Lake States Tree Key provides a dichotomous key for the identification of trees native to the northern Lake States of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Once a tree has been keyed out the botanical characteristics are displayed. The user can also 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 and botanical characteristics.
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 trees covered by this program represent the currently accepted trees of the northern Lake States.
