IDENTIFYING SHRUBS AND TREES IN THE FOREST PRESERVES
This guide is useful for identifying woody plants you will find in the Forest Preserves of
Cook County. “Woody” species are defined as plants whose stems and trunks survive
above ground during the winter season. This is unlike herbaceous plants that might still be
alive in the soil (roots) but the top of the plants dies back in the winter and must re-grow
branches and stems each spring.
TIPS: Use your observation and sensory skills to thoroughly examine an unknown tree
or shrub before you make an identification decision. Take your time and don’t jump to
conclusions.
Avoid damaged leaves
Examine multiple leaves and
branches
Observe the habitat where the tree
is growing
Smell the leaves (this might give
you a clue)
Touch the branches and leaves…
are they soft or rough?
Observe if the plant has thorns
Does the plant have flowers, seeds
or acorns…this may help you
greatly
Basic Plant Terminology
Before getting started with identifying woody species in the field, it’s important to be familiar
with basic plant terminology and woody plant growth structure. Plant identification books such
as the “Tree Finder” by May Watts will use these terms to guide you through a series of questions to
reach a conclusion on what species you are observing in the field.
The first two questions that must be answered to successfully identify the tree / shrub are:
1. Does the woody plant have
compound or simple leaves? This is
determined by finding where the
bud is placed.