Outdoor Tree List Flashcards
What is the common name of Betula alleghaniensis?
Yellow Birch
Yellow Birch is known for its distinctive golden, peeling bark.
What family does Yellow Birch belong to?
Betulaceae (Birch Family)
The Betulaceae family includes various species of birches.
Describe the leaves of Yellow Birch.
Alternate; simple; ovate-to-oblong; pointed apex; base rounded/heart-shaped
The leaf shape is a key identifying feature.
What are the winter identification tips for Yellow Birch?
Peeling, golden, curly bark; buds and twig texture; horizontal lenticels; wintergreen scented twigs
These features help in identifying Yellow Birch in winter.
What is the mnemonic for remembering Yellow Birch?
“Yellow” literally → golden bark; Betula sounds like “bet you remember” its unique bark
Mnemonics help in recalling key characteristics.
What is the common name of Cornus sericea?
Redosier Dogwood
This species is recognized for its bright red twigs.
What family does Redosier Dogwood belong to?
Cornaceae (Dogwood Family)
The Cornaceae family includes various dogwood species.
Describe the twigs of Redosier Dogwood.
Bright red (or yellow twig variant); raised white lenticels; white pith
The color and texture of the twigs are key identification markers.
What are the winter identification tips for Redosier Dogwood?
Red twigs and white lenticels are the primary clues
The vivid red hue contrasts sharply against snow.
What is the common name of Gymnocladus dioicus?
Kentucky Coffeetree
This tree is known for its robust branches.
What family does Kentucky Coffeetree belong to?
Fabaceae (Legume Family)
The Fabaceae family includes legumes and related species.
Describe the leaves of Kentucky Coffeetree.
Alternate; bipinnately compound; up to 36″ long × 24″ wide
The size and structure of the leaves are notable.
What are the winter identification tips for Kentucky Coffeetree?
Stout, bare twigs and noticeable leaf scars are key; rough/peeling bark
These features are essential for identifying the tree when it is leafless.
What is the common name of Quercus macrocarpa?
Bur Oak
The Bur Oak is recognized for its large acorns.
What family does Bur Oak belong to?
Fagaceae (Beech Family)
The Fagaceae family includes oaks and beeches.
What are the characteristics of Bur Oak’s leaves?
Alternate; simple; 5–7 pairs of lobes; ovate-to-obtuse; mid-leaf often deeply lobed
The lobing pattern is important for identification.
What are the winter identification tips for Bur Oak?
Exposed corky, ridged, stout twigs; acorn cups; deep grooves and rough bark
These features assist in identifying Bur Oak in winter.
What is the common name of Juglans nigra?
Black Walnut
Black Walnut is valued for its timber and nuts.
What family does Black Walnut belong to?
Juglandaceae (Walnut Family)
The Juglandaceae family includes walnuts and hickories.
Describe the leaves of Black Walnut.
Alternate; pinnately compound; 9–23 nearly sessile leaflets; aromatic foliage
The aromatic quality is a key identifying feature.
What are the winter identification tips for Black Walnut?
Dark, deeply furrowed bark; chambered, sturdy twigs; remnants of the husk
These characteristics help in identifying Black Walnut in winter.
What is the common name of Abies balsamea?
Balsam Fir
Balsam Fir is known for its conical shape and resinous scent.
What family does Balsam Fir belong to?
Pinaceae (Pine Family)
The Pinaceae family includes pines, firs, and spruces.
Describe the needles of Balsam Fir.
Linear; arranged in two ranks; ½–1″ long; slight notch at apex
The arrangement and shape of the needles are distinctive.
What are the winter identification tips for Balsam Fir?
Erect cones and persistent bluish-green needles; resin blisters may be visible
The conical form remains recognizable even in snow.
What is the common name of Picea glauca?
White Spruce
White Spruce is characterized by its classic spruce form.
What family does White Spruce belong to?
Pinaceae (Pine Family)
This family includes various coniferous trees.
Describe the needles of White Spruce.
Four-sided; ½–¾″ long; acute tip; emit a pungent odor when crushed
The needle structure is a key feature for identification.
What are the winter identification tips for White Spruce?
Four-sided needles and pendent cones; slight glaucous hue on twigs
The pungent odor can also aid in identification.
What is the common name of Picea pungens?
Blue Spruce (Colorado Blue Spruce)
Known for its striking blue color, Blue Spruce is often used in landscaping.
What family does Blue Spruce belong to?
Pinaceae (Pine Family)
The Pinaceae family includes a variety of conifers.
What are the characteristics of Blue Spruce’s needles?
Four-sided; ¾–1¼″ long; sharply pointed; stiff; borne on sterigmata
The sharpness and stiffness of the needles are notable.
What are the winter identification tips for Blue Spruce?
Vivid blue needles and stiff, sharp needles; cylindrical, toothed cones
These features confirm the identification of Blue Spruce.
What is the common name of Pinus strobus?
Eastern White Pine
This tree is known for its tall, straight growth and long needles.
What family does Eastern White Pine belong to?
Pinaceae (Pine Family)
The family includes various pines and related species.
Describe the needles of Eastern White Pine.
Acicular; in fascicles of 5; 2½–5″ long; slender; flexible
The fascicle arrangement is distinctive.
What are the winter identification tips for Eastern White Pine?
Bundles of 5 needles and long, slender cones; characteristic fissured bark
The open crown silhouette aids in identification.
What is the common name of Acer platanoides?
Norway Maple
Norway Maple is popular in urban landscaping.
What family does Norway Maple belong to?
Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family)
The Sapindaceae family includes various maples and related species.
Describe the leaves of Norway Maple.
Opposite; simple; palmately veined; 5–7 lobed; sharp “teeth”
The lobing and serration are key identifying features.
What are the winter identification tips for Norway Maple?
Bud shape (plump), twig color olive), and bark pattern (grayish, furrowed), and paired samaras
What is the common name of Acer saccharinum?
Silver Maple
Silver Maple is known for its fast growth and silvery undersides.
What family does Silver Maple belong to?
Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family)
The family includes various maples and related species.
Describe the leaves of Silver Maple.
Opposite; simple; usually palmately 5-lobed; deep sinuses; silvery underside
The contrasting leaf texture aids in identification.
What are the winter identification tips for Silver Maple?
Red, flattened buds and distinct twig color; “V”-notched bud scales
The twig odor can also help to differentiate it.
What is the common name of Acer saccharum?
Sugar Maple
Sugar Maple is valued for its sap and beautiful fall color.
What family does Sugar Maple belong to?
Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family)
This family includes various maples and related species.
Describe the leaves of Sugar Maple.
Opposite; simple; usually palmately 5-lobed; lacks milky sap
The absence of milky sap is a distinguishing feature.
What are the winter identification tips for Sugar Maple?
Pointed, multi-scaled buds and shiny, brownish twigs; remnants of samara shape
The classic maple silhouette persists even in winter.
What is the common name of Aesculus glabra?
Ohio Buckeye
Ohio Buckeye is known for its distinctive fruit and foliage.
What family does Ohio Buckeye belong to?
Sapindaceae (Buckeyes/Horsechestnuts)
This family includes various buckeyes and horsechestnuts.
Describe the leaves of Ohio Buckeye.
Opposite; palmately compound; typically 5 leaflets; acuminate; finely serrate
The leaf structure is characteristic of the species.
What are the winter identification tips for Ohio Buckeye?
Compound bud clusters and thick, fissured bark are prominent
The stout twig structure is also a key identification feature.
What is the common name of Aesculus hippocastanum?
Horsechestnut
Horsechestnut is recognized for its large fruit and broad crown.
What family does Horsechestnut belong to?
Sapindaceae (Buckeyes/Horsechestnuts)
The family includes various buckeyes and horsechestnuts.
Describe the buds of Horsechestnut.
Large; ovoid; dark reddish-brown; sticky/gummy
The size and stickiness of the buds are notable.
What are the winter identification tips for Horsechestnut?
Large, sticky buds and stout twigs; broad crown silhouette
The residual compound leaf scars may also be seen.
What is the common name of Taxus spp.?
Yew
Yew is characterized by its evergreen nature and unique fruit.
What family does Yew belong to?
Taxaceae (Yew Family)
The Taxaceae family includes various species of yews.
Describe the leaves of Yew.
Linear; needle-like; ½–1″ long; persist year-round
The evergreen quality of the leaves is a key feature.
What are the winter identification tips for Yew?
Evergreen, needle-like leaves persist; small red arils contrast against snow
The dense, dark silhouette is also noticeable.
What is the common name of Carpinus caroliniana?
Hornbeam / Bluebeech
Known for its very hard wood, Hornbeam is often used in furniture making.
What family does Hornbeam belong to?
Betulaceae (Birch Family)
The family includes various birches and related species.
Describe the leaves of Hornbeam.
Alternate; simple; doubly serrated
The leaf serration is a key identifying feature.
What are the winter identification tips for Hornbeam?
Smooth, fluted bark and dark red-brown twigs; fine twig branching
The unique bud scale pattern is a memorable tactile cue.
What is the common name of Ostrya virginiana?
Hophornbeam / Ironwood
Hophornbeam is valued for its tough wood and unique fruit structure.
What family does Hophornbeam belong to?
Betulaceae (Birch Family)
This family includes various birches and related species.
Describe the leaves of Hophornbeam.
Alternate; simple; ovate to ovate-oblong; doubly serrated; acuminate
The leaf shape is characteristic of the species.
What are the winter identification tips for Hophornbeam?
Small, pointed buds and slender twigs; peeling longitudinal strips of bark
The unique fruit structure resembles hops.
What is the scientific name for Hophornbeam?
Ostrya virginiana
Hophornbeam belongs to the Betulaceae (Birch Family)
What family does Pagoda Dogwood belong to?
Cornaceae (Dogwood Family)
The scientific name is Cornus alternifolia.
Describe the leaves of Eastern Redcedar.
1/16” long; in opposite pairs; juvenile: awl-shaped, spiny; adult: scale-like; pointed apex; color shifts from dark bluish-green to yellowish-brown in winter
Eastern Redcedar’s scientific name is Juniperus virginiana.
What is a key winter identification feature of American Beech?
Smooth, mottled bark and distinctive zig-zag twigs
The scientific name is Fagus grandifolia.
Fill in the blank: Green Ash is a member of the _______ family.
Oleaceae
The scientific name is Fraxinus pennsylvanica.
What are the notable features of Douglas-fir?
Tall; classic conifer form; unique cone shape with 3-lobed bracts
The scientific name is Pseudotsuga menziesii.
True or False: Eastern Hemlock has a drooping crown.
True
The scientific name is Tsuga canadensis.
What distinguishes Sycamore from other trees in winter?
Exfoliating bark revealing light inner layer
The scientific name is Platanus occidentalis.
List the key identification features of Serviceberry.
- Alternating simple leaves
- Pointed buds with scales
- Edible fruit ripening June–August
The scientific name includes Amelanchier spp.
What is the shape of Eastern Cottonwood’s leaves?
D-shaped; margin coarsely crenate/dentate
The scientific name is Populus deltoides.
Fill in the blank: Boxelder is part of the _______ family.
Sapindaceae
The scientific name is Acer negundo.
What distinctive feature is associated with Paper Birch?
Chalky white, paper-peeling bark
The scientific name is Betula papyrifera.
Describe the habit of American Hazelnut.
Forms dense thickets; tolerates dry sites
The scientific name is Corylus americana.
What are the key features of Silky Dogwood?
- Rounded, multi-stemmed habit
- Silky pubescence on twigs
- Bluish fruit attractive to birds
The scientific name is Cornus amomum.
What does the bark of White Oak look like?
Light, ashy-brown; breaks into vertically arranged, scaly blocks
The scientific name is Quercus alba.
What is a characteristic of Northern Pin Oak?
Narrow crown; upper branches upright; lower branches pendulous
The scientific name is Quercus ellipsoidalis.
What is the habit of Jack Pine?
Typically found in open, disturbed sites; tolerant of poor soils
The scientific name is Pinus banksiana.
Fill in the blank: Red Pine is also known as _______ Pine.
Norway
The scientific name is Pinus resinosa.
What is the scientific name of Jack Pine?
Pinus banksiana
Jack Pine belongs to the Pinaceae family.
Describe the habit of Jack Pine.
Typically found in open, disturbed sites; tolerant of poor soils.
What is a notable winter trait of Jack Pine?
Small, dense needle fascicles remain visible.
What are the unique features of Jack Pine’s needles?
Two-needle bundles that are flexible & divergent are unique.
What characterizes the cones of Jack Pine?
Serotinous cones may persist on bare branches.
What is the scientific name of Red Pine?
Pinus resinosa
Red Pine is also known as Norway Pine.
Describe the leaves of Red Pine.
Acicular; in fascicles of 2; needles 4–6″ long; brittle.
What is the typical size and appearance of Red Pine cones?
Sub-sessile; 1½–2½″ long; pendent; ovoid-conic.
What distinctive feature does Red Pine’s bark have?
Young reddish bark may be noted.
What is the scientific name of Common Buckthorn?
Rhamnus cathartica
Describe the leaves of Common Buckthorn.
Alternate; simple; subopposite branching; crenate-serrulate margins.
What is the typical height of Common Buckthorn?
Approximately 20–25 ft tall.
What is a key identification feature of Common Buckthorn in winter?
Thin, grayish twigs with characteristic bud structure.
Terminal thorn. Buds literally look like a buck’s print
What is the scientific name of Black Cherry?
Prunus serotina
Describe the leaves of Black Cherry.
Alternate; simple; oblong lanceolate; finely toothed.
What is a notable characteristic of Black Cherry buds?
Small; ~1/5″; imbricate; scales reddish brown to greenish.
What distinctive feature does Black Cherry bark have?
Displays horizontal lenticels; may show charcoal areas.
What is the scientific name of Bigtooth Aspen?
Populus grandidentata
Describe the leaves of Bigtooth Aspen.
Alternate; simple; flattened petiole; coarsely dentate margins.
What is the typical height of Bigtooth Aspen?
Approximately 50–70 ft tall.
What is a key winter trait of Bigtooth Aspen?
Large, resin-rich buds and twig structure remain. (Also: dusty buds, mature bark is rough to the top)
What is the scientific name of Trembling Aspen?
Populus tremuloides
Describe the leaves of Trembling Aspen.
Alternate; simple; flattened petiole; 1½–3″ long; finely crenate/serrate.
What is a notable feature of Trembling Aspen’s buds?
Small; very pointy; shiny; sometimes slightly resinous.
What is a distinguishing characteristic of Trembling Aspen’s bark?
Smooth; greenish-white to cream; becomes furrowed brown/gray.
