Bark doesn't break off into plates

Bud at end of twig dull yellow. 7 - 11 leaflets. -- Bitternut Hickory

Bud at end of twig is not yellow, but is brownish in color.

All Trees
- Tree having broad leaves.
  - Leaves compound.
    - Leaves and branches arranged alternately.
      - No thorns at the base of the leaf.
        
        The pith of the older part of the twig is solid.
        
        bark doesn't break off into plates.

This key was developed by "bt" in June 1982. It was put into HTML format by Stephen Ostermiller in July 1997. Copies of the entire guide in zip format that may be taken to camp on a laptop are available to those who write.