How to Identify Trees in the Field Introduction To Tree Identification How to Identify Trees in the Field

Different Characteristics of Trees Leaf Shape and Margin Leaf Position Bark Characteristics Twig Properties Fruiting Bodies Types of Buds Tree Shape Growth Pattern

Leaf Type Simple Leaf Compound Leaves

Some examples include: Leaf Shapes Some examples include: Deltoid Lance-shaped Heart-shaped

Leaf Position Opposite – Leaves and twigs grow directly apart from each other on branches Alternate – Leaves and twigs grow on branch in an alternating manner

Alternate or Opposite?

Alternate or Opposite?

Alternate or Opposite?

Opposite Trees of Michigan Only four major native trees in Southern Michigan that are opposite MAD Horse Maples Ashes Dogwoods Horse Chestnut

And two minor opposite species Ohio Buckeye Northern Catalpa Eye C or I see or BuckCat

Maples and Ashes

Ash Leaf Scars Green Ash White Ash

Alternate Broad-leafed Trees Native to Southern Michigan: Everything Left Aspen Oak Hickory Elm Willow Etc........

Conifers aka Evergreens “All pines are conifers, but not all conifers are pines”

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

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

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