Leaf identification resources are one way to help identify a tree. However, you must know and understand some basic terminology in order to identify leaves. It's not as easy as it might seem. Like everything else on the internet, there are a lot of resources for leaf identification that are not correct nor simple to use. I scoured the internet and found some great, reliable resources. Read on to find out more.
General Leaf Identification Resources: Learning the Terminology and Structures
Tree and Leaf Identification (uga.edu)
The University of Georgia tree and leaf identification resource guide is a very user-friendly document. Although it includes tree identification, it starts with the very basics of leaf structures. I believe most university publications are accurate. As a result, this is a great place to start learning about leaves and leaf terminology.
Microsoft Word - Leaf Characteristics worksheet (yorkccd.org)
The York County Conservation District Leaf Characteristics Worksheet is another excellent leaf identification resource. The drawings are simple, but accurate. The arrangement of the information is logical and easy to follow.
Help to Identify Actual Leaves
Broadleaf Leaf Key - Tree Guide UK - Broadleaf tree ID by leaf shape
Although this guide is from the United Kingdom (UK), It is an excellent leaf identification resource. It is well worth a visit. First, it shows actual leaf photos. Second, the photo is accompanied by a listing of the exact type of leaf. Finally, it lists trees by name that possess these types of leaves. Clicking on the name takes you to a full description of the tree. Many trees in the UK overlap to trees in the US. It also has a similar key for conifer leaves.
What Tree Is That? Online Edition at Arborday.org
"What Tree is that?" is the Arbor Day Foundation's online tool for tree identification. Remember tree identification usually starts with leaf identification. It starts with a series of questions related to the tree's leaves. In order to use the tool, you will need to be somewhat familiar with the vocabulary discussed in the first two resources. This is an example of how tree and leaf identification resources are not as simple to use as you would think. You have to have a basic knowledge of the associated vocabulary in order to use the tool. However, it's a good resource.