Western Tree Key provides a dichotomous key for the identification of 267 trees native to western North America. Once a tree has been keyed out, the user can display the complete taxonomic classification for the tree.
If the wrong key is chosen, the user can back track to the point of departure or start over. If the identification of a tree species is already known, the user can select the species from a drop-down menu to display the complete taxonomic classification.
Taxonomy is a fluid science, with species being renamed or reclassified as new information is discovered. The classification of a plant as a tree or shrub may also vary by region or author. The 267 trees covered by this program represent the currently accepted trees of the American West. This number may vary slightly due to borderline shrub/tree species.
