Tree identification by winter branches
In winter, once the leaves have fallen, you may be able to identify mature deciduous trees by the appearance of their branches. A branch can take two main forms. In one (monopodial) the main growth is in the same direction every year with branching on either side e.g Ash, Aspen and Lombardy Poplar. In the other (sympodial) the main growth changes every time a branch is formed giving a zig-zag and ‘twiggy’ appearance e.g Maples, Limes and Oaks. Note that some trees have straight growth when young but become twiggy when flowers are formed e.g. Horse Chestnut.
Tree identification by winter branches – shape and orientation of branches, buds, thorns and old fruit. Here are 20 examples of trees that are common in Britain. Click on each photo to enlarge it.
Common Ash – upward turning branches with opposite shoots
Common Lime – zig-zag shoots with small buds
English Oak – many short shoots at the end of branches
Sessile Oak – fewer shoots at the end of branches than the English oak
Hornbeam branches with old fruit
Norway Maple opposite shoots and old fruit stems
Sycamore branches with opposite buds and old leaves
Silver Birch with long hanging shoots and catkins
Common Hazel with catkins
Common Beech – long pointed terminal buds on shoots that turn upwards
Common Alder with catkins and cones
Bird Cherry long unbranched shoots
Horse Chestnut large sticky terminal buds on upward turning shoots
Common Hawthorn with berries and thorns
Blackthorn with berries
White Willow small flat buds on long shoots
Hybrid Black Poplar – sharp-pointed terminal buds on long upward turning shoots
Weeping Willow – small flat buds on long hanging shoots
Lombardy Poplar with shoots that cling to the trunk
Aspen – sharp pointed buds on short spurs