Leaf Identification & Location of Regions
When visible, the leaves of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees are prominent and easy-to-describe features. Using them in conjunction with locational information can help you identify a particular plant at least to its family or genus, if not its species. Does this Spark an idea?
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Basic Leaf Identification
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When using leaves to try to identify a plant, make some basic observations. Describe the shape of the leaf -- oval, circular, oblong, tapered or otherwise -- and its spatial relationship with other leaves. Estimate or measure the size, investigate the texture and color and examine the venation.
Geography
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Considering geography is another means of honing your identification. Hawthorns are notoriously difficult to distinguish as species, but one encountered in a Pacific Northwest shrubland is likely to be one of two species (the Columbia or black hawthorn). An illustrated field guide with detailed distribution information -- ideally a species-specific map -- is invaluable.
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In the Landscape
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Mountain hemlocks prefer higher elevations in the Cascades than western hemlocks. Don't just consider large-scale geography; think of a plant's position in the landscape. Vegetation tends to arrange itself in zonal communities based on ecological factors like elevation. In the Cascade Range, western hemlock and mountain hemlock look quite similar, but the former prefers lower forest zones, while the latter favors subalpine and timberline environments.
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