Wildlife Diary - January 2008

 

 

An Introduction to Winter Tree Identification

There are lots of different species of tree growing in Glasgow. These come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. To tell them apart you can look at the leaves (arrangement and shape), bark and general shape of the tree.

 

In the winter deciduous trees have dropped their leaves, which can make you think that identification is harder. But at this time of year you should take a closer look at the winter shoots and buds (young leaves for next year).

 

A key feature to look at is bud arrangement.

 

Are the buds opposite each other or spaced alternately along the shoot?

 

                              Opposite Buds (Sycamore)

Sycamore Bud

 

 

                              Alternate Buds (Beech)

Beech Bud

 

 

What does the terminal bud at the end of the shoot look like?

 

 

                              Single terminal bud (Ash)

Ash bud

 

 

                              Cluster of terminal buds (Oak)

Oak bud

 

 

Other features to note are the colour, size and stickiness of the bud which can all help with identification.

 

For further information on identification of winter trees visit The Woodland Trust Nature Detectives website

 

http://www.naturedetectives.org.uk/explore/idsheets/twigs.htm