Biology: Tree identification

Question 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.

Answer 1

Sycamore

Question 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.

Answer 2

Shingle Oak

Question 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

Answer 3

Persimmon

Question 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.

Answer 4

American Elm

Question 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

Answer 5

White Oak

Question 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)

Answer 6

Read/Black Oak

Question 7

Compound, alternate leaves with nuts. There are several species in our forest.
Part of the nut crop.
Dominate indicator in our forests.

Answer 7

Hickories

Question 8

Opposite leaves
“U” shape between the lobes
Vibrant color in the fall

Answer 8

Sugar Maple

Question 9

Note that there are four shapes often on one branch.
Aromatic
Green twigs
Deep blue berries are eaten early by birds

Answer 9

Sassafras

Question 10

Celtis occidentalis
Very knobby “warty” bark
Narrow leaves
Also can be “weedy”, growing in locations where indicator trees are not doing well.

Answer 10

Hackberry

Question 11

5 needles per bunch

Answer 11

White Pine

Question 12

Quercus palustrus
Deeply lobed leaves
Pin stripes on acorns
Common planted tree in urban areas

Answer 12

Pin Oak

Question 13

Liquidamber styraciflua
Star shaped leaves (but careful not the sugar maple).
Gum balls are key signature

Answer 13

Sweet Gum

Question 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.

Answer 14

Flowering Dogwood

Question 15

Watch for the peapods on the stem.
Heart shaped leaves
Maximum size is about 20 feet, found in the understory.
Pinkish-Red flowers in April

Answer 15

Redbud