Leaf shape Shapes that aren’t symmetrical (no halves) are called simple leaves, and ones that are symmetrical are called compound leaves. To figure out the shape of your leaf, pick the one closest to it in the photo below.  A note on compound leaves: When you’re looking at a plant with this type…

It is important to note that not all leaves are the same even on the same tree. Trees have different types of leaves on the same tree. Note that it’s not uncommon for different types of leaves to exist on the same tree. In general, you’ll find two or three leaf shapes on each deciduous…

An easy way to identify trees is by their leaves. “In the fall, I like to look for trees with leaves that are in various shades of red, orange, or yellow. If you want to identify the trees, leaf shape and size are important. The leaves may be oblong or round and slightly curved at…

Look at the bark. When you look at the bark of an apple tree, think about how rough it looks. Is the bark smooth and light gray? If so, your tree is most likely a McIntosh or Empire. Is the bark a little bit rough? If so, your tree may be a Golden Delicious or…

Opposite branching When you find a stem with two leaves (or buds) at each node, and the leaf pairs are directly across from each other, you have found opposite branching. This is a common arrangement in most trees. A good example of this is the maple tree. Look at the pictures below; notice how there…

Figure out if it’s a needle-like or scale-like leaf. The first thing you need to determine is whether the tree has needle-like or scale-like leaves. If the leaves are flat and narrow, overlapping each other like fish scales, then they’re probably scale-like. On the other hand, if the leaves are long and thin, usually not…

Needle-like leaf Needle-like leaves are found on three types of trees: pines, firs and spruces. Needle-like leaves are long and very narrow with a sharp point at the tip. These needles grow in bundles, often arranged in rows along the twig. The needles are flexible, often dark green and may be waxy or have a…

Beech tree Beech trees are deciduous, so their buds are visible in the winter. The buds are small and clustered at the ends of the twigs. They have a single pointed tip, which is reddish-brown. Beech tree bud scales are narrow and long, but not hairy. Magnolia tree Magnolia trees have leaf buds that are…

Trees With Needles If a tree has needles instead of leaves, it is a conifer. The word “conifer” comes from the Latin words for “cone” and “bearing.” Conifers produce their seeds in cones. Conifer needles are soft, flexible, and have a leathery texture when you touch them. Needles grow in bundles on the branches. If…

Simple Leaf Identification A simple leaf is simply a single blade attached directly to the stem of the plant. Simple leaves are either broad or needle-like: Broad simple leaves can be lobed or unlobed, rounded, pointed, oblong or some combination of these characteristics. Broad simple leaves can also be smooth or toothed along the edges….