Basic Tree Identification Presented by Virginia Department of Forestry

Basic Tree Identification Presented by Virginia Department of Forestry

What is a tree? Woody plant Usually one main stem Exceeds 15 feet in height and 3 inches in diameter at maturity

Tree Identification Features Leaves Bark Twigs Reproductive Overall Form Growing Site Parts

Leaf Characteristics Deciduous or evergreen? Arrangement on stem Simple or compound? Pinnate or palmate leaflets or veins Margins Base and tip features Special characteristics (smell, texture, stipules, glands, etc.)

Leaf Parts Veins (pinnate) Blade Petiole Edge/Margin

Leaf Arrangement Alternate Opposite

Simple vs. Compound Simple – leaf has one part Compound – one leaf has multiple parts (leaflets)

Venation Pinnate – 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

Lobes Lobe Sinus

Edges or Margins Serrated Entire Doubly Serrated

Needles

What characteristics do you see?

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Bark Characteristics Terminology Descriptive is somewhat subjective. terms may include smooth, scaly, ridged, furrowed, fissured, platy, blocky, netted, and more!

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Characteristics?

Twig Characteristics Leaf scar, w/ bundle scars Lenticels (the tiny dots) Pith Terminal bud Lateral bud

Tools to Aid in Identification Your senses – sight, touch, smell Dichotomous keys and field guides Hand lens – because details matter! Optional – sharp knife or clippers

Practice Practice Practice!