CATS New Mexico Tree Identification 2

Question 1

Which conifer native to New Mexico's high-elevation forests produces cones that open and close in response to moisture levels?

Accepted Answer

Engelmann spruce

Answer

Blue spruce

Answer

Subalpine fir

Answer

Douglas-fir

Question 2

The narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) differs from Fremont cottonwood most noticeably by its:

Accepted Answer

Leaf shape — much narrower with fine teeth

Answer

Bark color

Answer

Seed capsule size

Answer

Root depth

Question 3

Which oak species found in New Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert foothills is semi-evergreen and often grows as a shrubby thicket?

Accepted Answer

Gray oak

Answer

Gambel oak

Answer

Emory oak

Answer

Silverleaf oak

Question 4

A large Southwestern tree with corky, deeply furrowed bark, pinnately compound leaves, and hanging clusters of papery winged seeds is most likely:

Accepted Answer

Boxelder

Answer

Arizona ash

Answer

Velvet ash

Answer

Texas ash

Question 5

Which pinyon species is dominant in the Two Grey Hills and Chaco Canyon areas of northwestern New Mexico?

Accepted Answer

Colorado pinyon

Answer

Single-leaf pinyon

Answer

Mexican pinyon

Answer

Border pinyon

Question 6

The Apache plume (Fallugia paradoxa) is often confused with serviceberry in the field. Its most distinctive feature is:

Accepted Answer

Feathery pink-tinted seed tails on achenes

Answer

Blue-black berries in summer

Answer

Opposite branching pattern

Answer

Milky sap from broken twigs

Question 7

Which native elm found along New Mexico riparian corridors has distinctly asymmetrical leaf bases and double-serrate margins?

Accepted Answer

Cedar elm

Answer

Siberian elm

Answer

American elm

Answer

Slippery elm