New Mexico Tree Identification Flashcards

Which conifer native to New Mexico's high-elevation forests produces cones that open and close in response to moisture levels?

Answer: Engelmann spruce

Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) cones are hygroscopic and open in dry conditions and close when wet, a key identification trait.

The narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) differs from Fremont cottonwood most noticeably by its:

Answer: Leaf shape — much narrower with fine teeth

Narrowleaf cottonwood has willow-like, lance-shaped leaves that are far narrower than the broad triangular leaves of Fremont cottonwood.

Which oak species found in New Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert foothills is semi-evergreen and often grows as a shrubby thicket?

Answer: Gray oak

Gray oak (Quercus grisea) is semi-evergreen, drought-adapted, and commonly forms dense brushy stands in southern New Mexico's desert grasslands.

A large Southwestern tree with corky, deeply furrowed bark, pinnately compound leaves, and hanging clusters of papery winged seeds is most likely:

Answer: Boxelder

Boxelder (Acer negundo) has pinnately compound leaves — unusual for a maple — and produces paired samaras in drooping clusters.

Which pinyon species is dominant in the Two Grey Hills and Chaco Canyon areas of northwestern New Mexico?

Answer: Colorado pinyon

Colorado pinyon (Pinus edulis) with its paired needles dominates the pinyon-juniper woodlands across northwestern New Mexico including the Chaco region.

The Apache plume (Fallugia paradoxa) is often confused with serviceberry in the field. Its most distinctive feature is:

Answer: Feathery pink-tinted seed tails on achenes

Apache plume produces achenes with long, feathery, pink-to-white plumes that give the shrub a smoky or fluffy appearance after flowering.

Which native elm found along New Mexico riparian corridors has distinctly asymmetrical leaf bases and double-serrate margins?

Answer: Cedar elm

Cedar elm (Ulmus crassifolia) occurs along southeastern New Mexico waterways and is identified by its small, rough, double-toothed leaves with very uneven bases.