Winter tree identification brings a mix of easy and difficult identification challenges to foragers. We have an array of tools at our disposal, mainly: buds and bark.
Bark can be good, but often won’t offer much distinction between different species. Then there is the problem that bark characteristics can vary greatly over the course of the life of a tree.
So how can we identify trees consistently in winter no matter what stage of the tree’s life?
Buds.
I made a video that goes over the points that I look for when observing buds using Bitternut Hickory – Carya cordiformis.
Bitternut hickory is so easy to identify because the buds are extremely distinctive!
- The buds are naked.
- The buds are vibrant yellow.
I don’t know of anything that is even close to a lookalike.
Another detail that we can pay attention to is the leaf scar. With hickory trees, we tend to see very prominent leaf scars that the bud sits atop of. This shot is close up enough that we can also see the individual bundle scars within the leaf scar: a detail that often helps with identification.
Last, but not least, from the below photo we can clearly see the alternate pattern of hickory.
Winter Tree Identification is easier than you think and incredibly rewarding. Next time you’re in the woods, pay attention to the buds on the trees you find!
