Can You Identify The Parts of a Tree?

Like the body, trees have different parts that serve different functions. You’re probably familiar with some of them, but do you know what purpose they have?

Take our Oregon arborist quiz to test your knowledge and find out how well you can identify the parts of a tree. Don’t look now, but scroll down to find the correct answers below. Or, if you’re prone to peeking, take the quiz here!

1. Which part of the tree supports the crown?
A. The roots
B. The bark
C. The trunk
D. The branches

2. Which part of the tree filters dust and other particles from the air?
A. The bark
B. The trunk
C. The crown
D. The roots

3. Which part of the tree absorbs water and nutrients from the soil?
A. The heartwood
B. The roots
C. The crown
D. The bark

4. What makes a tree’s trunk, branches, and roots grow larger in diameter?
A. Sap
B. Cambium
C. Roots
D. Xylem

5. Which of the following acts as the tree’s protector by shielding it from insects, disease and extreme temperatures?
A. The trunk
B. The bark
C. The cambium
D. The roots

6. Which of the following item’s main function is to support the tree?
A. The bark
B. The heartwood
C. The trunk
D. The roots

7. What part of the tree transports water and nutrients from the roots to other parts of the tree?
A. Xylem
B. Phloem
C. The trunk
D. The crown

8. Which of the following is part of the tree’s bark and carries sap from the leaves to the rest of the tree?
A. Xylem
B. Phloem
C. Heartwood
D. Cambium

Answer Key:

1. A. The roots-Incorrect. The roots anchor the tree in the ground but they do not directly support the tree’s crown.
B. The bark-Incorrect. Though the trunk is made from bark, the bark primarily functions as the tree’s protective barrier from outside elements.
C. The trunk-Correct! You’ve impressed your Oregon arborist, Mr. Tree, by guessing this one correctly. The trunk of the tree supports the top of the tree (its crown)
D. The branches-Incorrect. The branches and leaves make up the crown of the tree.

2. A. The bark-Incorrect. The bark protects the tree from outside elements, but it does not filter particles from the air.
B. The trunk-Incorrect. The trunk of the tree supports the crown.
C. The crown-Correct! The crown has many functions, including filtering dust and other particles from the air.
D. The roots-Incorrect. The roots serve as the tree’s anchor system and help it stand upright.

3. A. The heartwood-Incorrect. Like the trunk, the heartwood’s main function is to support the tree.
B. The roots-Correct! If you’re three for three, then you could be an Oregon arborist yourself!
C. The crown-Incorrect. The crown is located at the top of the tree and is too far removed from the soil to directly absorb its nutrients.
D. The bark-Incorrect. The bark is the tree’s protective barrier rather than a source of its nourishment.

4. A. Sap- Incorrect. Sap is a sugary substance produced by trees; while sap is a source of nourishment, it does not make the tree grow in diameter.
B. Cambium-Correct! The cambium is a layer of growing tissue, which makes the tree grow in diameter!
C. Roots-Incorrect. While the roots absorb nutrients and soil to provide nourishment and help a tree grow in size, they do not make the tree grow in diameter.
D. Xylem-Incorrect. Xylem is a layer of wood produced by cambium; the xylem’s primary function is to help transport water and nutrients through the tree.

5. A. The trunk-Incorrect. The trunk of the tree supports its crown.
B. The bark-Correct! You’re doing so well! The bark is the tree’s protective barrier to protect it from nature’s harsh elements.
C. The cambium-Incorrect. The cambium is a growing tissue that helps the tree grow in diameter.
D. The roots-Incorrect. The roots anchor the tree and provide nourishment by absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.

6. A. Bark-Incorrect. The bark protects the tree rather than supports it.
B. Heartwood-Correct! Formed by dead xylem cells, the heartwood’s main function is to support the tree.
C. Trunk-Incorrect. While this answer may have been tempting, the trunk is a source of support and strength for the tree’s crown.
D. Roots-Incorrect. The roots are a source of nourishment rather than a source of strength.

7. A. Xylem-Correct! The xylem is the youngest layer of wood that carries nutrients from the roots to other parts of the tree.
B. Phloem-Incorrect. The phloem transports food, rather than water and nutrients.
C. Trunk-Incorrect. The trunk contains tubes that the xylem uses to transport nutrients.
D. Crown-Incorrect. The crown’s leaves use a process known as photosynthesis to convert the sun’s energy into food, but the crown does not transport water and nutrients.

8. A. Xylem-Incorrect. While this answer may have been tempting because xylem is also known as sapwood, the xylem is used to transport nutrients from the roots to the leaves rather than the other way around.
B. Phloem-Correct! The phloem is the tree’s inner bark and its primary function is to transport sap from the leaves to the rest of the tree.
C. Heartwood-Incorrect. The heartwood’s main function is to support the tree.
D. Cambium-Incorrect. The cambium produces other layers of wood that serve as transportation systems.

If you aced our quiz, congrats! You should consider becoming an Oregon arborist. If you missed a few, that’s ok too. Mr. Tree has plenty of our own expert Oregon arborists that can teach you a thing or two!