The spacing of leaves tells you a lot too. So, the first step in tree identification is to check whether the leaves are needle-like, scaled, or flat and thin. Unlike conifers, broadleaves often grow flowers or fruit too. They have flat, thin leaves and shed them in the winter. Broadleaves are deciduous (not evergreen) trees. They often bear cones and have leaves that look like needles or scales. Pretty much all Oregon trees can be split into two big categories: conifers and broadleaves.Ĭonifers are evergreens. But first, let’s see the three main features most tree identification guides will ask you to look at. When you examine a tree’s leaves, what should you look for? In a minute, I’ll show you a free, comprehensive tree identification tool you can use to go through the examination process step by step. The shape, size, spacing, and even color of a tree’s leaves can tell you a lot. When experts want to identify a tree, the first thing they look at is its leaves. Even tree experts often refer to tree guides. Oregon is home to so many different species of trees that it takes a lot of practice to learn to identify trees by sight alone. Let’s look at the tree identification process and how the experts use it. Use this great resource from Oregon State University to check out more of the most common trees in Oregon.ĭid you recognize your tree as one of those? If not, or if you want to be sure, keep reading! Photos: Rosewoman, Menchi, Jsayre64, Jason Sturner, Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington, Crusier In eastern Oregon, you’re more likely to see a ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, western juniper , Other trees you’ll find scattered across western Oregon include the red alder, hemlock, and bigleaf maple. The Douglas fir is characterized by blunt green pine needles and 3-4” pine cones with pitchfork-shaped brackets. It’s by far the most common tree species in western Oregon, but it’s easy to find them in eastern Oregon too. The most common tree statewide is the Douglas fir, Oregon’s state tree. Some trees grow really well in western Oregon but not eastern Oregon, and vice versa. Oregon is a big state with a diverse climate. I’ll also show you an easy tree identification tool anyone can use in Oregon.įirst, let’s look at a few of Oregon’s most common trees. Today, we’ll be talking about Tree Identification 101: how the experts identify trees and the features they look for. The Tree Identification Guide for OregoniansĬurious about a tree on your property? Or just want to impress your friends next time you go hiking?

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