If you see a seedling in your garden that looks substantial enough to be a tree , you might wonder what it is and whether it would be worth transplanting . The problem with seedlings is that they miss flowers and fruit , the principal feature botanists used to classify plants . airless examination of trees around you will give you some secure clues — leaf and stem characteristics that can point you in the right guidance .

Leaf Types

The first leave any seed sends up are called cotyledons and they are different from the average leaves in shape and size . Seedlings should be about 1 ft tall and have six to eight true leaves before you attempt designation . Note first whether your plant life has needle - like leaves like a pine or broad leaves like a maple or holly . Needle - alike leaves may be long or scale - like , each typical of a certain type of tree . If your seedling has extensive leaves , notice whether they seem thin ( probably deciduous ) , or thick and waxy ( belike evergreen ) .

Leaf Shapes

Botanists have many terms for folio shapes , from obovate , tear - drop shaped , to flabellate , fan - like . Notice both the shape and the grain of the leaf . Some have serrated edges , some have prominent veins , some have slightly hairy surface . Each of these characteristic is a soupcon at the identity of your seedling .

Leaf Attachment

One of the most important characteristics of leaves is the path they are arranged on a stem . Some are placed in II , directly opposite each other . Other mintage may have four or five of them placed in a whorl around a single point on a arm . Others are arranged alternately . In bet at evergreens , count the needle that fountain from a unmarried point . Spruce have acerate leaf attached by short stalk that give the old branch a rough grain . Yews have needles that are pressed against the stem for a light distance .

Stem and Bark Characteristics

The shape of a young stem or sprig is often unique to a particular tree diagram . Though the barque change as it matures , lineament such as small-scale dots or pilosity are diagnostic . Note also the shape of the dormant buds along the stem . Some tree diagram have point buds , some are attack , others are so little you’re able to hardly see them .

Branching Pattern

Your seedling may be too low to have many branches , but if it does , whether the branches are alternate or opposite is significant . observe whether the youthful proboscis is inclined to branch low or seems to have a strong main stem , a drawing card .

References

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