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Intro To Tree Identification

This document provides an introduction to identifying trees through their various characteristics such as leaf shape, bark, buds, and growth patterns. It outlines some common leaf shapes and whether trees have simple or compound leaves. It also distinguishes between alternate and opposite leaf positioning on branches. Specific trees that have opposite leaves in Michigan are identified. Conifer trees like pines, spruces, and firs are also discussed with details on their needle and branch characteristics. The goal is to educate on the key attributes used to identify tree types.

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A Singh
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334 views

Intro To Tree Identification

This document provides an introduction to identifying trees through their various characteristics such as leaf shape, bark, buds, and growth patterns. It outlines some common leaf shapes and whether trees have simple or compound leaves. It also distinguishes between alternate and opposite leaf positioning on branches. Specific trees that have opposite leaves in Michigan are identified. Conifer trees like pines, spruces, and firs are also discussed with details on their needle and branch characteristics. The goal is to educate on the key attributes used to identify tree types.

Uploaded by

A Singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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

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

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