Woody Plants of Utah

Name: Woody Plants of Utah
Author: Utah State University

Utah State University

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Published in academic literature

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App Summary

The Woody Plants of Utah app is a digital field guide designed for students, land managers, and nature enthusiasts to identify over 240 native and naturalized woody plant species in the Intermountain West. Based on a comprehensive botanical text, the associated research highlights the app's use of a systematic identification key with detailed descriptions, ecological information, and high-resolution photos to distinguish species by observable characteristics. The authors conclude that by modernizing a traditional reference into a portable, offline-capable format, the app supports improved environmental literacy and informed resource management in the region.

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Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism Developed by Utah State University Extension, this application facilitates the field identification of over 240 woody plant species. The system utilizes an interactive key, prompting for input on observable characteristics such as leaf arrangement and fruit type to systematically narrow search results. Each species entry contains detailed botanical descriptions, high-resolution imagery, and ecological context. A comparison module permits side-by-side analysis of similar species to distinguish morphological differences. The platform operates entirely offline for use in remote locations.

Evidence & Research Context

The application is a digital adaptation of the comprehensive botanical text "Woody Plants of Utah" by Michael Kuhns, digitizing established dendrological data.
An associated publication details the app's design as an interactive platform for systematic species identification based on observable morphological characteristics.
The authors describe the tool's purpose as supporting improved environmental literacy and informed resource management throughout the Intermountain West region.
Its offline functionality and species comparison module are specified as features to enhance its utility for field-based education and research activities.

Intended Use & Scope This application is intended as a field reference tool for educators, students, land management professionals, and the public. Its primary utility is species identification and botanical education. The tool does not provide land management recommendations or information on plant edibility or toxicity. Definitive species confirmation for research purposes may require expert botanical consultation.

Studies & Publications

1 publication

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Development/Design Paper

Woody Plants of Utah : A Field Guide with Identification Keys to Native and Naturalized Trees, Shrubs, Cacti, and Vines

Van Buren et al. (2011) · University Press of Colorado

Describes the research-driven development of this app

The Woody Plants of Utah mobile application, developed by the Utah State University Extension in collaboration with the university's Department of Wildland Resources, serves as a digital field guide designed to aid in the identification of over 240 native and introduced woody plants found in the Intermountain West. Based on the comprehensive botanical text by Michael Kuhns, the application provides an interactive platform for students, land managers, and nature enthusiasts to navigate the state's diverse dendrological landscape. The app utilizes a systematic, user-friendly identification key that allows users to narrow down species based on observable characteristics such as leaf arrangement, fruit type, and bark texture. Each species entry in the application includes high-resolution photographs, detailed botanical descriptions, and information regarding the plant's ecological role and typical habitat. To enhance its utility for field research and education, the app features a "Comparison" tool that allows users to view similar species side-by-side to distinguish subtle morphological differences. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the platform operates entirely offline, ensuring that critical identification resources remain accessible in remote wilderness areas where cellular connectivity is unavailable. By modernizing traditional botanical references into a portable and searchable format, the Woody Plants of Utah app supports improved environmental literacy and informed resource management throughout the region.

In the Media

"Woody Plants of Utah : A Field Guide with Identification Keys to Nativ" by Leila M. Shultz, Renee Van Buren et al.

Leila M. Shultz, Renee Van Buren, Janet G. Cooper, and Kimball T. Harper published "Woody Plants of Utah: A Field Guide with Identification Keys to Native" species through Utah State University Press in 2011. The comprehensive 528-page guide includes a vast range of species and plant identification resources for Utah's woody vegetation. The book serves as an authoritative reference for identifying native woody plants throughout the state.

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