Leaves are probably the most helpful attribute of a tree when trying to identify a particular broadleaf specimen. The starting point should be a knowledge of leaf parts. The particular arrangement of leaves on a stem is the first and most important identification characteristic of broadleaf plants. These plants can be placed into three categories:

	OPPOSITE	Opposite arrangement indicated that two buds are at exactly the same point on a stem, but on opposite sides of the stem.
	ALTERNATE	Alternate leaf arrangement means that the leaves are on opposite sides of the stem but are not directly across from each other.
	WHORLED	A whorled arrangement means that three or more leaves are at the same point on a stem, to form a circular pattern.

Tree Identification
[Needle type][Leaf arrangment][Leaf type][Leaf shape][Leaf margin]
Example tree key

Last modified July 30, 1999