A Guide to Deciduous Tree Knowledge

	Amur maple (Acer ginnala) is an outstanding small tree that can be grown as a multiple or single stem specimen. Size ranges from 8 to 16 feet. Some may show sensitivity to high soil pH. Use one of the selected cultivars for maximum show of red fall color: 'Embers,' 'Bailey Compact,' 'Flame,' and `Red Wing.' `Embers' and `Red Wing' also produce attractive reddish seeds (paired samaras).
	Norway maple (Acer platanoides) and such purplish-leaved cultivars as 'Royal Red' and 'Crimson King' have a leaf shape similar to sugar maple but with five major lobes. They are easily distinguished by breaking the leaf stem. The sap from the sugar maple is clear, while that from the Norway maple (and its cultivars) is milky. These trees are distinctly borderline in hardiness in this state and are not recommended for general planting. Not native. The green-leaved cultivar 'Pond' (Emerald Lustre^�) is worthy of trial.
	Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) leaves are deeply three-lobed, the lobe margins sharply and deeply toothed. They are 3 to 5 inches long and of the same width, light green above, silvery below. Twigs in fall are reddish-brown in color, the buds small, roundish and red. The winged seeds (paired samaras) are 1 to 2 inches long. It is a fast-growing tall tree (up to 60 feet) often used in landscaping and in street plantings in the southeastern third of the state. Hardiness varies from poor to excellent, depending on seed source. It is not drought resistant and is subject to lime-induced chlorosis. Not native. Several cultivars include 'Blair,' 'Northline,' 'Silver Queen,' and 'Silver Cloud.'
	Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) leaves are three-lobed and sparsely toothed along margins. They are 3 to 5 inches long and about the same width. Buds are brown, cone-shaped, sharp-pointed and 1/4 to 3/8 inch long. Sugar maple is a slow-growing tall tree used occasionally in residential and other landscape plantings in eastern North Dakota with value ornamentally on fertile, moist, well-drained, sites. Western Minnesota seed sources are recommended.
	Tatarian maple (Acer tataricum) is a species similar to Amur maple, making an excellent small tree, 15 to 25 feet with multiple or single trunk. Samaras (seeds) turn rose/red before turning brown in the fall. It tolerates alkaline soil conditions better than Amur maples and prefers well-drained soils. Fall color is usually yellow.
	Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata) is the largest of the lilac species, growing 15 to 25 feet. It normally grows multi-trunked, but could be trained to one trunk. It produces large creamy-white panicles, attractive seed clusters persist on the tree in winter. Nice for residential landscapes and parks. Pekin lilac (S. pekinensis), is very similar but also produces coppery-brown exfoliating bark. Both species are expected to increase in popularity as more people become familiar with these small trees. Pekin lilac has much finer-textured foliage.
	Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) is an attractive shrub that can be grown tree-like if pruned. Flowers are white, appearing in mid-May, the fruit is handsome, turning bluish-black at maturity, and develops a date-like flavor after a fall frost. Transplants easily due to the fibrous root system. Adaptable over a wide range of conditions – sun/shade, moist or dry soils. The fall color is often showy, from an orange-yellow to red.

B. Leaves— Simple and Alternate: Long and Narrow

	White willow (Salix alba) leaves are long, silky and slender, the edge finely-toothed. Branches are slender, usually yellow-green to olive in color. It is a fast growing tree reaching 60 feet. Requires plentiful soil moisture. Used in windbreaks and shelterbelts. Not native.
	Golden willow (Salix alba 'Vitellina') is similar to white willow in leaf shape and growth habit. Twigs are golden-yellow, especially in winter and early spring. Used in windbreaks and shelter-belts. Not native. It has objectionable twig drop. The similar reddish-stemmed cultivar named 'Flame' is available for planting in landscapes with moist sites.
	Weeping willow (Salix alba 'Tristis' ) has leaves and twig color similar to golden willow, except that its branches are very slender and pendulous. Used ornamentally. Not native. It is a messy tree due to twig drop.
	Laurel willow (Salix pentandra) leaves are dark green, very glossy, 1 to 1� inches wide, 1� to 4 inches long. A medium-size rounded tree used in windbreak, shelterbelt and ornamental plantings. Requires ample soil moisture. Hardy. Not native.
	Russian-olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) leaves are 1 to 3 inches long, 3/8 to 5/8 inch wide, lance-shaped, dull green above, silvery beneath. New twigs are silvery-gray and densely covered with scales. Two or three year twigs are dark glossy-brown, often thorny. Bark of the tree trunk is dark gray, furrowed or shaggy looking. Fruits are oval, gray, scaly covered, 1/3 to 1/2 inch long drupes. A small to medium size tree, it reaches a height of 25 feet. Used in wildlife and shelter plantings; ornamentally as a specimen tree. Hardy. Not native. Can spread objectionably by seed.

NDSU Extension Service, North Dakota State University of Agriculture and Applied Science, and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Sharon D. Anderson, Director, Fargo, North Dakota. Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. We offer our programs and facilities to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, Vietnam era veterans status, or sexual orientation; and are an equal opportunity employer.
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A Guide to Deciduous Tree Knowledge (continued)

A. Leaves — Simple and Opposite

B. Leaves— Simple and Alternate: Long and Narrow