There are far fewer trees with opposite branching, than those with alternate branching, so this can be a big clue to the identity of the tree if you’re trying to figure out what kind it is. Opposite branching trees can have simple or compound leaves, and the latter is made of several individual leaflets. Simple leaves can have smooth or toothed outlines, such as the sugar maple (smooth) or the red or silver maple (toothed). A mnemonic device you can use, to remember which genera of trees and shrubs have opposite branching, is “MADCap Horse.”
Maple Trees
Maple trees (Acer) are classified as Sapindaceae in the plant kingdom. There are more than 100 species, mostly native to Asia. Many people decide to plant maple trees due to their autumn-colored leaves and maple syrup production.
Ash Trees
Ash trees (Fraxinus) are of the olive and lilac family, known as Oleaceae. There are about 65 species of medium and large trees. You can identify an ash tree by its leaflets, which has compound leaves of five to nine per leaf. There are variations of ash trees, such as green ash, black ash, and white ash.
Dogwood Trees
Dogwood trees (Cornus) come to full blossom in the spring and are large fragrant blooms. They’re considered the state flower of both North Carolina and Virginia and is even the state tree for Missouri. Some small and colorful berries grow on dogwood trees, showing up in red, white, and blue colors. These are not edible; however, you’ll find that many birds and small walks of wildlife will enjoy eating them.
Caprifoliaceae Family
This consists mostly of shrubs and vines. Viburnums (which are sometimes classified now in the Adoxaceae family) and honeysuckles are familiar genera in this family. You will also find weigela, abelia, and snowberry plants in this family, among several others. Most of the leaves are without stipules and are often evergreen and deciduous. You will find that many of the flowers are tubular, bell-like, and have outward-spreading lobes. These plants are typically fragrant and carry a berry or drupe fruit.
Horse Chestnut Trees
Members of the genus Aesculus include the horse chestnuts and buckeyes. This European plant is in the soapberry and lychee family, Sapindaceae, and is also known as the conker tree. Its population is, unfortunately, decreasing and has a near-threatened conservation status. The distinctive and sweet-smelling flowers of this plant serve as the symbol of the city of Kiev, Ukraine, as horse chestnuts are plentiful there. Other shrub species have opposite branching, like burning bush (Euonymus alata), wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei), and privets (Ligustrum spp.).
