Though many trees may have lost their leaves for the winter, trees still have many identifying features, if we only slow down to appreciate the often-overlooked details of trees in winter—studying their bark, observing their buds and seeds, and recognizing their distinct forms. Even in the coldest months, trees have a story to tell, and by taking the time to notice these subtle characteristics, we gain a deeper appreciation for their resilience and beauty.
Specifically, there are a few features to observe when identifying trees in winter:
- Tree Form: Though not evident to most people, many trees have distinctive shapes and silhouettes that stand out in the winter landscape, especially when all their leaves have fallen. Some people can identify a tuliptree just by its pyramidal shape, or a honeylocust simply by its irregular zig-zagged branches.
- Buds & Seeds: These small yet significant features tell the story of trees preparing for spring while offering a lifeline to wildlife during winter’s chill. The small buds of a dogwood, spiky seed balls of a sweetgum, or seed pods left on a redbud can make these trees easy to spot and identify.
- Bark: A tree’s bark can be one of its most distinctive features. By learning to recognize bark’s unique patterns and textures, you can confidently identify trees, like the smooth bark of a sycamore, the peeling bark of a river birch, or the horizontally banded bark of a cherry blossom tree.
We’ve created a printable Winter Tree Appreciation and ID guide to help you bring your winter tree knowledge into the field. Whether you’re on a solo walk, exploring with friends, or teaching others, this appreciation sheet will make identifying some of DC’s winter classics easy and enjoyable.
As always, these trees are all available for us to plant in your yard for FREE through our planting programs. Thank you for learning and observing with us and for looking more closely at the trees that line our streets, parks, and forests. The seasons will change, and leaves will return, but we hope this series has given you a new way to appreciate trees—no matter the time of year.
