Identifications of Trees by Characteristics

There are a variety of characteristics that you can count on as useful tree identification aids. Some characteristics are common among all members of a genus; some are specific to a particular species. For instance, all oaks have simple, alternate leaves; however, in Missouri only shingle oak has "banana-shaped" leaves. Both the similarities and the differences are useful identification tools.

Listed below are genuses or species that display characteristics useful for identification. They are trees commonly found in the forests, including a few ornamentals and shrubs because of their abundance.

Opposite Branching

Trees with this characteristic bear their leaves and twigs in opposite positions on the stem. This trait can be very obvious. However, due to the vagaries of weather and environment, close scrutiny may be necessary on older stems.

Ash	Eastern wahoo	Horsechestnut
American Bladdernut	Ohio Buckeye	*Dogwood
Blackhaw (Viburnum)	Maple (includes boxelder)	*except alternate leaf dogwood
Blackhaw; Rusty

Compound Leaves

Trees with this characteristic bear multiple leaflets in a variety of patterns and numbers according to species. Although these compound leaves are not present in winter, large leaf scars generally indicate a compound leaf. Usually you can find the rachises (the rachis is the stem-like formation that holds the leaflets of a compound leaf) on the ground below the tree with minute leaflet scars on them. With these, you can determine numbers of leaflets and patterns.

Zigzag Twig Conformation

Trees with this characteristic do not have a bud at the end of the stem. Therefore, they display a "zigzag" pattern as the twig grows. This is more obvious on some species than others, but it is always a useful identification aid. This can be especially helpful in winter.

Thorns, Spines, or Spurs

Trees with prickly appendages on their stems are easy to identify by these appendages: trees with modified branches, such as honeylocust; prickly stipules, such as black locust; and thorns, such as hawthorn, fit in this group. As trees age, "thorns" may be lost or altered, but when they are present they are helpful.

Odor or Taste

Depending on your opinion, many trees and shrubs are fragrant, but they are always a good way to identify trees.

Corky Ridges

Many trees have "corky" appendages on their bark. They may vary from few to many, short to tall, common to intermittent, etc. Though they may not be always present, they are useful when identifying trees.

Pith of Stem

These characteristics are very helpful if you carry a pocketknife. The pith is the soft, spongelike material at the center of a stem or branch. Though typically white and round, color and shape may vary.

Sticky or Shiny Buds

Number of Bud Scales

Buds without cover scales are referred to as naked. Some buds will have one scale completely covering the bud; some will have two. Others may have many multiples of scales.

Inconspicuous Buds

Sharp-Pointed Buds

Some buds are sharp and hard to the touch. Occasionally they are elongated, but still have a sharp point.