Dendrology...
    the science of tree identification primarily using bark, twigs, leaves, flowers, buds, seeds and the silhouette as the most useful features.
 
                   Leaves and needles are usually studied as a means to identifying trees.  They are wonderful to use during the summer and on short trees.  If you are in a very tall stand of trees, leaf litter can provide a hint of the types of trees in the area.

    Bark can be used to identify trees all year long.    Some foresters use the bark as their main tool for identification, since deciduous trees have leaves for only about four months out of the year..
 

                            Twigs are useful as another tool for identifying trees.  The catalpa has thick twigs and the wild cherry has very thin twigs.
 

                    Flowers, buds, seeds, and silhouette (shape) are helpful indicators.  However, these also have their limitations.   Like the leaves, flowers, buds and seeds are only present for a short time, and are easily damaged by wildlife or weather.  The shape of a tree can be used only when it is free from obstructions which are  usually other trees.
 
 
 

Table of Tree Parts

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