How to Identify Shrub Species

Perhaps you've just moved into a new place and want to learn how to care for the shrubs in your yard. Or you might wish to identify shrubs around your home or office to add new garden plants around the existing shrubbery. With a comprehensive shrub identification book, you can identify the most commonly planted shrubs on your own usually based on just the leaves and/or flowers.

Things You'll Need

• Shrub identification book (ideally focused on your country, state, or region)
• Notebook and pencil (optional)
• Small pruning clippers or sharp scissors (optional)
• Resealable bag (optional)
• Magnifying glass (optional)
• Measuring tape or small ruler (optional)

Instructions

1. The best time to identify shrubs is in the spring or summer when leaves are present. If you cannot identify your shrub based on leaf type, gently cut a leaf sample and store it in a resealable bag, or draw a picture of the leaf in a notebook.

2. Continue to observe shrub foliage throughout the fall and winter. If it changes color in fall and drops off in the winter, the shrub is deciduous. If it remains green or appears to be growing throughout the winter, it is an evergreen. Note any color changes in a notebook.

3. Flower color and shape can also help you quickly identify shrubs. Observe shrubs throughout spring, summer, and fall for blossoms. If you are unable to make a match, cut a bloom off and store it in a resealable bag, or draw the blossom in a notebook and note its color.

4. Bark and twig color and texture can also help with positive shrub identification. Use a magnifying glass, if necessary, to observe barks and twigs in closer detail. Draw the texture in a notebook and note coloring if you are still unable to find a positive match.

5. Lastly, bud shape and size can also aid in shrub identification. For best results, observe buds in early spring, before leaves appear. If you are still unable to make a suitable match, measure the bud length and draw a picture in a notebook.

Tips & Warnings

• Join a local garden club and ask people from the club to help you identify plants in your yard.

• If you were unable to identify a shrub, gather all of your notes and samples and bring them to a local garden center or greenhouse. Many such places keep certified Master Gardeners on staff who may be able to help you lock down a positive shrub identification.

References

• "Fruit Key and Twig Key to Trees and Shrubs;" William M. Harlow, Ph.D.; 1959
• "The Shrub Identification Book: The Visual Method for the Practical Identification of Shrubs, Including Woody Vines and Ground Covers;" George W. Symonds; 1973

Resources

• University of Connecticut Plant Database