenticels: A group of raised, corky cells that form beneath the epidermis of a woody plant.

Linear: Long and narrow, the sides parallel or nearly so. (See Figure 13)

Figure 13. Linear.
Figure 13.  Linear.

Lobed Leaf Margin: Divided into lobes separated by narrow or acute indentations, which extend from one-third to one-half of the distance between margin and midrib. (See Figure 14)

Figure 14. Lobed leaf margin.
Figure 14.  Lobed leaf margin.

Margin: The outer edge of a leaf.

Midrib: The main or central vein of a leaf.

Monoecious: Male and female flowers are borne on the same plant.

Node: The place on the stem that normally bears a leaf.

Oblanceolate Leaf Shape: The broadest half above the middle and tapering toward the apex; the reverse of lanceolate. (See Figure 15)

Figure 15. Oblanceolate leaf shape.
Figure 15.  Oblanceolate leaf shape.

Oblate: Spherical, flattened on both ends.

Oblong: Longer than broad and with sides nearly parallel. (See Figure 16)

Figure 16. Oblong.
Figure 16.  Oblong.

Obovate: Inversely ovate, with the broadest half above the middle. (See Figure 17)

Figure 17. Obovate.
Figure 17.  Obovate.

Odd-Pinnately Compound: A compound leaf terminated by a leaflet. (See Figure 18)

Figure 18. Odd-pinnately compound.
Figure 18.  Odd-pinnately compound.

Opposite Leaf Arrangement: Two leaves at a node, one on the opposite side of the stem from the other. (See Figure 19)

Figure 19. Opposite leaf arrangement.
Figure 19.  Opposite leaf arrangement.

Oval Leaf Shape: Broadly elliptical, with the width usually greater than one half of the length. (See Figure 20)

Figure 20. Oval leaf shape.
Figure 20.  Oval leaf shape.

Ovary: Basal portion of the female flower that becomes a fruit.

Ovate Leaf Shape: Egg-shaped, with the broadest half below the middle. (See Figure 21)

Figure 21. Ovate leaf shape.
Figure 21.  Ovate leaf shape.

Ovoid: Shaped like an egg with the stem attachment at the broad end.

Palmate: A pattern where the leaves or leaf veins radiate from one point (as fingers radiate from the palm of a hand).

Panicle: A branched inflorescence where the bottom flowers open first.

Pedicel: The stalk of a single flower in an inflorescence.

Perennial: A plant that grows indefinitely.

Petal: One of the individual parts of the corolla.

Petiole: Stalk supporting the leaf.

Pinnate: A pattern where the leaves or leaf veins are arranged like a feather. In venation, major veins extend from the midrib to the margin (See Figure 20).

Pinnately compound: A compound leaf divided into leaflets arranged on opposite sides of the stem.

Pit: The stone of a fruit, such as in a plum or cherry.

Pith: Soft, spongy tissue in the center of the stem or roots.

Pods: Dry fruit that opens when mature.

Pome Fruit Type: A fleshy fruit having seed chambers and an outer fleshy part. Ex: apple and pear. (See Figure 22)

Figure 22. Pome fruit type.
Figure 22.  Pome fruit type.

Prickles: A small, spine-like growth.

Pubescent: Covered with short, soft hairs.

Pyramidal: Shaped like a pyramid, with a broad base and tapered point.

Raceme Flower Arrangement: An inflorescence consisting of a central stem bearing a number of pedicelled flowers with the pedicels of nearly equal length. (See Figure 23)

Figure 23. Raceme flower arrangement.
Figure 23.  Raceme flower arrangement.

Receptacle: The enlarged upper end of the stalk of a flowering plant, on which the flower parts are held.

Revolute Leaf Margin: Rolled backward, or underneath. (See Figure 24)

Figure 24. Revolute leaf margin.
Figure 24.  Revolute leaf margin.

Rhizome: Any prostrate, elongated stem growing partially or completely beneath the surface of the ground.

Rosette Leaf Arrangement: Arrangement of leaves radiating from a crown or center and usually growing close to the ground. (See Figure 25)

Figure 25. Rosette leaf arrangement.
Figure 25.  Rosette leaf arrangement.

Samara Fruit Type: Winged fruit; dry, indehiscent. (See Figure 26)

Figure 26. Samara fruit type.
Figure 26.  Samara fruit type.

Scale-Like Leaf Shape: Small, short, usually sharp-pointed, broadened at the base. (See Figure 27)

Figure 27. Scale-like shape.
Figure 27.  Scale-like shape.

Segments: In palms, leaf is deeply lobed, but not divided.

Sepal: Usually green in color and one of the parts of the outer whorl of a flower.

Serrate Leaf Margin: Sharp teeth pointing toward the apex. (See Figure 28)

Figure 28. Serrate leaf margin.
Figure 28.  Serrate leaf margin.

Simple Leaf: An undivided leaf; without leaflets. (See Figure 29)

Figure 29. Simple leaf.
Figure 29.  Simple leaf.

Solitary: Single, one flower.

Spadix: A flower spike, usually densely flowered with imperfect flowers, and with a thick and fleshy axis. (See Figure 30)

Figure 30. Spadix and spathe.
Figure 30.  Spadix and spathe.

Spathe: A large bract sheathing or enclosing a spadix. (See Figure 30)

Spike Flower Arrangement: An inflorescence consisting of a central rachis bearing a number of flowers directly attached to the flower stem (i.e., no pedicels). (See Figure 31)

Figure 31. Spike flower arrangement.
Figure 31.  Spike flower arrangement.

Spore: A small, reproductive structure capable of developing into a new organism. Ferns and fungi are examples of organisms that use spores to reproduce.

Spur: In fruit, a short shoot that bears the fruit; in flowers, a tubular projection of the corolla.

Stamen: The male, pollen-bearing organ of a flower, an organ consisting of a filament and anther. (See Figure 32)

Figure 32. Stamen.
Figure 32.  Stamen.

Stolon: Trailing stem above ground, rooting at the nodes.

Stone: The woody portion of the protective enclosure surrounding a seed.

Stone cell: Hard cells with thick walls that provide support to the plant and give the flesh a gritty texture.

Subopposite: Nearly alternate, but with close spacing.

Succulent: Fleshy and full of juice.

Suture: In fruit, the line where the dry fruit splits open.

Tendril: A modified leaf or stem, slender and coiling, used for grasping or attaching to a support.

Trifoliate: A compound leaf having three leaflets.

Tuber: A thickened, short, usually subterranean stem having numerous buds, called eyes. Ex: potato.

Tunicate: Having enwrapping coats or layers, like an onion.

Umbel Flower Arrangement: An inflorescence consisting of several pedicelled flowers with a common point of attachment. (See Figure 33)

Figure 33. Umbel flower arrangement.
Figure 33.  Umbel flower arrangement.

Undulate Leaf Margin: Wavy leaf edge (up and down in a vertical plane). (See Figure 34)

Figure 34. Undulate leaf margin.
Figure 34.  Undulate leaf margin.

Whorled Leaf Arrangement: Three or more leaves at a node. (See Figure 35)

Figure 35. Whorled leaf arrangement.
Figure 35.  Whorled leaf arrangement.

Tables

Table 1. 

Fruits and Nuts

Specimen #

Common Name

Botanical Name

 

Apple

Malus domestica

 

Apricot

Prunus armeniaca

 

Avocado

Persea americana

 

Banana

Musa spp.

 

Barbados Cherry

Malpighia glabra

 

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra

 

Blackberry

Rubus spp.

 

Blueberry

Vaccinium spp.

 

Carambola

Averrhoa carambola

 

Cashew

Anacardium occidentale

 

Cherry, Sour / Cherry, Sweet

Prunus spp.

 

Chestnut

Castanea mollissima

 

Chinese Jujube

Ziziphus jujube

 

Coconut

Cocos nucifera

 

Fig

Ficus carica

 

Grape, Bunch

Vitis vinifera

 

Grape, Muscadine

Vitis rotundifolia

 

Grapefruit

Citrus paradisi

 

Guava

Psidium guajava

 

Hickory Nut

Carya spp.

 

Key Lime and Tahiti Lime

Citrus aurantiifolia & Citrus latifolia

 

Kiwi Fruit

Actinidia deliciosa

 

Kumquat

Citrus japonica

 

Lemon

Citrus limon

 

Loquat

Eriobotrya japonica

 

Lychee

Litchi chinensis

 

Mamey Sapote

Pouteria sapota

 

Mango

Mangifera indica

 

Mayhaw

Crataegus spp.

 

Mulberry

Morus spp.

 

Nectarine

Prunus persica var. nucipersica

 

Olive

Olea europaea

 

Orange

Citrus sinensis

 

Papaya

Carica papaya

 

Passion Fruit

Passiflora edulis

 

Paw Paw

Asimina triloba

 

Peach

Prunus persica

 

Pear

Pyrus communis

 

Pecan

Carya illinoinensis

 

Persimmon, Japanese

Diospyros kaki

 

Persimmon, Native

Diospyros virginiana

 

Pineapple

Ananas comosus

 

Plum

Prunus spp.

 

Pomegranate

Punica granatum

 

Quince

Cydonia oblonga

 

Raspberry

Rubus spp.

 

Strawberry

Fragaria spp.

 

Sugar Apple

Annona squamosa

 

Tangelo

Citrus reticulata × Citrus paradisi

 

Tangerine

Citrus reticulata

Table 2. 

Vegetables

Specimen #

Common Name

Botanical Name

 

Artichoke, Globe

Cynara scolymus

 

Artichoke, Jerusalem

Helianthus tuberosus

 

Asparagus

Asparagus officinalis

 

Bean, Lima

Phaseolus lunatus

 

Bean, Snap

Phaseolus vulgaris

 

Beet

Beta vulgaris

 

Broccoli

Brassica oleracea var. italica

 

Brussels Sprouts

Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera

 

Cabbage

Brassica oleracea var. capitata

 

Cabbage, Chinese

Brassica campestris var. chinensis

 

Cantaloupe

Cucumis melo var. reticulatus

 

Carrot

Daucus carota

 

Cauliflower

Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

 

Celery

Apium graveolens

 

Chard, Swiss

Beta vulgaris var. cicla

 

Chayote

Sechium edule

 

Chives

Allium schoenoprasum

 

Collards

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

 

Cucumber

Cucumis sativus

 

Eggplant

Solanum melongena

 

Endive

Cichorium endivia

 

Escarole

Cichorium endivia

 

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

 

Garbanzo

Cicer arietinum

 

Garlic

Allium sativum

 

Kale

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

 

Kohlrabi

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes

 

Leek

Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum

 

Lettuce

Lactuca sativa

 

Malanga

Xanthosoma spp.

 

Mustard

Brassica juncea var. (many)

 

Okra

Abelmoschus esculentus

 

Onion

Allium cepa

 

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

 

Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa

 

Pea, English

Pisum sativum

 

Pea, Southern

Vigna unguiculata

 

Pepper

Capsicum annuum

 

Potato, Irish

Solanum tuberosum

 

Potato, Sweet

Ipomoea batatas

 

Radish

Raphanus sativus

 

Rutabaga

Brassica napus var. napobrassica

 

Sage

Salvia officinalis

 

Spinach

Spinacia oleracea

 

Squash, Butternut

Cucurbita moschata Duchesne

 

Squash, Zucchini

Cucurbita pepo

 

Sweet Corn

Zea mays var. saccharata

 

Tomato

Lycopersicon esculentum

 

Turnip

Brassica rapa var. rapa

 

Watermelon

Citrullus lanatus

Table 3. 

Flowering and Foliage Plants

Specimen #

Common Name

Botanical Name

 

African Violet

Saintpaulia spp.

 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera

 

Amaryllis

Hippeastrum spp.

 

Beach Sunflower

Helianthus debilis

 

Begonia

Begonia spp.

 

Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia reginae

 

Bird's Nest Fern

Asplenium nidus

 

Blanket Flower

Gaillardia spp.

 

Caladium

Caladium × spp.

 

Calathea, Prayer Plant

Calathea spp.

 

Canna

Canna × generalis

 

Celosia

Celosia spp.

 

Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema

Aglaonema commutatum

 

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum morifolium

 

Coleus

Plectranthus scutellarioides

 

Coreopsis, Tickseed

Coreopsis spp.

 

Daylily

Hemerocallis spp.

 

Dendrobium Orchids

Dendrobium spp.

 

Dianthus

Dianthus chinensis

 

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia spp.

 

Dracaena Marginata

Dracaena marginata

 

English Ivy

Hedera helix

 

False Heather, Mexican Heather

Cuphea hyssopifolia

 

Geranium

Pelargonium × hortorum

 

Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera jamesonii

 

Globe Amaranth

Gomphrena globosa

 

Heart-Leaf Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum

 

Holly Fern

Cyrtomium falcatum

 

Impatiens

Impatiens spp.

 

Jade Plant

Crassula ovata

 

Lily of the Nile

Agapanthus praecox

 

Marigold

Tagetes spp.

 

Moth Orchid

Phalaenopsis spp.

 

Neanthe Bella Palm, Parlor Palm

Chamaedorea elegans

 

Peace Lily, Spathiphyllum

Spathiphyllum spp.

 

Pentas

Pentas lanceolata

 

Peperomia

Peperomia spp.

 

Periwinkle, Vinca

Catharanthus roseus

 

Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

 

Salvia

Salvia spp.

 

Sansevieria

Sansevieria spp.

 

Spider Plant

Chlorophytum comosum

 

Ti Plant/Cordyline

Cordyline fruticosa

 

Torenia, Wishbone Flower

Torenia fournieri

 

Verbena

Verbena hybrida

 

Wax Plant

Hoya carnosa

 

Weeping Fig

Ficus benjamina

 

ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

 

Zebra Plant

Aphelandra squarrosa

 

Zinnia

Zinnia elegans

Table 4. 

Ornamentals (Woody Plants, Vines, Groundcovers, and Ornamental Grasses)

Specimen #

Common Name

Botanical Name

 

Allamanda

Allamanda schottii

 

American Holly

Ilex opaca

 

Anise

Illicium parviflorum

 

Azalea

Rhododendron spp.

 

Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum

 

Beautyberry

Callicarpa americana

 

Black Olive

Bucida buceras

 

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea spp.

 

Burford Holly

Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii'

 

Cabbage Palm

Sabal palmetto

 

Camellia

Camellia spp.

 

Carissa, Natal Plum

Carissa macrocarpa

 

Cherokee Bean

Erythrina herbacea

 

Chinese Elm

Ulmus parvifolia

 

Chinese Fringe Bush

Loropetalum chinense

 

Coontie

Zamia floridana

 

Coral Honeysuckle

Lonicera sempervirens

 

Crapemyrtle

Lagerstroemia indica

 

Croton

Codiaeum variegatum

 

Dogwood

Cornus florida

 

Feijoa, Pineapple Guava

Acca sellowiana

 

Glossy Abelia

Abelia × grandiflora

 

Hibiscus

Hibiscus rosa – sinensis

 

Indian Hawthorn

Rhaphiolepis indica

 

Ixora

Ixora coccinea

 

Ligustrum, Japanese Privet

Ligustrum japonicum

 

Liriope, Border Grass

Liriope muscari

 

Live Oak

Quercus virginiana

 

Mondo Grass, Monkey Grass

Ophiopogon japonicus

 

Muhly Grass

Muhlenbergia capillaris

 

Needle Palm

Rhapidophyllym hystrix

 

Pindo Palm

Butia capitata

 

Pine

Pinus spp.

 

Pittosporum

Pittosporum tobira

 

Podocarpus

Podocarpus macrophyllus

 

Red Maple

Acer rubrum

 

Redbud

Cercis canadensis

 

River Birch

Betula nigra

 

Royal Poinciana

Delonix regia

 

Sago Palm

Cycas revoluta

 

Sea Grape

Coccoloba uvifera

 

Shore Juniper

Juniperus conferta

 

Shumard Oak

Quercus shumardii

 

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora

 

Southern Red Cedar

Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola

 

Sweet Gum

Liquidambar styraciflua

 

Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

 

Thryallis

Galphimia glauca

 

Wax Myrtle

Myrica cerifera

 

Yaupon Holly

Ilex vomitoria

Table 5. 

Judging Sheet

JUDGING: Eight classes of horticultural plants or produce will be judged as follows:

A. Two classes of flowering and/or foliage plants.

B. Two classes of fruits and nuts.

C. Two classes of ornamentals.

D. Two classes of vegetables.

DIRECTIONS: There are 8 classes with 4 specimens in each class. The specimens are lettered A through D from left to right. When you have decided on the placing of a particular class, mark that placing opposite the appropriate class under the heading "Placing". Examples might be: CBDA, ADCB, BACD, etc. Be sure to judge all 8 classes.

CLASS

PRODUCT

PLACING

SCORE

CLASS 1

   

CLASS 2

   

CLASS 3

   

CLASS 4

   

CLASS 5

   

CLASS 6

   

CLASS 7

   

CLASS 8

   

Total Score ______________÷ 4 = _______________

 

Publication #4HPSJ20

Release Date:April 25, 2019

Reviewed At:July 19, 2022

Related Experts

Williamson, Jeffrey G.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Wichman, Tom

staff

University of Florida

Park Brown, Sydney G

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

  • Critical Issue: Youth
Fact Sheet

About this Publication

This document is 4HPSJ20, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date March 1992. Revised March 2016. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Sydney Park Brown, retired associate professor emeritus; Jeffrey G. Williamson, professor, Horticultural Sciences Department; and Tom Wichman, former Extension agent II, Environmental Horticulture Department; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Contacts

  • Jeffrey Williamson
  • Wendy Wilber