Tree Identification

What is a tree?

Woody plant Usually one main stem Exceeds 15 feet in height and 3 inches in diameter at maturity.

Tree GrowthGrowth occurs only from meristem tissue (cambium, stem and root tips).Early (spring) wood is light and softer.Late (summer) wood is dark and denser.1 light + 1 dark ring = 1 year’s growth

Tree Trunk Anatomy

Bark

Phloem

Vascular cambium

Sapwood (newer xylem)

Pith

Heartwood (older xylem)

* Diagram not to scale

Angiosperm or Gymnosperm?

Gymnosperms are a taxonomic class that includes plants whose seeds are not enclosed in an ovule (like a pine cone).Gymnosperm means "naked seed". This group is often referred to as softwoods. Gymnosperms usually have needles that stay green throughout the year. – pines, cedars, spruces and firs.

Some gymnosperms do drop their leaves– ginkgo, dawn redwood, and bald cypress, to name

a few.

AngiospermAngiosperms are a taxonomic class of plants in which the mature seed is surrounded by the ovule (think of an apple).Often referred to as hardwoods.Angiosperms have broad leaves that usuallychange color and die every autumn. – Oaks, maples and dogwoods are examples of

deciduous trees.Some angiosperms hold their leaves– rhododendron, live oak, and sweetbay magnolia.

Tree Identification Features

LeavesBarkTwigsReproductive PartsOverall Form Growing Site

Leaf CharacteristicsAngiosperm or Gymnosperm?Arrangement on stemSimple or compound?Pinnate or palmate leaflets or veinsMarginsBase and tip featuresSpecial characteristics (smell, texture, stipules, glands, etc.)

Leaf Parts

Petiole

BladeVeins (pinnate)

Edge/Margin

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Alternate

VenationPinnate – One main vein starting at the petiole, with smaller ones branching off.

Palmate – Several main veins starting at the petiole, with smaller ones branching off.

Simple vs. Compound

Simple – leaf has one part

Compound – one leaf hasmultiple parts (leaflets)

Pinnate

Compound Leaves

Bipinnate

Palmate

Compound Leaves

Pinnately compound

Palmately compound

Bipinnately compound

Leaf Margins

What Type of Margin?

Serrated (toothed)

Entire

Doubly Serrated

Lobes

LobeSinus

Leaf Bases

acute rounded cordate

oblique auriculate

Leaf Tips

acuminate acute obtuse

obcordate cuspidate

Needles

Needles cont.

Flattened scale-like

Rounded scale-like

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Bark Characteristics

Terminology is somewhat subjective.

Descriptive terms may include: smooth, scaly, ridged, furrowed, fissured, platy, blocky, netted, and more!

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Twig Characteristics

Lateral bud

Lenticels (the tiny dots)

PithTerminal bud

Leaf scar, w/ bundle scars

Twigs

Flowers

Fruits

Tree Form• Pyramidal

• Oval

• Palm

• Irregular

• Columnar

• Round

• Vase

• Multi-trunk

Growing Sites

Bottomland hardwoods

Upland hardwoodsSwamps Pine savannahs

Moist Dry

Tools to Aid in Identification

Your senses – sight, touch, smellDichotomous keys and field guidesHand lens – details matter! Optional: sharp knife or pruners

And…Practice, practice, practice!