Identify a Tree:

What’s the difference between a shrub and a tree?

Unlike shrubs, which tend to grow shorter (under 20 ft. generally) and which have multiple woody stems but with none dominant, trees have one distinguishable primary trunk. Depending on the climate, a tree can grow in shrub form, or a shrub can grow in tree form. For instance, here’s a juniper growing in tree form among the lower Sierra Nevada Mountains in the Sequoia National Forest:

Click to Enlarge:

Time to Learn the Forest from The Trees!

***************************************

Are You Identifying a Hardwood Tree or a Conifer?

Hardwood aka “Broad-Leafed Tree” {Angiosperm} – all non-Conifers

Deciduous – leaves fall off in winter
Evergreen – leaves stay on year round (i.e.: Eucalyptus, Bay Laurel, Palm)

– or –

Conifers {Gymnosperm} – needle-like or scaly leaves, cone-producers

Pine {Pinus sp.} – cylindrical needles growing in clusters
Cypress – scaled leaves
Spruce {Picea sp.} – triangular OR square-shaped needles growing individually from branches
Flat-Needled Conifer