It’s not a pine! Neither are hemlocks, spruces, firs, tamaracks or larches.īecause there are only about a dozen common conifers (only four are pines!) in the forest, conifer ID is fairly easy. Northern white-cedar is the most common conifer in Michigan. Pines make up about 44 percent of the conifer volume in Michigan (14 percent of total tree volume) and about 25 percent in the U.P. Many people refer to all conifers as “pines” when, actually, most conifers are not pines, especially in the U.P. Most of our conifers carry needles year-round.
Trees with acorns are one of several oaks.
Although, sometimes pale versions of quaking aspen have been mistaken for paper birch. Most others are more year-round, such as twig and branching patterns, buds, bud scars, bark, tree form, site, and tree associates.įor some trees, paper birch for instance, most people only need to look at the white, peeling bark. Some characteristics are seasonal, such as leaves, fruits, and flowers. Learning which subset of characteristics to use for a particular tree is where practice and skill are needed. There are about a dozen characteristics available to help identify trees. And of course, it’s difficult to fully appreciate the amazing natural resources of Michigan without considering forests. Trees are not the only life form, of course, but they are the dominant life form and impact everything that occurs in the forest. It’s impossible to fully understand a forest without knowing “who” grows there.
Michigan boasts around 100 tree species, depending upon how a tree is defined. For whatever reason, tree ID can be done year-round. Sometimes, people simply have a heightened ecological conscience and just want to know. The curious might want to know which species grow in their yard or a nearby park. Many people pride themselves on their skill in identifying trees.