Tree Identification

What's the easiest way to identify a tree? A dichotomous key of course. A dichotomous key is a tool that allows anyone to deturmine the identity of items in the natural world such as wildflowers, mammals, reptiles, rocks, fish, and trees. Dichotomous means "dividing into two parts" so the dichotomous keys below will always give only two choices for each step until you have identified the tree.

Dichotomous Tree Keys

• EEK! Environmental Education for Kids
• LEAF

Tree & Plant Identification Guide

• Arbor Day Foundation [exit DNR]

A paper copy of a tree identification guide Forest Trees of Wisconsin is available for order on Education Connection.

Smartphone Apps

Leafsnap is an electronic field guide developed by researchers from Columbia University, University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institution. This free mobile app uses visual recognician software to help identify tree species from photographs of their leaves.

The Arbor Day Foundation has also developed a tree identification guide for smartphones called: What Tree is That?

Key to Woody Plants of Wisconsin Forests [exit DNR] - This key provides an easy-to-use tool for identifying Wisconsin trees, shrubs and vines. The key includes 85 species of trees and 57 species of shrubs and vines that are native to Wisconsin or exotic and invasive.

Plant a tree!

• Looking guidance from a forester? Search the Forestry Assistance Locator.
• Find out how to order tree seedlings.
• Discover Arbor Day celebration ideas.