|
Identifying Trees of Michigan |
| INTRODUCTION
Forests are an important feature of the Michigan landscape. Nearly 18 million acres-- or essentially 50 percent of the land area of the state-- are occupied by forest vegetation. These forests contribute significantly to the economic well-being of the state through a variety of products. Michigan's forests also provide an environment for many recreational activities while creating a habitat favorable for many wildlife species. Forests also make important contributions to the quality of Michigan's many lakes and streams. Michigan's forests are diverse. More than 100 different species of trees grow in the state. Not all trees are present in all locations, reflecting species preferences for differing sites and environments. In addition to the many native species, several other trees have been introduced into the state and can be found in many locations. This publication briefly describes 64 of the more common trees present in Michigan. It is designed to assist anyone with an interest in tree identification in becoming better acquainted with some of the most important trees in the state. Illustrations, keys and other descriptive information are provided. |
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
|
A number of different characteristics can be used to identify trees of Michigan. The illustrations show basic differences in leaves, buds and fruits, and name some of the trees with these characteristics.
The Dichotomous key to identifying trees of Michigan (listed below) can help you use these characteristics through the process of elimination to identify trees.
The remainder of the publication shows leaves, twigs, buds and fruit of 64 of the most common trees of Michigan.
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.
List
of Tree Species (ordered alphabetically by common name)
References: There are many books available to anyone interested in further information about trees. Some of them are listed below:
Manual of the Trees of North America, Charles Sprague Sargent Smith, Peter Publishing Co., New York, NY, 1952.
Michigan Trees, Charles Herbert Otis University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, MI, 1931 (reprinted 1976).
Michigan Trees Worth Knowing, Norman F. Smith Michigan Department of Conservation, Lansing, MI, 1961.
North American Trees, Richard J. Preston Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa, 1976.
Textbook of Dendrology, William M. Harlow and Ellwood S. Harrar, McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York, NY, 1969.
The Book of Trees, William C. Grimm Stackpole Company, Harrisburg, PA, 1965. Trees, Herbert S. Zimm and Alexander C. Martin Simon and Schuster Publishing Company, New York, NY, 1952.
The pictures that this document links to are credited to:
Woody Plants Image Collection
U.W.-Madison Botany Department
The information contained on these pages is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not
imply endorsement by the MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
These bulletins are public property and may be printed verbatim with credit
to MSU. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial
product or company.
This website has most recently been modified on 28 February 2003 by G. Peterson.
If you have questions or would like additional information,
please contact
Dr. Karen
Potter-Witter, Professor, MSU Department of Forestry
