How well do you know your trees? Can you identify the trees in the images above? Do you know where to start and what to look for?
When we get tree identification questions at the Home & Garden Information Center, we look not only at the leaves or needles but also the leaf arrangement along the branches, the size and shape of the tree, the bark, buds, and fruits too.
If you want to get better at tree identification, like most anything, it helps to have a good foundation and to practice. If you are interested in getting better at tree identification, you may be interested in the upcoming events we are sponsoring.
Send your pictures to our horticulturists using our online Ask an Expert service. We’re here to help you!
Tree Identification Answers
Top Left: Flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida
Top Right: American Holly, Ilex opaca
Bottom Left: Black Walnut, Juglans nigra
Bottom Middle: Chestnut Oak, Quercus prinus
Bottom Right: Tulip poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera
By Alicia F. Bembenek, Ph.D., Master Gardener Advanced Training Coordinator, University of Maryland Extension, Home & Garden Information Center