Using as many characteristics as we can find, in conjunction with a good tree ID key like Purdue Extension’s An Introduction to Trees of Indiana, can assist homeowners to youth with the identification of our native trees. The leaf is unique in shape with 4 to 6 lobes and a broad V-shaped notch at the top. The twigs are smooth shiny brown and the buds look like a duck’s bill with two large scales. Observing the twigs, we see the leaves are alternating. Let’s take a look at our state tree, the tuliptree. When observing leaves from trees you wish to identify, work through each couplet, working towards a final identification.
The acorns of oaks and the nuts of hickories in particular are very helpful for identification. The tree identification key is designed to guide you through leaf characteristic patterns that are found among several common tree species in North Carolina. Unfortunately, this may not be available much of the year. One of the best characteristics for tree identification is the fruit produced. Devils walking stick, Kentucky coffee tree and sometimes honey locust have doubly-compound leaves.
Tree identification in winter is still possible for deciduous trees by using key characteristics such as tree shape, tree branches, buds, thorns, catkins, bark and old fruit and leaves. We have very few trees that have doubly-compound leaves, meaning there are two sets of leaf stems with leaflets arranged on the secondary stems. In winter you can still identify evergreen conifers using the Conifer Leaf Key and Conifer Cone Key. Some tree groups have examples of each – most maples have simple leaves, but box-elder has compound leaves. Some groups with compound leaves include hickories, walnuts, ash, buckeyes and sumac. This intricate veining adds to the elegance of the leaves and can aid in identification. Veins branch out from the midrib in a graceful, arching pattern. See the Leaf Characteristics Page for comprehensive information on how to identify native tree species by leaf/leaflet features.Several tree groups with simple leaves include oaks, cherries, elms, birches and basswoods. One distinct feature to look for in evergreen magnolia leaves is the presence of a prominent midrib, which runs down the center of the leaf. Select Page links to view the relevant web page and locate tree identification images and description listed under the common name in alphabetical order.
Select thumbnails to view full size images (opens new browser window). If your lamina (leaf blade) measurements fall into the border regions of major leaf length categories, check listings in both relevant groups. For this reason, the leaf length measurements employed in this tree identification key are Īverage dimensions of larger leaves/leaflets of mature trees or shrubs, which have been measured excluding the stalk. This is especially true for compound leaf forms where leaflet size variations are common. Common leaf identification shapes include ovate (egg shaped), lanceolate (long and narrow), deltoid (triangular), obicular (round) and cordate (heart shaped). Walnut trees are in the plant genus Juglans. The shape of a leaf can also give clues when identifying broadleaf tree species. (10 40 m) tall, with a massive spread up to 50 ft. Walnut trees grow to between 33 and 131 ft. The Simple Leaf Guide will help you learn leaf vocabulary necessary to use the key. Use a Dichotomous Key to identify more than 30 deciduous trees. Unfortunately, these buds are often tiny and harder to see without a scope. Deciduous Tree Identification - Using a Dichotomous Key. A bud is always at the bottom of a leaf, but not at the bottom of leaflets. Most walnut trees have dark, ridged bark, pinnate feather-like leaves, and globular drupes that contain a nut. A compound leaf is made up of many leaflets (Figure 1). Identifying trees and shrubs by length of the leaf blade (lamina) has its limitations, as leaves of some species vary considerably in size. Walnut trees are large deciduous trees with a rounded canopy of green, lush foliage. Key Information: The basic categories, under which trees and shrubs are listed, employ leaf or leaflet length as the primary attribute, followed by differentiation of simple or compound leaf forms, type of leaf/leaflet margins (edges), and other distinguishing features. This identification key refers to 450 native trees & shrubs listed on the Trees of Australia's East Coast Web Pages. < Expand Menu to access our Tree Identification Pages Pictorial Identification Key: Native Trees of Australia's East Coast