Rosaceae, Liliaceae, Violaceae, Ericaceae... Learning to recognize and identify New England’s wild plants can be made easier by understanding that each species is a member of a specific plant family.  In this introductory course, we study characteristics that are diagnostic within common plant families.  We look at several families of woody and herbaceous plants, and then observe their similarities and differences as they get divided among genera and species.  Students learn basic formulas for family identification and be able to apply these to other families encountered.  Handouts will be provided before class begins so novices can become familiar with basic botanical terminology included in Newcombs Field Guide to Wildflowers which will help you enjoy looking at plant structure. Bring a hand lens to class.