Leaf Arrangements
This tree type loses its leaves in the fall.
What are deciduous trees?
This type of leaf has one blade attached to a petiole.
What is a simple leaf?
This tree part sucks up moisture from the ground.
What are roots?
This is the term for the fruit of the oak tree.
What is an acorn?
This tall tree was found near the riverbank behind Mastery HS. It has brown flaky bark with green or white underneath, alternate leaf arrangement, and a cluster of fluffy brown seeds. It had a unique growth pattern thanks to living along a river.
What is the Sycamore tree? (will also accept london plane)
This is the most common leaf arrangement you will find in NJ.
What is alternate leaf arrangement?
This type of leaf is made up of several smaller leaflets. The leaflets are attached to a petiole.
What is a compound leaf?
This tree part is the topmost part of the tree. If the tree is healthy, this part will be full of leaves.
What is the crown of the tree? (Or just crown)
This tree part helps attract more pollinators. It comes in many sizes, shapes, and colors, and is usually visible in spring or summer.
What is a flower?
This medium growing tree was found near the Mastery HS entrance. It has grayish bark, red flowers, and has opposite leaf arrangement (MADHORSE).
What is the red maple tree?
The mnemonic device MADHORSE is used to remember local species that have this type of leaf arrangement.
What is opposite leaf arrangement?
This leaf margin type has a sharp, jagged edge.
What is a serrate leaf margin?
This part of the tree is made up of mostly dead cells. It is the centermost part of the tree and helps hold the tree up.
What is heartwood?
This tree part is the result of fertilization and protects the seed. Like flowers, it comes in many textures, sizes, shapes, and colors. Some wildlife depend on them for food, and humans can eat some varieties.
What is the fruit of the tree? (or just fruit)
This row of beautiful trees sits in the courtyard of Mastery HS. They were planted by NCCG and volunteers in 2021. They have altnerate leaf arrangement and large buds, and produce food for Mastery students.
What is pear (or fruit) tree?
Scale and needle like leaves belong to this type of tree.
What are evergreen trees?
This type of leaf margin has a wavy edge.
What is an undulate leaf margin?
This part of the tree moves sugars produced in photosynthesis from the leaves to the rest of the tree.
What is phloem?
This is the seed bearing structure found on pine trees. It can hold many seeds at a time and has a hard protective covering.
What is a pine cone?
This type of tree was found along the trail near Pyne Poynt Park. It is an evergreen tree that has scale like leaves and awl like leaves. It also has reddish bark that peels into thin strips.
What is the juniper/eastern red cedar tree?
The catalpa tree is an example of a local tree that has this rare leaf arrangement form.
What is whorled leaf arrangement?
This bud is located at the end of the twig and will continue growth of the branch once the bud blooms.
What is the terminal bud?
This tree part is the layer of living cells that divides to form the xylem and phloem.
What is cambium?
This is the term used to describe the fruit of an elm tree. The seed is encased in a papery tissue that helps carry it in the wind.
What are samaras?
This fruit tree was in the parking lot of Mastery HS. It has multiple fruit bearing branches grafted onto the tree, meaning there are multiple sources of different fruit. This tree has alternate leaf arrangement, smooth bark with horizontal lines, and has distinctive buds that will eventually flower.
What is an apricot/nectarine/"fruit cocktail" tree?