Tree ID: Leaf Identifier

Tree identifier that works from a leaf, from bark, or from buds in winter. Photograph any tree to identify the species. IDENTIFY TREES BY LEAF Photograph a leaf flat against a plain background, ideally with a length of twig. Whether leaves sit opposite or alternate on the twig immediately halves the candidates. IDENTIFY TREES IN WINTER Bark and buds identify a bare tree perfectly well. Ash has jet-black buds nothing else shares; beech has long coppery ones. Bark is distinctive year-round — beech stays smooth, oak fissures deeply, birch peels, cherry shows horizontal bands. CONIFERS Needle arrangement settles it. Pines carry needles in bundles; spruces have single four-sided needles that roll between the fingers; firs have flat needles that do not. POISONOUS TREE WARNINGS Yew, laburnum, oleander and giant hogweed are flagged where identified. Covers native and commonly planted trees across Europe and North America.