Skip to main content

The Trees We See

CRIS ANDREI—ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS, SIMON MCGILL—ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS, GSLSTUDIO/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS, RICHARD HEATH—ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS

What kinds of trees are near you? There are about 1,000 different tree species in the United States. These are four of the most common. They are native to the U.S.

CRIS ANDREI—ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS

The white oak is large and strong. It can live for 300 years. Its acorns are an important food source for turkeys, woodpeckers, and rabbits. Deer eat some parts of these trees, too.

SIMON MCGILL—ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS

The red maple is a very common tree in eastern North America. Its leaves turn red in the fall. Squirrels eat its seeds. Deer and rabbits eat its leaves and shoots.

GSLSTUDIO/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS

The sugar maple is known for its fall colors. It’s also known for its sap, which is used to make syrup. White-tailed deer eat its twigs and leaves. Porcupines eat its bark.

RICHARD HEATH—ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS

The Douglas fir is a popular kind of Christmas tree. It’s evergreen, so it doesn’t lose its needles. Birds, squirrels, and rabbits eat its seeds. It provides shelter for many animals.