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/