T r e e s  o f  N o r t h  C a r o l i n a

A n g i o s p e r m s  ( f l o w e r i n g  p l a n t s )

L e a v e s  o p p o s i t e ,  c o m p o u n d

Linear key | Dichotomous key

1. Leaves 2-3-foliolate…2.

2. Leaflets 3-5 (-7), coarsely and jaggedly serrate, with < 5 teeth per leaflet side; fruit a schizocarp of 2 samaroid mericarps (maple “keys”)…Acer

2. Leaflets 3, evenly serrulate, with > 10 teeth per leaflet side; fruit an inflated capsule…Staphylea

1. Leaves 4-15-foliolate…3.

3. Leaves palmately compound…Aesculus

3. Leaves pinnately compound, bipinnately compound, or more complexly compound…4.

4. Leaves 3-7-foliolate and strictly 1-pinnate; leaflets with a few very coarse teeth; 1st year stems green; fruit a schizocarp of 2, asymmetrically-winged mericarps…Acer

4. Leaves 3-15-foliolate, 1-pinnate or partially 2-pinnate; leaflets evenly serrate with many teeth or entire; 1st year stems tan to brown (very new growth may be green); fruit a symmetrically-winged samara…Fraxinus