Plants are more than just beautiful backdrops—they’re vital to our environment. Understanding their names, life cycles, and ecological roles helps us better appreciate and protect the world around us. That’s why the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has launched the Texas Triple-P: Plant Phenology Project, an online, self-paced course that teaches the foundational skills needed to identify Texas plants and understand how they grow and change with the seasons.
About the Course: The Basics of Plant Identification, Phenology, & Value
Whether you’re a teacher, landowner, nature lover, or landscaping professional, this plant identification course offers valuable insights into the world of Texas flora. Backed by experts, it supports the mission of Texas Triple-P: building a knowledgeable and passionate community of Texans who care about plants and the environment.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this 1.5-hour plant identification course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify 13 key Texas plant species featured on the Texas Master Plant List used in the Texas 4-H Range and Pasture Plant Contest
- Recognize the phenological stages of plant life (how plants change throughout the seasons)
- Understand the ecological value of plants to both wildlife and livestock
- Distinguish important plant species from lookalikes by examining defining features
This course features species from the Asteraceae family, including native favorites like Engelmann daisy, Maximilian sunflower, and upright prairie coneflower.
Course Format & Requirements
- Length: Approximately 1.5 hours
- Pace: Complete at your own speed—your progress is saved automatically in AgriLife Learn
- Cost: $25
- Certification: Score 100% on all module quizzes to unlock your certificate of completion
- Bonus: Educators can earn 1.5 continuing education credits from the Texas Education Agency
Ready to deepen your knowledge of Texas plants with this plant identification course?
Enroll today and take the next step in your plant identification journey!
