Familiarization with the following diagrams and terms will make the leaf key and tree descriptions easier to understand and use. Information provided here is divided into the following topics:
conifer — a tree with needle or scale-like leaves fascicle — a dense cluster of leaves or needles (far right) broadleaf — a tree with wide, flat leaves
bud scale — a small modified leaf on the outside of a bud lateral bud — a bud that is situated along the sides of a branch and not at the tip lenticel — a corky spot on the bark which originally permitted air to enter the twig leaf scar — the scar left on a twig when a leaf falls bud scale scar — the scar left on a twig when a bud scale falls bundle trace — dot-like scars within a leaf scar, representing the broken ends of ducts which led to the leaf stalk node — the place on a twig where a leaf is attached internode — the part of a twig between two nodes pith — central, usually soft portion of a twig, chambered piths are divided into empty compartments by cross partitions thorns and spines (not pictured) — sharp-pointed, rigid structures arising from the twig or leaf
entire — a leaf margin that is smooth without teeth or lobes undulate — a leaf margin that is wavy serrate — a leaf margin that has pointed teeth that are directed upward doubly serrate — a serrate leaf margin where the primary teeth support another set of teeth crenate — a leaf margin that has rounded teeth lobed — a segmented leaf having pointed or rounded extensions separated by sinuses that do not extend more than halfway to the midrib sinus — the space or indentation between the lobes of a leaf blade
berry — a simple, fleshy fruit, with seeds embedded in a pulpy mass (persimmon) drupe — a one-seeded, fleshy fruit with the seed inclosed in a stony wall (cherry, sugarberry, holly) capsule — a dry fruit which splits open into two or more parts at maturity (sourwood) legume — a dry fruit with two seams in the outer wall (black locust) nut — a hard-shelled, dry fruit, sometimes with a outer covering or husk (hickory, oak acorn, black walnut)
pome — a fleshy fruit, with seeds incased by a papery wall (apple) nutlet — a small nut samara — a winged, one-cell, one-seeded, dry fruit (elm; double samara — maple) multiple — a fruit formed from several flowers into a single structure having a common axis multiple of capsules -- sweetgum
follicle — a dry fruit with one seam in the outer wall pendant — hanging or drooping globular — spherical bracts -- small leaf or leaf-like structures beneath a flower or flower cluster that sometimes become protectors of the fruit
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terminal bud — a bud that is
at the tip of a stem or branch
palmately compound
— veins or lobes of a leaf radiating from a central point
acute — slightly pointed
cuneate — wedge-shaped
