Tree Identification

What is tree identification?

Tree identification is the process of determining the identity of a tree by examining characteristics such as its leaves, bark, buds, branches, flowers, fruit, cones and overall growth form.

Some trees are easy to recognize from one distinctive feature. Others are much more difficult because closely related species can have similar leaves or bark.

How to identify a tree

Begin with the whole tree. Notice its size, shape and branching pattern, then move closer and examine the smaller botanical details.

Identify trees by their leaves

Leaves are usually one of the first characteristics people notice when trying to identify a tree.

Start by asking whether the tree has broad leaves, needles or scale-like foliage. For broad-leaved trees, examine whether each leaf is simple or divided into multiple leaflets.

Useful leaf characteristics include:

• overall leaf shape
• smooth, serrated or lobed edges
• simple or compound leaves
• opposite, alternate or whorled arrangement
• vein pattern
• surface texture and hairs
• color and seasonal changes

Leaf shape is useful, but leaf arrangement, margins and whether a leaf is simple or compound can be equally important.

Identify trees by bark

Bark becomes especially useful when leaves are absent or when several species have similar foliage.

Examine the bark's color, texture and pattern. Some trees have smooth bark, while others develop deep furrows, vertical ridges, plates, scales or peeling layers.

Bark can also change as a tree ages, so young branches and mature trunks may look quite different.

Smooth, peeling, plated, ridged and deeply furrowed bark can help distinguish tree species.

Buds, twigs and branches

During winter, buds and twigs can become some of the most useful identification features on deciduous trees.

Look at whether buds occur opposite each other or alternate along the twig. Notice their size, shape, color and whether they are covered by scales.

Twig thickness, color, surface texture and the presence of thorns or distinctive markings can also provide clues.

Fruit, seeds and cones

Reproductive structures can be among the most distinctive tree identification features.

Depending on the species, a tree may produce acorns, nuts, berries, fleshy fruits, pods, capsules, winged seeds or cones.

Fruit and seed structures often remain recognizable even when leaves of different species look similar.

Evergreen or deciduous?

One useful early distinction is whether a tree keeps its foliage throughout the year or loses its leaves seasonally.

Many deciduous trees have broad leaves and lose them during part of the year. Many conifers are evergreen and bear needles or scales, although there are important exceptions to both patterns.

For needle-bearing trees, notice how many needles grow together, their length and stiffness, and how they attach to the branch.

Scientific tree identification without a photo

Tree identification does not have to begin with a photograph. A scientific or botanical identification approach uses observable characteristics to narrow down possible species.

For trees, these characteristics can include leaf shape and arrangement, bark texture, buds, twigs, fruit, cones, branching pattern, growth form and habitat.

Identifying a tree from photos

A tree photograph can contain useful information, but a single distant image may not show enough detail for a confident identification.

When possible, capture several views of the same tree.

• the entire tree and crown
• a clear leaf or group of leaves
• how leaves attach to a twig
• a close-up of the bark
• buds or young twigs
• fruit, seeds or cones if present

How to identify trees in winter

Deciduous trees can still be identified after their leaves have fallen. Winter identification relies more heavily on bark, buds, twigs, branching pattern and any remaining fruit or seed structures.

Fallen leaves beneath the tree may offer another clue, although you should make sure the leaf actually came from the tree you are examining.

Use habitat and location as clues

The same visual feature can occur in unrelated trees, so knowing where a tree is growing can help narrow the possibilities.

Consider climate, elevation, soil moisture and whether the tree appears to be growing naturally or was planted in a garden, park or street.

Geographic range is particularly helpful when comparing closely related species from different parts of the world.

Why can tree identification be difficult?

Tree characteristics change with age, season and growing conditions. Young bark may differ from mature bark, leaves can vary in size and shape, and fruit may be present for only part of the year.

Closely related species and cultivated varieties can also look very similar. For difficult trees, it is useful to compare several independent characteristics rather than relying on one photograph or one leaf.

Tree identification FAQ