How to Identify Southeastern Trees

Pine trees grow in abundance in the southeastern portion of the United States.

The tree species of the southeastern portion of the United States are as different and as diverse as the landscape. From heavy pine forests to tropical palms, there are literally hundreds of tree species. Many are native to the region, while an even greater number have been introduced. Southeastern trees grow at different altitudes and in various U.S.hardiness zones from 6 to 12. Careful examination of the parts of tree is helpful when identifying southeastern trees.

Things You'll Need

• Tree identification book

Instructions

1. Examine the native habitat of southeastern trees. There are two basic types: evergreens, which retain their leaves all year long, and deciduous trees, which shed their leaves in autumn. Atlantic white-cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) is a predominant evergreen species in many parts of the south. The tree grows in marshy bogs and prefers deep shade. The leaves are a deep bluish-green and spread out in an attractive fan shape. Other evergreens include baldcypress (Taxodium distichum var. distichum), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) and China fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata).

2. Inspect the bark of trees. Pine trees, oaks, fruit trees and palms have different types of bark. Avocado trees have no bark at all and must grow under the protective shade of other types of trees. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) has grooved light gray bark and a pronounced leaf shape.

3. Gather a few of the leaves for study and identification. Leaves are one of the best clues in tree identification. Leaves may be oval, oblong, heart-shaped, round, narrow, long or wide and flat. Contact an extension agent. Take a sample of the leaf and a twig of the tree for identification. A knowledgeable horticulturist can readily identify local trees and provide advice about tree care and cultivation.

4. Research the type of trees on the Internet or at a library. Visit the Arbor Day Foundation website at Arborday.org to use their interactive tree guide. The foundation also offers several books for purchase that identify different species of trees and provide care and maintenance instructions for maintaining the health of landscape trees.

References

• Oplin: What Tree Is It?
• Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Florida Native Plants
• Arbor Day Foundation: Tree Guide
• The Brown Tree Nurseries: Complete List of Palm Tree Species
• Auburn University -- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences: Trees of Alabama and the Southeast