How to Identify Trees in Winter
Even without leaves, you can still identify deciduous trees in winter by focusing on key features like their shape, branch patterns, buds, thorns, catkins, bark, and any old fruit or leaves. These clues make it easier to tell different species apart. Most broadleaf trees lose their leaves in autumn, but some, like Holly, Holm Oak, Cherry Laurel, and Portugal Laurel, are evergreen. While most conifers stay green all year, a few, like the European Larch, Dawn Redwood, and Swamp Cypress, lose their needles in winter. There are 8 keys to choose from. Decide which key you want to use and click on the BUTTON below the key icon or use the LIST in the next panel.
In winter you can still identify evergreen conifers using the Conifer Leaf Key and Conifer Cone Key.
How to identify a tree in winter using keys – click on the name of the key in red to go directly to the key.
- From a distance look at the shape
- Move closer and look at the branches
- Examine any catkins that appear before the leaves
- Examine the buds, which will be easy to see
- Compare the bark
- Examine any thorns
- Search for any old fruit on or under the tree
- Search for any old leaves under the tree
