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

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

3. Leaf Type
Simple Leaf Compound Leaves

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

6. 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

7. Alternate or Opposite?

8. Alternate or Opposite?

9. Alternate or Opposite?

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

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

12. Maples and Ashes

13. Ash Leaf Scars
Green Ash White Ash

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

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

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

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

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