Tree Identification Guide

There are different ways to identify a tree -- by bark, fruit, and leaves. Identification by bark and fruit can be a little tricky, since it's difficult to pinpoint a tree by its bark, and presence of fruits is not always certain. Thus, for a layman, identifying a tree by studying its leaves proves to be easier.

Trees can be broadly classified as deciduous trees and coniferous trees. The easiest way to identify whether a tree is deciduous or coniferous is on the basis of its leaves. Leaves of a deciduous tree are broad, whereas that of a coniferous tree are extremely narrow and, at times, overlapping. After you have confirmed which tree you are looking at, the following steps will help you identify its common name.

Identifying Deciduous TreesIdentifying Coniferous Trees
Deciduous Trees
Before we begin the actual identification of deciduous trees, there are some key points to be kept in mind, as these form the basis of your identification guide. When you are observing a tree, first notice its branching style -- whether it is opposite or alternate (as shown in the figure). The next step is to determine whether the leaves are simple or compound (see figure). This is followed by the different types of edges of the leaves.

Once you are ready with these three points, you can proceed to narrow down the type of deciduous tree you are looking at.

Branching - Opposite or Alternate



Leaves - Simple or Compound




Simple Leaf


Compound Leaf
Simple Leaves -- The leaves which have a single leaf blade and are not divided into leaflets are called simple leaves.

Compound Leaves -- The leaves which have two or more leaflets having a common stalk or branch are called compound leaves.

Leaf Edges - Smooth, Lobed, or Toothed



Smooth


Lobed


Doubly-toothed


Singly-toothedBack
If branches are opposite and leaves are compound



Boxelder (3-5 leaflets)


Ashes (7-14 leaflets)
If branches are opposite and leaves are simple



MaplesBack If branches are alternate and leaves are compound
when leaves are singly compound




Walnutwhen doubly & singly compound




Honey Locust
If branches are alternate and leaves are simple
If the leaves are lobed




Oaks If the leaves are unlobed and doubly-toothed

... with an uneven leaf base




Elms... with an even leaf base




BirchesBack If the leaves are unlobed and smooth or singly-toothed

... with an uneven leaf base




Basswood


Hackberry... with an even leaf base



Cherry


Poplar


Willows


Aspens
BackConiferous Trees
Compared to deciduous trees, identification of coniferous trees is simpler. Again, begin with the type of leaf you are looking at -- needle-shaped or cone-shaped, and then proceed to the next step.

Leaves - Scales or needles



Scale-shaped


Needle-shaped
If the leaves are scale-shaped



Cedar
If the leaves are needle-shaped
... with a bunch of 2 to 5 needles




Pine... with a bundle of > 12 needles




Larch... with flat needles




Fir (single leaves)... with 4-sided needles




Spruce (single leaves)
Needless to say, tree identification, especially in a forest area, requires a lot of patience and an eye for detail. This, of course, does not make it any less of an interesting experience for nature lovers!