Certified Arborist Practice Exam

What do terms like upright, pyramidal, and weeping describe in plants?

1. Growth habits

2. Bark texture, flowers, fruit, smell, color

3. Upright, pyramidal, and weeping

4. Overall physical health

The correct answer is: Growth habits

The terms upright, pyramidal, and weeping are used to describe the growth habits of plants. These descriptions refer to the overall form and architecture of the plant as it grows. For example, an upright growth habit indicates that the plant tends to grow vertically, which is common in many trees and shrubs. A pyramidal growth habit refers to a shape that is broad at the base and tapers to a point, resembling a pyramid, often seen in coniferous trees. Weeping describes a style where the branches droop downward, creating a cascading appearance, commonly observed in certain tree species like the weeping willow. Recognizing these terms as growth habits helps arborists and horticulturists make informed decisions about which plants to choose for specific landscapes based on their intended aesthetic and functional purposes. They are not indicative of bark texture, flowers, or overall physical health, which pertain to different aspects of plant characteristics.