Magnolia, Persimmon, Dogwood, Blackgum, Water and Live Oak - Tree Leaf Key

Unlobed Tree Species Having Leaves with Smooth Margins

by Steve Nix
Steve Nix, is a natural resources consultant, who managed forestry and wildfire programs, and researched and wrote about forest resources.
Updated March 17, 2017

You most probably have a broadleaf or deciduous tree that is either a magnolia, persimmon, dogwood, blackgum, water or live Oak. Let's continue...

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01
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Magnolia

Magnolia dawsoniana (Dawson's magnolia)
Matthew Ward/Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images

Does your tree have a leaf that is evergreen, large and shiny bright green above and pale with rust colored hairs beneath with entire leaf margins (not serrate)? If yes, you most probably have a Southern magnolia.

02
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Persimmon

Persimmon. Persimmon

Does your tree have a leaf that is long-pointed and thickened, shiny dark green above and hairless to densely hairy beneath with entire leaf margins (not serrate)? If yes, you most probably have a persimmon.

03
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Dogwood

Dogwood. Dogwood

Does your tree have a leaf that is opposite in leaf arrangement with 6-7 long, curved veins on each side of the midrib and edges slightly wavy, the margins of the leaf appear not toothed but have tiny teeth visible under a lens? If yes, you most probably have a dogwood.

04
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Blackgum

Blackgum. Blackgum

Does your tree have a leaf that is elliptical or oblong and shiny green on top, often crowded on short twigs with entire leaf margins (not serrate)? If yes, you most probably have a blackgum.

05
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Water, Willow and Live Oaks

Willow Oak. Willow Oak

Several species of oak including water oak, live oak, and willow oak have simple, entire leaves that are deciduous to persistent (check for acorns on and below the tree). If so, you probably have an oak.