Tree and Leaf Identification: A Comprehensive Guide, Study notes of Botany and Agronomy

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Tree and Leaf Identification

Leaves

• Leaves are the best and often the easiest way to identify a tree.
• Needles and scale of evergreens are also considered leaves.
• Questions to consider when identifying leaves:
  • Are the leaves:
    • simple or compound?
    • margins smooth or margins rough?
    • any sinuses or lobes?
    • What is the size, shape, texture, and color variation of the leaves?

Petiole Midrib Vein Leaf Margin Lobe Apex Base

Plant Identification

• Leaf arrangement
  • Alternate - leaves arranged one per node

Plant Identification

• Leaf arrangement
  • Opposite - leaves arranged two per node

Leaf Arrangement

alternate opposite whorled

Simple Compound

• Only one leaf blade
• Joined by its stalk to the woody stem
• Examples: maple, oak, aspen, beech - Made up of several leaflets - Leaflets are joined to a midrib that is not woody - Examples: ash, walnut, sumac

Simple vs. Compound Leaves

• Compound - the blade is divided all the way to the midrib (rachis) into two or more pieces.

Compound Leaves

Compound leaves

• Once pinnately compound - leaflets arranged along one undivided main axis. (odd or even number of leaflets)

Compound leaves

• Twice pinnately compound - main axis (rachis) with two or more branches and the leaflets arranged along the branches. The branch divisions are primary leaflets and the ultimate divisions are secondary leaflets. There can also be thrice-pinnately compound leaves,etc.

Leaf Type

Simple vs. Compound

Simple or Compound?