Winter Tree and Shrub Identification

Winter plant identification offers a fresh way to explore familiar landscapes, focusing on subtle details like structure and texture rather than leafy foliage. Start with the bark—its texture can be smooth, deeply furrowed, or even peeling, offering valuable clues that remain visible all winter. Look closely at branch patterns; some trees, like maples and ashes, have opposite branching, while others, like oaks and elms, are alternate. Buds provide additional hints, so bring a hand lens to inspect their size, shape, and arrangement. Study the silhouette of trees and shrubs from a distance, as their shape can help identify species. Bright winter colors, like the red of dogwoods or the yellow of willows, are also helpful. Finally, pay attention to any remaining fruits or seed heads, like those of American beech with its golden-brown leaves, or the bright berries of winterberry. With a field guide and patience, you can uncover Indiana’s subtle winter beauty through the quiet art of plant identification.

Take some time this Winter to view your local parks in a different lens - one unobstructed by the dense cover of leaves. The below resources will help you get started on your journey of winter plant identification.

• Purdue Extension Plant ID
• Morton Arboretum Winter Tree Identification (online and in person)
• Morton Arboretum Basic Plant Identification (An introduction to botanical terms)
• University of Maryland Extension Winter Tree ID Guide
• Botany In a Day - Thomas J. Elpel
• Winter Tree Finder - May Theilgaard Watts & Tom Watts