Leaf architecture and wood and ba rk anatomy of Quercus sartorii and Q. xalapensis, species with similar morphology, are described and compared, with the main purpose of recognizing features that may contribute to distinguish them. The results showed that venation pattern features such as areole number and shape, veintlets branching, and secondary vein arrangement inside the tooth are characters that help distinguish both species, but not leaf size and stomata number. Both species differ in their external bark appearance and phelloderm. Wood of both species is similar to that reported for the genus, but there is a tendency to having fewer vessels and solitary in radial rows in Q. sartorii. These traits should be used together with floral, fruit and seed features to support the recognition of both species.