Identification key for trees, shrubs and hedges
Identify a tree or shrub step by step by its leaves, needles, flowers and fruit: 144 species from Belgium and the Netherlands, illustrated. Works offline.
Trees
From oak and beech to fruit trees and conifers.
Look at the leaves. What do you see?
- Needles or small scales: A conifer: narrow needles, or scales pressed close to the twig.
- A leaf blade: A broadleaf tree: flat leaves, even if they are lobed or compound.
Shrubs, hedges and climbers
Garden shrubs, hedging plants, berry bushes and climbers.
What kind of plant is it?
- A climber: Climbs a wall, fence or tree, or twines around a support.
- A shrub or hedge plant: A woody plant with several stems, usually 1–5 m tall.
- A dwarf shrub (up to about 1 m): A low, woody plant, often in borders or on heathland.
Identify by feature
- Pinnate leaves
- Lobed leaves (like an oak)
- Palmate leaves
- Heart-shaped leaves
- Opposite leaves
- Long, narrow leaves
- White or silver underside
- Lopsided leaf base
- Spiny leaves
- Evergreen leaves
- Red autumn colour
- Soft needles
- Prickly needles
- Needles that fall
- Scales instead of needles
- Needles in bundles
- White blossom
- Pink blossom
- Yellow flowers in spring
- Purple or blue flowers
- Winter flowers
- Hanging flower clusters
- Red berries
- Black berries
- Blue berries
- Orange berries
- Winged seeds
- Nuts, acorns and chestnuts
- Pods
- White trunk
- Peeling bark
- Thorns or prickles
- Aerial roots and sucker pads
- Twining climbers