Basic Tree Identification Techniques and Sources

A guide for specific tree identification. ID the 100 most common trees in North America.

Find a tree in the forest, collect a leaf or needle and answer the following questions. At the end of this interview you should be able to identify a tree's name at least to the genus level. I am confident you can also select the species with a little research. One caveat here. The tree you are trying to identify should be a North American...

Pick a leaf and answer questions to identify the 50 most common trees in North America.

An informative list of frequently asked questions about tree identification.

The About guide to the most common North American hardwoods.

Identify and name the most common North American conifers.

The About guide to identifying trees using Internet sources.

A glossary of terms that help you identify trees...

I have developed this tree leaf identification quiz based on 30 of the most common native North American hardwoods.

A good visual representation of a leaf can go a long way toward helping you identifying a tree. Here are three visual aids designed to help you name a tree using three different sets of information - leaf illustrations, leaf imprints and leaf silhouettes.

A free beginner eCourse for recognizing and keying major tree species using the Internet.

The thrill of correctly identifying trees can be enhanced by properly gathering leaves to make a collection and then mounting them in an exhibit.

Build and use a tree leaf and plant press for less than $10.

Common Trees in the United States - The Tree Illustrations of Charles Sprague Sargent

How to visually recognize and name common dormant tree species mainly in Eastern North America by using tree characteristics and botanical markers

How to visually recognize and name common dormant tree species mainly in Eastern North America by using tree twigs and a tree twig key.

When you’re trying to identify a tree, looking at the leaves or needles can be a big help. If tree foliage is a leaf, then you’re probably dealing with a hardwood or decidious tree that can be dozens of species that make up a hardwood forest. To figure out which of these trees you’re looking at, take a look at the tree’s leaf, and match...

You most probably have a conifer or evergreen that is in the pine, fir, cypress, larch or spruce family. Let's continue...

A photo collection of 60 slate tile imprints of Common Trees and Shrubs in the southern Appalachians of Alabama

How to properly recognize and name common dormant tree species mainly in Eastern North America

Identifying a dormant tree is not nearly as complicated as it might seem at first glance. Winter tree identification will demand some dedication to apply the necessary practice to improve the skill of identifying trees without leaves. But if you follow my instructions and use your powers of observation you will find a pleasurable and beneficial...

Dormant Tree Identification Gallery - Photos of Dormant Winter Tree Markers

How to visually recognize and name common dormant tree species mainly in Eastern North America by identifying alternate tree leaf and twig arrangement

How to visually recognize and name common dormant tree species mainly in Eastern North America by identifying opposite tree leaf and twig arrangement

You have now identified a tree with a pinnately compound leaf. Now lets figure out which of these leaves you’re looking at match up to the bipinnate leaf or a pinnate leaf identified below.

If you need to start over return to the

Trees With Compound Leaves - Tree Leaf Key