It has long been recognized that the forest canopy has a complex structure that is significant for environmental interactions, regeneration, growth, and biotic habitat. Not only is the structure variously complex, but also there are many ways to conceptualize that complexity. Yet the persistent theme when considering the structure of canopies continues to be that of stratification: whether structural units are arranged in layers above the ground. We examined the use of the terms "stratification," "layering," and others in connection with canopy structure and found they had various meanings (often only implied) that were difficult to reconcile and to measure. We applied the definitions to the structure of a single, well-studied canopy located in Virginia, U.S.A., and found they failed to define consistently and clearly the presence, number, or location of strata. Additionally, we found the concept had limitations related to scale dependence, point of reference, and spatial averaging. Thus, asserting that a forest is stratified or naming the number of layers generally provided no guide to its structure. We propose alternative ways of conceptualizing and studying the forest canopy that avoid most of the problems associated with stratification. Among these are direct measurement and mapping of structural and environmental variables that have clear potential connections with canopy functions and viewing the distribution of structures or environmental conditions within the canopy as ecological gradients.