Plants Poisonous to Livestock

Glossary

Alternate (leaf arrangement):

One leaf attached at each stem node.

Annual:

A plant that completes its life cycle in one year or less, and reproduces only by seed.

Biennial:

A plant that completes its life cycle in two years, and reproduces only be seed.

Compound (leaf type):

A leaf divided into two or more distinct leaflets.

Cotyledons:

Seed leaves; the first leaflike structures appearing above the ground in broadleaf plants.

Opposite (leaf arrangement):

Leaves attached in pairs at each stem node.

Perennial:

A plant that may live for more than two years, and reproduces by seeds, rhizomes or other underground plant parts.

Photosensitization:

An increase in sensitivity to sunlight, resulting in sunburned skin when exposed to ultraviolet light.

Rhizome:

An underground stem; found on perennial plants.

Rosette:

A basal cluster of leaves, like a dandelion. The first year's growth of biennial plants.

Stocking Up:

Swelling of any of the lower legs because of interference with circulation or bruising of the tissues.

Whorled (leaf arrangement):

A leaf arrangement in which three or more leaves are attached at each stem node.

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