About Forbs

Forbs are herbaceous flowering plants that are not graminoids (grasses, sedges, or rushes). Several names are used to describe forbs: broad-leafed [-leaved] plants, wildflowers, or “weeds.”  Forbs can be annual, biennial, or perennial. They come in a wide array of growth and flowering characteristics. Taxonomic families of forbs are also extensive, with approximately 100 families (with over 500 genera) in Alberta alone. These herbaceous plants can be found in all manner of habitats and plant communities. However, they are rarely a dominant species in a plant community, unlike with woody plants and graminoids. Exceptions are when they when climatic or human disturbance events allow a species to become an invasive noxious weed.

​See below for illustrations of the different types of leaves, leaf arrangements, flowers, flower arrangements, and seeds within the forb guild. 

Forbs From a Rangeland Perspective

Even though forbs are the most famous of all types of plants in Kingdom Plantae, they are considered “inferior” because they do not produce as much edible forage material for livestock and wildlife as graminoids do. Many forbs can be called “weeds” because they will invade where bare soil or overgrazing occurs. Often they are indicators of deteriorating range conditions. 

A number of species of forbs are poisonous to animals. However, most animals typically avoid eating these plants under normal conditions. Most of these plants taste bad (unpalatable), with the exception of larkspur. Plants only become toxic if there is nothing else for animals to eat and if there is a high quantity available. Such a scenario is sure to cause animals to become ill or die. 

Legumes (Family Fabaceae) are of importance from a rangeland use perspective. They provide considerable amounts of nutritious forage for livestock and wildlife. They also are able to form mutually beneficial relationships with rhizobacteria in their roots to fix nitrogen. Other legume species are poisonous and may be considered undesirable.

Morphological characteristics of forbs

Parts of a Simple Flower (One-Flowered Wintergreen)

Characteristics of Composite Flowers & Fruit

* Note: Species that have the asterisk (*) next to the name on the photos above indicate that the author is in the process of providing identification details and more information about that particular species.

Please note that ALL PAGES are currently under construction, with new photos (and captions) being added to. Check back regularly to see what’s new!