KEY TO TREES
Simplified Key to the Broadleaf Trees of North Central Texas
1. Are the leaves SIMPLE or COMPOUND?
A leaf is SIMPLE if the blade is a single unit, and COMPOUND if it is made up of two or more discrete leaflets. HINT: Each leaf, whether simple or compound, has a bud at its base (on the twig). There is no bud at the base of a leaflet.
SIMPLE: Go to #2
COMPOUND: Go to #3
2. How are the SIMPLE leaves attached?
ALTERNATELY: GROUP A Simple leaves, alternately attached
OPPOSITELY: GROUP C Simple leaves, oppositely attached
3. How are the COMPOUND leaves attached?
ALTERNATELY: GROUP B Compound leaves, alternately attached
OPPOSITELY: GROUP D Compound leaves, oppositely attached
