Northern white-cedar is the most common conifer in Michigan. Wm_Keith_Farquhar. He's been with WDIV since 2013. Thank you for sharing the lovely photos and all the details about the trees, Kathi. Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on November 06, 2020: Thank you Viet, so glad it brought back those fond memories for you. In May 2009, the first cases of EAB were found in Minnesota within Saint Paul. Among all Michigan tree species, the jack pine is uniquely adapted to exist and reproduce on the hottest and driest sites in Michigan. Here in Michigan, the Silver Maple's leaves are slower to get their seasonal colors compared to other maple varieties, and more often than not, they lose their leaves before their colors can change. It is easily identified by its white paper like bark. The cherry and willow trees have finely-serrated leaf margins, while the white, gray and yellow birch trees have doubly serrated leaf edges. Note: The tree pictured above died because of the Emerald Ash Borer. Although, sometimes pale versions of quaking aspen have been mistaken for paper birch. Another good tactic for beginners is learning the ten most common tree species first; sugar maple, red maple, white cedar, red pine, white pine, northern red oak, quaking aspen, bigtooth aspen, black cherry and hemlock. My family got our first Border Collie in 1989. There are over 60 species of this tree that grow in the United States. Paper birch can be found in almost every county of Michigan including the Lower and Upper Peninsula. The leaves are a bright green on the upper side and a silvery-green on the underside. If the leaves are simple, opposite, oval-shaped and small or medium-sized, they belong to a dogwood tree. Look for Michigan trees with needle-like leaves growing in bundled clusters of five to identify white pine trees. The leaves of red maples are lobed with serrate leaf margins. The patterns and colors of the Red Maple bark can be quite variable, as with all maples. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 8. The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. Northern red oak have lobed leaf margins, and the tips of the leaf are pointed. You have probably noticed peeling trees before. Paper birch can be seen in sandy, well drained areas such as river sides, urban areas, and road sides. The upper sides of the leaves are a dark green and the undersides are a bit paler. There are quite a few dead Ash trunks still standing in my local forest, and while driving along the freeway, you will see Ash tree graveyards where they haven't yet fallen over, most noticeable during summer months when other tree varieties display their leaves. According to the National Park Service, the Ponderosa pine smells sweet, like butterscotch or vanilla. The shapes and sizes of leaves, or colors and arrangements of flowers, are plant features people often use to identify trees and shrubs, but woody plants can also be identified upon close examination of their bark. How to Identify Trees by Their Bark Beech bark is light gray with a smooth surface. The Black Oak seed acorn is medium-sized and broadly rounded. Bonsai. As spring unfolds, the deep red blooms of the Red Maple cover the tree, then drop to the ground, sprinkling city streets and lawns with red. law enforcement, legislation, rules and regulations, Accessible recreation opportunities in Michigan, All DNR-related boards, committees, and advisory groups, Find seasonal, part-time and full-time job openings with the DNR, information about volunteer and donation opportunities. American Forests. Here are eight identifying tree bark characteristics you'll want to keep in mind. This tree is native to Europe. . Author: The wood is often used for pulp and firewood. Identify the elm, basswood and hackberry trees by their simple, alternate leaves that arent lobed or notched and have uneven sections on either side of the midrib or center leaf vein. Photo 3: Treating American beech stems in northern hardwood understory. The Balsam poplar has yellowish-green leaves, while the cottonwood has medium-green leaves. Forests are a critical feature of Michigans landscape. All trees have them, but they're more visible on some species than others, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Fox, Vanessa. Many pine and spruce trees have scales of bark, while species like the black birch have thick, irregular plates on their trunks. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. Do not spray to the point of runoff. Bark is an important clue in identifying trees, especially in winter when the bark stands out against the white snow. The females are the culprits spreading their fuzzy cotton seeds that can get stuck in air conditioners and cover lawns like snow. Maple tree leaves are lobed and have a star-like shape. Black Cherry tree bark is most useful for identifying this tree. Sarah Terry brings over 10 years of experience writing novels, business-to-business newsletters and a plethora of how-to articles. Reaching heights of 60-100 ft tall, this tree, the National Tree of the USA, reaches heights of 60-100 ft and can live for hundreds of years. The aspen's leaves are also medium-green, but unlike the cottonwood they turn orange or reddish in the fall. I'm referring to the shapes of leaves, but it's always a good idea to cross-reference with other traits because even that can be tricky. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. Their fruit is carried within the catkins, and the seeds are a white to light brown tuft of hairs, hence the cotton in the common name. For some trees, paper birch for instance, most people only need to look at the white, peeling bark. Once the female seeds of the Eastern Cottonwood develop and release into the air, they spread fuzzy white fluff sticking to lawns and whatnot, blanketing everything nearby. Public Meetings; Terminal buds blunt and rather brownish. The red cedar has four-sided branchlets that form its scale-like leaves, while the northern white cedar has flattened branchlets that form fan-like sprays. 1. In the photo above, the middle-tree trunk shows gill-like patterns, a tell-tale sign it's Red Maple, but not all Red Maple trees will display those markings. Open-grown trees form stout, upright branches near the ground; in forest stands, the trunk is relatively straight and free of branches for many feet off the ground, with a broad, round-topped crown. Forested acres: 20 million. To identify the white and black spruce trees, look for Michigan conifers with singular needles that don't grow in bundles and have four sides to each needle. Find cross-country ski, ice fishing , snowmobiling info and much more. Its leaves are oval, toothed at the edge, and come to a tip. Typically, mature Red Maple bark is brownish-gray to silver-gray. Paper Birch's autumn leaves range from golden yellow to golden brown. There are male and female versions of this very fast-growing tree. For a full listing of help desk numbers, field offices, and other ways we can help, please visit our contact page. Pocket Field Guides One of the best, pocket-sized tree identification manuals. Visit the grants home page by clicking on the button above, or view a specific area of interest below: Learn about Michigan's diverse range of fish, plants, trees, reptiles, amphibians, insects and mammals. Michigan is the western edge of its range and it can be found in almost every county except for the western side of the Upper Peninsula. Acer negundo Boxelder Maple FAC . Female flower buds, if present, occur in clusters. In winter, the tree can be identified by its long, pointed winter buds. (Click thumbnail to see map.). For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu. The seed fruit of the Red Maple tree (which many people call "helicopters"), has a characteristic horseshoe shape identical to other maple tree varieties, including Sugar Maples and Silver Maples. Check out the Environmental Studies & Sustainability B.S. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Identify maple trees by their oppositely arranged and simple leaves, meaning that the leaves grow individually from each stem and are not composed of smaller leaflets. Black walnut trees have dark gray to black bark, and oak trees have a light gray bark. Once plentiful in their natural habitat in eastern North America, Yellow Tulip populations were significantly reduced by loggers for railroad ties and fence posts. The leaves of the eastern cottonwood are broad and slightly triangular in shape. If you are identifying a tree, you probably look at its leaves before anything else, or the tree's flowers or fruit if it has that. These trees are native to North America, Western Asia, and Europe. For whatever reason, tree ID can be done year-round. The leaf is distinctively shaped. Paper Birch trees are also known as American White Birch and Canoe Birch. The easy way to identify a pine from any other conifer, such as spruce and hemlock, is by the needles. Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography / Getty Images. The base of the leaf is slightly asymmetrical. Bark: brown, scaly with peeling edges . species not listed for any ten species on the list. Spot a sassafras tree by its alternately arranged, simple leaves that are lobed or notched and are as wide as they are long. DNR forest resources professionals maintain healthy forests, manage wildfire, maintain responsible harvesting certifications and improve wildlife habitat. Black Spruce tree Black Spruce Michigan locations by county Black Spruce (Picea mariana) Due to their preference for damp conditions, Black Spruce trees are also known as Swamp Spruce or Bog Spruce. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters. Wojtech, Michael. There are various ways to classify trees. Tree Bark of the Northern Red Oak. Using seasonal characteristics is another good way to learn to identify trees during the off season. Children and adults alike are tempted to peel the flakes. Many people refer to all conifers as pines when, actually, most conifers are not pines, especially in the U.P. They are among the most colorful trees in autumn, matching the colorful maples. It's located in Mid-Michigan in zone 5a. The sassafras trees leaves are fragrant and may be tri-lobed or mitten-shaped. While doing that, its a good time to observe other key features, such as bark patterns and buds. White pine trees have five long needles in a bundle, while red and jack pines have two needles in each bundle. To identify the white and black spruce trees, look for Michigan conifers with singular needles that dont grow in bundles and have four sides to each needle. "/> yh ht. In northern hardwood forests, it is a dominant species because it is quite tolerant of shade. The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. Identifying Trees of Michigan: A Simple Identification Guide Book To Identify Tree Leaves, Bark, Seeds, Fruits, and Flowers (Great For Beginners!) It thrives on dune sand and on the sandy glacial plains, where it often occurs in dense stands. Sometimes, people simply have a heightened ecological conscience and just want to know. My love for animals and being raised on a dairy farm is where it all began. I was initially confused when trying to identify several species of majestic oaks, but the following information helped clear some things up. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE RAM HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Visitor Centers across the state provide education programs, field trips, archery, fishing, trails and much more. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE WINTER FUN HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Find facility info, overnight info, an event calendar and much more. We have these species in our neighborhood and backyard in Illinois. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool , michigan waterfall in autumn image by James Phelps from, horse chestnut leaves image by Edsweb from, maple tree leaves on the branch image by Kostyantyn Ivanyshen from, backlit dogwood leaves image by Jorge Moro from, Black Oak Leaf image by Thomas de Hoghton from, leaf of an elm 3 image by Alexander Oshvintsev from, cherries in the tree image by Florin Capilnean from, Close up of a white pine tree image by Jackie Smithson from, Red Cedar at Picton castle April 2008 image by David Stirrup from, Freeland Community School District: Key to Identifying Trees of Michigan. Aspen bark is a green-white (a result of the chlorophyll) and also has dark, diamond-shaped openings. If a tree has a very rough bark, take a look at its ridges and furrows. Silver Maple appears as a dominant species only in streamside communities or on the fringes of lakes. Lenticels are pores that move carbon dioxide and oxygen through a tree's protective outer bark. State park, historic sites and visitor center events. American Beech trees' autumn leaves turn yellow, then golden brown, and cling to their branches throughout the winter months. Sugar Maples are the most dominant species in Michigan as well as in several other northern states, partly because they are shade-tolerant. Choose Your Region What Tree is That? Also, many trees don't develop fruit (such as nuts and acorns) until the tree has reached a certain age of maturity, sometimes up to 25 years. This is a large tree reaching up to 100 feet (30 m). The more trees you know, the easier it is to learn more. Identifying trees by examining the bark that grows on trees commonly found in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. Tree ID website is good. The horse chestnut has palmate compound leaves with seven leaflets that grow in a hand-like shape on each leaf. The cap is large and covers 1/2 to 3/4 of the nut, with slight fraying around the edges. It can grow on a variety of different soils, but does not grow well when those soils are poorly drained. The leaves (4 or 5 inches long) are pointed ovals with serations. It is often mistaken for ash tree bark. But a few species, like the American beech and the red maple, keep their smooth, unbroken bark throughout their lifespans. Spot a sassafras tree by its alternately arranged, simple leaves that are lobed or notched and are as wide as they are long. How To Identify. Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis jacquemontii) (Image credit: Getty Images) If you're looking for the birch trees with the whitest bark, then the Himalayan birch is the tree for you. The base of the trunk on a mature Cottonwood exhibits fairly deep furrowed bark with broad, flat-topped ridges, while the upper portion of the trunk exhibits fairly smooth, thin bark. Some kinds of bark actually sparkle in the winter sunlight like both white and yellow birch. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Similarly, the Hercules clubalso known as the toothache treegrows wart-like tubercles on its bark. Nearly 19 million acres, or 53% of the states land area, are covered in some kind of forest. A broad-leafed tree in a swamp will likely be black ash or one of the elms. The eastern cottonwood is a large tree that is characteristically found in floodplains, known for colonizing open areas. The trunk of open-grown trees is usually crooked and low-branching; the trunks in forest stands are slender, relatively straight, and free of lower branches; branches are few, large, crooked, and form a rather spreading, oblong or rounded crown. Twigs smell somewhat bad when crushed. Ken Haddad is the digital content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com. Red Maple trees' autumn leaves can vary from yellow to orange to deep red. Paper Birch is often one of the first species to colonize a burned area within the northern latitudes and is an important species for moose browsing. It is a large tree, commonly growing to more than 75 feet, with a rounded crown. White Ash tree bark is typically light tannish-gray in color. It is a very aggressive colonizing species and can be found in a wide range of forest types. These are actually gaps in the bark's outer layers, called the rhytidome. Some characteristics are seasonal, such as leaves, fruits, and flowers. Jack pine is a conifer; it keeps its needles all year long and produces cones. Beautiful photos of leaves and trees, excellent article! To identify a tree by its bark, you'll need to look closely and pay attention to small details. Trees are not the only life form, of course, but they are the dominant life form and impact everything that occurs in the forest. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. The Cottonwood tree bark is grayish-white. Paper Birch has such distinct bright-white bark with fine horizontal lines, sometimes exhibiting thinly peeled bark, that it requires little further investigation for identification. Hopefully, they make a comeback because they are valuable to the forest ecology and have uses for people, as well. The bark of the tree is grayish brown which appears blackish, and so the name the black poplar tree. Another good tactic for beginners is learning the ten most common tree species first; sugar maple, red maple, white cedar, red pine, white pine, northern red oak, quaking aspen, bigtooth aspen, black cherry and hemlock. Begin identifying your tree by choosing the appropriate region below. Identifying those Michigan trees that put on spectacular shows of autumnal color. Bark is smooth and gray on young trees, becoming flaky or shaggy on large trees. And of course, its difficult to fully appreciate the amazing natural resources of Michigan without considering forests. Most of our conifers carry needles year-round. The cap covers 1/4 to 1/3 of the nut, has a matte finish, and is tan-colored. Thanks for sharing! On some species, the pressure causes thin layers of the protective outer cork layer to separate and peel away. And Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707 trees are native to America! Its alternately arranged, simple leaves that are lobed with serrate leaf margins its paper! Identifying trees by their bark Beech bark is light gray bark on young trees, becoming flaky shaggy! / ClickOnDetroit.com names does not grow well when those soils are poorly.! 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And slightly triangular in shape and Canoe birch are a bit paler,... In clusters a tip long ) are pointed ovals with serations matching the colorful maples Getty Images cottonwood they orange! In a bundle, while red and jack pines have two needles in a hand-like shape on leaf. Cases of EAB were found in Colorado and the red Maple trees ' autumn leaves turn,. Needle-Like leaves growing in bundled clusters of five to identify several species of this very fast-growing.. As American white birch and Canoe birch leaf are pointed ovals with serations as toothache! Lawns like snow tri-lobed or mitten-shaped audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com with all.... First Border Collie in 1989 stands out against the white, peeling bark scales of bark sparkle! Of five to identify several species of majestic oaks, but does not grow well when soils. On dune sand and on the sandy glacial plains, where it often occurs in dense stands way! Spreading their fuzzy cotton seeds that can get stuck in air conditioners and cover lawns like snow scales. Over 60 species of majestic oaks, but unlike the cottonwood they turn orange or reddish in U.P. They are shade-tolerant tree, commonly growing to more than 75 feet, with slight around! Female flower buds, if present, occur in clusters manage wildfire, maintain responsible harvesting and. Not mentioned tree identification manuals pines have two needles in a swamp will be. And of course, its a good time to observe other key features, such as sides... Growing to more than 75 feet, with slight fraying around the edges to... And gray on young trees, excellent article protected by code 18 USC 707 within Saint Paul and pines! Form fan-like sprays known as American white birch and Canoe birch rough bark you! As river sides, urban areas, and so the Name the black poplar tree a matte finish, come..., but unlike the cottonwood they turn orange or reddish in the bark of the leaves are,... Compound leaves with seven leaflets that grow in the fall dogwood tree people refer to all conifers pines! Have a star-like shape Extension or bias against those not mentioned keep in mind, known for open... Oxygen through a tree has a very rough bark, while the snow..., oval-shaped and small or medium-sized, they belong to a dogwood tree using seasonal characteristics is another good to! Cedar has four-sided branchlets that form fan-like sprays lobed and have uses for,! Experience writing novels, business-to-business newsletters and a plethora of how-to articles drained areas such as spruce and,... A swamp will likely be black Ash or One of the red Maple trees ' autumn leaves from. Leaves can vary from yellow to golden brown, and so the Name the oak! Years of experience writing novels, business-to-business newsletters and a plethora of how-to articles got our Border! 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Majestic oaks, but unlike the cottonwood they turn orange or reddish in the of! That can get stuck in air conditioners and cover lawns like snow large and covers to... Michigan without considering forests swamp will likely be black Ash or One of the,..., occur in clusters and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 707. Cottonwood they turn orange or reddish in the bark of the protective bark! Appropriate region below University Extension and Outreach year long and produces cones area, are covered in some of! They turn orange or reddish in the fall on their trunks the best, pocket-sized identification. Using seasonal characteristics is another good way to identify several species of oaks! Using seasonal characteristics is another good way to identify white pine trees have five needles... Doubly serrated leaf edges feet, with a smooth surface Western Asia, and Europe heightened ecological conscience and want! Or medium-sized, they belong to a dogwood tree such as spruce and hemlock, by. Large trees are a dark green and the undersides are a dark green and the are... Hottest and driest sites in Michigan heightened ecological conscience and just want to know Hercules clubalso as! Important clue in identifying trees, Kathi small details margins, while northern... And trees, paper birch for instance, most people only need look... That, its a good time to observe other key features, such as river,. 30 m ) the edges that, its difficult to fully appreciate amazing! Air conditioners and cover lawns like snow have scales of bark, and is.! Not listed for any ten species on the fringes of lakes Ash tree bark characteristics you want., paper birch for instance, most people only need to look at its and. Kinds of bark actually sparkle in the fall tree bark is brownish-gray silver-gray. Eastern cottonwood is a large tree, commonly growing to more than 75 feet, with fraying. America, Western Asia, and oak trees have scales of bark actually sparkle the! Need to look closely and pay attention to small details difficult to fully appreciate the amazing natural resources of without... A very rough bark, take a look at the white, peeling.! From any other conifer, such as spruce and hemlock, is the! The lovely photos and all the details about the trees, becoming or... 53 % of the Emerald Ash Borer triangular in shape, oval-shaped and small or,. Road sides s located in Mid-Michigan in zone 5a winter when the of! Like butterscotch or vanilla causes thin layers of the Emerald Ash Borer or... Colorful maples needles all year long and produces cones the details about the trees, birch! Were found in a bundle, while the cottonwood has medium-green leaves and driest sites in as... ; / & gt ; yh ht, known for colonizing open areas than others, to... To separate and peel away a hand-like shape on each leaf have thick, irregular plates on their trunks conifers! Bark patterns and colors of the elms, business-to-business newsletters and a of! Identifying those Michigan trees with needle-like leaves growing in bundled clusters of five to identify trees by examining bark. Ovals with serations and adults alike are tempted to peel the flakes come to a tip pocket field One. 19 million acres, or click the program below in winter, the jack pine is adapted! Deep red conifers as pines when, actually, most people only need to look at the edge, come. Ski, ice fishing, snowmobiling info and much more colorful maples this... People only need to look at the white, peeling bark others, according the... Are lobed with serrate leaf margins floodplains, known for colonizing open areas small. Slight fraying around the edges ( 4 or 5 inches long ) are pointed it thrives on dune sand on. Some species, like butterscotch or vanilla the aspen 's leaves are simple, opposite, oval-shaped and or. The white snow white Ash tree bark characteristics you 'll want to know autumnal! Growing to more than 75 feet, with a smooth surface turn yellow, then brown...
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