Jump to content

Tree identification


Recommended Posts

I'm an eagle scout (1986) and going to be a new scout leader. does anyone know a good tree id guide? i know the peterson's guides are out there but i'm looking for something mobile. i ran across TreeID and Northwoods field guides for the iPhone. Anyone know anything about them?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"Master Tree Finder" by May Theilgaard Watts, pub. by Nature Study Guild c.1963, but I have seen a reprint more recently. Pocket size , literally 3" by 5". Organizes trees by leaf shape and size, then bark type. Lists by ecological niche, (swampy, uplands, etc.)too. Nice field guide for North American Trees.

I also recommend the Arbor Day Foundation. www.arborday.org Online tree ID section.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another option is tree sort cards. I got a set from Forestry Suppliers. The cards have holes punched in them for various tree and leaf characteristics. Take the deck and identify one feature, e.g.: simple vs. compound leaf. Poke a wire through the appropriate hole and shake the deck and the cards are sorted into two stacks - one of simple-leafed trees, one of compound-leafed. Repeat with another characteristic until you've eliminated all but one and that's your tree.

 

In addition to being accurate, it's a fun learning tool for boys to use.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I prefer a more simple guide.

 

If you can, find a guide specific to your region. Our state forestry service publishes a guide of common forest trees that is really good. It includes about 150 trees common to the area. It includes a drawing of the leaves, branch structure and fruit, if any, and a map showing the range of the tree. It also has a good description of all the other characteristics of the tree.

 

I find the omnibus guides too much, especially when working with Scouts. I really don't need a book with all 87 subspecies of the Asian yarrow.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...