Virginia Native Tree Leaf Identification Project

HONORS BIOLOGY

http://www.dof.virginia.gov/infopubs/Native-Tree-ID-spreads_2016_pub.pdf

DUE DATE: Wednesday, October 10, 2017

Biology students will conduct a tree identification project resulting in a tree-leaf collection. The project will acquaint students with the process of tree identification through the use of a dichotomous key. Students will compile an individual collection of local tree flora for 10 native Virginia tree species based on the following criteria:

NOTE: exotic, non-native, imported or non-tree species will not be graded

There must be a cover page that includes

title, student name, teacher name, and period.

A table of contents must be included after the cover page and correspond to the numbered pages for each tree. Each entry into the index will have the following formatting

• Scientific name followed by the common name in parenthesis left justified.
• After name, right justified page numbers
• Index should be typed
  • EX: Acer Rubrum (Red Maple).................................................................pages 2-3

All specimens must be mounted neatly and displayed as described.

• Heat sealed between two pieces of wax paper measuring 8.5 x 11 inches
• Two leaves per species, if space permits, on each page. Large leaves may be represented by one specimen.
• Labeled with both scientific name (appearing on label 1st) and common name.
  • Labels must be applied to each page using sticker labels or paper affixed in neat manner and located in the bottom lower right corner
    • EX: Acer rubrum (Red Maple)

Pg.3

• • Page number must appear on label and correspond to table of contents.

An information page for each tree species will proceed each leaf and should be facing the leaf and include the following information

(include roman numerals and topic).

1. Scientific name and Common Name: Scientific name italicized or underlined followed by the common name in parenthesis.
2. Tree location: Approximate location of where you found the tree.
3. Tree type: Conifer, deciduous, or evergreen
4. Leaf: Simple, compound, needle or scales. If needles, report the number of needles per bundle.
5. Leaf margin: Toothed (serrated), lobed, smooth, scaled, toothed and lobed
6. Leaf arrangement on branch: Spiral, swirled, alternate, opposite
7. Habitat: Where the tree is most often found: upland, wetland, along river edges etc.
8. Virginia Range: Is it found over the entire state, southeastern Virginia, Piedmont etc.?
9. Fruit: Look for fleshy fruit, seed pods, or nuts which may be present at this time of year. You must include a representation of the fruit and may attach the actual fruit to the page (if it is reasonable) or sketch or reproduce a picture.
10. Reference cited where information was acquired. Pictures, as well as, information must be cited in APA format.

Bind pages in a small three-ring loose-leaf binder or other binder

Contents

1. Virginia Native Tree Leaf Identification Project/Allegheny Chinkapin
2. Virginia Native Tree Leaf Identification Project/Eastern Redbud
3. Virginia Native Tree Leaf Identification Project/Eastern Redcedar
4. Virginia Native Tree Leaf Identification Project/White Oak
5. Virginia Native Tree Leaf Identification Project/
6. Virginia Native Tree Leaf Identification Project/Black Locust
7. Virginia Native Tree Leaf Identification Project/Pin Oak
8. Virginia Native Tree Leaf Identification Project/
9. Virginia Native Tree Leaf Identification Project/Slippery Elm
10. Virginia Native Tree Leaf Identification Project/