Which of the following is required for identifying nursery stock?

The identification of nursery stock is crucial for ensuring the correct species or variety of plants are selected and planted. The most comprehensive and reliable method for identifying plants involves using their scientific classification, which includes the genus and species names, and, when applicable, the cultivar. This systematic approach allows for precise communication among horticulturists, landscapers, and arborists, reducing the ambiguity that might arise from common names, which can vary by region and language.

Genus and species names provide a universal language for plant identification, thus ensuring that everyone is referring to the same organism. Adding the cultivar designation further narrows down the selection to a specific cultivated variety that may have unique traits, such as flower color, growth habit, or disease resistance. This level of detail is essential for professional standards in the nursery trade and for the successful establishment and care of plants in landscapes.

Other options offered do not provide the necessary specificity or reliability for proper identification. Common names can be misleading, as the same name may refer to different plants in different areas. Buyer’s choice lacks the rigor needed for accurate identification, and size and weight do not provide a clear method for distinguishing between species or cultivars. Therefore, having the genus, species, and cultivar details is indeed the standard