Differentiating temperate tree species and their organs using lipid biomarkers in leaves, roots and soil

► Leaves and roots of temperate tree species have highly variable lipid composition. ► Taxonomic patterns are evident for leaf, root and soil lipid compositions. ► Leaf and root lipid composition was linked to leaf and root morphology/lifespan. ► Few lipids were exclusively associated with certain plant organs or plant taxa. ► More data on plant lipid composition are needed to interpret soil lipid composition.