Previous Steps

• 1b – Alternate leaf arrangement on stem — go to 18
  • 18a – Leaf simple — go to 19
    • 19b – Thornless — go to 22
      • 22e – All leaves unlobed — go to 31
        • 31d – Leaf is oval or oblong (twice as long as wide) — go to 40
          • 40b – Leaf base symmetrical — go to 43
            • 43b – Leaf margin not wavy or only slightly wavy; margin obviously toothed — go to 44
              • 44b – Petiole less than 1 inch long — go to 45
                • 45b – Irregular pinnate venation; veins may curve slightly, usually splitting and forking near the leaf margin — go to 48
                  • 48b – Usually glands on petiole or base of leaf. Stems and buds not hairy — go to 50
                    • 50b – True terminal bud present — Cherries, go to 54
                      • 54b – Leaves coarsely serrated — go to 57

Current Step

• 57a – Leaf hairy beneath at vein axils only — Sweet Cherry

• 57b – Leaf hairless beneath — Sour Cherry

Resources

• Identifying Broadleaf Flowering Trees and Shrubs, CMG GardenNotes #173
• List of trees in this key
• Glossary of Terms
• Front Range Tree Recommendation List
• Online CSU Extension publications on Tree and Shrub Selection