The Basics of Tree ID

Introduction

One of the most important and useful skills for a natural resource professional or an amateur naturalist is the ability to correctly identify trees and other woody plants. The best way to develop these skills are to gain a little bit of know-how and then practice, practice, practice.

This guide walks you through the five primary features of trees used in their field identification. For each feature, you will learn the characterstics that enable you to distinguish tree species and hone your identification skills.

Click on each feature below to see a detailed description of the characteristics that are important for tree identification.

• LEAF -- Leaves are one of the most obvious features of the tree, and are often the easiest way to identify most species. The arrangement, shape, and leaf edges can be very useful... unless the leaves have fallen.
• FRUIT -- The wide variety of fruit shapes can make them useful when identifying trees.
• TWIG -- You can tell a lot just by looking at the twig.
• BARK -- Bark can be helpful for identifying some types of trees, and unlike leaves, its always there.
• FORM -- The overall form of the tree can provide clues to which species you are observing.

The key to identification is recognizing as many of these characteristics as possible to give you an accurate idea of exactly what tree you have. Now that you know the basic information, it's time to think about how you identify a tree, if you have no idea what it is.

Need more help with tree identification? Check out our Tree Identification Tutorial.

Confused by the technical terms used in plant identification keys? Check out this botanical glossary that defines the multitude of words used to describe plant parts.