New Mexico Tree Identification Flashcards

Which New Mexico native tree has stiff, spine-tipped leaflets and is classified as a legume, often found in Chihuahuan Desert washes?

Answer: Catclaw acacia

Catclaw acacia (Senegalia greggii) has tiny pinnately compound leaves and recurved cat-claw-like spines along the branches, common in southern New Mexico desert washes.

What is the most reliable way to distinguish a young Douglas-fir from a true fir (Abies) in New Mexico?

Answer: Douglas-fir has cones hanging downward with protruding 3-pronged bracts; true firs have upright cones that disintegrate on the tree

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) cones hang downward and have distinctive three-pronged bracts peeking out between scales; true fir (Abies) cones stand upright and shatter when mature.

Netleaf hackberry (Celtis reticulata) is commonly found in New Mexico canyon bottoms. Its leaves are distinctive because they:

Answer: Have a strongly asymmetrical base and prominent netted veins on the underside

Netleaf hackberry leaves have a notably unequal base and a conspicuous network of raised veins on the lower surface — the 'netleaf' characteristic.

Which high-elevation New Mexico tree has needles in bundles of 5, a gnarled twisted growth form, and is known for extreme wind and cold tolerance above timberline?

Answer: Bristlecone pine

Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata) grows at or above timberline in New Mexico's highest ranges, has 5 needles per bundle with white resin flecks, and lives for thousands of years.

A New Mexico tree with alternate, simple, very large leaves (up to 12 inches), fuzzy undersides, and pyramidal clusters of white flowers is most likely:

Answer: Bigleaf maple

Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) can occur in moist canyon refugia; its enormous 5-lobed leaves — the largest of any maple — and white flower clusters are unmistakable.

Which riparian willow species in New Mexico is the largest, with lance-shaped leaves 4–6 inches long and yellow twigs in winter?

Answer: Goodding's willow

Goodding's willow (Salix gooddingii) is the largest native willow in the Southwest, with long lanceolate leaves and yellowish twigs, and is a keystone riparian species in New Mexico.

An arborist notes a small New Mexico tree with alternate simple leaves, berry-like blue-black drupes clustered on red stems, and smooth gray bark. This is most likely:

Answer: Chokecherry

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) produces dark purple-black drupes in elongated racemes on red pedicels, with smooth grayish bark that emits a distinctive cherry-almond odor when scratched.