However, when comparing sugar maples to silver maples, you’ll observe that silver maple leaves have deeper indentations compared to sugar maple leaves. The number of lobes, the serration of the leaf margins, the depth of indentations, and the overall leaf shape all play a role in identifying specific maple species.įor instance, the sugar maple leaf is known for its five serrated lobes. These broad leaves also display prominent veins, with many of them featuring serrated lobes. Maple tree leaves are characterized by their lobed structure, typically having between three and nine lobes. Maple leaf shape is the prominent way to help identify the type of maple tree The maple leaves are said to symbolize strength and endurance. A single stylized maple leaf with 11 points and deep indentations features prominently in the Canadian flag. The striking maple leaf-especially from the sugar maple tree-is undoubtedly the tree’s most recognizable feature. The unique and decorative wood grain of maple makes it a popular choice for creating exquisite furniture pieces. Maple wood, a hardwood variety, is utilized in crafting baseball bats, bowling pins, pool cue shafts, and hardwood flooring. In addition to their culinary value, maple trees are prized for their quality timber. While syrup can be made from any maple tree, it is the sugar maple tree (Acer saccharum) that yields the highest-quality syrup.

Maple trees are renowned for producing the famous sweet maple syrup, extracted from the sap. Other popular varieties of maple trees for gardens are the Amur Maple ( Acer ginnala), Big Leaf Maple ( Acer macrophyllum), and the Hedge Maple tree ( Acer campestre). The two most common maples are the sugar maple ( Acer saccharum) and the red maple ( Acer rubrum). There are about 128 species of maple trees in the Acer plant genus. Viburnum, Genus Viburnum (p.The ornamental maple tree provides stunning autumn color and there are many types to suit every garden.397) – many native species mostly shrubs 390-391) – two native and one introduced species have opposite or whorled leaves 389) – one native species with opposite or whorled leaves American Fringetree, Genus Chionanthus (p.Japanese Tree-lilac, Genus Syringa (p.376-385) – 17 native and four introduced species 355-358) – three (out of four) native and one introduced species have opposite leaves 332-351) – 13 native and ten introduced species 326-331) – six native and one introduced species Paper Mulberry, Genus Brousonettia (p.Eucalyptus, Genus Eucalyptus (p 109) – three introduced species have juvenile foliage opposite, but adult foliage alternate.North American Trees with Opposite Leaves Species counts only include those illustrated in the guide. Also note that twigs with alternate leaves tend to grow in a zigzag pattern, while trees with opposite leaves generally have straighter twigs. These patterns can be detected even more easily in winter, as buds and leaf scars on the twigs match the arrangement of the leaves (either opposite or alternate), and branching tends to be opposite or alternate as well.

If three or more leaves all grow from the same level on the twig they are called whorled. Leaves that grow in pairs from opposite sides of the twig at the same level are called opposite. Leaves that grow singly from the twig, without another leaf directly across the twig, are called alternate, as they usually grow from alternate sides of the twig. Interestingly, almost all of these species show up in the last 80 pages of the guide.ĭefinition from p xxiv of The Sibley Guide to Trees: So below I’ve put together a list of trees with opposite leaves. In some cases, however, when you encounter a confusing tree, the presence of opposite leaves can be a useful pointer to help narrow the range of possibilities. It’s better to get to know all of the distinguishing characteristics of oaks and maples, for example, so that you can recognize them by multiple features, rather than having to check leaf arrangement. A tree might catch your attention because of its flowers, twigs, bark, fruit, etc., and I don’t think it’s helpful if the field guide then asks you to check whether the leaves are alternate or opposite. In the Sibley Guide to Trees I used a more holistic approach, like modern bird identification, giving equal weight to all parts of the tree. In the past, tree identification guides have emphasized the presence of opposite leaves as one of the most important field marks.

Trees with serrated leaves