Start with my Tree Finder if you are not sure what kind of tree you have and the tree has leaves. If you have a dormant tree with no leaves in winter, review my Winter Tree Finder for extra help.
The Most Common Hardwoods
Identify trees known variously as hardwoods, deciduous, or broadleaf:
ash |
aspen |
beech
|
basswood |
birch |
black cherry |
black walnut/butternut
|
buckeye
|
American chestnut |
cottonwood |
dogwood |
elm |
hackberry |
hickory |
holly |
locust |
magnolia |
maple |
oak |
poplar |
red alder |
redbud |
royal paulownia |
sassafras |
sweetgum |
sycamore |
tupelo |
willow |
yellow-poplar
Definition of this Tree Category
- HARDWOOD - Trees with broad, flat leaves as opposed to coniferous or needled trees. Wood hardness varies among the hardwood species, and some are actually softer than some softwoods.
- DECIDUOUS - perennial plants which are normally leafless for some time during the year.
- BROADLEAF - A tree with leaves that are broad, flat and thin and generally shed annually.
Helpful Extra Resources
Tree Identification Glossary: Definitions of terms used in tree identification.
How to ID a Tree: A quick review of tree anatomy and the identification process.
A List of Tree ID Sites: Links to excellent tree identification information.
North American Timber Types: Maps of common tree ranges.
