NSCC Sustainability Office Tree Identification Guide Written/Formatted By Audience Christopher and Objective Kistner I 1 Russell Walker Chantalle Bell
Audience:.3 Objective:. 3 User Guidelines:...4 Deciduous... 5 Bay Laurel... 6 California Bay Laurel... 7 Eastern Redbud... 8 European White Birch... 9 Flowering Cherry Trees... 10 Flowering Pear Trees... 11 Flowering Plum Trees... 12 Gingko Tree... 13 Holly Oak... 14 Honey Locust... 15 Japanese Snowbell... 16 Japanese Stewartia... 17 Japanese Zelkova... 18 Katsura Tree... 19 Kousa Dogwood... 20 Maple Trees... 21 Mimosa Silk Tree... 22 Pacific Dogwood... 23 Raywood Ash... 24 Red Oak... 25 Saucer Magnolia... 26 Table of Contents Southern Magnolia... 27 Staghorn Sumac... 28 Tulip Tree... 29 Coniferous.30 Alaska Cedar... 31 Black Pine... 32 Chinese Juniper... 31 Coast Redwood... 32 Deodara Cedar... 33 Douglas Fir... 34 Eastern Juniper... 35 English Yew... 36 False Hinoki Cypress... 37 Giant Sequioa... 38 Incense Cedar... 39 Japanese Black Pine... 40 Ponderosa Pine... 41 Port Orford Cedar... 42 Shore Pine... 43 White Pine... 44 Western Red Cedar... 45 Bibliography.46 List of Terms...47 Measurement Directions..49 Table of Contents
Audience: This document is for use by volunteers and North Seattle Community College (NSCC) students participating in the NSCC Tree Inventory project. No previous botany experience is required; however users should receive basic training in tree identification from a NSCC professor or a survey volunteer. Objective: This manual is designed to assist surveyors in properly identifying the many native and landscape trees growing on NSCC s campus. Using this guide, surveyors should be able to successfully identify the majority of trees in their survey zone. This document contains part I of II section of the Tree Guide. Audience and Objective I 3
User Tips: When using this guidebook it is helpful to keep in mind the following tips and techniques when you are out identifying trees on campus. 1. This guide is organized alphabetically using the tree s common name. 2. Tree descriptions always begin by describing the specie s most recognizable trait. Look for these features first then move onto other aspects of the description. 3. Caution: Be careful when examining leaves found on the ground. Just because a leaf is near the base of a tree does not mean it fell from that tree. 4. If you cannot reach a tree s lowest branches to closely examine the leaves look for flowers, fruits, or cones that may be easier to see from a distance. Then begin examining the bark and overall tree shape. 5. This guide contains information about the most common trees found at NSCC but it does not cover all the trees you may encounter. If you come across a species you cannot identify, proceed to fill out all the statistical data on your survey form regarding dimensions and tree conditions but leave the species fields blank. 6. Technical tree terms ending with an * are described in the List of Terms section User Guidelines I 4
Deciduous Description Taken from Nasa Earth Observatory: During the fall, trees change color and then lose their leaves. This is in preparation for the winter season. Because it gets so cold, the trees have adapted to the winter by going into a period of dormancy or sleep. They also have thick bark to protect them from the cold weather. Trees flower and grow during the spring and summer growing season. Many different kinds of trees, shrubs, and herbs grow in deciduous forests. Most of the trees are broadleaf trees such as oak, maple, beech, hickory and chestnut. There are also several different kinds of plants like mountain laurel, azaleas and mosses that live on the shady forest floor where only small amounts of sunlight get through.
Bay Laurel Scientific Name: Laurus Nobilis Tree Type: Deciduous Description: Famous for creating the laurel wreaths the Greeks wore upon their heads as a garland, the Bay Laurel is a versatile herb plant. Its leaves are highly elliptical with pointed ends and crinkled edges. The leaves are dark green and have a texture similar to leather (see Figure 1). Bay Laurels are often pyramidshaped like a Christmas tree. They have short branches covered in leaves and possess gray, shiny bark. Although they can reach heights of 60 feet, most Bay Laurels are much smaller ranging from 8-10 feet (see Figure 2). The tree produces bunches of small, yellow flowers in the spring that become dark-purple berries in the fall. Figure 1. Bay Laurel leaf. Figure 2. Typical Bay Laurel tree. Deciduous I 6
California Bay Laurel Scientific Name: Umbellularia Californica Tree Type: Coniferous Description: These evergreen trees typically grow between 20-25 feet but can reach heights of 75 feet. Their leaves are similar in shape to the Bay Laurel but are usually narrower and lack the Bay Laurel s crinkled edges (see Figure 3). California Bay Laurels are stout trees with spherical crowns that are extremely dense with foliage. They can be singular or multi-stemmed and possess smooth gray bark with shallow fissures across its surface (see Figure 4). Figure 3. California Bay Laurel leaves. Figure 4. Mature California Bay Laurels. Deciduous I 7
Eastern Redbud Scientific Name: Cercis Canadensis Tree Type: Deciduous Description: Common throughout the Eastern United States, the Eastern Redbud can be identified by its distinct heart-shaped leaves (see Figure 5). These leaves are smooth in texture and are mottled-green in color. The Eastern Redbud is classified as a large shrub or small tree, usually ranging from 20-30 feet tall. Its bark is a reddish-brown and has a scaly texture. The branch structure of the Redbud tends to grow out of branches in a recognizable zigzag pattern (see Figure 6). During the spring the tree is covered in small pink flowers (see Figure 7). The flowers appear on the tree s twigs, branches, even trunk before becoming flat pea-pod structures that contain the seeds by late summer. Figure 5. Eastern Redbud leaves. Figure 6. Eastern Redbud twig configuration. Figure 7. Eastern Redbud in bloom. Deciduous I 8
European White Birch Scientific Name: Betula Pendula Tree Type: Deciduous Description: Also known as Silver Birch, the European White Birch has long triangular leaves with pointy ends. Their leaves have a distinct saw-toothed pattern running along their outer edges (see Figure 8). The leaves are a glossy green with a prominent yellow tinged vein* running down their center. A mature European White Birch averages 65 feet tall and has a thin trunk its size, usually around 15 inches in diameter. The tree s branches sprout from its trunk at an upward angle. As the branches grow and gain weight they begin to sag giving the tree a drooping silhouette (see Figure 9). Its bark is predominantly white and smooth with patches of coarser black bark scattered through the tree. Figure 8. European White Birch leaves. Figure 9. European White Birch forest. Deciduous I 9
Flowering Cherry Trees Scientific Name: Prunus Species Tree Type: Deciduous Description: Flowering Cherry Trees are one of the most popular ornamental trees in the world. They are famous for their iconic cherry blossoms that cover the trees in spring. These flowers sprout in bunches and are typically white or bright pink in color (see Figure 10). Cherry Trees can range greatly in size but they typically grow no higher than 65 feet. Branches can be either straight or drooping depending on the species. Their leaves vary in color from green to deep red but all are elliptical in shape and have saw-toothed edges (see Figure 11). The bark is usually a reddish-brown and usually breaks into horizontal stripes. Figure 10. Cherry Blossom flowers. Figure 11. Cherry Tree leaves. Figure 12. Kwanzan Flowering Cherry tree. Deciduous I 10
Flowering Pear Trees Scientific Name: Pyrus Calleryana Tree Type: Deciduous Description: Also known as the Callery Pear, this hardy tree has thin oblong-shaped leaves that are lightly scalloped along the edges (see Figure 13). The leaves have a glossy rich green with a lighter shade of green on the underside. Leaves grow at an upward angle and droop as they grow. Flowering Pear Trees typically reach heights between 45-65 feet in height. They have a distinctive conic to rounded crown that can be as much as 40 feet in diameter (see Figure 14). In spring, Flowering Pears produce thousands of white, five-petal flowers. The fruit resembles small brown spheres that are incredibly tough and will often remain attached to the plant through the summer (see Figure 15). Figure 13. Flowering Pear leaves. Figure 14. A mature Flowering Pear tree. Figure 15. Flowering Pear fruit. Deciduous I 11
Flowering Plum Trees Gingko Tree Scientific Name: Prunus Cerasifera Scientific Name: Ginkgo Biloba Tree Type: Deciduous Tree Type: Deciduous Description: Also known as the Description: The Gingko is one of Thundercloud Plum, the Flowering the oldest deciduous trees in the Plum is classified as a large shrub or world. They can be easily identified small tree ranging in size from 20- by their broad fan-shaped leaves. 50 feet. Like the Flowering Cherry The leaves are a vibrant, uniform and Pear they vary widely in size green and have a tendency to and crown diameter. Their leaves splinter near their outer edge (see range in color from a purplish-green Figure 19). The leaves grow out of to a deep red and have an oblong short shoots sprouting out of the shape with lightly serrated edges. Gingko s branches. (see Figures 16). Flowering Plum leaves Gingkos have are large a distinct trees and shape can resembling range height an upside from 65-110 down teardrop. Their stem and branch structure is feet. erratic, with crowns that often Flowering Plum trees have flaky appear lopsided or deformed (see gray bark that can become twisted Figure 20). The bark of the Ginkgo is and knobby the older the tree gets very thick and light to reddish (see Figure 17). Their branches tend brown in color. Deep fissures* in to angle upward creating round or the bark create the appearance of vase shaped crowns that are plates laid out vertically going up extremely thick (see Figure 18). the tree s trunk (see Figure 21). Figure 16. Red Flowering Plum leaf. Figure 19. Gingko tree leaves. Figure 17. Flowering Plum Tree Bark with older tree top. Figure 20. Mature Ginkgo tree. Figure 18. Flowering Plum tree. Figure 21. Gingko tree bark. Deciduous I 12
Holly Oak Scientific Name: Quercus Ilex Tree Type: Deciduous Description: The Holly Oak originated in the Mediterranean and ranges in height from 65-85 feet. The leaves are long and tend to curve downward at the tip. Their topsides are dark green while the undersides are tan (see Figure 22). Leaves on the lower branches of the Holly Oak are larger than ones farther up and have serrated edges and spines (see Figure 23). The Holly Oak is a dense tree with a complex stem structure and round crown that can often be as wide as the tree is tall (see Figure 24). Its bark is gray and finely scaled. The Holly Oak is an acorn producing tree. The acorns are more elongated than those of other oaks and are a deep red save for their tips which are a bright yellow. Figure 22. Mature Holly Oak leaves. Figure 23. Young Holly Oak leaf. Figure 24. Fully grown Holly Oak. Deciduous I 13
Honey Locust Scientific Name: Gleditsia Triacanthos Tree Type: Deciduous Description: The Honey Locust is a medium-sized tree with a thin trunk and delicate branches. They are easily identified by the thorns that grow from their branches and trunks. Meant to protect the tree from grazers, these thorns can be up to 4 inches long and fork off into several points (see Figure 25). The bark is an ash gray and will often peel around the perimeter of fissures showing rust colored bark. Honey Locusts have elliptical bright green leaves. These leaves are arrayed in a predictable feather-like pattern with 8-14 leaflets on each new branch (see Figure 26). Figure 25. Honey Locust trunk with thorns. Figure 26. Honey Locust leaves. A mature Honey Locust can range in height from 65-100 feet. They tend to have spherical or cylindrical thin crowns (see Figure 27). Figure 27. Mature Honey Locust. Deciduous I 14
Japanese Snowbell Scientific Name: Styrax Japonicus Tree Type: Deciduous Description: These small trees grow between 20-30 feet. They have small oval-shaped leaves that are pointed at the end. Although their central vein is not very prominent, the leaves tend to have a concave shape (see Figure 28). Japanese Snowbells are small, wiry trees, boasting broad, flat-topped crowns that can often be as wide as the tree is tall. Their branches often grow in an erratic, zigzag pattern while their trunks can be bulbous or twisted. (see Figure 29). Their bark is smooth with a gray-brown color with shallow fissures that appear deep orange. Snowbells are aptly named. In springtime the trees produce thousands of white flowers that hang upside down from their branches (see Figure 30). Figure 28 Japanese Snowbell leaves. Figure 29. Mature Japanese Snowbell tree. Figure 30. Japanese Snowbell flowers. Deciduous I 15
Japanese Stewartia Scientific Name: Stewartia Pseudocamellia Tree Type: Deciduous Description: A popular ornamental tree, Japanese Stewartias are easy to identify thanks to their distinct paper-thin bark. The smoothtextured bark peels as the tree grows and creates a camouflage pattern of alternating browns and reds (see Figure 31). Figure 31. Japanese Stewartia tree trunk. Japanese Stewartias are often mistaken for large shrubs due to their tendency to have multiple trunks and low-lying branches. The trees can grow between 30-50 feet and have pyramid-shaped crowns that are often as wide as the tree is tall (see Figure 32). The leaves of the Stewartia are oblong-shaped with lightly serrated edges. They tend to be a vibrant green with a bright red stem (see Figure 33). Figure 32. Mature Japanese Stewartia tree. Figure 33. Japanese Stewartia leaves. Deciduous I 16
Japanese Zelkova Scientific Name: Zelkova Serrata Tree Type: Deciduous Description: The Japanese Zelkovas are medium-sized trees characterized by short trunks that quickly split into multiple upward angled stems (see Figure 34). The Zelkova have low-lying branches that grow in a zigzag pattern and can grow up to 100 feet tall. Their bark is smooth and has a grayishbrown or white hue. Figure 34. Mature Japanese Zelkova tree. The Zelkova s leaves are highly elliptical with pointy ends and delicate serrated edges. The leaves are varying shades of green and have a coarse texture on their topside and glossy smooth undersides. The leaves have a very distinct vein pattern and usually contain between 8-14 pairs of veins dividing up the leaf (see Figure 35). Figure 35. Japanese Zelcova leaf. Deciduous I 17
Katsura Tree Scientific Name: Cercidiphyllum Japonicum Tree Type: Deciduous Description: Katsuras are ornamental trees favored for their delicate leaves. The deep green leaves have a rounded heart-shape with lightly serrated edges that run around the leaf s perimeter (see Figure 36). Leaves typically branch out from stems in pairs and in the fall release a spicy fragrance. Katsuras range from 40-50 feet in height. Their crowns are spherical or pyramid-shaped and very dense with low-lying branches and multiple trunks (see Figure 37). Branches tend to grow at an upward angle in gentle forks. The tree s bark is uniformly brown, older larger trees tend to have peeling shingled bark while the bark of younger trees and branches is smooth (see Figure 38). Figure 36. Katsura tree leaves. Figure 37. Mature Katsura tree. Figure 38. Mature Katsura tree trunk. Deciduous I 18
Kousa Dogwood Scientific Name: Cornus Kousa Tree Type: Deciduous Description: Kousa Dogwood trees grow to heights of 40 feet and are typically wider than they are tall. The trees have short stubby trunks that quickly diverge into multiple trunks. Branches start to emerge low to the ground and can grow at an upward angle or horizontally (see Figure 39). The Kousa s leaves sprout in regular pairs. They tend to be elliptical in shape with pointed ends and light green in color. Small tufts of hair can be found along the veins and on the leaf s underside (see Figure 40). In late summer, the Kousa Dogwood is easily identified by its berries. Resembling dull raspberries, the fruit hangs in bunches and can have short spikes across their surface that fade the riper they get (see Figure 41). Figure 39. Mature Kousa Dogwood. Figure 40. Kousa Dogwood leaves. Figure 41. Ripening Kousa Dogwood berries. Maple Trees Scientific Name: Acer Species Deciduous I 19 Tree Type: Deciduous
Mimosa Silk Tree Scientific Name: Albizia Julibrissin Tree Type: Deciduous Description: This small ornamental tree is easily identified by its leaves which are arranged in feather-like leaflets*. Each leaflet is less than half-an-inch long. They come in pairs that extend along the length of their stem with 20-30 pairs per stem. The leaves are a deep glossy green with a lighter shade of green on their undersides (see Figure 45). Mature Mimosa Silk Trees range from 15-40 feet in height. They have broad, thin crowns and although their branches angle upwards, their feather-like leaves droop downward (see Figure 46). Figure 45. Mimosa Silk Tree leaves. Figure 46. Mimosa Silk tree in bloom. The mimosa tree has a very distinct flower. Resembling a cheerleader s pom-poms the flowers grow in bunches and are typically light pink in color (see Figure 47). Figure 47. Mimosa Silk Tree flowers. Deciduous I 20
Pacific Dogwood Scientific Name: Cornus Nutalli Tree Type: Deciduous Description: Native to Western North America the Pacific Dogwood shares many characteristics of the Kousa Dogwood including leaf shape and fruit. The Pacific Dogwoods tend to be more slender and erect than Kousas. They have straight long trunks that lead them to reach heights of 50 feet and can often have crowns just as wide (see Figure 48). Figure 48. Pacific Dogwood trees. The Pacific Dogwood s leaves sprout in regular pairs and have an elliptical shape that is rounder than the Kousa with lightly ruffled edges. Their leaves are a deep green and tend to droop from their branches (see Figure 49). Figure 49. Pacific Dogwood leaf. Deciduous I 21
Raywood Ash Scientific Name: Fraxinus oxycarpa Tree Type: Deciduous Description: The Raywood Ash is a tall tree, ranging in height from 60-100 feet. It can be identified by its extremely thin leaves. Growing in pairs the leaves are often only halfan-inch wide and up to 3 inches long. They have lightly serrated edges and quickly taper to form a pointy spear-like tip (see Figure 50). Raywood Ash trees have thick straight trunks that can be up to 5 feet in diameter. Their bark is a pale gray and is smooth on younger trees becoming increasingly fissured and coarse the older the tree is (see Figure 51). Branches can grow either angled upward or horizontally with leaves growing mainly around the perimeter of the crown (see Figure 52). Figure 50. Raywood Ash leaves. Figure 51. Mature Redwood Ash bark. Figure 52. Mature Raywood Ash tree. Deciduous I 22
Red Oak Scientific Name: Quercus Rubra Tree Type: Deciduous Description: A large Oak species native to the Eastern United States, mature Red Oaks can range from 45-90 feet tall. The tree can be easily identified by its distinctive leaves which are elliptical in outline and have between 7-11 lobes. The lobes jut out from the central vein and grow in pairs on either side of it, except for the lobe at the leaf s tip. The leaves are a dull green with a lighter green on their undersides (see Figure 53). Red Oaks are stout trees with thick branches and trunks that average 6 feet in diameter. Their branches grow at either an upward angle or horizontally (see Figure 54). Figure 53. Red Oak leaves. Figure 54. Mature Red Oak. Oaks are acorn bearing trees and the Red Oak produces plump round acorns with recognizable saucer-like caps (see Figure 55). Figure 55. Red Oak acorns. Deciduous I 23
0 Saucer Magnolia Scientific Name: Magnolia Soulangiana Tree Type: Deciduous Description: Named for the distinct saucer-shape of their crowns, these multi-stemmed trees grow between 10-12 feet tall (see Figure 56). Figure 56. Saucer Magnolia bark and trunk. The tree s leaves can be either egg-shaped or a broad-oblong, tapering off into a pointed tip (see Figure 57). The Magnolia s flowers appear on their own and are bell-shaped. Usually featuring 9 petals, flowers can be either white, pink or purple in color (see Figure 58). Figure 57. Saucer Magnolia Leaves. Figure 58. Saucer Magnolia in bloom. Deciduous I 24
Southern Magnolia Scientific Name: Magnolia Grandiflora Tree Type: Deciduous Description: Also known as the Bully Bay The Southern Magnolia s leave s are similar in shape to the Saucer Magnolia but sport a much deeper shade of green. The leaves have a glossy finish on their topsides and are often a light brown on their undersides feeling like felt to the touch (see Figure 59). Figure 59. Southern Magnolia leaves. The Southern Magnolia is famous for its flowers. Measuring up to 12 inches in diameter these creamy white flowers are very fragrant and appear in late Spring (see Figure 60). Figure 60. Southern Magnolia flower in bloom. Southern Magnolias can grow up to 90 feet tall. It is a single stem tree with a pyramid-shaped crown (see Figure 61). Figure 61. Mature Southern Magnolia. Deciduous I 25
Staghorn Sumac Scientific Name: Rhus Typhina Tree Type: Deciduous Description: Native to eastern North America these small trees. Their leaves sprout in alternating pairs, each one around 5 inches long. The leaves are oblong with highly serrated edges. The stems are a deep red (see Figure 62). Figure 62. Sumac in fall. The fruit of the Staghorn Sumac makes it easy to identify when in season. Known as drupes Growing in dense clusters at the end of branches the drupes are deep red and have a fuzzy felt on them (see Figure 63). Staghorn Sumacs grow between 10-60 feet tall. They are wiry trees with thin crowns and erratic stem structures (see Figure 64). Figure 63. Staghorn Sumac drupe. Figure 64. Fully grown Sumac. Deciduous I 26
Tulip Tree Scientific Name: Liriodendron Tulipifera Tree Type: Deciduous Description: Sometimes called the Yellow Poplar, The Tulip tree can grow between 40-90 feet tall and are identifiable by its unique leaves. Similar in shape to a maple leaf, Tulip Tree leaves have four lobes each one ending in a pointed tip (see Figure 65). Tulip tree s sport a single, straight trunk with long slender branches creating a conical canopy that is not as dense as most trees its size. Their bark is ash gray with deep fissures forming a ridge-like pattern around their trunks. (see Figure 66). Tulip Tree s get their name from the flowers. Although they resemble Tulip flowers, these yellow-green flowers smell like cucumbers (see Figure 67). Figure 65. Close up of Tulip Tree flower. Figure 66. Tulip Tree bark and trunk. Figure 67. Tulip Tree flower in bloom. Deciduous I 27
Coniferous Description Taken from Nasa Earth Observatory: Coniferous forests consist mostly of conifers, trees that grow needles instead of leaves, and cones instead of flowers. Conifers tend to be evergreen, that is, they bear needles all year long. These adaptations help conifers survive in areas that are very cold or dry. Some of the more common conifers are spruces, pines, and firs. Deciduous I 28
Alaska Cedar Scientific Name: Chaemecyparis Nootkatensis Tree Type: Coniferous Description: A cypress native to the Pacific Northwest. The Alaskan Cedar can grow between 60-90 feet tall. The tree s foliage is contained within flat sprays containing dark blue to grayish green scaly leaves. The cones are tiny spheres and can be seen throughout the summer (see Figure 68). Figure 68. Alaska Cedar leaves and cones. Alaska Cedars are tall trees with a gray, peeling bark. The bark is surprisingly smooth and has often been described as silky in texture. (see Figure 69). Figure 69. Alaska Cedar trunk and bark. Coniferous I 29
Black Pine Scientific Name: Pinus Nigra Tree Type: Coniferous Description: Tall trees native to Europe, Black Pines boast needles that sprout in pairs and grow up to 5 inches long. The needles are a rich green and end in a sharp point. Their cones grow in groups between 2-4 and sprout around the end of branches (see Figure 70). Black Pines can grow up to 60 feet and have dense pyramid-shaped crowns when young that taper off to become flatter the taller they get Their branches can grow to great lengths causing them to droop (see figure 71). Figure 70. Trunk of Black Pine Figure 71. Young Black Pine tree. The bark of the black pine is a dull gray and tends to form into large plates with deep fissures that grow larger the older the tree gets. The outer skin is brittle and can be pulled off to exposing light brown bark underneath (see Figure 72). Figure 72. Black Pine bark. Coniferous I 30
a Chinese Juniper Scientific Name: Juniperus Chinensis Tree Type: Coniferous Description: A popular ornamental tree, Chinese Juniper s vary greatly in both size and shape. The easiest way to identify them is by their leaves which come in two varieties. Juvenile leaves are small and spiky while adult leaves are shorter and more scale like, it is common to find both types of leaves growing on the same branch (see Figure 73). Figure 73. Chinese Juniper branch, young leaves on right mature leaves on left. Chinese Junipers can have either a single straight trunk or be multistemmed and resemble large shrubs. Their bark is a light brown and is often gnarled with numerous bulges and warpings (see Figure 74). Figure 74. Close up of needles. Coniferous I 31
Coast Redwood Scientific Name: Sequioa Sempervirens Tree Type: Coniferous Description: Famed as the tallest trees in the world, Coast Redwoods are the last species of Sequoias on the planet. As their name implies they have rust red bark that can be up to 12 inches think. The bark is surprisingly soft and can be easily pulled off in long tattered strips (see Figure 75). Figure 75. Coast Redwood Trunk The Coast Redwood s needles are less than an inch long and sprout in pairs. They are dull green in color with a lighter shade of green on their undersides. (see Figure 76). Figure 76. Close up of needles and cones. Away from the foggy California coast that turns them into giants Coast Redwoods are pyramid shaped and can have multiple lowlying branches that tend to arc upward (see Figure 77). Figure 77. Habit of Coast Redwood. Coniferous I 32
Deodara Cedar Scientific Name: Cedrus Deodara Tree Type: Coniferous Description: Native to Central Asia, the Deoara Cedar s are large conifer trees ranging in height from 40-70 feet. Their needles sprout out of branches in bunches of 15-20, with singular needles sprouting on their own near branch tips (see Figure 78). Figure 78. Deodara Cedar branch and needles. Deodar Cedars have exceptionally long sturdy branches. Younger branches tend to droop slightly while older branches jut straight from the trunk. They have thin pyramid-shaped crowns (see Figure 79). The bark of the Deodara Cedars is light gray with shallow fissure exposing light red bark underneath. The bark is fairly tough and scaly to the touch (see Figure 80). Figure 79. Mature Deodara Cedar. Figure 80. Fuly grown Deodara Cedar. Coniferous I 33
Douglas Fir Scientific Name: Pseudotsuga Menziesii Tree Type: Coniferous Description: One of Washington s signature trees, Douglas Firs average 80 feet tall but can reach height of 200 feet. Their needles are flattened and arranged like spokes on a wheel around the branch they are sprouting from. Their cones are very small and unlike other conifers tend to hang down rather than up (See Douglas fir bark is a dark gray with a rough scaly texture and fissures that can be quite deep but have no discernible color difference from bark on the surface (see Figure 82). Although their branches grow straight from the trunk smaller branchlets on Douglas firs can droop from main branches giving the tree its signature look (see Figure 83). Figure 81. Douglas fir branch and cones. Figure 82. Douglas Fir bark. Figure 83. Fully grown Douglas Fir. Coniferous I 34
Eastern Juniper Scientific Name: Juniperus Virginiana Tree Type: Coniferous Description: Eastern Junipers are small for conifers, rarely reaching heights of more than 50 feet. Their bark is a mottled gray or rust brown with a tattered appearance. (see Figure 84). Eastern Juniper leaves come in two types. Pointy, g needle-like juvenile leaves 2. 3 inches long, and tightly pressed scale-like adult leaves less than half an inch long. They are arranged in pairs or bundles of three. Their cones are berry-like spheres with a white wax cover giving them a sky-blue color (see Figure 85). Figure 84. Eastern Juniper trunk Figure 85. Close up of needles and fruit. Eastern Junipers are hardy, single stem trees with dense spherical crowns and upward angle branches (see Figure 86). Figure 86. Fully grown Eastern Juniper Coniferous I 35
English Yew Scientific Name: Taxus Baccata Tree Type: Coniferous Description: These small evergreen trees range from 30-60 feet in height. Their leaves are flat dark green spears arranged in flat rows on either side of the branch. English Yews can be easily identified by the bright red berry-like structures that protect their seeds. About the size of a marble, these berries have an opening at the bottom and are very poisonous. (see Figure 87). English Yew bark is very thin and comes in a rich brown. The bark grows in thin upward-angled plates that can be pulled off with minimal effort (see Figure 88). Figure 87. English Yew branch with leaves and berries. Figure 88. English Yew bark. English Yews are slow-growing hardy trees with branches that grow at an upward angle with branchlets that droop on either side of the branch (see Figure 89). Figure 89. Close up of English Yew. Coniferous I 36
False Hinoki Cypress Scientific Name: Chamaecyparis Obtusa Tree Type: Coniferous Description: A popular Bonsai tree, the False Hinoki Cypress can actually grow up to 90 feet tall. The easiest way to identify them is by their leaves which are blunt and scale-like. Branchlets and leaves are a uniform green and can resemble a flat cross-section of a tree due to their tendency to grow in a pyramid shape from their branch (see Figure 90). Figure 90. False Hinoki Cypress branch. False Hinoki Cypress s have light pyramidal crowns with branches growing in horizontal planes. Their trunks are small for their size. A 90 foot tree may only have a 3 foot diameter trunk. (see Figure 91). The bark of these trees grows in long stringy strips. It is rust red in color and soft to the touch (see Figure 92). Figure 91. False Hinoki Cypress tree. Figure 92. Branch of False Hinoki Coniferous I 37
Giant Sequioa Scientific Name: Sequioadendron Giganteum Tree Type: Coniferous Description: One of the three species of Redwood on the planet, Giant Sequioa s are the world s largest trees in terms of volume growing between 165-280 feet. Their trunks and bark are very similar to that of the Coastal Redwood accept that their trunks grow in a columnar fashion rather than a cylinder (see Figure 93). Figure 93. Trunk of Giant Sequioa. Giant Sequioa leaves consist of tiny blue-green cordlike branchlets growing out of branches in bunches of 3 or more. The individual leaves resemble capital V s interlocking to form a chain (see Figure 94). Figure 94. Giant Sequioa needles. Not all Giant Sequoia s are giants, Younger trees can resemble large shrubs with dense pyramidal crowns than can reach or drag along the ground (see Figure 95). Figure 95. Young Giant Sequoia. Coniferous I 38
Incense Cedar Scientific Name: Calucedrus Decurrens Tree Type: Coniferous Description: Although called a cedar, these fragrant trees are actually cypresses. These tall trees are recognizable for their mottled bark which has shades of both rust red and light gray (see Figure 96). The Incense Cedar s leaves are overlapping scales with bright green leaves attached to red branchlets. Hey grow in a fluted wine-glass pattern formed by each outside pair of leaves (see Figure 97). They emit an aromatic scent when crushed giving the tree its name. Figure 96. Incense Cedar bark. Figure 97. Incense Cedar needles. Incense Cedar s are tall straight trees with conic crowns and straight branches. Their branches are typically short giving the tree a cylindrical silhouette at times (see Figure 98). Figure 98. Full grown Incense Cedar. Coniferous I 39
Japanese Black Pine Scientific Name: Pinus Thunbergii Tree Type: Coniferous Description: Another popular Bonsai tree, These trees can range from 20-80 feet tall. Their needles can be up to 6 inches long and grow in pairs with a white sheath at their base. The needles sprout from branches in a cylindrical fashion. (see Figure 99). The branchlets of the Japanese Black Pine grow at an upward angle. Male cones grow in between these branchlets in bunches of up to 20 near the end of each branch (See Figure 100). Figure 99. Bark of Japanese Black Pine.. Figure 100. Branch and cones of Japanese Black Pine. Unlike most conifers, the Japanese Black Pine typically has an erratic twisting trunk often becoming multi-stemmed. Their crowns are typically pyramid-shaped but can be pruned to resemble anything (see Figure 101). Figure 101. Picturesque specimen of Japanese Black Coniferous I 40
Ponderosa Pine Scientific Name: Pinus Ponderosa Tree Type: Coniferous Description: Native to the western United States, Ponderosa Pines grow between 60-100 feet. They are easily identified by their bark which is a brownish-black in young trees and tan-colored in older trees. The bark grows in scales that become large plates the older the tree gets (see Figure 102). Their needles are long, up to 10 inches, and sprout in in 3's or 2's, crowded on branchlets. They are very sharp at the apex, and have feint lines on their surface. Figure 102. Trunk and bark of Ponderosa Pine. Figure 103. Large Cone and needles of Ponderosa Pine. Ponderosa Pine s have straight trunks and highly erratic branch structures. Lower branches tend to droop significantly while upper branches can be straight for growing at an upward angle. (see Figure 104). Figure 104. Mature Ponderosa Pine. Coniferous I 41
Port Orford Cedar Scientific Name: Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana Tree Type: Coniferous Description: Another Conifer that is not a true Cedar. Port Orford Cedar s grow between 40-60 feet. Their bark is very similar to other Cedars and has the same alternating shades of gray and red. The Port Orford Cedar however has more pronounced vertical scales that are very fibrous and can be pulled off (see Figure 105). Figure 105. Bark of Port Orford Cedar. The Port Orford Cedar has Short ascending branches that droop at the tips. Their feathery leaves grow in flat sprays, usually somewhat glaucous blue-green in color. Flattened frond-like twigs are arranged horizontally, developing white "X" markings on the underside of the branchlet. (see Figure 106). Figure 106. Port Orford Cedar branch. Coniferous I 42
Shore Pine Scientific Name: Pinus Contorta Tree Type: Coniferous Description: A common conifer tree along the Pacific Coast, Shore Pines usually grow between 40-50 feet. Their bark is extremely scaly and dark brown in color. It s common to see large blobs of orange sap seeping from between the scales. (see Figure 107). Shore Pine needles grow in bundles of two 1-3 inches long. The needles are flat and tend to twist from their sheath Shore Pines often have twisted wiry trunks. They can be single or multistemmed and branches that angle either upward or straight from the trunk. Their crowns are often sparse with irregular shapes and large holes in them (see Figure 109). Figure 107. Bark of Shore Pine. Figure 108. Shore Pine needles. Figure 109. Mature Shore Pine. Coniferous I 43
Western White Pine Scientific Name: Pinus Monticola Tree Type: Coniferous Description: Western White Pines can grow up to 100 feet tall. Their needles grow in bundles of 5 and can grow up to 4 inches long. They are a rich green in color with sharp tips that are dark yellow (see Figure 110). Figure 110. White Pine needles. White Pines have large cones that can be over a foot long. Cone scales are long and flexible and the longer cones tend to curve slightly (see Figure 111). White Pines have straight trunks with branches that grow in regular levels giving the tree a stepped appearance. They have cylindrical crowns and light brown bark (see Figure 112). Figure 111. White Pine cone. Figure 112. Fully grown White Pine. Coniferous I 44
Western Red Cedar Scientific Name: Thuja Plicata Tree Type: Coniferous Description: Western Red Cedar s are famed for their versatile wood. Ranging from 50-70 feet tall. Their branchlets sprout at regular intervals from branches where deep, shiny green leaves, usually with white marking on their undersides, grow (see Figure 113). Figure 113. Western Red Cedar leaves. The bark of the Western Red Cedar is unsurprisingly a rust red. The bark is thin and grows in narrow strips (see Figure 114). Western Red Cedar have wellshaped, pyramid crowns and veru straight sturdy trunks. Interestingly trees growing on their own will hold onto their low lying branches resembling Chrismas trees (see Figure 115). Figure 114. Western Red Cedar bark. Figure 115. Fully grown Red Cedar. Coniferous I 45
Bibliography Little, Elbert L. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees W: Western Region. New York, New York: Chanticleer Press, 1980. NASA Earth Observatory "Temperate Deciduous Forest : Mission: Biomes. Website: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/experiments/biome/biotemper ate.php Brand, Mark H. University of Connecticut Plant Database. Web site: http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/index.html Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University (2010). Landscape Plants Identification Site. Web site: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/ Wikipedia. Web site: http://www.wikipedia.org/ Deciduous I 46
List of Terms Crown. The totality of the plant's aboveground parts, including stems, leaves, and reproductive structures. A plant canopy consists of one or more plant crowns growing in a given area. Bark Fissure. A bark phenomenon in which strips or scales of bark separate from each other; the depression created between these separations is known as a fissure. Fissures range in size and shape depending on the tree species and often expose bark with a different color than the bark that makes up the scales. Leaflets. A leaflet is a part of a compound leaf. A leaflet may resemble an entire leaf, but its central vein does not connect to a stem, but rather on a vein of the whole leaf. Leaf Vein. Veins are a leaf s vascular tissue. Leaves are typically built around a single central vein running down the length of the leaf with a network of smaller veins splintering out from this main vein. These vein networks usually develop in a pattern distinctive to the tree s species. Palmate Leaves. Palmate describes a leaf that is divided into 3 or more distinct lobes, like the palm of your hand with outstretched Bibliography I 47
fingers. They are compound leaves, divided into leaflets whose stems emanate from a single central point. List of Terms I 48
Measurement Directions After identifying a tree s species you will be asked to take measurements to determine the diameter of the tree s trunk and crown*. To properly take these measurements follow the below instructions. Trunk Diameter at Breast Height (dbh): To measure the diameter of the trees trunk at 4.5 feet (breast height) above ground level as measured from the uphill side of the slope (see Figure 117). Figure117. Measuring DBH. If a tree trunk splits below the breast height measure each trunk separately (see Figure 118). Figure118. Measuring multiple trunks. Measurement Directions I 49
Crown Diameter (Spread): The crown diameter is the average of two diameter measurements: (1) widest distance anywhere in the crown between the driplines ( see Figure 119) of two live branches, and (2) the distance perpendicular to the widest measurement (see Figure 120). Abnormally long branches, on one side of a tree, that extend beyond the edge of the crown outline are excluded from the measurement on that side. Dripline Figure119. Establishing the dripline of a tree s crown. Measurement Directions I 50
Long, straggling branches extending well beyond the crown outline should be ignored. 1st measurement 2nd measurement To make the second (90 ) measurement at the widest point on an irregular crown, one or both crew members may not be able to stand under the drip line. Key points of crown diameter measurement One crew member, or both crew members, may not be able to stand under the dripline when making the second (90 ) measurement at the widest point on an irregular crown. Figure 120. The first crown diameter measurement is taken at the widest diameter, and the second is taken 90 from the first. Measurement Directions I 51
Measurement Directions