Tree Identification Key

A tree identification key is designed to help tree enthusiasts identify a tree species based on its physical characteristics, such as leaf shape, leaf margin (edge), leaf placement on the twig, bark color and pattern, and type of fruit it produces. Follow the choices that are offered to you, based on the characteristics of the tree you are trying to identify. Although there are forty different common tree species provided in this key, it does not list all possible species you can find in the forest! If you can't find a tree that matches the characteristics you're looking for, there are many good field manuals available through your local book supply store or library that may help.

If there is a word or term that you aren't familiar with, visit the Glossary of Terms
organized by Bill Cook from the Upper Peninsula Tree Improvement Center. It will probably be there!

Special thanks go to Wisconsin Vascular Plants web site at the
Wisconsin State Herbarium: University of Wisconsin/Madison
and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Plants Profile
for the images used in this key.

** Click on the buttons to view an illustration of each tree feature **

I. Trees with needle-like or scale-like leaves; fruit a cone, or cone-like (conifers).

	needle-like leaves
	scale-like leaves
	cone

II. Trees with broad, flat leaves of many shapes and patterns (broadleaf trees).

broad, flat leaves

... to "Identifying Trees of Michigan" introductory page