Tree Identification

Identifying deciduous trees!

How often can one stand in front of a particular tree and know only too happily which tree it probably is? One does not always get lucky enough to see a typical tree blossom or fruit. The following indicators can aid in identifying a tree in a good classification (guide) book or by using the tree-identification-app by tree-guide.com.
Deciduous trees are often called leaf trees, broad-leaved trees or foliage trees.

Leaf

The most widely used method for determining the identity of a tree is the leaf - particularly the shape of the leaf . There are leaves which consist of one part, and others which consist of a plurality of partial leaves that are found on the petiole (composite leaves). The designations of the different leaf shapes are usually chosen according to the geometric shapes. Most often, a tree leaf is oval, round, triangular, heart-shaped or lanceolate.

Leaves which are composed of a stem with several separate leaves are known to us, for example, from ash trees. Sitting at the end of a symmetrical row of leaves is a single leaf - in other words, an odd-pinnate (e.g., Tree Of Heaven). If this end leaf is missing, it is considered to be paripinnate. Partial leaves, which similarly to chestnut leaves are posed from a central point, are called palmate. If all the partial leaves do not stem from a central point, the leaf is called 'foot-shaped'(Podophyllum pous).

Another characteristic is the edge of the leaf. Leaves rarely have perfectly smooth edges. Most are dentate like Apple, Birch, Aspen, Linden, and others, or serrated like Beech leaves. A typical representative of sinuate or lobed leaves is Oak.

In addition, the leaf arrangement (phyllotaxis); on the branch is a characteristic for tree identification. If the leaves stand at regular intervals and symmetrically on either side of the branch, they are said to be oppositely arranged. If the leaves are alternately arranged on the right and left of the branch, they are said to be alternate. For further tree identification, the colour of the leaves (e.g. pale green, yellow green, medium green, dark green) and the pubescence are helpful. There are trees that have leaves which are densely felted on the underside of the leaf. A good website for easy identification of a tree based on the leaf you find under the section leaves identification.

Habitus

The growth habit of the tree crown (habit) is an important characteristic in tree identification, especially from a distance. Each tree has its own growth habit. A generally applicable characteristic for the whole family tree is that trees form a broad rounded crown (Sessile Oak) or a narrow crown (Alder tree). There are many variants between a narrow crown and broad crown. Few deciduous trees grow columnar upwards (column poplar).

Budding

Tree identification in winter is best achieved using buds, because tree buds on a branch are very different both in colour (Sycamore maple), form (Walnut) and arrangement (Scots Elm).

Bark

In winter, only bark characteristics and branches with buds are available on the tree for identification, in case there are no fallen leaves lying on the ground. Also when in a leafier state, the bark gives additional clues to understanding which tree is involved. The structure of the bark can mainly be smooth or cracked. Some bark of old trees are marked by deep furrows. In the case of individual species, such as planes (Plane Tree) for example, small sheets of bark dissolve themselves and flake off the tree like scales. The colour of the bark is also a typical characteristic of a tree. A generally well-known one is the white bark of the Birch tree. Similar bark with whitish areas is also characteristic of the White Poplar. Bark colour can be from light brown to reddish tones on gray or dark brown. Tree identification from the bark of the tree is, nonetheless, a rather advanced task that should be left to the experts, since it requires a lot of practice.

Flowers (blossoms)

Trees also bloom in a short period of time. There are flowers with petals, anthers and stigma, as in fruit trees. Often, the flowers are a totally different shape than what we know low plants to be like. Therefore, inconspicuous flowers without petals hang down from some trees, which then brings catkins (Willow) or panicles (Sycamore maple) to mind. Most plants are monoecious, which means that the stigma and anthers grow on the same tree. In the case of trees, species that are dioecious are also found. This means that there are all-male and all-female trees. The flower is inconspicuous in many deciduous trees (Turkish hazel).

Tree Fruit

Fruit is a very characteristic feature for tree identification. Unfortunately, this feature is only available in mature trees for a brief time during a given year. Besides collecting fruit like apples, pears etc., there are drupes in deciduous trees (cherries, plums, etc.), nuts (including beechnuts and acorns) and air-borne fruit, the seeds of which have wing-like formations (maples, ashes).

Information regarding conifer identification