Bark

Each tree species has its own characteristic bark; variation occurs in texture, color, and thickness. Often, bark alone identifies a tree. Bark can be smooth or rough, with furrows that run lengthwise along the trunk. Furrows range from shallow to deep, depending on the species. In other trees, bark is divided into rectangular plates. Sometimes, the bark becomes scaly and, occasionally, sloughs off. Trees such as firs have a soft corky bark; other trees, such as the shagbark hickory, have bark described as “shredded” or fibrous. The color, texture, and thickness of bark can vary considerably as a tree matures.

Fruit

Fruit is the seed-bearing organ of the plant. Because fruits vary widely in size, shape, color, and form, they are helpful in tree identification. Various fruits include nuts, berries, drupes, pomes, legumes, achenes, samaras, and pods. See Figure 7-3 for illustrations of some common fruit.

Figure 7-3. Common Fruit