Tree, Shrub, and Vine Identification Project Main Hub Page

This article serves as the main hub for articles identifying trees, shrubs, and vines that grow in the northeast United States. This compilation is for research purposes only and may not be copied and submitted as one's own research, study, or schoolwork. (More links forthcoming.)

Trees, shrubs, and vines are sub classified as follows. See links for specific articles and slideshows.

Evergreens:

Abies balsamea, the balsam fir, is most known for its use in Christmas decorations. Ilex crenata, Japanese holly, is an evergreen ornamental known for its leaves and not exhibiting a showy fruit. Juniperus virginia, the eastern red cedar or juniper, grows pretty much in any open place. Picea abies, Norway Spruce, is a common ornamental planted in the landscape, often escaping and growing in the wild. Leucanthoe, known only by its botanical name, is hardy in the north is seen often growing wild along the southern east coast.

Pieris japonica, also known as Andromeda or pearl bush, is a popular ornamental shrub known for its spring clusters of bell shaped flowers. Pinus strobus, eastern white pine, is a common ornamental specimen or hedge with outstanding texture, durability, and usefulness. Kalmia latifolia, mountain laurel, is an outstanding broadleaf evergreen in the landscape and in the wild. Thuja occidentalis, emerald green arborvitae, is a very popular hedge plant occasionally used as a specimen. Tsuga canadensis, eastern hemlock, was once an excellent native evergreen that graced our forests before succumbing in large numbers to wooly adalgid.

For slideshows, see evergreens slideshow, tall trees and evergreen slideshow, broadleaf evergreens and bushes.

Deciduous:

Acer saccharum, sugar maple, is well known for its fall color and maple syrup that is made by boiling its sap. Betula pendula, European white birch, grows pretty much anywhere and stands out with its white bark. Cornus florida, the flowering dogwood, is known as an ornamental small tree but also grows in the wild. Fagus grandifolia, American beech, is known for its smooth gray bark and stately stature.

Malus or crabapple consists of a wide variety of cultivars including the apple tree and many crabapples bred for shape and flower color. Prunus or cherry contains many cultivars of cherry bred for their fruit, flowers, and form. Quercus alba or white oak is known as a native tree but grows well as a specimen or landscape tree. Syringa vulgaris, known as lilac, is a popular choice in the landscape, grown for its fragrant spring flowers.

For slideshows of these plants, see Deciduous trees slideshow, tall trees and deciduous small trees and shrubs slideshow.

Vines:

Parthenocissus quinqueflia, Virginia creeper, grows commonly in the northeast as a native, wild vine. Toxicodendron radicans, poison ivy, is an exceptionally beautiful vine that is eradicated due to its oil being a skin irritant. Hydrangea anomala petiolaris, climbing hydrangea, is a beautiful ornamental vine valued for its flowers, leaves, and bark texture in winter. See vines slideshow for pictures of these vines.

Natives:

Amelanchier laevis, known as Shadbush, Shadblow, Serviceberry, and Saskatoon, is a small tree grown for its white flowers and shape. Hamamelis virginiana, witch hazel, grows native in eastern United States forests. This bush is hybridized for spectacular winter bloom. Sassafras albidum, the Sassafras tree, grows wild in the forests and exhibits spectacular fall color. See native plants slideshow for pictures.

Invasives:

Invasive plants were once introduced for their ornamental value or other beneficial properties. These plants have taken well to the climate but, without their natural pests and diseases, have taken over and crowded out the native plants. Acer platanoides, Norway maple, has escaped and introduced itself into the wild. Celastrus orbiculatis, oriental bittersweet vine, has entangled and smothered native vegetation in many places. Elaeagnus umbellate, autumn olive, graces our highways and everywhere with its silver leaves and fragrant flowers, to the detriment of all other plants. See invasive plants slideshow for pictures.