ID Keys

Dichotomous Leaf Key

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Location: NC

	A tree generally has a single upright stem and reaches a height of 20 feet. Some species are shrubs in harsh climates and trees in moderate climates.
	Shrubs are low branching, suckering, or have multiple stems and do not reach 20 feet in height.
	Most people recognize brambles, which include roses and blackberries.
	Vines require some extra help for support. They hold on to the support by twining, growing tendrils, or aerial roots.

My leaf is from a tree

My leaf is from a shrub

My leaf is from a bramble, rose, or soft-wooded shrub with arching canes

My leaf is from a climbing or scrambling vine

	Cacti do have leaves - they are reduced to spines.
	Palms are common in warm regions.
	Yuccas can be found in many loacations but are more common is deserts.
	Slender or Scaly leaves can be found on pines, junipers, and other genera.
	Broadleaf includes genera with narrow leaves, such as the willows.

Broad leaves

Slender or scaly leaves

My leaf is palm-like

My leaf is slender and strap-like (the yuccas)

I have a cactus, with leaves that are reduced to spines

Broadleaf Arrangement, or phyllotaxy, is a very important id clue. To determine phyllotaxy, look to see how many leaves are attached to the twig at each node. If there are no leaves, look for the arrangement of the buds that can be found at the base of each leaf. If you can not reach the twigs, remember that twigs grow from buds... and they will have the same arrangement as the leaves.

	Most woody plants are alternately arranged. The leaves and buds alternate along the stem.
	These leaves are oppositely arranged, as are the buds that grow at the base of the leaves.
	A few species have whorled leaves, with (usually) 3 leaves and buds at each node.