IDing based on branches is actually a fairly common problem during the winter - you would want to look for the size and shape of the leaf scar and bud, number and arrangement of bundle scars, the number of buds per node (whether there are 1, 2, or 3 can help you determine whether the leaf pattern was alternate, opposite, or whorled), and whether there is a terminal bud present or not. If you get a cross-section of a branch, many trees have distinctive pith characteristics as well.megan wrote:How would you identify the tree based on a bare branch???
Branch ID is extremely challenging compared to leaf ID, and just being given a picture makes it pretty much impossible unless the branch has some sort of distinguishing characteristic. You mentioned that the branch you received had thorns: that narrows it down by a lot (Honeylocust, Black Locust, Southern Prickly-ash, and American Plum are possibilities).
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