Interior Alaskan Trees

1. Has needles

1.1. Needles are soft and fine, in clusters, turn yellow in fall, fall off in winter

1.1.1. Tamarack (Larix laricina)

1.2. Needles are stiff, pointed, connect to twigs individually,

1.2.1. New twigs are whitish, smooth, needles have strong odor when crushed, cones are elongated and open yearly

1.2.1.1. White Spruce (Picea glauca)

1.2.2. New twigs have fine, reddish hairs between needles, twigs are rough, needles have little odor when crushed, cones are rounded, only open when expoed to fire

1.2.2.1. Black Spruce (Picea mariana)

2. Has Leaves

2.1. Leaves have pointed teeth on margins, bark is whitish, papery

2.1.1. Alaska Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)

2.2. Leaves have rouded teeth or bumps on edges

2.2.1. Leaves have flattened stem (or petiole), Bark is smooth and whitish or greenish

2.2.1.1. Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides)

2.2.2. Leaves have rounded stems, new buds are sticky with strong, fragrant odor when crushed, bark of older, mature trunks have deep ridges

2.2.2.1. Balsam poplar (Populoides balsamifera)