Abstract: In this paper, a case study on the development of “Identification Key of Classification of Landscape Tree Species in Urumqi” was carried out, and the difficulties in applying the traditional identification key were discussed. The “Identification Key of Classification of Landscape Tree Species in Urumqi” was developed based on the field survey, literature identification and first-hand information from teaching, etc. by combining the two-bifurcation method and multi-bifurcation method. Classification key of landscape tree species in the cities in north China was discussed, and the traditional classification key of landscape tree species was modified in this paper. The advantages of this method are as follows: (1) It is not limited by the species level or location in system, and easy to use; (2) It becomes much more easy for the classification by combining the two-bifurcation method and multi-bifurcation method together, and also spends less space; (3) The identification of landscape tree species will not be limited because the simple, popular and stable characteristics were selected in this key, and there are no the tree species identification difficulties from the lack of plant organs. This classification key will bring much more convenient to teaching and scientific research to the local professional colleges, universities and scientific institutions, and will become as a basic mean and important reference in this area.

Key words: urban landscape tree species, classification key, two-bifurcation method, multi-bifurcation method, Urumqi