Iowa State University Extension
Forestry
An Interactive Key of Common Iowa Trees
Ready to get started identifying your tree? The following key is based
on
the use of only the leaves and branches, since they are the simplest
parts
of the tree to use for identification during the summer months when
trees
are in full foliage. To identify your tree, you'll be making a series
of
choices based upon sketches and tree characteristics. Through a process
of elimination, you'll arrive at an identification of your tree. In
some
cases the trees have not been keyed out to the individual species.
The first place to start is to determine if you have a conifer
(evergreen)
or a broadleaf. Please look at the two sketches below and choose the
one
that is closest to your tree:
Needle-like leaves
or 
Broadleaf leaves
Contact: Paul Wray
Last Update: May 17, 1999