Tree Identification Identification.pdfTree Identification What is a tree? Woody plant Usually one...
Transcript of Tree Identification Identification.pdfTree Identification What is a tree? Woody plant Usually one...
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!