Confusing structures

Stems may also be modified for protection and are often referred to as thorns (as in hawthorn). The sharp structures on roses are neither stem nor leaf and are sometimes called "prickles". Stems can also form tendrils as with grapevine and Virginia creeper. Stems may even be modified to look like leaves. The feathery "leaves of asparagus are really stems. Stem structures can be recognized by the way that they grow out just above the point of attachment of a leaf (which may be a leaf scar) on the stem.