Tree IdentificationTree Identification

Introduction ToIntroduction To

How to Identify Trees in the Field

Different Characteristics of TreesDifferent Characteristics of Trees

Leaf Shape and MarginLeaf Shape and Margin Leaf PositionLeaf Position Bark CharacteristicsBark Characteristics Twig PropertiesTwig Properties Fruiting BodiesFruiting Bodies Types of BudsTypes of Buds Tree ShapeTree Shape Growth PatternGrowth Pattern

Leaf TypeLeaf Type

Simple LeafSimple Leaf Compound Leaves Compound Leaves

Leaf ShapesLeaf Shapes

Some examples include:Some examples include:

DeltoidDeltoid Lance-shaped Lance-shaped Heart-shaped Heart-shaped

Leaf PositionLeaf Position OppositeOpposite – Leaves and twigs grow directly apart – Leaves and twigs grow directly apart

from each other on branchesfrom each other on branches AlternateAlternate – Leaves and twigs grow on branch in an – Leaves and twigs grow on branch in an

alternating manneralternating manner

Alternate or Opposite?Alternate or Opposite?

Alternate or Opposite?Alternate or Opposite?

Alternate or Opposite?Alternate or Opposite?

Opposite Trees of MichiganOpposite Trees of Michigan

Only four major native trees in Southern MichiganOnly four major native trees in Southern Michigan

that are oppositethat are opposite

MAD HorseMAD Horse MaplesMaples AshesAshes DogwoodsDogwoods Horse ChestnutHorse Chestnut

And two minor opposite speciesAnd two minor opposite species

Ohio BuckeyeOhio Buckeye Northern CatalpaNorthern Catalpa

Eye CEye C or or I see I see or or BuckCatBuckCat

Maples and AshesMaples and Ashes

Ash Leaf ScarsAsh Leaf Scars Green Ash White Ash

Alternate Broad-leafed TreesAlternate Broad-leafed TreesNative to Southern Michigan:Native to Southern Michigan:

Everything LeftEverything Left AspenAspen

OakOak HickoryHickory

ElmElm WillowWillow Etc........Etc........

Conifers aka EvergreensConifers aka Evergreens

““All pines are conifers, but not all conifers are pines”All pines are conifers, but not all conifers are pines”

PinesPines Largest genus of trees in the cone-bearing familyLargest genus of trees in the cone-bearing family All pines contain needles in clusters of 2 to 5All pines contain needles in clusters of 2 to 5

SpruceSpruce

Spruces have tall gradually tapering trunksSpruces have tall gradually tapering trunks Four sides, sharp individual needlesFour sides, sharp individual needles Form compact pyramidal or conical crownsForm compact pyramidal or conical crowns

FirsFirs Firs also have generally tapering trunksFirs also have generally tapering trunks Needles are flattened, soft, and flexibleNeedles are flattened, soft, and flexible Often “crowd” towards top of branchOften “crowd” towards top of branch