Grey Middle FFAStudy Tool Study Bot
← All study topics

Tree identification

Focus on leaves, bark, fruit, and the clues that tell trees apart.

Tree ID field cards

Search the full list. Identify from several clues, not a single leaf shape.

50 tree cards
This published Florida FFA guide includes 40 trees plus 10 additional trees for the State Event. Confirm this year’s list and event scope with your advisor.
Showing 50 of 50 specimens · tap an image to look closer
American Beech — leaves
Image credit
Image sourceBruce MarlinCC BY-SA 2.5Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
American Beech — leaves
American Beech — leaves

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceBruce MarlinCC BY-SA 2.5Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

American Beech

Fagus grandifolia

Smooth gray bark; simple alternate leaves with straight side veins and toothed edges.

Compare: Check the twig and bark together; smooth bark alone is not enough.

American Elm — leaves and samaras
Image credit
Image sourceAyotte, Gilles, 1948-CC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
American Elm — leaves and samaras
American Elm — leaves and samaras

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceAyotte, Gilles, 1948-CC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

American Elm

Ulmus americana

Simple alternate leaves; look for an uneven leaf base and double-toothed margin.

Compare: Compare the leaf base and teeth with other elms.

American Holly — leaves and unripe fruit
Image credit
Image sourceUSDA Natural Resources Conservation ServicePublic domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
American Holly — leaves and unripe fruit
American Holly — leaves and unripe fruit

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceUSDA Natural Resources Conservation ServicePublic domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

American Holly

Ilex opaca

Evergreen, alternate leaves often have stiff spines; red berries may be present.

Compare: Berry color is seasonal; inspect the leaf and twig.

Bald Cypress — foliage and cones
Image credit
Image source小石川人晃CC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Bald Cypress — foliage and cones
Bald Cypress — foliage and cones

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image source小石川人晃CC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum

A deciduous conifer with soft, feathery branchlets and small round cones.

Compare: Unlike pines, its short leaves are attached along feathery branchlets.

Black Cherry — leaf
Image credit
Image sourceDouglas GoldmanCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Black Cherry — leaf
Black Cherry — leaf

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceDouglas GoldmanCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Alternate, finely toothed leaves; check the petiole glands and bark when available.

Compare: Use several features; a detached leaf may be confused with other toothed leaves.

Carolina Ash — compound leaf
Image credit
Image sourcehomeredwardprice on FlickrCC BY 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Carolina Ash — compound leaf
Carolina Ash — compound leaf

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourcehomeredwardprice on FlickrCC BY 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Carolina Ash

Fraxinus caroliniana

Opposite, pinnately compound leaves; inspect the twig to confirm opposite attachment.

Compare: Opposite leaves are a strong clue; compare leaflet number and shape.

Common Persimmon — leaf and fruit illustration
Image credit
Image sourceBritton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 2: 720. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society. Scanned by Omnitek Inc.Public domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Common Persimmon — leaf and fruit illustration
Common Persimmon — leaf and fruit illustration

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceBritton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 2: 720. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society. Scanned by Omnitek Inc.Public domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Common Persimmon

Diospyros virginiana

Simple alternate leaves with smooth edges; older bark often forms dark blocky plates.

Compare: Bark texture can help when leaves alone are uncertain.

Eastern Hophornbeam — leaves and hoplike fruit
Image credit
Image sourceEric HuntCC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Eastern Hophornbeam — leaves and hoplike fruit
Eastern Hophornbeam — leaves and hoplike fruit

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceEric HuntCC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Eastern Hophornbeam

Ostrya virginiana

Simple alternate leaves with doubly toothed margins; fruit clusters resemble small hops.

Compare: The hop-like fruit is especially helpful when present.

American Hornbeam — leaves
Image credit
Image sourcePhoto by and (c)2005 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man)CC BY-SA 2.5Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
American Hornbeam — leaves
American Hornbeam — leaves

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourcePhoto by and (c)2005 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man)CC BY-SA 2.5Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

American Hornbeam

Carpinus caroliniana

Simple alternate, sharply toothed leaves; trunk can look smooth and muscle-like.

Compare: Check both the leaf teeth and the distinctive trunk when available.

Eastern Redbud — heart-shaped leaf
Image credit
Image sourceKlikiniCC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Eastern Redbud — heart-shaped leaf
Eastern Redbud — heart-shaped leaf

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceKlikiniCC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis

Alternate, heart-shaped leaves; pink-purple flowers often grow on branches before leaves.

Compare: The heart-shaped leaf and flower placement help separate it from maples.

Flowering Dogwood — fruit and autumn leaves
Image credit
Image sourceNo machine-readable author provided. Koba-chan assumed (based on copyright claims).CC BY 2.5Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Flowering Dogwood — fruit and autumn leaves
Flowering Dogwood — fruit and autumn leaves

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceNo machine-readable author provided. Koba-chan assumed (based on copyright claims).CC BY 2.5Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida

Opposite leaves with curved side veins; showy spring bracts surround small flowers.

Compare: Follow the veins toward the leaf tip and confirm opposite arrangement.

Laurel Oak — leaf detail
Image credit
Image sourceBruce KirchoffCC BY 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Laurel Oak — leaf detail
Laurel Oak — leaf detail

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceBruce KirchoffCC BY 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Oaks

Laurel Oak

Quercus laurifolia

Alternate, narrow simple leaves; edges are often smooth or only lightly lobed.

Compare: Oak leaves vary; compare shape and acorn/cap if available.

Live Oak — leaves and flowers
Image credit
Image sourceKrzysztof Ziarnek, KenraizCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Live Oak — leaves and flowers
Live Oak — leaves and flowers

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceKrzysztof Ziarnek, KenraizCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Oaks

Live Oak

Quercus virginiana

Evergreen oak with thick, oblong leaves and rounded tips; broad spreading limbs are common.

Compare: Look for leathery leaves and the specimen's growth form, not just its evergreen habit.

Loblollybay — leaves
Image credit
Image sourceEric PolkCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Loblollybay — leaves
Loblollybay — leaves

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceEric PolkCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Loblollybay

Gordonia lasianthus

Simple alternate leaves that are narrow and often paler underneath; white flowers may appear.

Compare: Check the whole leaf and underside; do not confuse it with a pine because of its name.

Loblolly Pine — tree form
Image credit
Image sourceWoodlotCC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Loblolly Pine — tree form
Loblolly Pine — tree form

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceWoodlotCC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Pines

Loblolly Pine

Pinus taeda

Needles are commonly in bundles of three; inspect needle length and cone features too.

Compare: Longleaf and some slash pines can also have three needles per bundle.

Longleaf Pine — long needles
Image credit
Image sourceErich G. Vallery, USDA Forest Service SRS-4552; color correction by MPFCC BY 3.0 USResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Longleaf Pine — long needles
Longleaf Pine — long needles

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceErich G. Vallery, USDA Forest Service SRS-4552; color correction by MPFCC BY 3.0 USResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Pines

Longleaf Pine

Pinus palustris

Very long needles, commonly three per bundle; large silvery-white terminal buds are a strong clue.

Compare: Three needles alone do not prove longleaf; check length, buds, and cones.

Mockernut Hickory — leaf and nut illustration
Image credit
Image sourceFrançois André Michaux (book author), Augustus Lucas Hillhouse (translator), Pancrace Bessa (illustrator), Bessin (engraver)Public domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Mockernut Hickory — leaf and nut illustration
Mockernut Hickory — leaf and nut illustration

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceFrançois André Michaux (book author), Augustus Lucas Hillhouse (translator), Pancrace Bessa (illustrator), Bessin (engraver)Public domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Hickories

Mockernut Hickory

Carya tomentosa

Alternate, pinnately compound leaves with 5–9 leaflets; leaf stems and twigs can be hairy. The nut sits inside a husk.

Compare: Compare leaflet number and size, hair on the leaf stem, buds, and nut/husk. One clue alone is not enough.

Pignut Hickory — compound leaves
Image credit
Image sourcehomeredwardpriceCC BY 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Pignut Hickory — compound leaves
Pignut Hickory — compound leaves

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourcehomeredwardpriceCC BY 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Hickories

Pignut Hickory

Carya glabra

Alternate pinnately compound leaves, usually with 5 or 7 leaflets; the leaflets are often narrower than on some other hickories.

Compare: Compare leaflet count and shape, the twig and buds, and the pear-shaped nut when fruit is present.

Post Oak — leaf and bark
Image credit
Image sourceRobert H. Mohlenbrock, USDA NRCSPublic domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Post Oak — leaf and bark
Post Oak — leaf and bark

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceRobert H. Mohlenbrock, USDA NRCSPublic domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Oaks

Post Oak

Quercus stellata

Oak leaf often has a cross-like outline from its paired broad middle lobes.

Compare: Look for the blocky lobes and compare acorns when available.

Red Maple — leaves and samaras illustration
Image credit
Image sourcePancrace Bessa (illustrator), Gabriel (engraver); The North American Sylva, 1819Public domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Red Maple — leaves and samaras illustration
Red Maple — leaves and samaras illustration

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourcePancrace Bessa (illustrator), Gabriel (engraver); The North American Sylva, 1819Public domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Red Maple

Acer rubrum

Opposite, simple leaves, usually with three to five lobes and toothed edges.

Compare: Opposite arrangement separates it from alternate-leaved Sweetgum.

Red Mulberry — leaf texture
Image credit
Image sourceDouglas GoldmanCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Red Mulberry — leaf texture
Red Mulberry — leaf texture

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceDouglas GoldmanCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Red Mulberry

Morus rubra

Alternate leaves may be unlobed or lobed; surfaces often feel rough.

Compare: Leaf shape varies, even on one tree; verify arrangement and texture.

Sand Pine — needles and cone
Image credit
Image sourceBob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth!CC BY-SA 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Sand Pine — needles and cone
Sand Pine — needles and cone

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceBob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth!CC BY-SA 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Pines

Sand Pine

Pinus clausa

Needles are usually two per bundle; some cones remain closed until heated or dried.

Compare: Bundle count helps, but check cones and the full specimen.

Sassafras — lobed leaf
Image credit
Image sourceJohn StocklaCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Sassafras — lobed leaf
Sassafras — lobed leaf

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceJohn StocklaCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Sassafras

Sassafras albidum

One tree can carry oval, mitten-shaped, and three-lobed leaves; crushed foliage is aromatic.

Compare: Do not reject sassafras because one leaf lacks a mitten shape.

Shumard Oak — leaves
Image credit
Image sourceen:User:NeonfreonPublic domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Shumard Oak — leaves
Shumard Oak — leaves

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceen:User:NeonfreonPublic domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Oaks

Shumard Oak

Quercus shumardii

Alternate, deeply lobed oak leaves with bristle tips; acorns can support identification.

Compare: Compare the depth and shape of the lobes with other red oaks.

Slash Pine — needles
Image credit
Image sourceJohn Robert McPhersonCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Slash Pine — needles
Slash Pine — needles

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceJohn Robert McPhersonCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Pines

Slash Pine

Pinus elliottii

Needles occur in bundles of two or three; woody cones often have noticeable prickles.

Compare: Bundle count overlaps with other pines; check needles and cones together.

Southern Catalpa — leaves and flowers
Image credit
Image sourceLe.Loup.GrisCC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Southern Catalpa — leaves and flowers
Southern Catalpa — leaves and flowers

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceLe.Loup.GrisCC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Southern Catalpa

Catalpa bignonioides

Very large simple leaves, often opposite or in whorls; long bean-like seed pods may remain.

Compare: The oversized leaves and long pods are strong clues.

Southern Magnolia — leaves and flower
Image credit
Image sourceKurt StueberCC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Southern Magnolia — leaves and flower
Southern Magnolia — leaves and flower

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceKurt StueberCC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora

Large, thick, glossy evergreen leaves; the underside often has rusty-brown hairs.

Compare: Turn the leaf over; the underside helps distinguish it from Sweetbay.

Southern Redcedar — foliage and seed cones
Image credit
Image sourceHomer Edward PriceCC BY 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Southern Redcedar — foliage and seed cones
Southern Redcedar — foliage and seed cones

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceHomer Edward PriceCC BY 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Southern Redcedar

Juniperus silicicola

Evergreen foliage is scale-like or needle-like; small blue berry-like cones may occur.

Compare: Check the foliage against cedar/juniper references and inspect the twig.

Sugarberry — seedling leaves
Image credit
Image sourceDouglasGoldmanCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Sugarberry — seedling leaves
Sugarberry — seedling leaves

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceDouglasGoldmanCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Sugarberry

Celtis laevigata

Simple alternate leaves with a lopsided base and toothed upper edge; small berries may appear.

Compare: The base and upper-margin teeth help separate it from look-alikes.

Swamp Tupelo — leaves and fruit
Image credit
Image sourcemfeaverCC BY 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Swamp Tupelo — leaves and fruit
Swamp Tupelo — leaves and fruit

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourcemfeaverCC BY 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Swamp Tupelo

Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora

Simple alternate leaves; wetland habitat and dark blue fruits can support identification.

Compare: Compare leaf shape and petiole; habitat is a clue, not proof.

Sweetbay — leaves and flower
Image credit
Image sourcePhoto by and (c)2008 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man). Co-attribution must be given to the Chanticleer Garden.CC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Sweetbay — leaves and flower
Sweetbay — leaves and flower

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourcePhoto by and (c)2008 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man). Co-attribution must be given to the Chanticleer Garden.CC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Sweetbay

Magnolia virginiana

Simple alternate leaves with smooth edges and a silvery-white underside.

Compare: Memory cue: Sweetbay wears silver; Southern Magnolia often wears brown underneath.

Sweetgum — star-shaped leaves
Image credit
Image sourceCarlos ValenzuelaCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Sweetgum — star-shaped leaves
Sweetgum — star-shaped leaves

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceCarlos ValenzuelaCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua

Alternate, star-shaped leaves with pointed lobes and toothed margins; spiny ball fruits may appear.

Compare: Red Maple can also be lobed, but its leaves are opposite.

Sycamore — leaf illustration
Image credit
Image sourceArlas!CC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Sycamore — leaf illustration
Sycamore — leaf illustration

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceArlas!CC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Alternate, broad leaves with three to five lobes; mottled bark often peels in patches.

Compare: Use bark and the leaf base, not just the lobed outline.

Turkey Oak — leaves
Image credit
Image source27th March 2004Public domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Turkey Oak — leaves
Turkey Oak — leaves

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image source27th March 2004Public domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Oaks

Turkey Oak

Quercus laevis

Alternate oak leaves with narrow lobes; three prominent lobes often suggest a turkey-foot shape.

Compare: Lobes vary; compare the full leaf and acorn cap.

Water Hickory — leaf and nut illustration
Image credit
Image sourceFrançois André Michaux (book author), Augustus Lucas Hillhouse (translator), Pancrace Bessa (illustrator), Bessin (engraver)Public domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Water Hickory — leaf and nut illustration
Water Hickory — leaf and nut illustration

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceFrançois André Michaux (book author), Augustus Lucas Hillhouse (translator), Pancrace Bessa (illustrator), Bessin (engraver)Public domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Hickories

Water Hickory

Carya aquatica

Alternate, pinnately compound leaves made of narrow leaflets; often grows in wet bottomlands or flood zones.

Compare: Use leaflet shape and wet-site habitat together, then compare the twig and fruit with other hickories.

Water Oak — leaf and acorn illustration
Image credit
Image sourceFrançois André Michaux, Augustus Lucas Hillhouse (translator), Pierre-Joseph Redouté (illustrator), Dubreuil (engraver)Public domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Water Oak — leaf and acorn illustration
Water Oak — leaf and acorn illustration

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceFrançois André Michaux, Augustus Lucas Hillhouse (translator), Pierre-Joseph Redouté (illustrator), Dubreuil (engraver)Public domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Oaks

Water Oak

Quercus nigra

Alternate leaves are variable; many are narrow near the base and broader near the tip.

Compare: Some leaves are entire while others are shallowly lobed; shape varies.

Wax Myrtle — leaves and fruit
Image credit
Image sourcesonnia hillCC BY 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Wax Myrtle — leaves and fruit
Wax Myrtle — leaves and fruit

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourcesonnia hillCC BY 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Wax Myrtle

Myrica cerifera

Aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree with narrow, leathery leaves and waxy blue-gray berries.

Compare: Crush a leaf gently to notice fragrance; never taste plant material.

White Oak — leaves and acorns
Image credit
Image sourceDcrjsrCC BY 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
White Oak — leaves and acorns
White Oak — leaves and acorns

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceDcrjsrCC BY 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Oaks

White Oak

Quercus alba

Alternate leaves have rounded lobes without bristle tips.

Compare: Rounded lobes distinguish the white-oak group from bristle-tipped red-oak leaves.

Winged Elm — leaves
Image credit
Image sourceRonnie NijboerCC0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Winged Elm — leaves
Winged Elm — leaves

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceRonnie NijboerCC0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Winged Elm

Ulmus alata

Simple alternate leaves with double-toothed edges; corky ridges may form on twigs.

Compare: Check the twig ridges along with the leaf base and teeth.

Yellow-poplar — leaf
Image credit
Image sourcePrzykutaCC BY 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Yellow-poplar — leaf
Yellow-poplar — leaf

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourcePrzykutaCC BY 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Other trees

Yellow-poplar

Liriodendron tulipifera

Simple alternate leaf with four broad lobes and a squared-off or notched tip.

Compare: It is a magnolia relative, despite the common name poplar.

Black Walnut — leaf and nut illustration
Image credit
Image sourceScan by NYPLPublic domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Black Walnut — leaf and nut illustration
Black Walnut — leaf and nut illustration

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceScan by NYPLPublic domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
State-event extension

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra

Alternate pinnately compound leaves with many leaflets; crushed foliage and green husks are distinctive.

Compare: Check whether the terminal leaflet is present; it can be small or missing.

Carolina Laurelcherry — leaves and flowers
Image credit
Image sourcehomeredwardpriceCC BY 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Carolina Laurelcherry — leaves and flowers
Carolina Laurelcherry — leaves and flowers

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourcehomeredwardpriceCC BY 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
State-event extension

Carolina Laurelcherry

Prunus caroliniana

Evergreen, alternate simple leaves that are glossy and finely toothed.

Compare: Check leaf shape, sheen, and any cherry-like fruits when present.

Eastern Cottonwood — leaves and catkins
Image credit
Image sourceR. A. NonenmacherCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Eastern Cottonwood — leaves and catkins
Eastern Cottonwood — leaves and catkins

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceR. A. NonenmacherCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
State-event extension

Eastern Cottonwood

Populus deltoides

Large triangular alternate leaves with a flattened petiole that lets leaves flutter.

Compare: The triangular blade and flat petiole are useful together.

Florida Maple — leaf
Image credit
Image sourceDouglas GoldmanCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Florida Maple — leaf
Florida Maple — leaf

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceDouglas GoldmanCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
State-event extension

Florida Maple

Acer floridanum

Opposite, simple, lobed leaves; compare lobes and undersides with other maples.

Compare: Maples can be difficult to separate by leaf alone; check the twig and full key.

Gum Bumelia — leaves
Image credit
Image sourceHomer Edward PriceCC BY 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Gum Bumelia — leaves
Gum Bumelia — leaves

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceHomer Edward PriceCC BY 2.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
State-event extension

Gum Bumelia

Bumelia lanuginosa

Alternate simple leaves; small dark fruits and short spur-like twigs may help.

Compare: Use a full twig specimen and an official photo/key; leaves can be variable.

Gumbo Limbo — compound leaf
Image credit
Image sourceDouglasGoldmanCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Gumbo Limbo — compound leaf
Gumbo Limbo — compound leaf

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceDouglasGoldmanCC BY-SA 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
State-event extension

Gumbo Limbo

Bursera simaruba

Peeling reddish-copper bark is a standout feature; leaves are alternate and compound.

Compare: Check bark and the arrangement of leaflets together.

Pond Apple — fruit and leaf
Image credit
Image sourceCiXeL at English WikipediaCC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Pond Apple — fruit and leaf
Pond Apple — fruit and leaf

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceCiXeL at English WikipediaCC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
State-event extension

Pond Apple

Annona glabra

Simple alternate leaves with smooth edges; large green fruit may be present near wetlands.

Compare: Use the leaf and fruit together; habitat alone is not enough.

Red Bay — leaves and fruit
Image credit
Image sourceUSDA-NRCS PLANTS DatabasePublic domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
Red Bay — leaves and fruit
Red Bay — leaves and fruit

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceUSDA-NRCS PLANTS DatabasePublic domainResized and converted to WebP for study use.
State-event extension

Red Bay

Persea borbonia

Evergreen, alternate simple leaves; gently crushed leaves have an aromatic scent.

Compare: Do not taste leaves; compare leaf shape and aroma with a field key.

Seagrape — leaves and fruit
Image credit
Image sourceForest & Kim StarrCC BY 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Seagrape — leaves and fruit
Seagrape — leaves and fruit

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceForest & Kim StarrCC BY 3.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
State-event extension

Seagrape

Coccoloba uvifera

Large, nearly round leaves with prominent veins; grape-like fruit clusters may form.

Compare: The round leaf and strong veins are useful clues.

Spruce Pine — needles and cone
Image credit
Image sourceAmber M. KingCC BY 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
Spruce Pine — needles and cone
Spruce Pine — needles and cone

Look at the shape, edges, texture, and arrangement. Say two clues you can actually see.

Image sourceAmber M. KingCC BY 4.0Resized and converted to WebP for study use.
State-event extension

Spruce Pine

Pinus glabra

Pine with needles commonly in bundles of two; inspect cone, twig, and bark too.

Compare: Two-needle bundles occur in other pines, so bundle count is not enough.