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Leaf Identification

Leaf Identification. Leaves. Leaves are the best and often the easiest way to identify a tree. Needles and scale of evergreens are also considered leaves. Questions to consider when identifying leaves: Are the leaves: simple or compound?  margins smooth or margins rough? 

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Leaf Identification

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  1. Leaf Identification

  2. Leaves • Leaves are the best and often the easiest way to identify a tree. • Needles and scale of evergreens are also considered leaves. • Questions to consider when identifying leaves: • Are the leaves: • simple or compound?  • margins smooth or margins rough?  • What is the size, shape, texture, and color variation of the leaves?

  3. Leaf Structure

  4. Leaves – Simple or Compound • Simple leaves only have one leaf blade. • Compound leaves are made up of several separate leaflets attached to a common leaf stem.

  5. Palmately Compound Leaf

  6. Once Pinnately Compound Leaf

  7. Twice Pinnately Compound Leaf

  8. Leaves - Margins • Margins are the edges of the leaves, which have different patterns. • Examples of margins are: • Smooth • Serrate or Doubly serrate • Wavy • Lobed

  9. Leaves - Shapes • Leaves can come in many shapes. • Some examples of leaf shapes are triangular, oval, or elliptical.

  10. Leaf Arrangements • Leaf arrangement refers to the leaf arrangement on the stem of the tree. • Leaves are arranged in three different ways: • Opposite – Buds form in pairs on either side of the twig. • Alternate – Buds are arranged singly at intervals along the twigs. • Whorled – Buds are arranged in circles around the twig.

  11. Leaf Arrangements • Most trees have alternate branching.

  12. Evergreen Identification • Needles can look sharp and pointy or flat and scaly.

  13. Questions: add at the end of your key What was the most unique leaf you identified? Other than leaves, what are two other ways you could identify a tree? How is this method of identification useful for classification? Which organisms are most similar?

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