The first 5 individuals to email RITree at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the correct answers to the following five questions will win a free copy of the 46 page publication 2011 Champion Tree of Rhode Island.  

The quiz will actually test your knowledge of conifers.  All of the questions are part and parcel of the "themes" discussed at the "Knowing Your Trees" series of plant identification workshops hosted by RITree during the year.  The last Conifer Workshop was held in October 2011 at the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in North Providence, RI.  The 2012 series of three plant id workshops will start again in February 2012.  The first workshop will provide instruction on Plant Ornamentals (i.e. Cherry, Dogwood, Magnolia, Viburnum, Hydrangea, etc.,). 

Here are the 5 questions, good luck.

1.  Several species of evergreen act like deciduous shade trees and shed their leaves each fall.  They are called deciduous-evergreens.  Which one of the following species is known as a deciduous-evergreen?

a.  White pine   b. Norway spruce   c. Eastern larch  d.  Norway maple

2.  Identify the conifer below that is known for having both needle-like and scale-like leaves on its shoots and branches.

a. Balsam fir    b. Red cedar    c.  Norway spruce   d.  American arborvitae   

3.  Which of the following is the only 3 -needle pine native to Rhode Island?

a.  Red pine   b.  Austrian pine    c.  Pitch pine    d.  Scotch pine

4.  All EXCEPT ONE of the following species of evergreens have buds that eventually develop into shoots and/or reproductive structures (i.e. cones).   Name the exception.

a.  American Arborvitae   b.  White pine    c.  White fir  d.  Dawn redwood

 5.  I am one of the tallest growing evergreens in the Western United States reaching upwards of 200 feet in height in the Pacific Northwest.  In Rhode Island, where the air is drier, I will only reach between 60 and 80 feet tall.  I have needle-like, flat, flexible, 1"-1 ½" green leaves.  My winter buds are reddish-brown and sharp-pointed.  However, the easiest way to identify me in winter is by looking at my seed cones.  They have special bracts not found on other evergreen cones. Here is a picture of the foliage and cones.  Who am I?

What tree do I belong to?

a  Dawn redwood   b.  White Fir   c.  Giant sequoia   d.  Douglas-fir   

Find out more about our Knowing Your Trees Workshops

The quiz answers are posted here.