Resources

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Boxelder fruit (samara). Acer negundo

Here is a partial list of sources I use most often. I also frequently run a google search for a specific tree when I am uncertain and stick to university departments (.edu) or government agencies (.gov) as to do further research. I am looking into more resources and will post as I explore them.

In the field apps:

Virginia Tech Tree ID App - this works if you have a rough idea what you are looking at ("some kind of maple," e.g.) and use the app to pin down the exact species. This app keys in on your location so you aren't chasing around trees that grow outside of your range - although you can choose to load trees from anywhere in the USA. The guide provides images of leaves, bark, flowers, fruits/seeds, and a map of the species range. There are some gaps, however, and not all species have images for all of these characteristics.

Leaf Snap App - I have found this less useful, even after trying the paid version that offers more features (such as multiple characteristics cross referenced in a single search). The concept is great - snap a photo of a leaf and the app tries to identify what you are looking at. One problem is that you will typically get multiple guesses from the app as to the identity of the leaf. This is only helpful to me if you have no idea what the leaf might be and you can filter out the obvious wrong guesses, then use another app to verify.

Google lens - built in to Google's Photo gallery. It's google's image search tool. About as helpful as Leaf Snap if a little more cumbersome.

Live buddy or guide - a fellow tree lover who knows things you don't know, sees things you didn't see. Learning together is a fun way to explore the forest. A lot of things are just easier to say and show in real life and real time that to read about or watch on videos.

At home references:

North Carolina State University Dendrology Videos - Super helpful if you want to confirm your ID or just learn more about the tree you have (tentatively) identified. 

NCSU Forest Trees Guide - a pdf that provides descriptions of the most common forest trees in North Carolina. Line drawings, no photos.



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