Extension personnel often receive questions regarding the identification of a particular tree. Digital photography, email, and text messaging make submitting specimens for identification very quick and easy.

Digital Photography

1. Take close-up photos of the specimen with a digital camera. Please consider the following:
   1. Select a specimen that shows as many distinguishing characteristics of a species as possible.
   2. If there is a dramatic variation in leaf shape on a single plant, include photographs of all leaf shapes (Figure 1).
   3. Unique characteristics are particularly important to include, such as thorns, twigs and branching pattern, or fruits and nuts (Figure 2).
   4. Include a photograph that shows the characteristics of the bark (Figure 3).
   5. Finally, send a photograph of the tree in the landscape to show its form (Figure 4).
   6. If necessary, crop the photos to reduce their size for easier downloading. 
2. When sending your photographs to Extension personnel, include your contact information and any description you would like to provide about the plant, such as its size, history, or habitat. If you like, you may use the Tree Identification Request Form in the attached pdf. 

Figure 1. Leaf (enlarge image)	Figure 2. Flower (enlarge image)
Figure 3. Bark (enlarge image)	Figure 4. Landscape & form (enlarge image)

Information Sheet 2006 (POD-04-15)

By Jason Gordon, Assistant Extension Professor, Forestry; and John D. Kushla, Associate Extension/Research Professor, North Mississippi R&E Center.