Flashcards in Biology: Tree identification Deck (15):
1
Large tree, usually found near streams.
Bark is distinctive, made of plates that break off to expose patches of white and greenish bark underneath.
1” diameter balls that hang.
Sycamore
2
Thick, and dark green, even late in the fall. Bristle tipped, if you can find one that hasn’t been chewed on by a bug. Fruit is an acorn. Found at the edge of forests.
Shingle Oak
3
OK, the fruit gives this away, but know the leaves. In the fall, the black spots on the leaves helps. Turns bright yellow in autumn.
Found near edges.
Very blocky bark
Persimmon
4
Check the uneven base, double toothing.
Common as a seedling or small tree.
Grows well in many locations, often growing as a seedling where honeysuckle has shaded the oaks.
American Elm
5
Often the largest trees in our forest are white oaks.
Rounded lobes on leaves
Seedlings are shade intolerant, do not survive long around honeysuckle
White Oak
6
Actually 2 different species with very similar leaves but are easily distinguished by differences in the acorns.
Points on the ends of lobes (unlike white oak)
Read/Black Oak
7
Compound, alternate leaves with nuts. There are several species in our forest.
Part of the nut crop.
Dominate indicator in our forests.
Hickories
8
Opposite leaves
“U” shape between the lobes
Vibrant color in the fall
Sugar Maple
9
Note that there are four shapes often on one branch.
Aromatic
Green twigs
Deep blue berries are eaten early by birds
Sassafras
10
Celtis occidentalis
Very knobby “warty” bark
Narrow leaves
Also can be “weedy”, growing in locations where indicator trees are not doing well.
Hackberry
11
5 needles per bunch
White Pine
12
Quercus palustrus
Deeply lobed leaves
Pin stripes on acorns
Common planted tree in urban areas
Pin Oak
13
Liquidamber styraciflua
Star shaped leaves (but careful not the sugar maple).
Gum balls are key signature
Sweet Gum
14
Understory tree
Native to Eastern North America
Showy white and pink flowers in early Spring
Red berries in fall.
Opposite, simple leaves with distinctive arching veins.
Flowering Dogwood
15