MDC suggests tree identification adds fun to winter hikes

Kansas City, Mo. – Deciduous trees appear naked in winter when they drop their leaves, making them interesting in a new way. Limbs form sculpture-like crowns when observed at a distance. Closeup, the bark patterns and colors vary between species. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) suggests that winter tree identification and observation can add nature’s artful variety to a winter hike.

Some people prefer winter hikes. Temperatures are cool. Pesky insects are few. The rock outcrops, hills, valleys, and creeks are more easily seen with foliage gone from trees and shrubs. Cedars and pines leave some green in place. But deciduous trees and shrubs reveal new shapes and patterns when they drop their leaves. Nature does a big reveal each autumn.

Keen observation is needed to enjoy winter trees. An old bur oak’s large and spreading limbs can be quite impressive if a hiker takes time to study them. The white and light-brown bark of a sycamore stands like a painting against a blue sky. Red skies at dusk and dawn, and moonlight, can make the crown patterns of trees stand out in a lovely way. The overall shape is clearly seen, but one can also follow the limbs up to the twigs and notice the complexity of a structure that in summer converts sunlight to wood by lifting leaves to the sky.

Some winter tree identification tips:

• Leaves are gone, but alternate or opposite branching can be an identification key.
• Large stem scars may indicate compound leaves, and the stem-like structures that hold compound leaves often lay on the ground beneath the canopy.
• Zigzag twigs may indicate a group of species.
• Twigs on some trees have a distinctive odor or taste. For example, sassafras twigs smell like root beer.
• The textures, patterns, and colors of bark are identification traits.
• Shapes of crowns can give hints to identity.
• A reference book can help match traits to tree species. MDC offers Field Guide: Trees of Missouri through the online Nature Shop at http://mdcnatureshop.com.

For more information about tree identification, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zbf. MDC conservation areas and nature centers often have trails or service roads that make good winter hiking destinations. To find a conservation area near you, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z4V.