dendrological

Dendrological is the adjective relating to dendrology, the scientific study of woody plants, especially trees and shrubs. Dendrology covers the identification, classification, distribution, morphology, ecology, and uses of woody plants. The field aims to understand how species are related, how they grow, how they interact with their environment, and how wood properties vary among species.

Practitioners use field observations, herbarium specimens, anatomy of wood and bark, leaf and fruit morphology, and distribution mapping. Modern dendrology integrates molecular methods and phylogenetics, as well as dendrochronology for dating and climate studies. Field identification relies on dichotomous keys and regional floras. Dendrology spans taxonomy, systematics, anatomy, ecology, and applied aspects such as forestry, conservation, urban forestry, and horticulture.

Although closely related to botany and ecology, dendrology is distinct from arboriculture (care of trees) and from dendrochronology (tree-ring dating). The practice has historical roots in botanical exploration and taxonomy, with development through forestry institutions and botanical gardens. In contemporary science, dendrology informs species conservation, invasive species monitoring, and habitat restoration.