These leaves turn yellow in the autumn.īoxelder is a native tree with a lifespan of 50-60 years. Each leaflet is typically 2-4 inches long, with three lobes and an irregular, toothed margin. The trunk of this tree is frequently divided and crooked, and its crown is broad and irregular.īoxelder leaves are compound, which means that each leaf is made up of 3-5 smaller leaflets. One of the most commonly found native maple trees in Michigan, Boxelder is a medium-sized tree found in wet areas along streams, lakes, and flooded areas in the Lower Peninsula’s southern half. Mature Height: 30-50 feet (9-15 meters).We also go over details like native range and habitats to help you identify the species much easier. In this article, we’ll look at each of these trees and provide detailed descriptions of their leaves, bark, flowers, and fruit. Out of these seven species, five are native to the state. In fact, more than seven other maple trees can be found across the region, each with its own unique characteristics. While Sugar Maple trees are common in the state, they are only one of many varieties of maple trees in Michigan. The state is known for its stunning natural beauty, and one of the most iconic elements of its landscape is the maple tree. Most of these species can be found on one or more Chippewa Watershed Conservancy preserve.Michigan residents are likely familiar with the sight of Sugar Maple trees lining the roads and adorning backyards. A good example being the Honey Locust ( Gleditsia triacanthos).īelow are the leaves of forty species of trees/shrubs that can be found in Central Michigan. Compound leaves can even be double compounded, with each division further divided into even smaller leaflets. These small leaflets are each distinct from one another – meaning that they are not connected to each other, but only to the stem that they share. Instead of having one leaf on one stem, compound leaves have one stem with multiple leaflets. In contrast, compound leaves are not simple. That leaf can have smooth edges, serrated (toothed) edges, or edges that are divided into lobes (think of the way your ear lobe sticks off your ear). The shape and size of the leaf do not matter if the leaf has only one part it is a simple leaf. Simple leaves are those that have one leaf on one stem. Instead, a broadleaf tree has broad (or wide) leaves.īroadleaf trees can be further divided into simple leaves and compound leaves. (There is one major exception to needle-leaf trees being evergreen the Tamarack ( Larix laricina) loses its needles each fall.)Ī broadleaf tree is any tree that is not a needle-leaf. Most of the needle-leaf species are also evergreen they keep their leaves year round. The Northern White Cedar ( Thuja occidentalis) and junipers are also classified as a needle-leaf trees, but their leaves take the form of overlapping scales (sort of like fish scales) instead of needles. A needle-leaf tree has leaves shaped like…wait for it… a needle! Think of trees like pines and spruces. If you are scratching your head right now, it’s actually quite easy. One of the simplest steps is to learn how to differentiate between needle-leaf and broadleaf species then you can learn how to tell the difference between simple leaves and compound leaves. One thing that makes identification easier is the ability to divide (or classify) the species into different groups based on shared characteristics. If you don’t know a pine from an oak from a hickory how do you begin? For a novice in tree identification the variety can be overwhelming. There’s no time like the present to learn something new.Ĭentral Michigan is home to dozens of different tree and shrub species.
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