Can You Match the Leaf to the Tree?

By: Tasha Moore
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Match the Leaf to the Tree?
Image: Pixabay / StockSnap

About This Quiz

Trees are so important, yet we often take them for granted. Without them, we wouldn't be able to breathe ... seriously. Trees and plants produce the planet's supply of oxygen through a vital process called photosynthesis, just in case you didn't know. There are numerous types of trees in the world, not just big ones and little ones. Even among the same tree families, there are abundant appreciable differences. Tree leaf characteristics are as distinctive as fingerprints or snowflakes to the trained eye. For those of you who know the difference between a petiole and a stipule, or a simple leaf and a compound leaf, consider this quiz a refresher.

You needn't be a trained botanist to appreciate the subtle attributes of tree leaves. Here is a quiz that tests everyone's knowledge of trees and the leaves they ultimately shed. Brush up on tree names, learn about native locations and ideal planting conditions. Did you know that certain trees produce toxins that can harm animals and humans? This quiz will also provide hints about Christmas trees with the sturdiest branches for your kid's massive homemade ornaments and the best aromatic leaves that you can grind and infuse into a love potion.

American Chestnut
Wiki Commons by Robert Illes
During the Christmas holiday, you will usually find plenty of which tree's edible nuts roasting on an open fire?
Yellow Birch
Butternut
American Chestnut
Black Locust
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Up until the turn of the century, the American Chestnut tree dominated landscapes of the Eastern United States. The leaves of the American Chestnut tree are typically canoe-shaped.

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Sycamore
Pixabay / Hans
Which tree that bears this leaf also goes by the name "Buttonwood"?
Shadbush
Sycamore
Sassafras
Scarlet Oak
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The veins of the Sycamore leaf sprout from a single point. Native Americans relied heavily on the Sycamore tree, especially for medicinal purposes.

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Northern Red Oak
Wiki Commons by Harvey Barrison
Which tree is associated with this leaf and is a symbol for the state of New Jersey?
Black Oak
Chestnut Oak
White Oak
Northern Red Oak
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Northern Red Oak, or Quercus rubra, grows as tall as 90 feet in open spaces. Its grown branches form a shapely rounded crown.

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Black Ash
Wiki Commons by Keith Kanoti,Maine Forest Service, USA
What type of tree grows this leaf? The largest of its kind grows in North Dakota.
Black Walnut
Black Locust
Black Willow
Black Ash
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The largest Black Ash tree in North Dakota grows as tall as 66 feet. It requires ample water, and can flourish in partial or full sunlight.

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Eastern White Pine
Wiki Commons by Johndan Johnson-Eilola
Which tree bears this leaf and has the scientific name Pinus strobus?
White Spruce
White Ash
White Oak
Eastern White Pine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Eastern White Pine tree can grow as high as 150 feet tall. This popular conifer reigns as one of the biggest trees of its type in the Midwest forest region.

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Eastern Hemlock
Wiki Commons by Melissa McMasters
This leaf is associated with which tree that has flat needles and yields some of the smallest cones of its classification?
Eastern Redcedar
Eastern White Pine
Eastern Hemlock
Eastern Cottonwood
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The signature flat green needles of the Eastern Hemlock tree are glossy on the top and dull on the bottom. The bark of the Eastern Hemlock contains tannins which are used to produce leather.

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American Elm
Wiki Commons by SriMesh
Which tree produces leaves that are oval-shaped with saw-toothed edges?
American Larch
American Elm
American Hornbeam
American Hophornbeam
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before the virulent spread of Dutch elm disease, the American Elm tree was once the most common tree in America. This tree starts to bear seeds after 15 years.

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Red Spruce
Wiki Commons by Keith Kanoti, Maine Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Which "red" tree grows needles, one per node?
Red Spruce
Red Pine
Red Maple
Northern Red Oak
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The bark of the Red Spruce tree is reddish brown. The Red Spruce grows single needles compared to pine trees, which produce needles in clusters.

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Crack Willow
Wiki Commons by David Perez
These leaves grow from which tree, named for the sound its branches often make when they fall to the ground?
Beaked Willow
Bebb Willow
Bay Willow
Crack WIllow
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Crack Willow's oblong-shaped leaves are finely toothed with pointy ends. Crack Willow trees that grow near rivers help to control soil erosion.

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Crab Apple
Wiki Commons by Kilo22
This leaf is grown from which tree that has these three subspecies: American Sweet, Narrowleaf and Prairie?
Crab Apple
Wild Cherry
Strawberry Tree
American Plum
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Crab apple trees produce the sweet and spicy fruit used to make jellies, apple cider and preserves. Over 30 species of crab apple exist.

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European Yew
Wiki Commons by Alexxx1979
Which tree produces this leaf and contains alkaloids that are poisonous to humans?
European Yew
European Beech
European Black Pine
European Larch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There are many horticultural varieties of the European Yew. Japanese Yew, Irish Yew and Evergreen Yew are among the most popular.

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Alpine Larch
Wiki Commons by mountainamoeba
"Lyall Larch" is another name for the type of larch tree that produces this leaf.
American Larch
Japanese Larch
Alaska Larch
Alpine Larch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Larch trees tend to flourish in cool temperatures. There are only 10 species of larch trees that exist, mostly in cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

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Smooth-leaved Elm
Wiki Commons by Ptelea
"Field Elm" is another name for which tree that produces this leaf?
Wych Elm
Smooth-leaved Elm
Slippery Elm
American Elm
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The wood of the elm tree is water resistant and quite durable. It is commonly used to make boats, furniture and coffins.

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Turkey Oak
Wiki Commons by Franz Xaver
The leaf of this tree is said to resemble a turkey's foot.
Alligator Tree
Bird Cherry
Turkey Oak
Pignut Hickory
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Turkey Oak tree grows up to about 30 feet tall. Its reddish-gray dense bark is often used for fuel.

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Apache Pine
Wiki Commons by Kretyen
The pine tree that produces this leaf is also called "Arizona Longleaf Pine."
Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine
Loblolly Pine
Apache Pine
Austrian Pine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Apache Pine tree is located within a limited area, within the southwest region of the United States and some parts of Mexico. Arizona and New Mexico are the U.S. states where the tree primarily grows.

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Fraser Fir
Wiki Commons by Harold Smith
The needles of which fir tree have silvery bottoms?
Fraser Fir
Douglas Fir
Grand Fir
Noble Fir
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The blue-green needles of the Fraser Fir tree are firm and don't shed easily. The tree's resilient needles and stiff branches make it an excellent Christmas tree selection.

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Sweetgum
Wiki Commons by Plant Image Library
Which tree blooms this beautiful leaf and doesn't grow as tall as the other gum trees listed here?
Sweetgum
Manna Gum
Shining Gum
Sydney Blue Gum
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Sweetgum tree grows to a modest range of 80 to 120 feet in height, and it grows fast. The tree produces flower and fruit at the ripe age of 2025 years.

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Batai
Wiki Commons by Forest & Kim Starr
Which tree bears this leaf and is also known as "Moluccan sau"?
Alerce
Baobab
Coolibah
Batai
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Batai tree is native to Southeast Asia. It is a fast-growing tree that flourishes in wet forests.

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Austrian Pine
Wiki Commons by Kretyen
Which tree sprouts this leaf and is native to Yugoslavia and northern Italy?
Norway Spruce
Austrian Pine
Australian Pine
Chinese Camphor Tree
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Austrian Pine tree is also native to Austria. Although it has European roots, the tree is extensively planted in midwestern and eastern North America.

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Big Laurel
Wiki Commons by Acabashi
This leaf of which "big" tree is also called "Bull-bay"?
Bigtooth Aspen
Big Laurel
Big Leaf Maple
Big Drunk Bean
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although its often referred to as Big Laurel, the tree grows to 40 to 80 feet in height, which is modest compared to popular big trees. Its elliptical-shaped green leaves are smooth and leathery.

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Black Poplar
Wiki Commons by Christian Fischer
What is the name of the "black" tree that grows heart-shaped leaves?
Black Cherry
Black Locust
Black Oak
Black Poplar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Black Poplar tree is native to the United Kingdom. Its soft-textured wood is often used to manufacture toys and artificial limbs.

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Balsam Poplar
Wiki Commons by Matt Lavin
Which of these poplar trees sprouts this leaf and is also called "Balm-of-Gilead"?
Tulip Poplar
Balsam Poplar
Blue Poplar
Black Poplar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The branches of the fragrant Balsam Poplar tree are weak. The tree is native to Northern North America.

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Common Hawthorn
Wiki Commons
This leaf belongs to which tree that has thorns on its branches?
Common Hawthorn
Common Hazel
Common Juniper
Common Whitebeam
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Common Hawthorn tree grows as a small tree or a shrub. It produces small fruits and leaves with serrated edges.

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Mexican Juniper
Wiki Commons by homeredwardprice
Which juniper tree produces this leaf and is also called "Drooping Cedar" or "Weeping Juniper"?
Western Juniper
Mexican Juniper
Redberry Juniper
Rose-fruited Juniper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mexican Juniper trees exist mainly in parts of Mexico and Guatemala. The tree's leaves secrete an oil that is highly flammable.

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Sugarberry
Wiki Commons by Homer Edward Price
This leaf belongs to which tree that has a bark covered with wart-like bumps?
Winterberry
Sugarberry
Southern Hackberry
Soap Berry
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the autumn, the Sugarberry tree produces berries that secrete a sweet viscous substance. The tree's wood is used to produce plywood and athletic equipment.

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Sweet Chestnut
Wiki Commons by Willow
Which chestnut tree has this leaf and can live up to 700 years?
Yellow Chestnut Oak
Sweet Chestnut
Horsechestnut
American Chestnut
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The oblong-shaped leaf of the Sweet Chestnut tree boasts parallel veins and a pointed tip. The tree also produces seeds enclosed in prickly green cases.

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American Basswood
Wiki Commons by Wendy Cutler
The tree that produces this leaf is also called "American Linden."
American Basswood
Coast Redwood
Flowering Dogwood
Eastern Cottonwood
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The American Basswood tree is native to the Midwestern United States and New England. The tree has weak, odorless wood that's ideal for packaging food. Native Americans used thin strips of the wood as bandages.

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Shagbark Hickory
Wiki Commons by John B.
Of all the choices, which tree's leaves or leaflets grow the longest?
Hickory Pine
Bitternut Hickory
Pignut Hickory
Shagbark Hickory
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Shagbark Hickory tree yields alternate leaves on twigs. On each leaf grows five to seven leaflets that can reach eight to 16 inches long.

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Quaking Aspen
Wiki Commons by Jason Hollinger
The flat stem of the leaf from which tree is turned at a right angle?
Trembling Aspen
Largetooth Aspen
Bigtooth Aspen
Quaking Aspen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The peculiar right-angle shape of the Quaking Aspen tree leaf stem allows the tree's leaves to vibrate or quake in the wind. Quaking Aspen's leaves shake like butterfly wings even with the slightest breeze.

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European Beech
Wiki Commons by Willow
The tree that bears this leaf is the only beech tree of these choices that is native to Europe.
Carolina Beech
White Beech
American Beech
European Beech
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The European Beech tree's leaves have signature wavy margins with five to nine pairs of veins. The leaves are dark-green and glossy with a red tint.

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Southern Blue Gum
Wiki Commons by Forest & Kim Starr
This leaf belongs to which tree native to Australia?
Yellow Meranti
Silver Fir
Southern Blue Gum
American Green Alder
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Southern Blue Gum tree usually grows as tall as 180 feet high. However, there is a Southern Blue Gum tree in Tasmania that reaches 297 feet!

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Holm Oak
Wiki Commons by Fritz Geller-Grimm
Which tree produces this leaf and is native to the Western Mediterranean region?
Sugar Hackberry
Holm Oak
Angelica
Almond Willow
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Holm Oak tree is also called the Holly Oak tree. It typically grows 30 to 60 feet in both height and width.

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California Laurel
Wiki Commons by Walter Siegmund
The leaves of which California tree produce an oil that may be harmful to humans?
California Nutmeg
California Laurel
California Buckeye
California Blue Oak
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

All parts of the California Laurel tree contain a camphor-like oil, especially the leaves. The volatile oil is an irritant and an insecticide.

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Monterey Cypress
Wiki Commons by Harvey Barrison
The leaves of which tree are greener than the other choices?
Monterey Cypress
Lawson Cypress
Montezuma Cypress
Alaska Cypress
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The scaly leaves of the Monterey Cypress tree are a medium evergreen color that does not change. The typical lifespan for the Monterey Cypress tree ranges from 40 to 150 years.

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European Ash
Wiki Commons by Zerocool.marko
The leaves of which tree remain green in autumn before they fall?
Mountain Ash
White Ash
Black Ash
European Ash
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Certain cultivars of the European Ash tree turn yellow before they fall in autumn. This tree produces green flowers in the spring.

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False Hemlock
Wiki Commons by Crusier
Which hemlock tree is actually a Douglas Fir tree?
False Hemlock
Hemlock Spruce
Mountain Hemlock
Pacific Hemlock
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The False Hemlock tree is really a Douglas Fir tree, which is not a true fir. The Douglas Fir tree is the official tree of Oregon state.

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Little Walnut
Wiki Commons by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Which walnut tree is also called a "Texas Walnut"?
White Walnut
Arizona Walnut
Little Walnut
Southern California Black Walnut
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Little Walnut tree is found in Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona and Northern Mexico. You will likely find the Little Walnut tree growing near dry, rocky valleys and along hillsides.

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Texas Madrone
Wiki Commons by Fredlyfish4
Which tree grows leathery evergreen leaves?
Texas Madrone
White Willow
Paper Birch
Gray Birch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The oval-shaped leaf of the Texas Madrone tree is green on the top and light green on the bottom. The leaf's edges are smooth.

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Water Elm
Wiki Commons by Slarson789
Which tree bears this leaf and is known as "p'e'can" among the Lakota people?
Water White Oak
American Beech
Water Elm
Water Birch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Water Elm tree is more popularly known as "American Elm." The elm's leaves are oblong-shaped and sprout four to six inches long.

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Sweetbay Magnolia
Wiki Commons by David J. Stang
This leaf belongs to which signature tree of the southern United States?
Northern Scrub Pine
Eastern Larch
Sweetbay Magnolia
Western Chinkapin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Magnolia tree is hugely popular in the southern United States. The Sweetbay Magnolia tree produces an impressive cascade of small creamy-white, lemon-scented flowers that emerge from June through September.

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