Leaves are the power houses of all plants and trees – the place where photosynthesis happens and where trees (and plants) make the energy they need to survive. They are also one of the easiest ways to start your tree identification journey.
The main points to think about when identifying tree leaves, are:
- Overall leaf shape (e.g. lobed, thin, star, hand)
- Leaf margins (e.g. smooth, wavy, toothy)
- Leaf tips (e.g. pointy, rounded, indented)
- Bases (e.g. symmetrical, asymmetrical)
- Stems (e.g. colour)
- Undersides (e.g. pale, hairy)
- Veins (e.g. parallel, branching, higgledy piggledy)
In addition, notice the position of the leaves on the tree’s twigs and branches:
- Opposite or alternate
- Single or grouped
Each of these descriptions will have their very own special word in Greek or Latin, which can help you identify them in field guides. But, here, we a focus on ease of use and connection over semantics. (If like me, you love learning scientific terms, you can check out our botany tutorials)