How to Identify Trees By Leaf Bud Arrangement

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 are two nodes (where the buds grow out), and that each node has one bud on either side of it? The leaves are located directly across from each other as if they were “opposed” to each other.

Whorled branching

Whorled branching

When three or more buds, leaves or shoots are present at the same node and are evenly spaced around the stem, it is said to have whorled branching. This arrangement is not as common as other leaf bud arrangements, but you will occasionally come across this one.

One of the most commonly seen examples is that of a maple tree. Maple trees typically have three-to-five leaflets at each node on their twigs. However, some species such as the black maple have whorled branching with three-to-seven leaflets growing from each node.

Alternate branching

Alternate branching is found in a variety of trees. If you encounter a tree with leaf buds that alternate on the stem, meaning there are no two leaf buds at the same level, you should examine it more closely. With some exceptions, most trees in this type of arrangement will be oaks (Quercus spp.), hickories (Carya spp.) or walnuts (Juglans spp.).

Sub-opposite branching

Sub-opposite branching is a leaf arrangement that is relatively rare in temperate climates. A sub-opposite branch consists of several small branches arranged in a circle growing above one small branch. The lone twig may be at the base of the cluster, or it may be slightly off center.

There are four basic types of leaf bud arrangement.

• Learn how to identify the four basic types of leaf bud arrangement: opposite branching, whorled branching, alternate branching and sub-opposite branching. The leaves will grow out from these nodes in order to get sunlight, just like your own hands. By learning how close together these nodes are placed on a twig, you can better identify what kind of tree you’re looking at.
• Identify opposite branching by looking for two buds that sit directly across from each other (as in the case of the maple). Since they are right across from each other, this isn’t hard to spot! Another clue is that there are usually only two buds coming out of one node. In the case of pines or hemlocks, their needles grow out in opposite pairs rather than true leaves and still have an opposite arrangement.