4/12/2024 0 Comments Types of maple trees in oregonNow it’s time to get up close to the tree. The ability to get up close to the tree you want to identify.Then you’ll move on to more specific questions from there. You’ll start by telling the key whether your tree is a conifer or a broadleaf. A dichotomous tree identification key is a tool that lets you identify a tree by making a series of choices between two alternatives. Now you know the basics, you’re ready to use an identification tool to find out the exact species of your tree! Using a Dichotomous Keyĭichotomous means split into two. If it’s a broadleaf, what are the leaves shaped like? Do they have lobes or are they basically oval? Are their edges smooth or jagged? Are they thick and leathery or thin and delicate? Are their undersides a different color? And what kind of fruit accompanies the leaves, if any? If it’s a conifer with needle-like leaves, how long are the needles? Do they have little pegs or buds on them? Do the needles have different colors? Do they alternate along either side of the branch or are they exactly opposite each other?Īnswering those questions will help you narrow down your search so you can get closer to identifying your tree! Shape of Leavesįinally, look at the shape of the individual leaves. Are the leaves compounded (lots of leaves fanning out from a single twig) or are they simple (single leaves sticking off of twigs or small branches)? See the difference here. You can look for the same pattern with broadleaves. If you’re dealing with a conifer, are the needles fairly evenly spaced along the branch, or are they bunched together in a clump or a fan-like shape? How many needles are in a clump? The spacing of leaves tells you a lot too. So, the first step in tree identification is to check whether the leaves are needle-like, scaled, or flat and thin. Unlike conifers, broadleaves often grow flowers or fruit too. They have flat, thin leaves and shed them in the winter. Broadleaves are deciduous (not evergreen) trees. They often bear cones and have leaves that look like needles or scales. Pretty much all Oregon trees can be split into two big categories: conifers and broadleaves.Ĭonifers are evergreens. But first, let’s see the three main features most tree identification guides will ask you to look at. When you examine a tree’s leaves, what should you look for? In a minute, I’ll show you a free, comprehensive tree identification tool you can use to go through the examination process step by step. The shape, size, spacing, and even color of a tree’s leaves can tell you a lot. When experts want to identify a tree, the first thing they look at is its leaves. Even tree experts often refer to tree guides. Oregon is home to so many different species of trees that it takes a lot of practice to learn to identify trees by sight alone. Let’s look at the tree identification process and how the experts use it. Use this great resource from Oregon State University to check out more of the most common trees in Oregon.ĭid you recognize your tree as one of those? If not, or if you want to be sure, keep reading! Photos: Rosewoman, Menchi, Jsayre64, Jason Sturner, Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington, Crusier In eastern Oregon, you’re more likely to see a ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, western juniper , Other trees you’ll find scattered across western Oregon include the red alder, hemlock, and bigleaf maple. The Douglas fir is characterized by blunt green pine needles and 3-4” pine cones with pitchfork-shaped brackets. It’s by far the most common tree species in western Oregon, but it’s easy to find them in eastern Oregon too. The most common tree statewide is the Douglas fir, Oregon’s state tree. Some trees grow really well in western Oregon but not eastern Oregon, and vice versa. Oregon is a big state with a diverse climate. I’ll also show you an easy tree identification tool anyone can use in Oregon.įirst, let’s look at a few of Oregon’s most common trees. Today, we’ll be talking about Tree Identification 101: how the experts identify trees and the features they look for. The Tree Identification Guide for OregoniansĬurious about a tree on your property? Or just want to impress your friends next time you go hiking?
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