TREE WALK
WESTFIELD FRIENDS
1 - Weeping Copper Beech
Fagus sylvatica
The Weeping Copper Beech is a beautiful tree year-round. The leaves are a shimmering purple to green when unfolding, turning to a dark green in summer, and becoming a lustrous, russet-brown and golden bronze in fall. It has a dense, upright, oval form and prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun. It is a slow grower. The Weeping Copper Beech grows to a height of 50'-60' with a 40' wide spread.
The Weeping Copper Beech is a beautiful tree year-round. The leaves are a shimmering purple to green when unfolding, turning to a dark green in summer, and becoming a lustrous, russet-brown and golden bronze in fall. It has a dense, upright, oval form and prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun. It is a slow grower. The Weeping Copper Beech grows to a height of 50'-60' with a 40' wide spread.
2 - Himalayan Pine
Pinus wallichiana
The Himalayan Pine is a beautiful tree native to the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountains. It is a coniferous evergreen that grows in altitudes of ~2000-4000 meters. The tree can grow up to 150' in height, but is more often 30'- 90' tall. It grows quickly and can thrive in moist environments. The branches of the pine can extend outward very far and are covered in blue-green needles all year. Slender cones (6-10” long) on 1-2” stalks droop from the branches as they mature to a light brown color. The Himalayan Pine is also known as the Blue Pine, the Bhutan Pine, and the Himalayan White Pine.
The Himalayan Pine is a beautiful tree native to the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountains. It is a coniferous evergreen that grows in altitudes of ~2000-4000 meters. The tree can grow up to 150' in height, but is more often 30'- 90' tall. It grows quickly and can thrive in moist environments. The branches of the pine can extend outward very far and are covered in blue-green needles all year. Slender cones (6-10” long) on 1-2” stalks droop from the branches as they mature to a light brown color. The Himalayan Pine is also known as the Blue Pine, the Bhutan Pine, and the Himalayan White Pine.
3 - Northern Red Oak
The NJ State Tree
Quercus rubra
The Red Oak or Northern Red Oak, is a medium sized, deciduous tree with a rounded to broad-spreading, often irregular crown. It typically grows at a moderate-to-fast rate to a height of 50-75' (often larger in the wild). Dark, lustrous green leaves (grayish-white beneath) have 7-11 toothed lobes, which are sharply pointed at the tips. Leaves turn brownish-red in autumn. Insignificant flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in spring. The fruits are acorns (with flat, saucer-shaped cups) which mature in early fall. An abundant crop of acorns may not occur before this tree reaches 40 years old.
The Red Oak or Northern Red Oak, is a medium sized, deciduous tree with a rounded to broad-spreading, often irregular crown. It typically grows at a moderate-to-fast rate to a height of 50-75' (often larger in the wild). Dark, lustrous green leaves (grayish-white beneath) have 7-11 toothed lobes, which are sharply pointed at the tips. Leaves turn brownish-red in autumn. Insignificant flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in spring. The fruits are acorns (with flat, saucer-shaped cups) which mature in early fall. An abundant crop of acorns may not occur before this tree reaches 40 years old.
4 - Copper Beech
Fagus sylvatica
The Copper Beech tree gives larger-than-life visual impact on the grounds at Westfield Friends. It is known to be a tree, which is well suited to large landscapes. These deciduous trees grow slowly but develop into sturdy, low-maintenance shade trees. Copper Beech Trees offer residential areas and park settings showy foliage and a track record for good health. Though the foliage is deep purple during spring, it changes to a showy copper hue in autumn. Copper Beech trees take on a dense, oval to pyramidal shape and generally grow to heights of 50 to 75 feet with a width of 40 to 60 feet, these trees can reach a grand and ultimate height of 100 feet.
The Copper Beech tree gives larger-than-life visual impact on the grounds at Westfield Friends. It is known to be a tree, which is well suited to large landscapes. These deciduous trees grow slowly but develop into sturdy, low-maintenance shade trees. Copper Beech Trees offer residential areas and park settings showy foliage and a track record for good health. Though the foliage is deep purple during spring, it changes to a showy copper hue in autumn. Copper Beech trees take on a dense, oval to pyramidal shape and generally grow to heights of 50 to 75 feet with a width of 40 to 60 feet, these trees can reach a grand and ultimate height of 100 feet.
5- Scarlet Oak
Quercus coccinea
The Scarlet Oak tree provides brilliant red fall color that extends well into winter, making an excellent splash against the white snow.
It features leaves that are 4–7" long with 7 (rarely 9) narrow, bristle-tipped lobes separated by deep sinuses. The Scarlet Oak yields acorns that are ½–1" in length and enclosed by a bowl-like, scaly cup. An especially large crop is produced every 3–5 years. The tree develops into a rounded shape with an open crown, which provides light shade. The Scarlet Oak is a perfect tree for parks or areas where there is room to grow. The tree can grow to be 40-75' high and wide.
The Scarlet Oak tree provides brilliant red fall color that extends well into winter, making an excellent splash against the white snow.
It features leaves that are 4–7" long with 7 (rarely 9) narrow, bristle-tipped lobes separated by deep sinuses. The Scarlet Oak yields acorns that are ½–1" in length and enclosed by a bowl-like, scaly cup. An especially large crop is produced every 3–5 years. The tree develops into a rounded shape with an open crown, which provides light shade. The Scarlet Oak is a perfect tree for parks or areas where there is room to grow. The tree can grow to be 40-75' high and wide.
6 - Oriental Spruce
Picea orientalis
The Oriental Spruce grows to a height of 50–60' and a spread of 20–25' at maturity. It is an evergreen tree that grows at a slow rate, with height increases of less than 12" per year. It features lustrous dark green needles that are roughly ¼–½" in length. It holds its dark green color better than other spruces in the winter. The Oriental Spruce yields short-stalked cones that are 2–4" long. They are reddish-purple when young, turning brown when mature. It grows in a pyramidal shape and has a dense, compact habit with long, horizontal branches. It prefers full sun or partial shade.
The Oriental Spruce grows to a height of 50–60' and a spread of 20–25' at maturity. It is an evergreen tree that grows at a slow rate, with height increases of less than 12" per year. It features lustrous dark green needles that are roughly ¼–½" in length. It holds its dark green color better than other spruces in the winter. The Oriental Spruce yields short-stalked cones that are 2–4" long. They are reddish-purple when young, turning brown when mature. It grows in a pyramidal shape and has a dense, compact habit with long, horizontal branches. It prefers full sun or partial shade.
7 - Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia
The Black Locust tree becomes a burly, mature tree -- 30-50 ft. even sometimes up to 70 ft., in height. The tree's spiny branches tend to fork and become crooked and long. The bark is deeply furrowed and dark. Blue-green, feathery leaves are divided into oblong leaflets up to 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. Fragrant, white, pea-like blossoms hang in long clusters, which appear in April and May. The Black Locust fruit is a flat, straight to slightly curved pod up to 5 inches long.
Black Locusts can establish themselves just about anywhere. The tree is often considered an invasive species, because it spreads very rapidly by root sprouts and by the copious seeds it produces. Its thorns are vicious to anyone attempting to work in or around the tree. This species and its various cultivars and hybrids are not favorably viewed for most landscape uses because of the tree's many bad habits.
The Black Locust tree becomes a burly, mature tree -- 30-50 ft. even sometimes up to 70 ft., in height. The tree's spiny branches tend to fork and become crooked and long. The bark is deeply furrowed and dark. Blue-green, feathery leaves are divided into oblong leaflets up to 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. Fragrant, white, pea-like blossoms hang in long clusters, which appear in April and May. The Black Locust fruit is a flat, straight to slightly curved pod up to 5 inches long.
Black Locusts can establish themselves just about anywhere. The tree is often considered an invasive species, because it spreads very rapidly by root sprouts and by the copious seeds it produces. Its thorns are vicious to anyone attempting to work in or around the tree. This species and its various cultivars and hybrids are not favorably viewed for most landscape uses because of the tree's many bad habits.
8 - Pin Oak (removed Autumn 2019)
9 - Tulip Poplar
Liriodendron tulipifera
The Tulip Poplar is a fast-growing tree with bright green leaves that resemble tulip flowers in profile and turn golden yellow in fall. Lovely, tulip-like greenish-yellow flowers bloom in May and are are carried high in the tree. The stems of the tree have a distinctive fragrance. The tree yields colorful seeds held upright in the tree throughout the summer and into autumn. It likes full sun and can grow from 70' to 90', with a 40' spread.
The Tulip Poplar is a fast-growing tree with bright green leaves that resemble tulip flowers in profile and turn golden yellow in fall. Lovely, tulip-like greenish-yellow flowers bloom in May and are are carried high in the tree. The stems of the tree have a distinctive fragrance. The tree yields colorful seeds held upright in the tree throughout the summer and into autumn. It likes full sun and can grow from 70' to 90', with a 40' spread.
10 - Blue Spruce
Picea pungens
The Blue Spruce is a lovely blue-green hue. It is rated one of the most popular evergreens in North America. It grows well while young and matures at 50-75', with a 10-'20' spread in the landscape, and up to 135' and 35' spread in the wild. The tree displays its unique silvery blue-green color year-round and withstands wind better than most Spruces due to a wide-spreading and moderately deep root system. The Spruce tree is a long-lived specimen. It features needles that are stiff, prickly and roughly 1–1½" in length.
The light brown, 3–4" cones which hang downward on the branches, are concentrated in the upper crown of the pyramidally shaped tree.
The Blue Spruce is a lovely blue-green hue. It is rated one of the most popular evergreens in North America. It grows well while young and matures at 50-75', with a 10-'20' spread in the landscape, and up to 135' and 35' spread in the wild. The tree displays its unique silvery blue-green color year-round and withstands wind better than most Spruces due to a wide-spreading and moderately deep root system. The Spruce tree is a long-lived specimen. It features needles that are stiff, prickly and roughly 1–1½" in length.
The light brown, 3–4" cones which hang downward on the branches, are concentrated in the upper crown of the pyramidally shaped tree.
11 - Tulip Poplar
Liriodendron tulipifera
The Tulip Poplar is a fast-growing tree with bright green leaves that resemble tulip flowers in profile and turn golden yellow in fall. Lovely, tulip-like greenish-yellow flowers bloom in May and are are carried high in the tree. The stems of the tree have a distinctive fragrance. The tree yields colorful seeds held upright in the tree throughout the summer and into autumn. It likes full sun and can grow from 70' to 90', with a 40' spread.
The Tulip Poplar is a fast-growing tree with bright green leaves that resemble tulip flowers in profile and turn golden yellow in fall. Lovely, tulip-like greenish-yellow flowers bloom in May and are are carried high in the tree. The stems of the tree have a distinctive fragrance. The tree yields colorful seeds held upright in the tree throughout the summer and into autumn. It likes full sun and can grow from 70' to 90', with a 40' spread.
12 - Wild Cherry
Prunus avium
The Wild Cherry, Black Cherry or wild rum cherry, is native to eastern North America, Mexico and Central America. It is one of the largest of the cherry trees, typically growing from 50-80’ (less frequently to 100’) tall with a narrow-columnar to rounded crown. It is perhaps most noted for its profuse spring bloom, attractive summer foliage and fall color. Fragrant white flowers in slender pendulous 6" clusters appear with the foliage in spring (late April-May). Flowers are followed by drooping clusters of small red cherries (to 3/8” diameter) that ripen in late summer to dark purple-black. Fruits are bitter and inedible fresh off the tree, but can be used to make jams and jellies, and they are attractive to wildlife. Narrow oblong-ovate to lanceolate, glossy green leaves (to 5” long) have acuminate tips and serrate margins. Foliage turns attractive shades of yellow and rose in fall. Mature trees develop dark scaly bark. Bark, roots and leaves contain concentrations of toxic cyanogenic compounds, hence the noticeable bitter almond aroma of the inner bark.
The Wild Cherry, Black Cherry or wild rum cherry, is native to eastern North America, Mexico and Central America. It is one of the largest of the cherry trees, typically growing from 50-80’ (less frequently to 100’) tall with a narrow-columnar to rounded crown. It is perhaps most noted for its profuse spring bloom, attractive summer foliage and fall color. Fragrant white flowers in slender pendulous 6" clusters appear with the foliage in spring (late April-May). Flowers are followed by drooping clusters of small red cherries (to 3/8” diameter) that ripen in late summer to dark purple-black. Fruits are bitter and inedible fresh off the tree, but can be used to make jams and jellies, and they are attractive to wildlife. Narrow oblong-ovate to lanceolate, glossy green leaves (to 5” long) have acuminate tips and serrate margins. Foliage turns attractive shades of yellow and rose in fall. Mature trees develop dark scaly bark. Bark, roots and leaves contain concentrations of toxic cyanogenic compounds, hence the noticeable bitter almond aroma of the inner bark.
13 - Cork Tree
Quercus suber
The Cork Tree is a medium sized, ornamentally attractive, evergreen Oak that is native to the central and western Mediterranean region. Bark from this oak is commercially harvested and processed to make a variety of products including wine bottle corks. Trees are commercially grown in plantations in several European and African countries, most notably in Portugal and Spain. Cork is usually not harvested until a tree reaches the age of at least 30-40 years. Thereafter, bark is stripped from a tree only once every 9-11 years. Trees typically mature to 40-70’ tall. Leathery, wavy-toothed, ovate, shiny dark green leaves (to 2-4” long) are gray below. Thick, rough, deeply fissured, corky bark with reddish-brown furrows has a unique beauty, particularly on older trees. Over time, the bark may grow to as much as 12” thick. Insignificant flowers appear in spring in male catkins (2-3” long) and in short-stalked female clusters. Fruits are narrow oval-oblong acorns (to 1.25” long).
The Cork Tree is a medium sized, ornamentally attractive, evergreen Oak that is native to the central and western Mediterranean region. Bark from this oak is commercially harvested and processed to make a variety of products including wine bottle corks. Trees are commercially grown in plantations in several European and African countries, most notably in Portugal and Spain. Cork is usually not harvested until a tree reaches the age of at least 30-40 years. Thereafter, bark is stripped from a tree only once every 9-11 years. Trees typically mature to 40-70’ tall. Leathery, wavy-toothed, ovate, shiny dark green leaves (to 2-4” long) are gray below. Thick, rough, deeply fissured, corky bark with reddish-brown furrows has a unique beauty, particularly on older trees. Over time, the bark may grow to as much as 12” thick. Insignificant flowers appear in spring in male catkins (2-3” long) and in short-stalked female clusters. Fruits are narrow oval-oblong acorns (to 1.25” long).
14 - Japanese Lilac
Syringa reticulata
Chinese Tree Lilac typically grows as a small tree or large shrub. In tree form, it grows to 30’ tall and 20’ wide with an oval-rounded crown. Its best ornamental feature is its showy, fragrant, creamy white flowers which bloom in upright panicles to 12” long in late spring to early summer (later than most other lilac species). Some gardeners dislike the privet-like smell of the flowers. Flowers give way to loose clusters of brown capsules that persist into winter. Reddish-brown peeling bark is attractive on younger branches, gradually turning gray with age. Sharply-tipped, ovate, dark green leaves and up to 6” long. The tree has no unique fall color.
Chinese Tree Lilac typically grows as a small tree or large shrub. In tree form, it grows to 30’ tall and 20’ wide with an oval-rounded crown. Its best ornamental feature is its showy, fragrant, creamy white flowers which bloom in upright panicles to 12” long in late spring to early summer (later than most other lilac species). Some gardeners dislike the privet-like smell of the flowers. Flowers give way to loose clusters of brown capsules that persist into winter. Reddish-brown peeling bark is attractive on younger branches, gradually turning gray with age. Sharply-tipped, ovate, dark green leaves and up to 6” long. The tree has no unique fall color.
15 - American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
American Beech is native to eastern North America. It is a large deciduous tree typically growing from 50-80’ (less frequently to 120’) tall with a dense, upright-oval to rounded-spreading crown. It may occur in rich woods of ravines, slopes and valleys. It is a low-branched tree with its mature trunk ranging from 2-3’ (less frequently 4’) in diameter. Trunks have distinctive thin, smooth, gray bark. Elliptic dark green leaves (to 5” long) have coarse, widely-spaced marginal teeth and prominent parallel veins -- each vein ending at the tip of a marginal tooth. Foliage turns golden bronze in fall. Monoecious yellowish green flowers bloom in April-May, the male flowers in drooping, long-stemmed, globular clusters and the female flowers in short spikes. Female flowers give way to triangular nuts enclosed by spiny bracts. Beechnuts ripen in fall and are edible.
American Beech is native to eastern North America. It is a large deciduous tree typically growing from 50-80’ (less frequently to 120’) tall with a dense, upright-oval to rounded-spreading crown. It may occur in rich woods of ravines, slopes and valleys. It is a low-branched tree with its mature trunk ranging from 2-3’ (less frequently 4’) in diameter. Trunks have distinctive thin, smooth, gray bark. Elliptic dark green leaves (to 5” long) have coarse, widely-spaced marginal teeth and prominent parallel veins -- each vein ending at the tip of a marginal tooth. Foliage turns golden bronze in fall. Monoecious yellowish green flowers bloom in April-May, the male flowers in drooping, long-stemmed, globular clusters and the female flowers in short spikes. Female flowers give way to triangular nuts enclosed by spiny bracts. Beechnuts ripen in fall and are edible.
16 - Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus
Eastern White Pine is a rapid-growing, long-lived, needled evergreen tree that is native to the northeastern United States and Canada. Although pyramidal in its early years, it matures to a broad oval habit with an irregular crown. Typically grows 50-80' in cultivation, but will grow to 100' tall in the wild, with records existing to over 200'. Landscape size and shape can be controlled through pruning. Bluish green needles (to 5" long) are soft to the touch and appear in bundles of five. Cylindrical, brown cones ( 4-8" long) are usually not produced until 5-10 years. An important timber tree (perhaps more so in the 18th and 19th centuries than now), the Eastern White Pine was and is valued for its lightweight, straight-grained wood (orange heartwood and white sapwood).
Eastern White Pine is a rapid-growing, long-lived, needled evergreen tree that is native to the northeastern United States and Canada. Although pyramidal in its early years, it matures to a broad oval habit with an irregular crown. Typically grows 50-80' in cultivation, but will grow to 100' tall in the wild, with records existing to over 200'. Landscape size and shape can be controlled through pruning. Bluish green needles (to 5" long) are soft to the touch and appear in bundles of five. Cylindrical, brown cones ( 4-8" long) are usually not produced until 5-10 years. An important timber tree (perhaps more so in the 18th and 19th centuries than now), the Eastern White Pine was and is valued for its lightweight, straight-grained wood (orange heartwood and white sapwood).
17 - Tulip Poplar
Liriodendron tulipifera
The Tulip Poplar is a fast-growing tree with bright green leaves that resemble tulip flowers in profile and turn golden yellow in fall. Lovely, tulip-like greenish-yellow flowers bloom in May and are are carried high in the tree. The stems of the tree have a distinctive fragrance. The tree yields colorful seeds held upright in the tree throughout the summer and into autumn. It likes full sun and can grow from 70' to 90', with a 40' spread. The Tulip Poplar provides food in several forms for many animals. In fall and winter, young trees are browsed by white-tailed deer and rabbits. The spring flowers provide nectar for ruby-throated hummingbirds. Tulip Poplar tree seeds, maturing in summer and persisting into winter, provide food for both birds and mammals, including finches, cardinals, mice, gray squirrels and rabbits.
The Tulip Poplar is a fast-growing tree with bright green leaves that resemble tulip flowers in profile and turn golden yellow in fall. Lovely, tulip-like greenish-yellow flowers bloom in May and are are carried high in the tree. The stems of the tree have a distinctive fragrance. The tree yields colorful seeds held upright in the tree throughout the summer and into autumn. It likes full sun and can grow from 70' to 90', with a 40' spread. The Tulip Poplar provides food in several forms for many animals. In fall and winter, young trees are browsed by white-tailed deer and rabbits. The spring flowers provide nectar for ruby-throated hummingbirds. Tulip Poplar tree seeds, maturing in summer and persisting into winter, provide food for both birds and mammals, including finches, cardinals, mice, gray squirrels and rabbits.
18 - American Holly
Ilex opaca
American Holly is a broad-leaved evergreen tree reaching 40 to 50 feet high, and 18 to 40 feet wide, densely pyramidal in youth becoming more open and symmetrically conical with age. The dark green, elliptical leaves have several spiny teeth along the leaf margin. Plants grow best in low, acid pH soils in part shade. Trees are either male or female and require several to get fruit production, which comes in the form of bright red berries in autumn. American Holly trees are specimen trees, which do well in parks and residences.
American Holly is a broad-leaved evergreen tree reaching 40 to 50 feet high, and 18 to 40 feet wide, densely pyramidal in youth becoming more open and symmetrically conical with age. The dark green, elliptical leaves have several spiny teeth along the leaf margin. Plants grow best in low, acid pH soils in part shade. Trees are either male or female and require several to get fruit production, which comes in the form of bright red berries in autumn. American Holly trees are specimen trees, which do well in parks and residences.
19 - Royal Paulownia
Paulownia tomentosa
Royal Paulownia, Empress Tree or Princess Tree, is native to China. It is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that is primarily grown for its profuse spring bloom of foxglove-like flowers and its large catalpa-like green leaves. It was first introduced into the United States in the mid 1800s, and has since escaped cultivation and naturalized in many areas of the eastern U.S. It is an upright to spreading deciduous tree that typically grows to 40’ tall with a rounded crown. It is noted for its profuse blooms of fragrant, tubular, funnel-shaped, pinkish-lavender flowers (to 2” long) with interior dark purple spotting and creamy yellow striping. Flowers appear in spring in clusters (to 14” long) before the foliage, and they are edible. The flower aroma is reminiscent of vanilla. Flowers are followed by oval, woody, dehiscent seed capsules that emerge sticky green and ripen to brown in fall, at which point they split open releasing abundant winged seeds. Ovate, green leaves (to 5-12” long) are lightly hairy above and densely hairy beneath. The wood is valued commercially in Japan.The Royal Paulownia is considered an invasive species in certain parts of the USA.
Royal Paulownia, Empress Tree or Princess Tree, is native to China. It is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that is primarily grown for its profuse spring bloom of foxglove-like flowers and its large catalpa-like green leaves. It was first introduced into the United States in the mid 1800s, and has since escaped cultivation and naturalized in many areas of the eastern U.S. It is an upright to spreading deciduous tree that typically grows to 40’ tall with a rounded crown. It is noted for its profuse blooms of fragrant, tubular, funnel-shaped, pinkish-lavender flowers (to 2” long) with interior dark purple spotting and creamy yellow striping. Flowers appear in spring in clusters (to 14” long) before the foliage, and they are edible. The flower aroma is reminiscent of vanilla. Flowers are followed by oval, woody, dehiscent seed capsules that emerge sticky green and ripen to brown in fall, at which point they split open releasing abundant winged seeds. Ovate, green leaves (to 5-12” long) are lightly hairy above and densely hairy beneath. The wood is valued commercially in Japan.The Royal Paulownia is considered an invasive species in certain parts of the USA.
20 - Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra
The Red Oak or Northern Red Oak, is a medium sized, deciduous tree with a rounded to broad-spreading, often irregular crown. It typically grows at a moderate-to-fast rate to a height of 50-75' (often larger in the wild). The Northern Red Oak has dark, lustrous green leaves (grayish-white beneath) with 7-11, toothed lobes which are sharply pointed at the tips. The tree produces acorns (with flat, saucer-shaped cups) which mature in early fall and the leaves turn brownish-red at that time. An abundant crop of acorns may not occur before this tree reaches 40 years old.
The Red Oak or Northern Red Oak, is a medium sized, deciduous tree with a rounded to broad-spreading, often irregular crown. It typically grows at a moderate-to-fast rate to a height of 50-75' (often larger in the wild). The Northern Red Oak has dark, lustrous green leaves (grayish-white beneath) with 7-11, toothed lobes which are sharply pointed at the tips. The tree produces acorns (with flat, saucer-shaped cups) which mature in early fall and the leaves turn brownish-red at that time. An abundant crop of acorns may not occur before this tree reaches 40 years old.
21 - Kentucky Coffeetree
Gymnocladus dioicus
The Kentucky Coffeetree is beautiful to look at in summer and winter, with branches that appear to form a narrow crown. It grows into an oval or rounded shape as it matures. Oval leaflets emerge very late in spring, changing from pinkish-tinged to a dark, almost blue-green. The Kentucky Coffeetree tolerates most conditions and drought. The unique seed pods are 5–10" long and green in color, turning brown, and remaining on the tree through the winter. Needs full sun. Grows to 60'-75' with a 45' spread. (Zones 3-8) This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.
The Kentucky Coffeetree is beautiful to look at in summer and winter, with branches that appear to form a narrow crown. It grows into an oval or rounded shape as it matures. Oval leaflets emerge very late in spring, changing from pinkish-tinged to a dark, almost blue-green. The Kentucky Coffeetree tolerates most conditions and drought. The unique seed pods are 5–10" long and green in color, turning brown, and remaining on the tree through the winter. Needs full sun. Grows to 60'-75' with a 45' spread. (Zones 3-8) This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.
22 - Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
Norway maple is a large, deciduous tree with a broad, rounded crown. It can readily be distinguished from other maples because the leaves and twigs ooze milky sap when cut or torn. This species grows up to 65 feet in height with up to a seven foot trunk diameter. Norway maple leaves are dark green and are about six inches wide and five inches long, with five to seven lobes. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, twigs are stout, brown with green buds with overlapping bud scales.
The Norway Maple was originally introduced into North America by John Bartram of Philadelphia, who received seedlings from London in 1756. Today Norway Maples are considered an invasive species, due to their ability to take over suburban and urban forests.
Norway maple is a large, deciduous tree with a broad, rounded crown. It can readily be distinguished from other maples because the leaves and twigs ooze milky sap when cut or torn. This species grows up to 65 feet in height with up to a seven foot trunk diameter. Norway maple leaves are dark green and are about six inches wide and five inches long, with five to seven lobes. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, twigs are stout, brown with green buds with overlapping bud scales.
The Norway Maple was originally introduced into North America by John Bartram of Philadelphia, who received seedlings from London in 1756. Today Norway Maples are considered an invasive species, due to their ability to take over suburban and urban forests.
23 - Sycamore Maple (removed in 2018)
24 - Eastern Hemlock
Tsuga canadensis
Eastern hemlock or Canadian Hemlock is a dense, pyramidal conifer of the Pine family that is native to moist woods, moist slopes, rocky hillsides/ridges, wooded ravines, and stream valleys from eastern Canada south to Maine and Wisconsin and further south in the Appalachian Mountains to Georgia and Alabama. It grows to 40-75’ tall in the wild. This species is noted for having the smallest needles and cones in the genus. Flat sprays of lacy evergreen foliage give this tree a graceful form. Short dark green needles (to 9/16" long) with two white bands beneath are arranged in two opposite rows. Needles are attached to twigs by slender stalks. Small, pendant, short-stalked, seed-bearing cones (to 3/4" long) are tan-brown. Lower branches often dip toward the ground. Thick and ridged bark on mature trees is red-brown to gray-brown. It is the state tree of Pennsylvania. No part of this tree is poisonous. The poisonous hemlocks (Circuta maculata and Conium maculatum) are herbaceous perennials in the parsley family.
Eastern hemlock or Canadian Hemlock is a dense, pyramidal conifer of the Pine family that is native to moist woods, moist slopes, rocky hillsides/ridges, wooded ravines, and stream valleys from eastern Canada south to Maine and Wisconsin and further south in the Appalachian Mountains to Georgia and Alabama. It grows to 40-75’ tall in the wild. This species is noted for having the smallest needles and cones in the genus. Flat sprays of lacy evergreen foliage give this tree a graceful form. Short dark green needles (to 9/16" long) with two white bands beneath are arranged in two opposite rows. Needles are attached to twigs by slender stalks. Small, pendant, short-stalked, seed-bearing cones (to 3/4" long) are tan-brown. Lower branches often dip toward the ground. Thick and ridged bark on mature trees is red-brown to gray-brown. It is the state tree of Pennsylvania. No part of this tree is poisonous. The poisonous hemlocks (Circuta maculata and Conium maculatum) are herbaceous perennials in the parsley family.
25 - Scarlet Oak
Quercus coccinea
The Scarlet Oak tree provides brilliant red fall color that extends well into winter, making an excellent splash against the white snow.
It features leaves that are 4–7" long with 7 (rarely 9) narrow, bristle-tipped lobes separated by deep sinuses. The Scarlet Oak yields acorns that are ½–1" in length and enclosed by a bowl-like, scaly cup. An especially large crop is produced every 3–5 years. The tree develops into a rounded shape with an open crown, which provides light shade. The Scarlet Oak is a perfect tree for parks or areas where there is room to grow. The tree can grow to be 40-75' high and wide.
The Scarlet Oak tree provides brilliant red fall color that extends well into winter, making an excellent splash against the white snow.
It features leaves that are 4–7" long with 7 (rarely 9) narrow, bristle-tipped lobes separated by deep sinuses. The Scarlet Oak yields acorns that are ½–1" in length and enclosed by a bowl-like, scaly cup. An especially large crop is produced every 3–5 years. The tree develops into a rounded shape with an open crown, which provides light shade. The Scarlet Oak is a perfect tree for parks or areas where there is room to grow. The tree can grow to be 40-75' high and wide.
26 - Black Locust
Gleditisia triacanthose
Black Locust or Honey trees grow to 60' tall, with an open crown, armed with thick-branched thorns to 10" long on the main trunk and lower branches. The bark is blackish to grayish-brown, with smooth, plate-like patches separated by furrows. Leaves are deciduous, and they grow on 3-6 pairs of side branches; They turn a showy yellow color in the fall, typically dropping early. The common name "honey" is in reference to the sweet pulp of the fruits.
Black Locust or Honey trees grow to 60' tall, with an open crown, armed with thick-branched thorns to 10" long on the main trunk and lower branches. The bark is blackish to grayish-brown, with smooth, plate-like patches separated by furrows. Leaves are deciduous, and they grow on 3-6 pairs of side branches; They turn a showy yellow color in the fall, typically dropping early. The common name "honey" is in reference to the sweet pulp of the fruits.
27 - Black Locust
Gleditisia triacanthose
Black Locust or Honey trees grow to 60' tall, with an open crown, armed with thick-branched thorns to 10" long on the main trunk and lower branches. The bark is blackish to grayish-brown, with smooth, plate-like patches separated by furrows. Leaves are deciduous, and they grow on 3-6 pairs of side branches; They turn a showy yellow color in the fall, typically dropping early. The common name "honey" is in reference to the sweet pulp of the fruits.
Black Locust or Honey trees grow to 60' tall, with an open crown, armed with thick-branched thorns to 10" long on the main trunk and lower branches. The bark is blackish to grayish-brown, with smooth, plate-like patches separated by furrows. Leaves are deciduous, and they grow on 3-6 pairs of side branches; They turn a showy yellow color in the fall, typically dropping early. The common name "honey" is in reference to the sweet pulp of the fruits.
28 - Flowering Cherry
Prunus kanzan
Flowering Cherry Tree is a double flowered Japanese flowering cherry tree that is noted for its profuse and showy spring bloom. It is considered to be one of the most ornamental of the flowering cherries. It can grow 25'-30’ tall and to 25-30’ wide with a vase shape, ascending branching and a spreading-rounded crown. Deep pink double flowers (to 2.5” diameter), each with 20-30 petals, bloom in clusters of 2-5 in April. Flowers bloom just before and as the leaves emerge. Flowering Cherry trees have ovate, serrate, dark green leaves (to 5” long), with new leaves having a bronze-red tinge. In fall leaves change from green to yellow to orange-bronze. This treewill not produce fruit. In 1912, the people of Japan donated 12 different varieties of flowering cherry trees to the U.S. for planting in the Washington, D.C. area. From that original donation, the Yoshino cherry was planted in the Tidal Basin area and the Kwanzan (now Kanzan) cherry was planted in the East Potomac Park area.
Flowering Cherry Tree is a double flowered Japanese flowering cherry tree that is noted for its profuse and showy spring bloom. It is considered to be one of the most ornamental of the flowering cherries. It can grow 25'-30’ tall and to 25-30’ wide with a vase shape, ascending branching and a spreading-rounded crown. Deep pink double flowers (to 2.5” diameter), each with 20-30 petals, bloom in clusters of 2-5 in April. Flowers bloom just before and as the leaves emerge. Flowering Cherry trees have ovate, serrate, dark green leaves (to 5” long), with new leaves having a bronze-red tinge. In fall leaves change from green to yellow to orange-bronze. This treewill not produce fruit. In 1912, the people of Japan donated 12 different varieties of flowering cherry trees to the U.S. for planting in the Washington, D.C. area. From that original donation, the Yoshino cherry was planted in the Tidal Basin area and the Kwanzan (now Kanzan) cherry was planted in the East Potomac Park area.
29 - Osage Orange
donated and planted by WFS Class of 2011 in June of that year
Maclura pomifera
The Osage Orange tree is a small to medium size tree, growing from 36 to 65 feet tall, with furrowed bark and thorny branches. The trunk is usually short and divides into several main limbs with upward arching branches. The leaves are dark green 2 to 5 inches (in.) long and 0.75 to 2.5 in. wide. Leaf blades are dark green, smooth and waxy above; paler green with a few hairs beneath. The color turns translucent yellow in the fall. The fruit or “Hedge ball” is produced in September, and it is a yellow-green, round structure approximately 3 to 5 in. in diameter. Female trees may start to bear fruit at about 10 years old. Native Americans and early pioneers used its wood to make hubs and wheel rims for horse drawn wagons, support timbers, and bows.
The Osage Orange tree is a small to medium size tree, growing from 36 to 65 feet tall, with furrowed bark and thorny branches. The trunk is usually short and divides into several main limbs with upward arching branches. The leaves are dark green 2 to 5 inches (in.) long and 0.75 to 2.5 in. wide. Leaf blades are dark green, smooth and waxy above; paler green with a few hairs beneath. The color turns translucent yellow in the fall. The fruit or “Hedge ball” is produced in September, and it is a yellow-green, round structure approximately 3 to 5 in. in diameter. Female trees may start to bear fruit at about 10 years old. Native Americans and early pioneers used its wood to make hubs and wheel rims for horse drawn wagons, support timbers, and bows.
30 - Lacebark Elm
Ulmus parvifolia
Lacebark Elm is also called Chinese elm. It is a medium-sized deciduous tree that typically grows to 40-50’ (less frequently to 70’) tall with a rounded crown and long hanging branching. It is native to China, Korea and Japan. It is noted for its excellent foliage, multi-colored bark, rapid growth and good resistance to Dutch elm disease. Small flowers give way to single-seeded wafer-like samaras (each tiny seed is surrounded by a flattened circular papery wing) that mature in fall. One of the most ornamental features of this tree is its mottled bark. On mature trees, bark flakes to reveal patches of gray, cream, orange, brown and green.
Lacebark Elm is also called Chinese elm. It is a medium-sized deciduous tree that typically grows to 40-50’ (less frequently to 70’) tall with a rounded crown and long hanging branching. It is native to China, Korea and Japan. It is noted for its excellent foliage, multi-colored bark, rapid growth and good resistance to Dutch elm disease. Small flowers give way to single-seeded wafer-like samaras (each tiny seed is surrounded by a flattened circular papery wing) that mature in fall. One of the most ornamental features of this tree is its mottled bark. On mature trees, bark flakes to reveal patches of gray, cream, orange, brown and green.
31 - Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus
Eastern White Pine is a rapid-growing, long-lived, needled evergreen tree that is native to the northeastern United States and Canada (State tree of Maine and Michigan). Although pyramidal in its early years, it matures to a broad oval habit with an irregular crown. It typically grows 50-80' in, but it can grow to 100' tall in the wild, with records existing to over 200'. Landscape size and shape can be controlled through pruning. Bluish green needles (to 5" long) are soft to the touch and appear in bundles of five. Cylindrical, brown cones ( 4-8" long) are usually not produced until 5-10 years. An important timber tree (perhaps more so in the 18th and 19th centuries than now) Eastern Pine Trees is valued for its lightweight, straight-grained wood (orange heartwood and white sapwood).
Eastern White Pine is a rapid-growing, long-lived, needled evergreen tree that is native to the northeastern United States and Canada (State tree of Maine and Michigan). Although pyramidal in its early years, it matures to a broad oval habit with an irregular crown. It typically grows 50-80' in, but it can grow to 100' tall in the wild, with records existing to over 200'. Landscape size and shape can be controlled through pruning. Bluish green needles (to 5" long) are soft to the touch and appear in bundles of five. Cylindrical, brown cones ( 4-8" long) are usually not produced until 5-10 years. An important timber tree (perhaps more so in the 18th and 19th centuries than now) Eastern Pine Trees is valued for its lightweight, straight-grained wood (orange heartwood and white sapwood).
32 - Purpleleaf Plum
planted in 2013 in commemoration of the retirement of William C. Probsting, Head of School (1973-2013)
Prunus cerasifera
The Purpleleaf Plum produces beautiful pink and white blossoms in early spring. It features stunning deep purple leaves that are 1½–3" long. It tolerates moderate heat and drought and grows in a rounded shape. The Purpleleaf Plum grows to a height of around 25' with a spread of around 25' at maturity. This tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13-24" per year.
The Purpleleaf Plum produces beautiful pink and white blossoms in early spring. It features stunning deep purple leaves that are 1½–3" long. It tolerates moderate heat and drought and grows in a rounded shape. The Purpleleaf Plum grows to a height of around 25' with a spread of around 25' at maturity. This tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13-24" per year.
33 - American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
American Beech is native to eastern North America. It is a large deciduous tree typically growing from 50-80’ (less frequently to 120’) tall with a dense, upright-oval to rounded-spreading crown. It may occur in rich woods of ravines, slopes and valleys. It is a low-branched tree with its mature trunk ranging from 2-3’ (less frequently 4’) in diameter. Trunks have distinctive thin, smooth, gray bark. Elliptic dark green leaves (to 5” long) have coarse, widely-spaced marginal teeth and prominent parallel veins -- each vein ending at the tip of a marginal tooth. Foliage turns golden bronze in fall. Monoecious yellowish green flowers bloom in April-May, the male flowers in drooping, long-stemmed, globular clusters and the female flowers in short spikes. Female flowers give way to triangular nuts enclosed by spiny bracts. Beechnuts ripen in fall and are edible.
American Beech is native to eastern North America. It is a large deciduous tree typically growing from 50-80’ (less frequently to 120’) tall with a dense, upright-oval to rounded-spreading crown. It may occur in rich woods of ravines, slopes and valleys. It is a low-branched tree with its mature trunk ranging from 2-3’ (less frequently 4’) in diameter. Trunks have distinctive thin, smooth, gray bark. Elliptic dark green leaves (to 5” long) have coarse, widely-spaced marginal teeth and prominent parallel veins -- each vein ending at the tip of a marginal tooth. Foliage turns golden bronze in fall. Monoecious yellowish green flowers bloom in April-May, the male flowers in drooping, long-stemmed, globular clusters and the female flowers in short spikes. Female flowers give way to triangular nuts enclosed by spiny bracts. Beechnuts ripen in fall and are edible.
34 - Largeleaf Linden
Tilia platyphyllos
Bigleaf or Largeleaf Linden is noted for its big leaves (leaves are larger than those of Littleleaf Linden). Largeleaf linden may be distinguished from other Lindens by its stems and leaves. Native to Europe and southwestern Asia, this is a medium to large deciduous tree, typically growing to 60-80’ (less frequently to 120') tall. It features fragrant pale yellow flowers that hang in pendants in late spring, small nutlets with attached leafy wings (to 5” long) and round-ovate, medium to dark green leaves (to 5" long) with serrated margins. Fragrant, creamy yellow flowers appear and droop in June. Bees are attracted to the flowers, which give way to nutlets that ripen in late summer. Fall color is an undistinguished pale green to pale yellow. Big leaf linden will hybridize with little leaf linden to form Tilia x europaea.
Bigleaf or Largeleaf Linden is noted for its big leaves (leaves are larger than those of Littleleaf Linden). Largeleaf linden may be distinguished from other Lindens by its stems and leaves. Native to Europe and southwestern Asia, this is a medium to large deciduous tree, typically growing to 60-80’ (less frequently to 120') tall. It features fragrant pale yellow flowers that hang in pendants in late spring, small nutlets with attached leafy wings (to 5” long) and round-ovate, medium to dark green leaves (to 5" long) with serrated margins. Fragrant, creamy yellow flowers appear and droop in June. Bees are attracted to the flowers, which give way to nutlets that ripen in late summer. Fall color is an undistinguished pale green to pale yellow. Big leaf linden will hybridize with little leaf linden to form Tilia x europaea.
35 - Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
Norway maple is a large, deciduous tree with a broad, rounded crown. It can readily be distinguished from other maples because the leaves and twigs ooze milky sap when cut or torn. This species grows up to 65 feet in height with up to a seven foot trunk diameter. Norway maple leaves are dark green and are about six inches wide and five inches long, with five to seven lobes. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, twigs are stout, brown with green buds with overlapping bud scales.
The Norway Maple was originally introduced into North America by John Bartram of Philadelphia, who received seedlings from London in 1756. Today Norway Maples are considered an invasive species, due to their ability to take over suburban and urban forests.
Norway maple is a large, deciduous tree with a broad, rounded crown. It can readily be distinguished from other maples because the leaves and twigs ooze milky sap when cut or torn. This species grows up to 65 feet in height with up to a seven foot trunk diameter. Norway maple leaves are dark green and are about six inches wide and five inches long, with five to seven lobes. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, twigs are stout, brown with green buds with overlapping bud scales.
The Norway Maple was originally introduced into North America by John Bartram of Philadelphia, who received seedlings from London in 1756. Today Norway Maples are considered an invasive species, due to their ability to take over suburban and urban forests.
36 - Sugar Maple (damaged and removed after a storm)
37 - Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
Southern Magnolia is a broadleaf evergreen tree that is noted for its attractive dark green leaves and its large, extremely fragrant flowers. It typically grows to 60-80’ tall with a pyramidal to rounded crown. This is a magnificent tree of the South. It is native to moist wooded areas in the southeastern United States from North Carolina to Florida and Texas. Leathery evergreen oval leaves (to 10” long) are glossy dark green above and pale green to gray-brown beneath. Fragrant white flowers (to 8-12” diameter) usually have six petals. Flowers bloom in late spring, with sparse continued flowering throughout the summer. Flowers give way to spherical cone-like fruiting clusters (to 3-5” long) that mature in late summer to early fall, releasing individual rose-red coated seeds suspended on slender threads at maturity.
Southern Magnolia is a broadleaf evergreen tree that is noted for its attractive dark green leaves and its large, extremely fragrant flowers. It typically grows to 60-80’ tall with a pyramidal to rounded crown. This is a magnificent tree of the South. It is native to moist wooded areas in the southeastern United States from North Carolina to Florida and Texas. Leathery evergreen oval leaves (to 10” long) are glossy dark green above and pale green to gray-brown beneath. Fragrant white flowers (to 8-12” diameter) usually have six petals. Flowers bloom in late spring, with sparse continued flowering throughout the summer. Flowers give way to spherical cone-like fruiting clusters (to 3-5” long) that mature in late summer to early fall, releasing individual rose-red coated seeds suspended on slender threads at maturity.
38 - Flowering Dogwood
Cornus florida
Flowering Dogwood is a small deciduous tree that typically grows 15-30’ tall with a low-branching, but somewhat flat-topped habit. It is one of the most beautiful of the native American flowering trees. It is native from Maine to Florida, from Texas to Mexico. It blooms in early spring (April). Tiny yellowish Dogwood flower clusters are surrounded by four showy, white, petal-like bracts which open flat, giving the appearance of a single, large, 3-4” diameter, 4-petaled, white flower. Oval, dark green leaves (3-6” long) turn attractive shades of red in fall. Bright red fruits mature in late summer and are bitter and inedible, even poisonous, to humans but are loved by birds.
Flowering Dogwood is a small deciduous tree that typically grows 15-30’ tall with a low-branching, but somewhat flat-topped habit. It is one of the most beautiful of the native American flowering trees. It is native from Maine to Florida, from Texas to Mexico. It blooms in early spring (April). Tiny yellowish Dogwood flower clusters are surrounded by four showy, white, petal-like bracts which open flat, giving the appearance of a single, large, 3-4” diameter, 4-petaled, white flower. Oval, dark green leaves (3-6” long) turn attractive shades of red in fall. Bright red fruits mature in late summer and are bitter and inedible, even poisonous, to humans but are loved by birds.
39 - Norway Spruce
Picea abies
Norway Spruce, is a large pyramidal evergreen conifer that is native to the mountains of northern and central Europe east to the Urals. In its native European habitat, it typically matures to 100-150' (occasionally to 200') tall. It has been widely planted in cool and temperate regions of North American where it typically matures to a much shorter 40-60' tall. It is noted for its rapid growth. Norway Spruce branches are slightly upturned but secondary branches become pendulous as the tree matures. Branches are clad with spirally-arranged, four-sided, needle-like, deep green leaves which are attached at their bases to tiny pegs. Cylindrical seed bearing cones (to 9" long) are pendulous.
Norway Spruce, is a large pyramidal evergreen conifer that is native to the mountains of northern and central Europe east to the Urals. In its native European habitat, it typically matures to 100-150' (occasionally to 200') tall. It has been widely planted in cool and temperate regions of North American where it typically matures to a much shorter 40-60' tall. It is noted for its rapid growth. Norway Spruce branches are slightly upturned but secondary branches become pendulous as the tree matures. Branches are clad with spirally-arranged, four-sided, needle-like, deep green leaves which are attached at their bases to tiny pegs. Cylindrical seed bearing cones (to 9" long) are pendulous.
40 - Locust Tree Robinia
Robinia pseudoacacia
Commonly called black locust, this medium sized, suckering, deciduous tree typically grows to 30-50’ (less frequently to 80’) tall. Although originally native to the Allegheny Mountains, it has escaped gardens and naturalized over time to cover much of the United States and southern Canada plus parts of Europe, Asia and South America. At its best, it will grow as a broadly columnar single trunk tree with a narrow oblong crown. It also will grow in suckering thickets. It is noted for its attractive compound leaves and pendant racemes of pea-like flowers. Branches are usually armed with short paired spines (to 1.25” long). Pinnate dark blue-green leaves, with each leaf having up to 23 lance-shaped to ovate leaflets. Leaves turn uneventful yellow in fall. Fragrant wisteria-like white flowers in pendant racemes (to 8” long) bloom in late spring. Bees are attracted to the flowers. Flowers are followed by smooth, flat, purple-brown seed pods (to 4-5” long). This species is also commonly called common locust, yellow locust, white locust, green locust, pea flower locust and false acacia. It is listed as a noxious weed tree in parts of the southern and midwestern United States.
Commonly called black locust, this medium sized, suckering, deciduous tree typically grows to 30-50’ (less frequently to 80’) tall. Although originally native to the Allegheny Mountains, it has escaped gardens and naturalized over time to cover much of the United States and southern Canada plus parts of Europe, Asia and South America. At its best, it will grow as a broadly columnar single trunk tree with a narrow oblong crown. It also will grow in suckering thickets. It is noted for its attractive compound leaves and pendant racemes of pea-like flowers. Branches are usually armed with short paired spines (to 1.25” long). Pinnate dark blue-green leaves, with each leaf having up to 23 lance-shaped to ovate leaflets. Leaves turn uneventful yellow in fall. Fragrant wisteria-like white flowers in pendant racemes (to 8” long) bloom in late spring. Bees are attracted to the flowers. Flowers are followed by smooth, flat, purple-brown seed pods (to 4-5” long). This species is also commonly called common locust, yellow locust, white locust, green locust, pea flower locust and false acacia. It is listed as a noxious weed tree in parts of the southern and midwestern United States.
41 - Dove Tree
Davidia involucrata
The dove tree is a deciduous tree that typically grows 20-40’ tall. The showy parts of the flower bloom in May and are large oval-rounded showy white bracts (one 3-4 inches long and the other 6-7 inches long) which hang from each flower cluster. The bracts flutter in the slightest breeze, and, from a distance, resemble white doves sitting in the tree. Flowers are followed by round, greenish-brown, golf ball-sized fruits on 2-3” stems. Broad oval, red-stalked, bright green leaves (3-6” long) are heart-shaped at the base. Fall color ranges from dull pastels to bright oranges and reds. Other common names for the Dove Tree include Handkerchief Tree, Laundry Tree and Ghost Tree.
The dove tree is a deciduous tree that typically grows 20-40’ tall. The showy parts of the flower bloom in May and are large oval-rounded showy white bracts (one 3-4 inches long and the other 6-7 inches long) which hang from each flower cluster. The bracts flutter in the slightest breeze, and, from a distance, resemble white doves sitting in the tree. Flowers are followed by round, greenish-brown, golf ball-sized fruits on 2-3” stems. Broad oval, red-stalked, bright green leaves (3-6” long) are heart-shaped at the base. Fall color ranges from dull pastels to bright oranges and reds. Other common names for the Dove Tree include Handkerchief Tree, Laundry Tree and Ghost Tree.
42 - Willow Oak
Quercus phellos
Willow Oak is a medium to large, deciduous oak tree of the Red Oak group that is noted for its Oak shape, Willow-like leaves and relatively fast growth rate. It is native to the Southeastern United States, typically being found in moist bottomland soils. Willow Oak trees typically grows 40-75’ tall with an oval to rounded crown, but may reach 100’ in ideal conditions. Smooth-edged, bristle-tipped, narrow, green leaves (to 5” long and 1” wide) are Willow-like. Leaves turn an undistinguished yellow-brown or dull gold in fall. Fruits are rounded acorn cups (to 1/2” long). Acorns can be an important source of food for wildlife. Insignificant monoecious yellowish-green flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in spring (April) as the leaves emerge. Dark, irregularly-furrowed trunks (gray to dark gray-brown) develop on mature trees.
Willow Oak is a medium to large, deciduous oak tree of the Red Oak group that is noted for its Oak shape, Willow-like leaves and relatively fast growth rate. It is native to the Southeastern United States, typically being found in moist bottomland soils. Willow Oak trees typically grows 40-75’ tall with an oval to rounded crown, but may reach 100’ in ideal conditions. Smooth-edged, bristle-tipped, narrow, green leaves (to 5” long and 1” wide) are Willow-like. Leaves turn an undistinguished yellow-brown or dull gold in fall. Fruits are rounded acorn cups (to 1/2” long). Acorns can be an important source of food for wildlife. Insignificant monoecious yellowish-green flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in spring (April) as the leaves emerge. Dark, irregularly-furrowed trunks (gray to dark gray-brown) develop on mature trees.
43 - Japanese Maple
Acer Palmatum
Japanese Maple is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to 10-25' (infrequently to 40') tall. It is native to Japan, Korea and China. The general plant form is rounded to broad-rounded, often with low branching. Each palmate green leaf (2-5" long) has 5 or 7 but less frequently 9 pointed toothed lobes. Small reddish-purple flowers in umbels bloom in mid April. The flowers are rather attractive close up, but are not particularly showy from a distance. Flowers are followed by samaras (to 3/4" long) in pairs. Samaras ripen in September-October. Fall leaf color includes shades of yellow, red-purple and bronze.
Japanese Maple is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to 10-25' (infrequently to 40') tall. It is native to Japan, Korea and China. The general plant form is rounded to broad-rounded, often with low branching. Each palmate green leaf (2-5" long) has 5 or 7 but less frequently 9 pointed toothed lobes. Small reddish-purple flowers in umbels bloom in mid April. The flowers are rather attractive close up, but are not particularly showy from a distance. Flowers are followed by samaras (to 3/4" long) in pairs. Samaras ripen in September-October. Fall leaf color includes shades of yellow, red-purple and bronze.
44 - Atlantic White Cedar
Chamaecyparis thyoides
Atlantic Cedar, White Cedar or Swamp Cedar, is a columnar evergreen conifer with a steeple-like crown that typically grows with a straight trunk to 30-50' (less frequently to 90') tall. It is native to freshwater swamps, bogs and wet woods along the Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida and along the Gulf coast from Florida to Mississippi. The Atlantic White Cedar has scale-like adult leaves and needle-like juvenile leaves that are a soft blue green. Yellow pollen-bearing cones are found at the stem ends. Seed bearing cones in clusters emerge purple but mature to brown. The tree's mature bark is reddish brown. Its wood has excellent resistance to decay and has been used for a number of purposes including boat construction, shingles and posts.
Atlantic Cedar, White Cedar or Swamp Cedar, is a columnar evergreen conifer with a steeple-like crown that typically grows with a straight trunk to 30-50' (less frequently to 90') tall. It is native to freshwater swamps, bogs and wet woods along the Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida and along the Gulf coast from Florida to Mississippi. The Atlantic White Cedar has scale-like adult leaves and needle-like juvenile leaves that are a soft blue green. Yellow pollen-bearing cones are found at the stem ends. Seed bearing cones in clusters emerge purple but mature to brown. The tree's mature bark is reddish brown. Its wood has excellent resistance to decay and has been used for a number of purposes including boat construction, shingles and posts.
45 - Osage Orange
Maclura pomifera
The Osage Orange tree is a small to medium size tree, growing from 36 to 65 feet tall, with furrowed bark and thorny branches. The trunk is usually short and divides into several main limbs with upward arching branches. The leaves are dark green 2 to 5 inches (in.) long and 0.75 to 2.5 in. wide. Leaf blades are dark green, smooth and waxy above; paler green with a few hairs beneath. The color turns translucent yellow in the fall. The fruit or “Hedge ball” is produced in September, and it is a yellow-green, round structure approximately 3 to 5 in. in diameter. Female trees may start to bear fruit at about 10 years old. Native Americans and early pioneers used its wood to make hubs and wheel rims for horse drawn wagons, support timbers, and bows.
The Osage Orange tree is a small to medium size tree, growing from 36 to 65 feet tall, with furrowed bark and thorny branches. The trunk is usually short and divides into several main limbs with upward arching branches. The leaves are dark green 2 to 5 inches (in.) long and 0.75 to 2.5 in. wide. Leaf blades are dark green, smooth and waxy above; paler green with a few hairs beneath. The color turns translucent yellow in the fall. The fruit or “Hedge ball” is produced in September, and it is a yellow-green, round structure approximately 3 to 5 in. in diameter. Female trees may start to bear fruit at about 10 years old. Native Americans and early pioneers used its wood to make hubs and wheel rims for horse drawn wagons, support timbers, and bows.
46 - Blue Atlas Cedar
Cedus Atlantica
A distinctive evergreen with silvery blue to bluish-green needles, the Blue Atlas Cedar is pyramidal in its youth. It becomes massive with horizontal, spreading branches and is quite a sight. The Atlas Cedar lives long and requires a lot of space to develop freely. 2"-3' male cones form on lower part of tree, with larger purple female cones developing on top branches. It tolerates many soil conditions, but prefers moist and well-drained soils, and it grows 40'-60' high with a 30'-40' spread.
A distinctive evergreen with silvery blue to bluish-green needles, the Blue Atlas Cedar is pyramidal in its youth. It becomes massive with horizontal, spreading branches and is quite a sight. The Atlas Cedar lives long and requires a lot of space to develop freely. 2"-3' male cones form on lower part of tree, with larger purple female cones developing on top branches. It tolerates many soil conditions, but prefers moist and well-drained soils, and it grows 40'-60' high with a 30'-40' spread.
47 - Eastern Hemlock
Tsuga canadensis
Eastern hemlock or Canadian Hemlock is a dense, pyramidal conifer of the Pine family that is native to moist woods, moist slopes, rocky hillsides/ridges, wooded ravines, and stream valleys from eastern Canada south to Maine and Wisconsin and further south in the Appalachian Mountains to Georgia and Alabama. It grows to 40-75’ tall in the wild. This species is noted for having the smallest needles and cones in the genus. Flat sprays of lacy evergreen foliage give this tree a graceful form. Short dark green needles (to 9/16" long) with two white bands beneath are arranged in two opposite rows. Needles are attached to twigs by slender stalks. Small, pendant, short-stalked, seed-bearing cones (to 3/4" long) are tan-brown. Lower branches often dip toward the ground. Thick and ridged bark on mature trees is red-brown to gray-brown. It is the state tree of Pennsylvania. No part of this tree is poisonous. The poisonous hemlocks (Circuta maculata and Conium maculatum) are herbaceous perennials in the parsley family.
Eastern hemlock or Canadian Hemlock is a dense, pyramidal conifer of the Pine family that is native to moist woods, moist slopes, rocky hillsides/ridges, wooded ravines, and stream valleys from eastern Canada south to Maine and Wisconsin and further south in the Appalachian Mountains to Georgia and Alabama. It grows to 40-75’ tall in the wild. This species is noted for having the smallest needles and cones in the genus. Flat sprays of lacy evergreen foliage give this tree a graceful form. Short dark green needles (to 9/16" long) with two white bands beneath are arranged in two opposite rows. Needles are attached to twigs by slender stalks. Small, pendant, short-stalked, seed-bearing cones (to 3/4" long) are tan-brown. Lower branches often dip toward the ground. Thick and ridged bark on mature trees is red-brown to gray-brown. It is the state tree of Pennsylvania. No part of this tree is poisonous. The poisonous hemlocks (Circuta maculata and Conium maculatum) are herbaceous perennials in the parsley family.
48 - Saucer Magnolia
Magnolia soulangeana
The Saucer Magnolia is the most commonly grown and most popular deciduous magnolia. It is a broad tree that typically rises to 20-25’ tall with a rounded crown. It typically matures over time to 20-30’ tall and as wide, but it could be pruned to remain a shrub. Fragrant flowers (to 8” across) bloom in early spring (late March to early April) before the leathery foliage emerges. Flowers are pink with white interiors and make a stunning display. Benches beneath the tree are used by Westfield students and teachers as an outdoor classroom and for reflection.
The Saucer Magnolia is the most commonly grown and most popular deciduous magnolia. It is a broad tree that typically rises to 20-25’ tall with a rounded crown. It typically matures over time to 20-30’ tall and as wide, but it could be pruned to remain a shrub. Fragrant flowers (to 8” across) bloom in early spring (late March to early April) before the leathery foliage emerges. Flowers are pink with white interiors and make a stunning display. Benches beneath the tree are used by Westfield students and teachers as an outdoor classroom and for reflection.
49- Sour Gum Tree
Nyssa sylvatica
The Sour Gum is a slow-growing, deciduous native tree which occurs in a wide range of soils south of the Missouri River in the southeastern quarter of the Missouri. It is primarily a lowland tree found in low wet woods, bottomlands and pond peripheries, but also can be found on dry rocky wooded slopes and ravines. A stately tree with a straight trunk and rounded crown (more pyramidal when young) that typically grows 30-50' tall, but occasionally to 90'. Small, greenish-white flowers appear in spring on long stalks. Although flowers are not showy, they are an excellent nectar source for bees. Flowers give way to oval, 1/2" long fruits which are technically edible but quite sour (hence the common name). Fruits mature to a dark blue and are attractive to birds and wildlife. The Sour Gum turns a spectacular scarlet color in autumn.
The Sour Gum is a slow-growing, deciduous native tree which occurs in a wide range of soils south of the Missouri River in the southeastern quarter of the Missouri. It is primarily a lowland tree found in low wet woods, bottomlands and pond peripheries, but also can be found on dry rocky wooded slopes and ravines. A stately tree with a straight trunk and rounded crown (more pyramidal when young) that typically grows 30-50' tall, but occasionally to 90'. Small, greenish-white flowers appear in spring on long stalks. Although flowers are not showy, they are an excellent nectar source for bees. Flowers give way to oval, 1/2" long fruits which are technically edible but quite sour (hence the common name). Fruits mature to a dark blue and are attractive to birds and wildlife. The Sour Gum turns a spectacular scarlet color in autumn.
50- American Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis
American Sycamore, Eastern Sycamore, Buttonwood or Buttonball tree, is generally regarded to be the most massive tree indigenous to eastern North America. It is a deciduous, usually single-trunk tree that typically grows to 75-100’ (less frequently to 150’) tall with horizontal branching and a rounded habit. The trunk diameter typically ranges from 3-8’, with some records up to 16’. Sycamore is native to lowland areas, typically reaching its largest size along streams, rivers and flood plains. The signature ornamental feature of this huge tree is its brown bark which exfoliates in irregular pieces to reveal creamy white inner bark. Mature trees typically display mottled white bark that facilitates identification from great distances. The large 3-5 lobed medium to dark green leaves (4-10” wide) have coarse marginal teeth. In fall, foliage typically turns an undistinguished yellow-brown. Small, non-showy, monoecious flowers appear in small rounded clusters in April. Male flowers are yellowish and female flowers are reddish. Female flowers give way to fuzzy, long-stalked, spherical fruiting balls (to 1 3/8” diameter) that ripen to brown in October and persist into early winter. Each fruiting ball consists of numerous, densely-packed, tiny seed-like fruits (achenes). Fruiting balls gradually disintegrate as fall progresses, dispersing their seeds, often in downy tufts, with the wind. Wood has been commercially used for a variety of products including furniture, cabinets, barrels, crates and butcher blocks. Native Americans hollowed out trunk sections for dugout canoes.
American Sycamore, Eastern Sycamore, Buttonwood or Buttonball tree, is generally regarded to be the most massive tree indigenous to eastern North America. It is a deciduous, usually single-trunk tree that typically grows to 75-100’ (less frequently to 150’) tall with horizontal branching and a rounded habit. The trunk diameter typically ranges from 3-8’, with some records up to 16’. Sycamore is native to lowland areas, typically reaching its largest size along streams, rivers and flood plains. The signature ornamental feature of this huge tree is its brown bark which exfoliates in irregular pieces to reveal creamy white inner bark. Mature trees typically display mottled white bark that facilitates identification from great distances. The large 3-5 lobed medium to dark green leaves (4-10” wide) have coarse marginal teeth. In fall, foliage typically turns an undistinguished yellow-brown. Small, non-showy, monoecious flowers appear in small rounded clusters in April. Male flowers are yellowish and female flowers are reddish. Female flowers give way to fuzzy, long-stalked, spherical fruiting balls (to 1 3/8” diameter) that ripen to brown in October and persist into early winter. Each fruiting ball consists of numerous, densely-packed, tiny seed-like fruits (achenes). Fruiting balls gradually disintegrate as fall progresses, dispersing their seeds, often in downy tufts, with the wind. Wood has been commercially used for a variety of products including furniture, cabinets, barrels, crates and butcher blocks. Native Americans hollowed out trunk sections for dugout canoes.
51 - Northern Red Oak
The NJ State Tree
Quercus rubra
The red oak or northern red oak, is a medium sized, deciduous tree with a rounded to broad-spreading, often irregular crown. It typically grows at a moderate-to-fast rate to a height of 50-75' (often larger in the wild). Dark, lustrous green leaves (grayish-white beneath) have 7-11 toothed lobes, which are sharply pointed at the tips. Leaves turn brownish-red in autumn. Insignificant flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in spring. The fruits are acorns (with flat, saucer-shaped cups) which mature in early fall. An abundant crop of acorns may not occur before this tree reaches 40 years old.
The red oak or northern red oak, is a medium sized, deciduous tree with a rounded to broad-spreading, often irregular crown. It typically grows at a moderate-to-fast rate to a height of 50-75' (often larger in the wild). Dark, lustrous green leaves (grayish-white beneath) have 7-11 toothed lobes, which are sharply pointed at the tips. Leaves turn brownish-red in autumn. Insignificant flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in spring. The fruits are acorns (with flat, saucer-shaped cups) which mature in early fall. An abundant crop of acorns may not occur before this tree reaches 40 years old.
52 - Golden Raintree
Koelreuteria paniculata
The Golden Raintree, is a small, open-branching, irregularly-shaped, deciduous tree with a rounded crown which typically grows 30-40' tall and as wide. It features pinnate or bipinnate, feathery, compound leaves (to 18" long), each leaf having 7-17 irregularly lobed leaflets. Leaves emerge pinkish bronze to purplish in spring, mature to a bright green in summer and turn yellow in fall. Bright yellow flowers (1/2" wide) appear in early summer in long, terminal, panicles (12-15"). Falling blossoms may resemble "golden rain", but the fallen blossoms often form an attractive golden carpet under the tree. Flowers give way to interesting, brown, papery seed capsules which somewhat resemble Chinese lanterns.
The Golden Raintree, is a small, open-branching, irregularly-shaped, deciduous tree with a rounded crown which typically grows 30-40' tall and as wide. It features pinnate or bipinnate, feathery, compound leaves (to 18" long), each leaf having 7-17 irregularly lobed leaflets. Leaves emerge pinkish bronze to purplish in spring, mature to a bright green in summer and turn yellow in fall. Bright yellow flowers (1/2" wide) appear in early summer in long, terminal, panicles (12-15"). Falling blossoms may resemble "golden rain", but the fallen blossoms often form an attractive golden carpet under the tree. Flowers give way to interesting, brown, papery seed capsules which somewhat resemble Chinese lanterns.
53 - Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Sassafras is an ornamental small to medium-sized deciduous tree which occurs in wood margins, fence rows, fields, thickets and roadsides. Shrubby in youth, but matures to a dense, pyramidal tree up to 60' tall. It spreads by root suckers to form large colonies in the wild. All of the trees in a colony may rise from the same parent. It has attractive, greenish-yellow flowers, which appear in clusters at the branch ends in spring. Flowers on female trees (if pollinated) give way to small pendant clusters of bluish-black berries (drupes) which are borne in scarlet cup-like receptacles on scarlet stalks called pedicils. Sassafras fruits mature in September. The leaves are unique because they come in three 4" -7"shapes (ovate, mitten-shaped and three-lobed). They are bright green above and glaucous (albidum, meaning white) beneath. Sassafras has an excellent yellow, purple and red fall color.
The Westfield tree is quite tall and wide for the region. It has unique burls on the bark in the lower region of the tree.
Sassafras is an ornamental small to medium-sized deciduous tree which occurs in wood margins, fence rows, fields, thickets and roadsides. Shrubby in youth, but matures to a dense, pyramidal tree up to 60' tall. It spreads by root suckers to form large colonies in the wild. All of the trees in a colony may rise from the same parent. It has attractive, greenish-yellow flowers, which appear in clusters at the branch ends in spring. Flowers on female trees (if pollinated) give way to small pendant clusters of bluish-black berries (drupes) which are borne in scarlet cup-like receptacles on scarlet stalks called pedicils. Sassafras fruits mature in September. The leaves are unique because they come in three 4" -7"shapes (ovate, mitten-shaped and three-lobed). They are bright green above and glaucous (albidum, meaning white) beneath. Sassafras has an excellent yellow, purple and red fall color.
The Westfield tree is quite tall and wide for the region. It has unique burls on the bark in the lower region of the tree.
54 - Eastern White Pine (with Witch's Broom) fell in Autumn 2018
55 - American Holly
Ilex opaca
American Holly is a broad-leaved evergreen tree reaching 40 to 50 feet high, and 18 to 40 feet wide, densely pyramidal in youth becoming more open and symmetrically conical with age. The dark green, elliptical leaves have several spiny teeth along the leaf margin. Plants grow best in low, acid pH soils in part shade. Trees are either male or female and require several to get fruit production, which comes in the form of bright red berries in autumn. American Holly trees are specimen trees, which do well in parks and residences.
American Holly is a broad-leaved evergreen tree reaching 40 to 50 feet high, and 18 to 40 feet wide, densely pyramidal in youth becoming more open and symmetrically conical with age. The dark green, elliptical leaves have several spiny teeth along the leaf margin. Plants grow best in low, acid pH soils in part shade. Trees are either male or female and require several to get fruit production, which comes in the form of bright red berries in autumn. American Holly trees are specimen trees, which do well in parks and residences.
56 - European Larch
Larix decidua
European or Common Larch is a deciduous conifer, although it looks like a needled evergreen in summer. It is a large tree that will grow from 60-100’ tall with a pyramidal shape, horizontal branching and drooping branchlets. Shape becomes broader and more irregular with age. It is perhaps best noted for its soft green foliage that turns golden yellow in fall before dropping. Needles (to 1.5” long) appear in tuft-like clusters. It has erect reddish brown cones (to 1.25”) that are are covered with brown hairs. The bark on mature trees is scaly, furrowed and reddish-brown. This is an important timber tree in Europe. It is native to cool mountainous regions from the Alps to the Carpathians. Other deciduous conifers include Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) and Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba).
European or Common Larch is a deciduous conifer, although it looks like a needled evergreen in summer. It is a large tree that will grow from 60-100’ tall with a pyramidal shape, horizontal branching and drooping branchlets. Shape becomes broader and more irregular with age. It is perhaps best noted for its soft green foliage that turns golden yellow in fall before dropping. Needles (to 1.5” long) appear in tuft-like clusters. It has erect reddish brown cones (to 1.25”) that are are covered with brown hairs. The bark on mature trees is scaly, furrowed and reddish-brown. This is an important timber tree in Europe. It is native to cool mountainous regions from the Alps to the Carpathians. Other deciduous conifers include Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) and Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba).
57 - Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
The Sugar Maple is a landscape standout that provides great shade. It needs ample space to spread out, since it can grow 40' -50' wide and 60' to 75' tall. It has 3"- 5" medium to dark-green leaves, that turn yellow, burnt orange or red in fall. Winged seeds are produced in spring and are about 1-1/2" long. They fully mature in autumn. The Sugar Maple tolerates shade, likes a well-drained, moderately moist, fertile soil, and it is a perfect park or backyard tree.
The Sugar Maple is a landscape standout that provides great shade. It needs ample space to spread out, since it can grow 40' -50' wide and 60' to 75' tall. It has 3"- 5" medium to dark-green leaves, that turn yellow, burnt orange or red in fall. Winged seeds are produced in spring and are about 1-1/2" long. They fully mature in autumn. The Sugar Maple tolerates shade, likes a well-drained, moderately moist, fertile soil, and it is a perfect park or backyard tree.
58 - Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Douglas Fir is a very large conifer that grows 50-80' tall in cultivation, but to 300+' tall in the wild. Unique forked cone bracts distinguish this tree from all other conifers. The species is indigenous to coastal areas and up to 5500' in elevation in the mountains from British Columbia south to central California. It has cones (to 4.5" long) that are pendulous with protruding trident-shaped bracts. Douglas Fir trees have flat, linear, spirally-arranged, dark green needles (to 1.5" long) with white banding beneath. Fallen or plucked needles leave raised circular leaf scars on the twigs. Fir needles are fragrant when bruised. Fir trees become more cylindrical with age as they lose their lower branching, with older trees typically having branching only on the top 1/3 of the tree. This is an important timber tree in the Pacific Northwest.
Douglas Fir is a very large conifer that grows 50-80' tall in cultivation, but to 300+' tall in the wild. Unique forked cone bracts distinguish this tree from all other conifers. The species is indigenous to coastal areas and up to 5500' in elevation in the mountains from British Columbia south to central California. It has cones (to 4.5" long) that are pendulous with protruding trident-shaped bracts. Douglas Fir trees have flat, linear, spirally-arranged, dark green needles (to 1.5" long) with white banding beneath. Fallen or plucked needles leave raised circular leaf scars on the twigs. Fir needles are fragrant when bruised. Fir trees become more cylindrical with age as they lose their lower branching, with older trees typically having branching only on the top 1/3 of the tree. This is an important timber tree in the Pacific Northwest.
59 - Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
Southern Magnolia is a broadleaf evergreen tree that is noted for its attractive dark green leaves and its large, extremely fragrant flowers. It typically grows to 60-80’ tall with a pyramidal to rounded crown. This is a magnificent tree of the South. It is native to moist wooded areas in the southeastern United States from North Carolina to Florida and Texas. Leathery evergreen oval leaves (to 10” long) are glossy dark green above and pale green to gray-brown beneath. Fragrant white flowers (to 8-12” diameter) usually have six petals. Flowers bloom in late spring, with sparse continued flowering throughout the summer. Flowers give way to spherical cone-like fruiting clusters (to 3-5” long) that mature in late summer to early fall, releasing individual rose-red coated seeds suspended on slender threads at maturity.
Southern Magnolia is a broadleaf evergreen tree that is noted for its attractive dark green leaves and its large, extremely fragrant flowers. It typically grows to 60-80’ tall with a pyramidal to rounded crown. This is a magnificent tree of the South. It is native to moist wooded areas in the southeastern United States from North Carolina to Florida and Texas. Leathery evergreen oval leaves (to 10” long) are glossy dark green above and pale green to gray-brown beneath. Fragrant white flowers (to 8-12” diameter) usually have six petals. Flowers bloom in late spring, with sparse continued flowering throughout the summer. Flowers give way to spherical cone-like fruiting clusters (to 3-5” long) that mature in late summer to early fall, releasing individual rose-red coated seeds suspended on slender threads at maturity.
60 - European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
European Beech tree is a large deciduous tree typically growing to 50-60’ (less frequently to 100’) tall with a dense, upright-oval to rounded-spreading crown. It is native to woodlands in central and southern Europe. European colonists brought this tree to America in the mid-1700s and it has been a popular ornamental shade tree since that time. European beech is primarily distinguished from the similar American beech (see Fagus grandifolia) by its smaller size, darker gray bark, and shorter leaves that have wavy mostly un-toothed margins. It is a low-branched tree, with its trunk ranging from 2-3’ (less frequently 4’) in diameter. Trunks have distinctive bark that is thin, smooth and gray. Elliptic lustrous dark green leaves (to 4” long) have wavy mostly toothless margins and prominent parallel veins. Foliage turns golden bronze in fall. Female flowers give way to triangular nuts enclosed by spiny bracts. Beechnuts ripen in fall and are edible.
European Beech tree is a large deciduous tree typically growing to 50-60’ (less frequently to 100’) tall with a dense, upright-oval to rounded-spreading crown. It is native to woodlands in central and southern Europe. European colonists brought this tree to America in the mid-1700s and it has been a popular ornamental shade tree since that time. European beech is primarily distinguished from the similar American beech (see Fagus grandifolia) by its smaller size, darker gray bark, and shorter leaves that have wavy mostly un-toothed margins. It is a low-branched tree, with its trunk ranging from 2-3’ (less frequently 4’) in diameter. Trunks have distinctive bark that is thin, smooth and gray. Elliptic lustrous dark green leaves (to 4” long) have wavy mostly toothless margins and prominent parallel veins. Foliage turns golden bronze in fall. Female flowers give way to triangular nuts enclosed by spiny bracts. Beechnuts ripen in fall and are edible.
61 - Port Orford Cedar
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
Port Orford Cedar, commonly known as Lawson's cypress, is a tall, narrow-pyramidal, scaly-leaved, evergreen conifer with short spreading branches and flattened twigs. It is the tallest member of the cypress family. In its native habitat, it will grow over time to 110-175' (sometimes to 200' or more) tall and to 4-6' in diameter, but usually much shorter (to 40-60' tall) in cultivation. This tree has a very small native range; primarily being found on seaward slopes in a coastal belt along Pacific Coast mountain ranges from Coos Bay in southwestern Oregon to the Klamath River in northwestern California. Tiny, scale-like, bright green to blue green leaves (to 1/16" long) with silver marks beneath are pressed against the branchlets. Spherical female cones (1/4 to 3/8" diameter) are green maturing to brown. Oblong male cones are smaller, reddish-brown and oblong. Thick, silvery-brown to reddish-brown bark is furrowed and ridged.
Port Orford Cedar, commonly known as Lawson's cypress, is a tall, narrow-pyramidal, scaly-leaved, evergreen conifer with short spreading branches and flattened twigs. It is the tallest member of the cypress family. In its native habitat, it will grow over time to 110-175' (sometimes to 200' or more) tall and to 4-6' in diameter, but usually much shorter (to 40-60' tall) in cultivation. This tree has a very small native range; primarily being found on seaward slopes in a coastal belt along Pacific Coast mountain ranges from Coos Bay in southwestern Oregon to the Klamath River in northwestern California. Tiny, scale-like, bright green to blue green leaves (to 1/16" long) with silver marks beneath are pressed against the branchlets. Spherical female cones (1/4 to 3/8" diameter) are green maturing to brown. Oblong male cones are smaller, reddish-brown and oblong. Thick, silvery-brown to reddish-brown bark is furrowed and ridged.
62 - Dwarf Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum var. dissectum
Dwarf Japanese Maple, Var. dissectum is typically much smaller than a Japanese Maple. It has rounded, slow-growing shrubby form (often with 'weeping' or cascading branching) that rarely matures to more than 12' tall with a larger spread. Palmate leaves, each having 7-11 deeply incised lobes, are deeply cut to the base of the leaf. These dissected-leaf shrubs are commonly called lace-leaf Japanese maple, cut-leaf Japanese maple or thread-leaf Japanese maple. Dissectum means deeply cut in reference to the deeply cut, feathery nature of the leaves. Each leaf has several lobes (typically 5–7) that all originate from one point looking like an open hand with outstretched fingers. As with many maples, the flowers are rather attractive close up, but are not particularly showy from a distance.
Click the button below to learn about Alice Paul, whose grave is near the Dwarf Japanese Maple tree.
Dwarf Japanese Maple, Var. dissectum is typically much smaller than a Japanese Maple. It has rounded, slow-growing shrubby form (often with 'weeping' or cascading branching) that rarely matures to more than 12' tall with a larger spread. Palmate leaves, each having 7-11 deeply incised lobes, are deeply cut to the base of the leaf. These dissected-leaf shrubs are commonly called lace-leaf Japanese maple, cut-leaf Japanese maple or thread-leaf Japanese maple. Dissectum means deeply cut in reference to the deeply cut, feathery nature of the leaves. Each leaf has several lobes (typically 5–7) that all originate from one point looking like an open hand with outstretched fingers. As with many maples, the flowers are rather attractive close up, but are not particularly showy from a distance.
Click the button below to learn about Alice Paul, whose grave is near the Dwarf Japanese Maple tree.
63 - Moraine Honey Locust
Gleditsia triacanthos
Commonly called honey locust, this tree is a native from Pennsylvania to Iowa south to Georgia and Texas. It typically grows 60-80’ (less frequently to 120’) tall with a rounded spreading crown. The trunk and branches have stout thorns (to 3” long) that are solitary or three-branched. It bears inconspicuous, greenish yellow to greenish white flowers that appear in racemes in late spring. The flowers from the honey locust are followed by long, twisted and flattened, dark purplish-brown seedpods (to 18” long) which mature in late summer and persist well into winter. The seedpods contain, in addition to seeds, a sweet gummy substance that gives honey locust its common name. Species plants are generally not sold in commerce today because the thorns and seedpods are considered to be significant liabilities.
Commonly called honey locust, this tree is a native from Pennsylvania to Iowa south to Georgia and Texas. It typically grows 60-80’ (less frequently to 120’) tall with a rounded spreading crown. The trunk and branches have stout thorns (to 3” long) that are solitary or three-branched. It bears inconspicuous, greenish yellow to greenish white flowers that appear in racemes in late spring. The flowers from the honey locust are followed by long, twisted and flattened, dark purplish-brown seedpods (to 18” long) which mature in late summer and persist well into winter. The seedpods contain, in addition to seeds, a sweet gummy substance that gives honey locust its common name. Species plants are generally not sold in commerce today because the thorns and seedpods are considered to be significant liabilities.
Trees #64 - 77 and #79 - 101
are waiting to be adopted by students
who will create recordings in the coming months.
are waiting to be adopted by students
who will create recordings in the coming months.
64 - China-Fir
Cunninghamia lanceolata
China fir is an evergreen conifer that is actually in the Cypress (not Fir) family. It is native to forested areas of China and Taiwan where it may reach 150’ in height. In cultivation, it more typically grows to 35-70’ tall with a pyramidal form and tiered, spreading, horizontal branching that is slightly pendulous at the tips. It tends to sucker and often grows in a multi-trunked form. Sharply-pointed, finely-toothed, green to blue-green needles (to 2.75” long) are spirally arranged but twisted at the base to give the appearance of being two-ranked. Foliage may bronze in cold winters and not fall from the tree when dead for up to five years, causing the tree to look scruffy. Oval to globose fruiting cones (1.5” diameter) appear in small groups (1-3) at the shoot ends. Brown bark of mature trees exfoliates in strips to reveal reddish-brown inner bark. This is a prized timber tree in China, because of the highly durable timber it produces. China-fir is often planted in park and garden settings as an ornamental focal point tree.
China fir is an evergreen conifer that is actually in the Cypress (not Fir) family. It is native to forested areas of China and Taiwan where it may reach 150’ in height. In cultivation, it more typically grows to 35-70’ tall with a pyramidal form and tiered, spreading, horizontal branching that is slightly pendulous at the tips. It tends to sucker and often grows in a multi-trunked form. Sharply-pointed, finely-toothed, green to blue-green needles (to 2.75” long) are spirally arranged but twisted at the base to give the appearance of being two-ranked. Foliage may bronze in cold winters and not fall from the tree when dead for up to five years, causing the tree to look scruffy. Oval to globose fruiting cones (1.5” diameter) appear in small groups (1-3) at the shoot ends. Brown bark of mature trees exfoliates in strips to reveal reddish-brown inner bark. This is a prized timber tree in China, because of the highly durable timber it produces. China-fir is often planted in park and garden settings as an ornamental focal point tree.
65 - Norway Spruce
Picea abies
Norway Spruce, is a large pyramidal evergreen conifer that is native to the mountains of northern and central Europe east to the Urals. In its native European habitat, it typically matures to 100-150' (occasionally to 200') tall. It has been widely planted in cool and temperate regions of North American where it typically matures to a much shorter 40-60' tall. It is noted for its rapid growth. Norway Spruce branches are slightly upturned but secondary branches become pendulous as the tree matures. Branches are clad with spirally-arranged, four-sided, needle-like, deep green leaves which are attached at their bases to tiny pegs. Cylindrical seed bearing cones (to 9" long) are pendulous.
Norway Spruce, is a large pyramidal evergreen conifer that is native to the mountains of northern and central Europe east to the Urals. In its native European habitat, it typically matures to 100-150' (occasionally to 200') tall. It has been widely planted in cool and temperate regions of North American where it typically matures to a much shorter 40-60' tall. It is noted for its rapid growth. Norway Spruce branches are slightly upturned but secondary branches become pendulous as the tree matures. Branches are clad with spirally-arranged, four-sided, needle-like, deep green leaves which are attached at their bases to tiny pegs. Cylindrical seed bearing cones (to 9" long) are pendulous.
66 - American Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis
American Sycamore, Eastern Sycamore, Buttonwood or Buttonball tree, is generally regarded to be the most massive tree indigenous to eastern North America. It is a deciduous, usually single-trunk tree that typically grows to 75-100’ (less frequently to 150’) tall with horizontal branching and a rounded habit. The trunk diameter typically ranges from 3-8’, with some records up to 16’. Sycamore is native to lowland areas, typically reaching its largest size along streams, rivers and flood plains. The signature ornamental feature of this huge tree is its brown bark which exfoliates in irregular pieces to reveal creamy white inner bark. Mature trees typically display mottled white bark that facilitates identification from great distances. The large 3-5 lobed medium to dark green leaves (4-10” wide) have coarse marginal teeth. In fall, foliage typically turns an undistinguished yellow-brown. Small, non-showy, monoecious flowers appear in small rounded clusters in April. Male flowers are yellowish and female flowers are reddish. Female flowers give way to fuzzy, long-stalked, spherical fruiting balls (to 1 3/8” diameter) that ripen to brown in October and persist into early winter. Each fruiting ball consists of numerous, densely-packed, tiny seed-like fruits (achenes). Fruiting balls gradually disintegrate as fall progresses, dispersing their seeds, often in downy tufts, with the wind. Wood has been commercially used for a variety of products including furniture, cabinets, barrels, crates and butcher blocks. Native Americans hollowed out trunk sections for dugout canoes.
American Sycamore, Eastern Sycamore, Buttonwood or Buttonball tree, is generally regarded to be the most massive tree indigenous to eastern North America. It is a deciduous, usually single-trunk tree that typically grows to 75-100’ (less frequently to 150’) tall with horizontal branching and a rounded habit. The trunk diameter typically ranges from 3-8’, with some records up to 16’. Sycamore is native to lowland areas, typically reaching its largest size along streams, rivers and flood plains. The signature ornamental feature of this huge tree is its brown bark which exfoliates in irregular pieces to reveal creamy white inner bark. Mature trees typically display mottled white bark that facilitates identification from great distances. The large 3-5 lobed medium to dark green leaves (4-10” wide) have coarse marginal teeth. In fall, foliage typically turns an undistinguished yellow-brown. Small, non-showy, monoecious flowers appear in small rounded clusters in April. Male flowers are yellowish and female flowers are reddish. Female flowers give way to fuzzy, long-stalked, spherical fruiting balls (to 1 3/8” diameter) that ripen to brown in October and persist into early winter. Each fruiting ball consists of numerous, densely-packed, tiny seed-like fruits (achenes). Fruiting balls gradually disintegrate as fall progresses, dispersing their seeds, often in downy tufts, with the wind. Wood has been commercially used for a variety of products including furniture, cabinets, barrels, crates and butcher blocks. Native Americans hollowed out trunk sections for dugout canoes.
67 - American Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis
American Sycamore, Eastern Sycamore, Buttonwood or Buttonball tree, is generally regarded to be the most massive tree indigenous to eastern North America. It is a deciduous, usually single-trunk tree that typically grows to 75-100’ (less frequently to 150’) tall with horizontal branching and a rounded habit. The trunk diameter typically ranges from 3-8’, with some records up to 16’. Sycamore is native to lowland areas, typically reaching its largest size along streams, rivers and flood plains. The signature ornamental feature of this huge tree is its brown bark which exfoliates in irregular pieces to reveal creamy white inner bark. Mature trees typically display mottled white bark that facilitates identification from great distances. The large 3-5 lobed medium to dark green leaves (4-10” wide) have coarse marginal teeth. In fall, foliage typically turns an undistinguished yellow-brown. Small, non-showy, monoecious flowers appear in small rounded clusters in April. Male flowers are yellowish and female flowers are reddish. Female flowers give way to fuzzy, long-stalked, spherical fruiting balls (to 1 3/8” diameter) that ripen to brown in October and persist into early winter. Each fruiting ball consists of numerous, densely-packed, tiny seed-like fruits (achenes). Fruiting balls gradually disintegrate as fall progresses, dispersing their seeds, often in downy tufts, with the wind. Wood has been commercially used for a variety of products including furniture, cabinets, barrels, crates and butcher blocks. Native Americans hollowed out trunk sections for dugout canoes.
American Sycamore, Eastern Sycamore, Buttonwood or Buttonball tree, is generally regarded to be the most massive tree indigenous to eastern North America. It is a deciduous, usually single-trunk tree that typically grows to 75-100’ (less frequently to 150’) tall with horizontal branching and a rounded habit. The trunk diameter typically ranges from 3-8’, with some records up to 16’. Sycamore is native to lowland areas, typically reaching its largest size along streams, rivers and flood plains. The signature ornamental feature of this huge tree is its brown bark which exfoliates in irregular pieces to reveal creamy white inner bark. Mature trees typically display mottled white bark that facilitates identification from great distances. The large 3-5 lobed medium to dark green leaves (4-10” wide) have coarse marginal teeth. In fall, foliage typically turns an undistinguished yellow-brown. Small, non-showy, monoecious flowers appear in small rounded clusters in April. Male flowers are yellowish and female flowers are reddish. Female flowers give way to fuzzy, long-stalked, spherical fruiting balls (to 1 3/8” diameter) that ripen to brown in October and persist into early winter. Each fruiting ball consists of numerous, densely-packed, tiny seed-like fruits (achenes). Fruiting balls gradually disintegrate as fall progresses, dispersing their seeds, often in downy tufts, with the wind. Wood has been commercially used for a variety of products including furniture, cabinets, barrels, crates and butcher blocks. Native Americans hollowed out trunk sections for dugout canoes.
68 - Blue Atlas Cedar
Cedus Atlantica
A distinctive evergreen with silvery blue to bluish-green needles, the Blue Atlas Cedar is pyramidal in its youth. It becomes massive with horizontal, spreading branches and is quite a sight. The Atlas Cedar lives long and requires a lot of space to develop freely. 2"-3' male cones form on lower part of tree, with larger purple female cones developing on top branches. It tolerates many soil conditions, but prefers moist and well-drained soils, and it grows 40'-60' high with a 30'-40' spread.
A distinctive evergreen with silvery blue to bluish-green needles, the Blue Atlas Cedar is pyramidal in its youth. It becomes massive with horizontal, spreading branches and is quite a sight. The Atlas Cedar lives long and requires a lot of space to develop freely. 2"-3' male cones form on lower part of tree, with larger purple female cones developing on top branches. It tolerates many soil conditions, but prefers moist and well-drained soils, and it grows 40'-60' high with a 30'-40' spread.
69 - Service Berry
Amelanchier arborea
Commonly called downy serviceberry, this tree is deciduous and early-flowering. Fully mature, this small tree typically grows 15-25' tall in cultivation, but it can reach 40' in the wild. Featuring 5-petaled, showy, slightly fragrant, white flowers in drooping clusters, the flowers appear before the leaves emerge in early spring. The finely-toothed, obovate leaves exhibit good fall color. Flowers give way to small, round green berries which turn red and finally mature to a dark purplish-black in early summer. Edible berries resemble blueberries in size and color and are often used in jams, jellies and pies. Amelanchiers are commonly called Juneberries.
Commonly called downy serviceberry, this tree is deciduous and early-flowering. Fully mature, this small tree typically grows 15-25' tall in cultivation, but it can reach 40' in the wild. Featuring 5-petaled, showy, slightly fragrant, white flowers in drooping clusters, the flowers appear before the leaves emerge in early spring. The finely-toothed, obovate leaves exhibit good fall color. Flowers give way to small, round green berries which turn red and finally mature to a dark purplish-black in early summer. Edible berries resemble blueberries in size and color and are often used in jams, jellies and pies. Amelanchiers are commonly called Juneberries.
70 - Service Berry
Amelanchier arborea
Commonly called downy serviceberry, this tree is deciduous and early-flowering. Fully mature, this small tree typically grows 15-25' tall in cultivation, but it can reach 40' in the wild. Featuring 5-petaled, showy, slightly fragrant, white flowers in drooping clusters, the flowers appear before the leaves emerge in early spring. The finely-toothed, obovate leaves exhibit good fall color. Flowers give way to small, round green berries which turn red and finally mature to a dark purplish-black in early summer. Edible berries resemble blueberries in size and color and are often used in jams, jellies and pies. Amelanchiers are commonly called Juneberries.
Commonly called downy serviceberry, this tree is deciduous and early-flowering. Fully mature, this small tree typically grows 15-25' tall in cultivation, but it can reach 40' in the wild. Featuring 5-petaled, showy, slightly fragrant, white flowers in drooping clusters, the flowers appear before the leaves emerge in early spring. The finely-toothed, obovate leaves exhibit good fall color. Flowers give way to small, round green berries which turn red and finally mature to a dark purplish-black in early summer. Edible berries resemble blueberries in size and color and are often used in jams, jellies and pies. Amelanchiers are commonly called Juneberries.
71 - Service Berry
Amelanchier arborea
Commonly called downy serviceberry, this tree is deciduous and early-flowering. Fully mature, this small tree typically grows 15-25' tall in cultivation, but it can reach 40' in the wild. Featuring 5-petaled, showy, slightly fragrant, white flowers in drooping clusters, the flowers appear before the leaves emerge in early spring. The finely-toothed, obovate leaves exhibit good fall color. Flowers give way to small, round green berries which turn red and finally mature to a dark purplish-black in early summer. Edible berries resemble blueberries in size and color and are often used in jams, jellies and pies. Amelanchiers are commonly called Juneberries.
Commonly called downy serviceberry, this tree is deciduous and early-flowering. Fully mature, this small tree typically grows 15-25' tall in cultivation, but it can reach 40' in the wild. Featuring 5-petaled, showy, slightly fragrant, white flowers in drooping clusters, the flowers appear before the leaves emerge in early spring. The finely-toothed, obovate leaves exhibit good fall color. Flowers give way to small, round green berries which turn red and finally mature to a dark purplish-black in early summer. Edible berries resemble blueberries in size and color and are often used in jams, jellies and pies. Amelanchiers are commonly called Juneberries.
72 - Pagoda Dogwood
Cornus alternifola
This small deciduous tree or large multi-stemmed shrub typically grows 15-25’ tall with distinctive tiered/layered horizontal branching which turn upward at the tips. It is native to both moist and dry forests, forest margins, stream banks and fields from Newfoundland to Minnesota south to northern Arkansas and through the Appalachians to Georgia and Alabama. Small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers bloom in flattened cymes (each to 2 1/2" across) in late spring (May-June). Flowers give way to bluish-black fruits (drupes) on red stalks. Fruits mature in late summer. Elliptic-ovate, medium green leaves (to 3-5” long) turn reddish-purple often tinted yellow or green in fall. Although the leaves of most species of dogwood are opposite, those of pagoda dogwood are alternate, hence the specific epithet and often used common name of alternate-leaf dogwood.
This small deciduous tree or large multi-stemmed shrub typically grows 15-25’ tall with distinctive tiered/layered horizontal branching which turn upward at the tips. It is native to both moist and dry forests, forest margins, stream banks and fields from Newfoundland to Minnesota south to northern Arkansas and through the Appalachians to Georgia and Alabama. Small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers bloom in flattened cymes (each to 2 1/2" across) in late spring (May-June). Flowers give way to bluish-black fruits (drupes) on red stalks. Fruits mature in late summer. Elliptic-ovate, medium green leaves (to 3-5” long) turn reddish-purple often tinted yellow or green in fall. Although the leaves of most species of dogwood are opposite, those of pagoda dogwood are alternate, hence the specific epithet and often used common name of alternate-leaf dogwood.
73 - Pagoda Dogwood
Cornus alternifola
This small deciduous tree or large multi-stemmed shrub typically grows 15-25’ tall with distinctive tiered/layered horizontal branching which turn upward at the tips. It is native to both moist and dry forests, forest margins, stream banks and fields from Newfoundland to Minnesota south to northern Arkansas and through the Appalachians to Georgia and Alabama. Small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers bloom in flattened cymes (each to 2 1/2" across) in late spring (May-June). Flowers give way to bluish-black fruits (drupes) on red stalks. Fruits mature in late summer. Elliptic-ovate, medium green leaves (to 3-5” long) turn reddish-purple often tinted yellow or green in fall. Although the leaves of most species of dogwood are opposite, those of pagoda dogwood are alternate, hence the specific epithet and often used common name of alternate-leaf dogwood.
This small deciduous tree or large multi-stemmed shrub typically grows 15-25’ tall with distinctive tiered/layered horizontal branching which turn upward at the tips. It is native to both moist and dry forests, forest margins, stream banks and fields from Newfoundland to Minnesota south to northern Arkansas and through the Appalachians to Georgia and Alabama. Small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers bloom in flattened cymes (each to 2 1/2" across) in late spring (May-June). Flowers give way to bluish-black fruits (drupes) on red stalks. Fruits mature in late summer. Elliptic-ovate, medium green leaves (to 3-5” long) turn reddish-purple often tinted yellow or green in fall. Although the leaves of most species of dogwood are opposite, those of pagoda dogwood are alternate, hence the specific epithet and often used common name of alternate-leaf dogwood.
74 - Flowering Dogwood
Cornus florida
Flowering Dogwood is a small deciduous tree that typically grows 15-30’ tall with a low-branching, but somewhat flat-topped habit. It is one of the most beautiful of the native American flowering trees. It is native from Maine to Florida, from Texas to Mexico. It blooms in early spring (April). Tiny yellowish Dogwood flower clusters are surrounded by four showy, white, petal-like bracts which open flat, giving the appearance of a single, large, 3-4” diameter, 4-petaled, white flower. Oval, dark green leaves (3-6” long) turn attractive shades of red in fall. Bright red fruits mature in late summer and are bitter and inedible, even poisonous, to humans but are loved by birds.
Flowering Dogwood is a small deciduous tree that typically grows 15-30’ tall with a low-branching, but somewhat flat-topped habit. It is one of the most beautiful of the native American flowering trees. It is native from Maine to Florida, from Texas to Mexico. It blooms in early spring (April). Tiny yellowish Dogwood flower clusters are surrounded by four showy, white, petal-like bracts which open flat, giving the appearance of a single, large, 3-4” diameter, 4-petaled, white flower. Oval, dark green leaves (3-6” long) turn attractive shades of red in fall. Bright red fruits mature in late summer and are bitter and inedible, even poisonous, to humans but are loved by birds.
75 - Redbud var. Forest Pansy
Cersis Canadensis
Commonly called Eastern Redbud, this deciduous, often multi-trunked understory tree has a rounded crown that typically matures to 20-30’ tall with a slightly larger spread. It is particularly noted for its stunning pea-like rose-purple flowers which bloom profusely on bare branches in early spring (March-April) before the foliage emerges. This tree is native to eastern and central North America from Connecticut to New York to southern Ontario and the Great Lakes south to Western Texas and Florida. The flowers (to ½” wide) bloom in clusters of 4-10, which are followed by flattened leguminous bean-like dry seedpods (to 2-4” long) that mature to brown in summer. Each pod has 6-12 seeds. Pods may remain on the tree into winter. Alternate, simple, cordate, broadly ovate to nearly orbicular, dull green to blue-green leaves (3-5” across) have a papery texture and are short pointed at the tip. Redbud leaves turn pale yellow to greenish-yellow in fall. Cercis canadensis is the state tree of Oklahoma.
Commonly called Eastern Redbud, this deciduous, often multi-trunked understory tree has a rounded crown that typically matures to 20-30’ tall with a slightly larger spread. It is particularly noted for its stunning pea-like rose-purple flowers which bloom profusely on bare branches in early spring (March-April) before the foliage emerges. This tree is native to eastern and central North America from Connecticut to New York to southern Ontario and the Great Lakes south to Western Texas and Florida. The flowers (to ½” wide) bloom in clusters of 4-10, which are followed by flattened leguminous bean-like dry seedpods (to 2-4” long) that mature to brown in summer. Each pod has 6-12 seeds. Pods may remain on the tree into winter. Alternate, simple, cordate, broadly ovate to nearly orbicular, dull green to blue-green leaves (3-5” across) have a papery texture and are short pointed at the tip. Redbud leaves turn pale yellow to greenish-yellow in fall. Cercis canadensis is the state tree of Oklahoma.
76 - Redbud var. Forest Pansy
Cersis canadensis
Commonly called Eastern Redbud, this deciduous, often multi-trunked understory tree has a rounded crown that typically matures to 20-30’ tall with a slightly larger spread. It is particularly noted for its stunning pea-like rose-purple flowers which bloom profusely on bare branches in early spring (March-April) before the foliage emerges. This tree is native to eastern and central North America from Connecticut to New York to southern Ontario and the Great Lakes south to Western Texas and Florida. The flowers (to ½” wide) bloom in clusters of 4-10, which are followed by flattened leguminous bean-like dry seedpods (to 2-4” long) that mature to brown in summer. Each pod has 6-12 seeds. Pods may remain on the tree into winter. Alternate, simple, cordate, broadly ovate to nearly orbicular, dull green to blue-green leaves (3-5” across) have a papery texture and are short pointed at the tip. Redbud leaves turn pale yellow to greenish-yellow in fall. Cercis canadensis is the state tree of Oklahoma.
Commonly called Eastern Redbud, this deciduous, often multi-trunked understory tree has a rounded crown that typically matures to 20-30’ tall with a slightly larger spread. It is particularly noted for its stunning pea-like rose-purple flowers which bloom profusely on bare branches in early spring (March-April) before the foliage emerges. This tree is native to eastern and central North America from Connecticut to New York to southern Ontario and the Great Lakes south to Western Texas and Florida. The flowers (to ½” wide) bloom in clusters of 4-10, which are followed by flattened leguminous bean-like dry seedpods (to 2-4” long) that mature to brown in summer. Each pod has 6-12 seeds. Pods may remain on the tree into winter. Alternate, simple, cordate, broadly ovate to nearly orbicular, dull green to blue-green leaves (3-5” across) have a papery texture and are short pointed at the tip. Redbud leaves turn pale yellow to greenish-yellow in fall. Cercis canadensis is the state tree of Oklahoma.
77 - Redbud var. Avondale
Cersis chinensis
Commonly called Chinese redbud, this native to woodlands, thickets and slopes in central to southern China. This tree will grow to as much as 50' tall in its native habitat, but in cultivation in the U.S. it usually grows much smaller as an open, densely branched, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree to 8-15' tall. It is somewhat similar in appearance to Cercis canadensis which is native to eastern and central North America, except Chinese redbud has larger rose-purple flowers, glossier leaves, longer seed pods, shorter mature height, variable but usually less attractive fall color and lesser winter cold hardiness. Rounded, leathery, heart-shaped green leaves (to 5" long) are attractive during the growing season and turn yellow in fall. Pendulous, flat, bean-like, seed pods (to 5” long) mature in late summer.
Commonly called Chinese redbud, this native to woodlands, thickets and slopes in central to southern China. This tree will grow to as much as 50' tall in its native habitat, but in cultivation in the U.S. it usually grows much smaller as an open, densely branched, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree to 8-15' tall. It is somewhat similar in appearance to Cercis canadensis which is native to eastern and central North America, except Chinese redbud has larger rose-purple flowers, glossier leaves, longer seed pods, shorter mature height, variable but usually less attractive fall color and lesser winter cold hardiness. Rounded, leathery, heart-shaped green leaves (to 5" long) are attractive during the growing season and turn yellow in fall. Pendulous, flat, bean-like, seed pods (to 5” long) mature in late summer.
78 - Eastern Hemlock
Tsuga canadensis
Eastern hemlock or Canadian Hemlock is a dense, pyramidal conifer of the Pine family that is native to moist woods, moist slopes, rocky hillsides/ridges, wooded ravines, and stream valleys from eastern Canada south to Maine and Wisconsin and further south in the Appalachian Mountains to Georgia and Alabama. It grows to 40-75’ tall in the wild. This species is noted for having the smallest needles and cones in the genus. Flat sprays of lacy evergreen foliage give this tree a graceful form. Short dark green needles (to 9/16" long) with two white bands beneath are arranged in two opposite rows. Needles are attached to twigs by slender stalks. Small, pendant, short-stalked, seed-bearing cones (to 3/4" long) are tan-brown. Lower branches often dip toward the ground. Thick and ridged bark on mature trees is red-brown to gray-brown. It is the state tree of Pennsylvania. No part of this tree is poisonous.
Eastern hemlock or Canadian Hemlock is a dense, pyramidal conifer of the Pine family that is native to moist woods, moist slopes, rocky hillsides/ridges, wooded ravines, and stream valleys from eastern Canada south to Maine and Wisconsin and further south in the Appalachian Mountains to Georgia and Alabama. It grows to 40-75’ tall in the wild. This species is noted for having the smallest needles and cones in the genus. Flat sprays of lacy evergreen foliage give this tree a graceful form. Short dark green needles (to 9/16" long) with two white bands beneath are arranged in two opposite rows. Needles are attached to twigs by slender stalks. Small, pendant, short-stalked, seed-bearing cones (to 3/4" long) are tan-brown. Lower branches often dip toward the ground. Thick and ridged bark on mature trees is red-brown to gray-brown. It is the state tree of Pennsylvania. No part of this tree is poisonous.
79 - Sweetbay Magnolia
Magnolia virginiana
Sweet bay magnolia, is native to the southeastern United States north along the Atlantic coast to New York. In the northern part of its cultivated growing range, it typically grows as either a 15-20' tall tree with a spreading, rounded crown or as a shorter, open, multi-stemmed shrub. In the deep South, it is apt to be more tree-like, sometimes growing to 60' tall. Features cup-shaped, sweetly fragrant (lemony), 9-12 petaled, creamy white, waxy flowers (2-3" diameter) which appear in mid-spring and sometimes continue sporadically throughout the summer. Oblong-lanceolate shiny green foliage is silvery beneath. Foliage is evergreen to semi-evergreen in the South, but generally deciduous in the North. Cone-like fruits with bright red seeds mature in fall and can be showy.
Sweet bay magnolia, is native to the southeastern United States north along the Atlantic coast to New York. In the northern part of its cultivated growing range, it typically grows as either a 15-20' tall tree with a spreading, rounded crown or as a shorter, open, multi-stemmed shrub. In the deep South, it is apt to be more tree-like, sometimes growing to 60' tall. Features cup-shaped, sweetly fragrant (lemony), 9-12 petaled, creamy white, waxy flowers (2-3" diameter) which appear in mid-spring and sometimes continue sporadically throughout the summer. Oblong-lanceolate shiny green foliage is silvery beneath. Foliage is evergreen to semi-evergreen in the South, but generally deciduous in the North. Cone-like fruits with bright red seeds mature in fall and can be showy.
80 - Sweetbay Magnolia
Magnolia virginia
Sweet bay magnolia, is native to the southeastern United States north along the Atlantic coast to New York. In the northern part of its cultivated growing range, it typically grows as either a 15-20' tall tree with a spreading, rounded crown or as a shorter, open, multi-stemmed shrub. In the deep South, it is apt to be more tree-like, sometimes growing to 60' tall. Features cup-shaped, sweetly fragrant (lemony), 9-12 petaled, creamy white, waxy flowers (2-3" diameter) which appear in mid-spring and sometimes continue sporadically throughout the summer. Oblong-lanceolate shiny green foliage is silvery beneath. Foliage is evergreen to semi-evergreen in the South, but generally deciduous in the North. Cone-like fruits with bright red seeds mature in fall and can be showy.
Sweet bay magnolia, is native to the southeastern United States north along the Atlantic coast to New York. In the northern part of its cultivated growing range, it typically grows as either a 15-20' tall tree with a spreading, rounded crown or as a shorter, open, multi-stemmed shrub. In the deep South, it is apt to be more tree-like, sometimes growing to 60' tall. Features cup-shaped, sweetly fragrant (lemony), 9-12 petaled, creamy white, waxy flowers (2-3" diameter) which appear in mid-spring and sometimes continue sporadically throughout the summer. Oblong-lanceolate shiny green foliage is silvery beneath. Foliage is evergreen to semi-evergreen in the South, but generally deciduous in the North. Cone-like fruits with bright red seeds mature in fall and can be showy.
81 - Sweetbay Magnolia
Magnolia virginiana
Sweet bay magnolia, is native to the southeastern United States north along the Atlantic coast to New York. In the northern part of its cultivated growing range, it typically grows as either a 15-20' tall tree with a spreading, rounded crown or as a shorter, open, multi-stemmed shrub. In the deep South, it is apt to be more tree-like, sometimes growing to 60' tall. Features cup-shaped, sweetly fragrant (lemony), 9-12 petaled, creamy white, waxy flowers (2-3" diameter) which appear in mid-spring and sometimes continue sporadically throughout the summer. Oblong-lanceolate shiny green foliage is silvery beneath. Foliage is evergreen to semi-evergreen in the South, but generally deciduous in the North. Cone-like fruits with bright red seeds mature in fall and can be showy.
Sweet bay magnolia, is native to the southeastern United States north along the Atlantic coast to New York. In the northern part of its cultivated growing range, it typically grows as either a 15-20' tall tree with a spreading, rounded crown or as a shorter, open, multi-stemmed shrub. In the deep South, it is apt to be more tree-like, sometimes growing to 60' tall. Features cup-shaped, sweetly fragrant (lemony), 9-12 petaled, creamy white, waxy flowers (2-3" diameter) which appear in mid-spring and sometimes continue sporadically throughout the summer. Oblong-lanceolate shiny green foliage is silvery beneath. Foliage is evergreen to semi-evergreen in the South, but generally deciduous in the North. Cone-like fruits with bright red seeds mature in fall and can be showy.
82 - Saucer Magnolia
Magnolia soulangeana
The Saucer Magnolia is the most commonly grown and most popular deciduous magnolia. It is a broad tree that typically rises to 20-25’ tall with a rounded crown. It typically matures over time to 20-30’ tall and as wide, but it could be pruned to remain a shrub. Fragrant flowers (to 8” across) bloom in early spring (late March to early April) before the leathery foliage emerges. Flowers are pink with white interiors and make a stunning display.
Benches beneath the tree are used by Westfield students and teachers as an outdoor classroom and for reflection.
The Saucer Magnolia is the most commonly grown and most popular deciduous magnolia. It is a broad tree that typically rises to 20-25’ tall with a rounded crown. It typically matures over time to 20-30’ tall and as wide, but it could be pruned to remain a shrub. Fragrant flowers (to 8” across) bloom in early spring (late March to early April) before the leathery foliage emerges. Flowers are pink with white interiors and make a stunning display.
Benches beneath the tree are used by Westfield students and teachers as an outdoor classroom and for reflection.
83 - Flowering Cherry var. Snow Goose
Prunus serrulata
The Japanese flowering cherry or oriental cherry, is a medium sized tree growing to 50-75’ tall in its native habitat. It features non-fragrant white flowers in spring, pea-sized blackish fruits in late summer and ovate to lanceolate green leaves (to 5” long). This species is rarely sold in commerce, however. What is commonly sold in commerce under the name of Japanese flowering cherry are a very large number of non-fruiting, often grafted cultivars (‘Kwanzan’ or ‘Kanzan’ being perhaps the most popular -- Tree #28 on the Tree Walk is a Prunus kanzan), that generally grow in the 15-25’ range with vase-shaped to rounded crowns. These cultivars are primarily grown for their profuse and showy spring bloom. Cultivar flowers primarily come in various shades of white and pink and bloom with or just before the foliage in spring. Flowers come in single, semi-double or double form and may be fragrant or non-fragrant. New leaves may be tinged with bronze. Fall color varies from interesting shades of bronze and red to yellow.
The Japanese flowering cherry or oriental cherry, is a medium sized tree growing to 50-75’ tall in its native habitat. It features non-fragrant white flowers in spring, pea-sized blackish fruits in late summer and ovate to lanceolate green leaves (to 5” long). This species is rarely sold in commerce, however. What is commonly sold in commerce under the name of Japanese flowering cherry are a very large number of non-fruiting, often grafted cultivars (‘Kwanzan’ or ‘Kanzan’ being perhaps the most popular -- Tree #28 on the Tree Walk is a Prunus kanzan), that generally grow in the 15-25’ range with vase-shaped to rounded crowns. These cultivars are primarily grown for their profuse and showy spring bloom. Cultivar flowers primarily come in various shades of white and pink and bloom with or just before the foliage in spring. Flowers come in single, semi-double or double form and may be fragrant or non-fragrant. New leaves may be tinged with bronze. Fall color varies from interesting shades of bronze and red to yellow.
84 - Flowering Cherry var. Snow Goose
Prunus serrulata
The Japanese flowering cherry or oriental cherry, is a medium sized tree growing to 50-75’ tall in its native habitat. It features non-fragrant white flowers in spring, pea-sized blackish fruits in late summer and ovate to lanceolate green leaves (to 5” long). This species is rarely sold in commerce, however. What is commonly sold in commerce under the name of Japanese flowering cherry are a very large number of non-fruiting, often grafted cultivars (‘Kwanzan’ or ‘Kanzan’ being perhaps the most popular -- Tree #28 on the Tree Walk is a Prunus kanzan), that generally grow in the 15-25’ range with vase-shaped to rounded crowns. These cultivars are primarily grown for their profuse and showy spring bloom. Cultivar flowers primarily come in various shades of white and pink and bloom with or just before the foliage in spring. Flowers come in single, semi-double or double form and may be fragrant or non-fragrant. New leaves may be tinged with bronze. Fall color varies from interesting shades of bronze and red to yellow.
The Japanese flowering cherry or oriental cherry, is a medium sized tree growing to 50-75’ tall in its native habitat. It features non-fragrant white flowers in spring, pea-sized blackish fruits in late summer and ovate to lanceolate green leaves (to 5” long). This species is rarely sold in commerce, however. What is commonly sold in commerce under the name of Japanese flowering cherry are a very large number of non-fruiting, often grafted cultivars (‘Kwanzan’ or ‘Kanzan’ being perhaps the most popular -- Tree #28 on the Tree Walk is a Prunus kanzan), that generally grow in the 15-25’ range with vase-shaped to rounded crowns. These cultivars are primarily grown for their profuse and showy spring bloom. Cultivar flowers primarily come in various shades of white and pink and bloom with or just before the foliage in spring. Flowers come in single, semi-double or double form and may be fragrant or non-fragrant. New leaves may be tinged with bronze. Fall color varies from interesting shades of bronze and red to yellow.
85 - Mountain Camellia
Stewartia ovata
Commonly called Stewartia, Mountain Stewartia or mountain camellia, this deciduous small understory tree or large shrub is primarily native to wooded stream banks and bluffs bases in the Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont from Virginia to Alabama. It is noted for its camellia-like flowers, rich dark green summer foliage and orange-scarlet fall color. It typically grows to 10-15’ tall with a shrubby habit. Ovate to elliptic, dark green leaves (to 5-6” long) have broadly winged leafstalks. Leaves turn attractive shades of orange and red in fall. Five-petaled white flowers (to 3” diameter) with orange anthers bloom in July when few other trees are in bloom. The flowers give way to 5-parted woody seed capsules that split open when ripe. This tea family member is closely related to Camellia, Franklinia and Gordonia.
Commonly called Stewartia, Mountain Stewartia or mountain camellia, this deciduous small understory tree or large shrub is primarily native to wooded stream banks and bluffs bases in the Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont from Virginia to Alabama. It is noted for its camellia-like flowers, rich dark green summer foliage and orange-scarlet fall color. It typically grows to 10-15’ tall with a shrubby habit. Ovate to elliptic, dark green leaves (to 5-6” long) have broadly winged leafstalks. Leaves turn attractive shades of orange and red in fall. Five-petaled white flowers (to 3” diameter) with orange anthers bloom in July when few other trees are in bloom. The flowers give way to 5-parted woody seed capsules that split open when ripe. This tea family member is closely related to Camellia, Franklinia and Gordonia.
86 - Mountain Camellia
Stewartia ovata
Commonly called Stewartia, Mountain stewartia or Mountain camellia, this deciduous small understory tree or large shrub is primarily native to wooded stream banks and bluffs bases in the Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont from Virginia to Alabama. It is noted for its camellia-like flowers, rich dark green summer foliage and orange-scarlet fall color. It typically grows to 10-15’ tall with a shrubby habit. Ovate to elliptic, dark green leaves (to 5-6” long) have broadly winged leafstalks. Leaves turn attractive shades of orange and red in fall. Five-petaled white flowers (to 3” diameter) with orange anthers bloom in July when few other trees are in bloom. The flowers give way to 5-parted woody seed capsules that split open when ripe. This tea family member is closely related to Camellia, Franklinia and Gordonia.
Commonly called Stewartia, Mountain stewartia or Mountain camellia, this deciduous small understory tree or large shrub is primarily native to wooded stream banks and bluffs bases in the Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont from Virginia to Alabama. It is noted for its camellia-like flowers, rich dark green summer foliage and orange-scarlet fall color. It typically grows to 10-15’ tall with a shrubby habit. Ovate to elliptic, dark green leaves (to 5-6” long) have broadly winged leafstalks. Leaves turn attractive shades of orange and red in fall. Five-petaled white flowers (to 3” diameter) with orange anthers bloom in July when few other trees are in bloom. The flowers give way to 5-parted woody seed capsules that split open when ripe. This tea family member is closely related to Camellia, Franklinia and Gordonia.
87 - Mountain Camellia
Stewartia ovata
Commonly called Stewartia, Mountain stewartia or Mountain camellia, this deciduous small understory tree or large shrub is primarily native to wooded stream banks and bluffs bases in the Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont from Virginia to Alabama. It is noted for its camellia-like flowers, rich dark green summer foliage and orange-scarlet fall color. It typically grows to 10-15’ tall with a shrubby habit. Ovate to elliptic, dark green leaves (to 5-6” long) have broadly winged leafstalks. Leaves turn attractive shades of orange and red in fall. Five-petaled white flowers (to 3” diameter) with orange anthers bloom in July when few other trees are in bloom. The flowers give way to 5-parted woody seed capsules that split open when ripe. This tea family member is closely related to Camellia, Franklinia and Gordonia.
Commonly called Stewartia, Mountain stewartia or Mountain camellia, this deciduous small understory tree or large shrub is primarily native to wooded stream banks and bluffs bases in the Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont from Virginia to Alabama. It is noted for its camellia-like flowers, rich dark green summer foliage and orange-scarlet fall color. It typically grows to 10-15’ tall with a shrubby habit. Ovate to elliptic, dark green leaves (to 5-6” long) have broadly winged leafstalks. Leaves turn attractive shades of orange and red in fall. Five-petaled white flowers (to 3” diameter) with orange anthers bloom in July when few other trees are in bloom. The flowers give way to 5-parted woody seed capsules that split open when ripe. This tea family member is closely related to Camellia, Franklinia and Gordonia.
88 - Fringe Tree
Chionanthus virginicus
The Fringetree is a deciduous native shrub or small tree in New Jersey with a spreading, rounded habit that typically grows 12-20' tall (to 35' in the wild, however) and most often occurs in rich, moist woods and hillsides, moist stream banks, limestone glade margins and rocky bluffs and ledges. The common name refers to the slightly fragrant, spring-blooming flowers which feature airy, terminal, drooping clusters (4-6" long) of fringe-like, creamy white petals. Dioecious (separate male and female plants), but also may have perfect flowers on each plant. Male flowers are showier than female flowers. Fertilized perfect or female flowers give way to clusters of olive-like fruits which ripen to a dark, bluish black in late summer and are an excellent food source for birds and wildlife. Wide, spear-shaped leaves (to 8" long) turn yellow in autumn.
The Fringetree is a deciduous native shrub or small tree in New Jersey with a spreading, rounded habit that typically grows 12-20' tall (to 35' in the wild, however) and most often occurs in rich, moist woods and hillsides, moist stream banks, limestone glade margins and rocky bluffs and ledges. The common name refers to the slightly fragrant, spring-blooming flowers which feature airy, terminal, drooping clusters (4-6" long) of fringe-like, creamy white petals. Dioecious (separate male and female plants), but also may have perfect flowers on each plant. Male flowers are showier than female flowers. Fertilized perfect or female flowers give way to clusters of olive-like fruits which ripen to a dark, bluish black in late summer and are an excellent food source for birds and wildlife. Wide, spear-shaped leaves (to 8" long) turn yellow in autumn.
89 - Sugar Maple var. legacy
Acer saccharum
‘Legacy' Sugar maple is a fast growing, densely-branched, round, symmetrical shade tree. The thick, waxy, dark-green leaves have a definite sheen and are resistant to tattering in frequent wind storms and are resistant to burning during the droughty summer months. It is a deciduous tree that can grow to 30 ft. - 50 ft. with a spread of 20 ft. to 35 ft. when mature. In the fall, the entire tree transforms into brilliant red with touches of pink, orange and golden yellow.
‘Legacy' Sugar maple is a fast growing, densely-branched, round, symmetrical shade tree. The thick, waxy, dark-green leaves have a definite sheen and are resistant to tattering in frequent wind storms and are resistant to burning during the droughty summer months. It is a deciduous tree that can grow to 30 ft. - 50 ft. with a spread of 20 ft. to 35 ft. when mature. In the fall, the entire tree transforms into brilliant red with touches of pink, orange and golden yellow.
90 - Washington Hawthorn
Crataegus phaenopyrum
The Washington hawthorn, can be found in open ground, thickets and wood margins in the state. It is noted for its attractive flowers and foliage, bright red fruits and fall color. It is a small, low-branching, deciduous tree that typically grows 25-30’ tall with a rounded crown. Thorny stems are clad with shallowly lobed, serrated, glossy dark green leaves (to 2 1/2” long). Leaves turn attractive shades of orange and red in fall. Fragrant, 5-petaled, white flowers in clusters (corymbs) bloom in late spring. The flowers are followed in fall by bright red 1/4” diameter globose fruits (pomes) that persist throughout the winter. The fruit is sometimes called a haw. The word haw also means hedge, the hawthorn thus being a thorny hedge. Washington hawthorn is native from Virginia to Missouri, Arkansas and Alabama. The genus name comes from the Greek name for the tree. From kratos meaning strength for its strong, hard wood.
Washington hawthorns reportedly were first grown commercially near Washington, D.C. in the late 1700s, hence the common name.
The Washington hawthorn, can be found in open ground, thickets and wood margins in the state. It is noted for its attractive flowers and foliage, bright red fruits and fall color. It is a small, low-branching, deciduous tree that typically grows 25-30’ tall with a rounded crown. Thorny stems are clad with shallowly lobed, serrated, glossy dark green leaves (to 2 1/2” long). Leaves turn attractive shades of orange and red in fall. Fragrant, 5-petaled, white flowers in clusters (corymbs) bloom in late spring. The flowers are followed in fall by bright red 1/4” diameter globose fruits (pomes) that persist throughout the winter. The fruit is sometimes called a haw. The word haw also means hedge, the hawthorn thus being a thorny hedge. Washington hawthorn is native from Virginia to Missouri, Arkansas and Alabama. The genus name comes from the Greek name for the tree. From kratos meaning strength for its strong, hard wood.
Washington hawthorns reportedly were first grown commercially near Washington, D.C. in the late 1700s, hence the common name.
91 - Red Maple var. Sunset
Acer rubrum
The Red maple, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that is native to Eastern North America from Quebec to Minnesota south to Florida and eastern Texas. It typically grows 40-60’ tall with a rounded to oval crown. It grows faster than Norway and Sugar maples, but slower than Silver maple. In northern states, red maple usually occurs in wet bottomland, river flood plains and wet woods. Emerging new growth leaves, leafstalks, twigs, flowers, fruit and fall color are red or tinged with red. Flowers on a given tree are primarily male or female or monoecious and appear in late winter to early spring (March-April) before the leaves. The fruit of a Red Maple is a two-winged samara.
The tiny red flowers in dense clusters in late March to early April (before the leaves appear), red fruit (initially reddish, two-winged samara), reddish stems and twigs, red buds, and, in the fall, excellent orange-red foliage color all help this maple to earn the distinction Red Maple. RED SUNSET is one of the best red maple cultivars available in commerce, with outstanding orange to red fall color.
The Red maple, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that is native to Eastern North America from Quebec to Minnesota south to Florida and eastern Texas. It typically grows 40-60’ tall with a rounded to oval crown. It grows faster than Norway and Sugar maples, but slower than Silver maple. In northern states, red maple usually occurs in wet bottomland, river flood plains and wet woods. Emerging new growth leaves, leafstalks, twigs, flowers, fruit and fall color are red or tinged with red. Flowers on a given tree are primarily male or female or monoecious and appear in late winter to early spring (March-April) before the leaves. The fruit of a Red Maple is a two-winged samara.
The tiny red flowers in dense clusters in late March to early April (before the leaves appear), red fruit (initially reddish, two-winged samara), reddish stems and twigs, red buds, and, in the fall, excellent orange-red foliage color all help this maple to earn the distinction Red Maple. RED SUNSET is one of the best red maple cultivars available in commerce, with outstanding orange to red fall color.
92 - Ironwood
Ostrya virginiana
Ironwood or American hop hornbeam, is a deciduous tree which usually occurs in dry soils on rocky slopes, upland woods and bluffs. A small to medium-sized, understory tree with a generally rounded crown, the tree typically grows 25-40' tall with a slightly smaller spread. It features birch-like, oval to lance-shaped, sharply-serrated, dark yellowish-green leaves (to 5" long). Leaves turn an undistinguished yellow in autumn and often drop early. The flowers are monoecious (reddish-brown male flowers and greenish female flowers appear in separate catkins on the same tree). Flowers are not particularly showy, although the male catkins are more prominent and are present throughout winter. Female catkins are followed by drooping clusters of sac-like, seed-bearing pods which, as the common name suggests, somewhat resemble the fruit of hops. The name Ironwood refers to its extremely hard and dense wood.
Ironwood or American hop hornbeam, is a deciduous tree which usually occurs in dry soils on rocky slopes, upland woods and bluffs. A small to medium-sized, understory tree with a generally rounded crown, the tree typically grows 25-40' tall with a slightly smaller spread. It features birch-like, oval to lance-shaped, sharply-serrated, dark yellowish-green leaves (to 5" long). Leaves turn an undistinguished yellow in autumn and often drop early. The flowers are monoecious (reddish-brown male flowers and greenish female flowers appear in separate catkins on the same tree). Flowers are not particularly showy, although the male catkins are more prominent and are present throughout winter. Female catkins are followed by drooping clusters of sac-like, seed-bearing pods which, as the common name suggests, somewhat resemble the fruit of hops. The name Ironwood refers to its extremely hard and dense wood.
93 - Ironwood
Ostrya virginiana
Ironwood or American hop hornbeam, is a deciduous tree which usually occurs in dry soils on rocky slopes, upland woods and bluffs. A small to medium-sized, understory tree with a generally rounded crown, the tree typically grows 25-40' tall with a slightly smaller spread. It features birch-like, oval to lance-shaped, sharply-serrated, dark yellowish-green leaves (to 5" long). Leaves turn an undistinguished yellow in autumn and often drop early. The flowers are monoecious (reddish-brown male flowers and greenish female flowers appear in separate catkins on the same tree). Flowers are not particularly showy, although the male catkins are more prominent and are present throughout winter. Female catkins are followed by drooping clusters of sac-like, seed-bearing pods which, as the common name suggests, somewhat resemble the fruit of hops. The name Ironwood refers to its extremely hard and dense wood.
Ironwood or American hop hornbeam, is a deciduous tree which usually occurs in dry soils on rocky slopes, upland woods and bluffs. A small to medium-sized, understory tree with a generally rounded crown, the tree typically grows 25-40' tall with a slightly smaller spread. It features birch-like, oval to lance-shaped, sharply-serrated, dark yellowish-green leaves (to 5" long). Leaves turn an undistinguished yellow in autumn and often drop early. The flowers are monoecious (reddish-brown male flowers and greenish female flowers appear in separate catkins on the same tree). Flowers are not particularly showy, although the male catkins are more prominent and are present throughout winter. Female catkins are followed by drooping clusters of sac-like, seed-bearing pods which, as the common name suggests, somewhat resemble the fruit of hops. The name Ironwood refers to its extremely hard and dense wood.
94 - American Yellowwood
Cladastris kentukea
American yellowwood is a medium-sized, deciduous tree of the legume family that typically grows 30-50’ tall with upright branching and a broad, rounded crown. It is noted for its pinnately compound foliage, panicles of fragrant white spring flowers, autumn seed pods and yellow fall color. The species is native to the southeastern U.S. Pinnately compound leaves (usually with 7-11 leaflets) open as yellowish green, turn bright green in summer and then turn yellow in fall. It has intensely fragrant, wisteria-like, pink flowers in large, drooping, terminal panicles (10-15” long) that cover a mature tree in late spring. Profuse bloom may occur only once every 2 or 3 years, however. New trees may not bloom for the first 8-10 years. Bloom is similar in appearance to that of the Black Locust (Robinia). Flowers give way to flat seed pods (2.5-4” long) that mature in September-October. Tshis pecies was formerly called Cladrastus lutea.
American yellowwood is a medium-sized, deciduous tree of the legume family that typically grows 30-50’ tall with upright branching and a broad, rounded crown. It is noted for its pinnately compound foliage, panicles of fragrant white spring flowers, autumn seed pods and yellow fall color. The species is native to the southeastern U.S. Pinnately compound leaves (usually with 7-11 leaflets) open as yellowish green, turn bright green in summer and then turn yellow in fall. It has intensely fragrant, wisteria-like, pink flowers in large, drooping, terminal panicles (10-15” long) that cover a mature tree in late spring. Profuse bloom may occur only once every 2 or 3 years, however. New trees may not bloom for the first 8-10 years. Bloom is similar in appearance to that of the Black Locust (Robinia). Flowers give way to flat seed pods (2.5-4” long) that mature in September-October. Tshis pecies was formerly called Cladrastus lutea.
95 - American Yellowwood
Cladastris kentukea
American yellowwood is a medium-sized, deciduous tree of the legume family that typically grows 30-50’ tall with upright branching and a broad, rounded crown. It is noted for its pinnately compound foliage, panicles of fragrant white spring flowers, autumn seed pods and yellow fall color. The species is native to the southeastern U.S. Pinnately compound leaves (usually with 7-11 leaflets) open as yellowish green, turn bright green in summer and then turn yellow in fall. It has intensely fragrant, wisteria-like, pink flowers in large, drooping, terminal panicles (10-15” long) that cover a mature tree in late spring. Profuse bloom may occur only once every 2 or 3 years, however. New trees may not bloom for the first 8-10 years. Bloom is similar in appearance to that of the Black Locust (Robinia). Flowers give way to flat seed pods (2.5-4” long) that mature in September-October. Tshis pecies was formerly called Cladrastus lutea.
American yellowwood is a medium-sized, deciduous tree of the legume family that typically grows 30-50’ tall with upright branching and a broad, rounded crown. It is noted for its pinnately compound foliage, panicles of fragrant white spring flowers, autumn seed pods and yellow fall color. The species is native to the southeastern U.S. Pinnately compound leaves (usually with 7-11 leaflets) open as yellowish green, turn bright green in summer and then turn yellow in fall. It has intensely fragrant, wisteria-like, pink flowers in large, drooping, terminal panicles (10-15” long) that cover a mature tree in late spring. Profuse bloom may occur only once every 2 or 3 years, however. New trees may not bloom for the first 8-10 years. Bloom is similar in appearance to that of the Black Locust (Robinia). Flowers give way to flat seed pods (2.5-4” long) that mature in September-October. Tshis pecies was formerly called Cladrastus lutea.
96 - American Yellowwood
Cladastris kentukea
American yellowwood is a medium-sized, deciduous tree of the legume family that typically grows 30-50’ tall with upright branching and a broad, rounded crown. It is noted for its pinnately compound foliage, panicles of fragrant white spring flowers, autumn seed pods and yellow fall color. The species is native to the southeastern U.S. Pinnately compound leaves (usually with 7-11 leaflets) open as yellowish green, turn bright green in summer and then turn yellow in fall. It has intensely fragrant, wisteria-like, pink flowers in large, drooping, terminal panicles (10-15” long) that cover a mature tree in late spring. Profuse bloom may occur only once every 2 or 3 years, however. New trees may not bloom for the first 8-10 years. Bloom is similar in appearance to that of the Black Locust (Robinia). Flowers give way to flat seed pods (2.5-4” long) that mature in September-October. Tshis pecies was formerly called Cladrastus lutea.
American yellowwood is a medium-sized, deciduous tree of the legume family that typically grows 30-50’ tall with upright branching and a broad, rounded crown. It is noted for its pinnately compound foliage, panicles of fragrant white spring flowers, autumn seed pods and yellow fall color. The species is native to the southeastern U.S. Pinnately compound leaves (usually with 7-11 leaflets) open as yellowish green, turn bright green in summer and then turn yellow in fall. It has intensely fragrant, wisteria-like, pink flowers in large, drooping, terminal panicles (10-15” long) that cover a mature tree in late spring. Profuse bloom may occur only once every 2 or 3 years, however. New trees may not bloom for the first 8-10 years. Bloom is similar in appearance to that of the Black Locust (Robinia). Flowers give way to flat seed pods (2.5-4” long) that mature in September-October. Tshis pecies was formerly called Cladrastus lutea.
97 - Tupelo (Black Gum)
Nyssa sylvatica
The Black Gum or Tupelo tree is a slow-growing, deciduous native tree which occurs in a wide range of soils. It is primarily a lowland tree found in low wet woods, bottomlands and pond peripheries, but also can be found on dry rocky wooded slopes and ravines. A stately tree with a straight trunk and rounded crown (more pyramidal when young) that typically grows 30-50' tall, but occasionally to 90'. Small, greenish-white flowers appear in spring on long stalks. Although flowers are not showy, they are an excellent nectar source for bees. Flowers give way to oval, 1/2" long fruits which are technically edible but quite sour (hence the common name). Fruits mature to a dark blue and are attractive to birds and wildlife. The Black Gum turns a spectacular scarlet color in autumn.
The Black Gum or Tupelo tree is a slow-growing, deciduous native tree which occurs in a wide range of soils. It is primarily a lowland tree found in low wet woods, bottomlands and pond peripheries, but also can be found on dry rocky wooded slopes and ravines. A stately tree with a straight trunk and rounded crown (more pyramidal when young) that typically grows 30-50' tall, but occasionally to 90'. Small, greenish-white flowers appear in spring on long stalks. Although flowers are not showy, they are an excellent nectar source for bees. Flowers give way to oval, 1/2" long fruits which are technically edible but quite sour (hence the common name). Fruits mature to a dark blue and are attractive to birds and wildlife. The Black Gum turns a spectacular scarlet color in autumn.
98 - White Oak
Quercus alba
Commonly called white oak, this large deciduous tree is in the white oak group. It typically occurs in dry upland slopes and ledges as well as lowland valleys and ravines. It grows 50-80' tall in cultivation and taller (to 100') in the wild. White oak trees are pyramidal when young, but mature into substantial trees with a wide-spreading, rounded crown. Insignificant yellowish-green flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in spring shortly after the leaves emerge. Fruits are oval acorns (to 3/4" long) with warty-scaled cups. The leaves (4-9" long) have 7 to 9 deep rounded lobes and emerge pinkish in spring, but mature to dark green. Variable fall color ranges from uninteresting browns to quality shades of dark red. White oak grows over much of eastern North America and is an important hardwood timber tree. It is widely used in landscapes, but slow growth rate and large size has somewhat tempered its popularity. The White oak is the Illinois State Tree.
Commonly called white oak, this large deciduous tree is in the white oak group. It typically occurs in dry upland slopes and ledges as well as lowland valleys and ravines. It grows 50-80' tall in cultivation and taller (to 100') in the wild. White oak trees are pyramidal when young, but mature into substantial trees with a wide-spreading, rounded crown. Insignificant yellowish-green flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in spring shortly after the leaves emerge. Fruits are oval acorns (to 3/4" long) with warty-scaled cups. The leaves (4-9" long) have 7 to 9 deep rounded lobes and emerge pinkish in spring, but mature to dark green. Variable fall color ranges from uninteresting browns to quality shades of dark red. White oak grows over much of eastern North America and is an important hardwood timber tree. It is widely used in landscapes, but slow growth rate and large size has somewhat tempered its popularity. The White oak is the Illinois State Tree.
99 - Red Oak
Quercus rubra
The red oak or northern red oak, is a medium sized, deciduous tree with a rounded to broad-spreading, often irregular crown. It typically grows at a moderate-to-fast rate to a height of 50-75' (often larger in the wild). Dark, lustrous green leaves (grayish-white beneath) have 7-11 toothed lobes, which are sharply pointed at the tips. Leaves turn brownish-red in autumn. Insignificant flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in spring. The fruits are acorns (with flat, saucer-shaped cups) which mature in early fall. An abundant crop of acorns may not occur before this tree reaches 40 years old.
The red oak or northern red oak, is a medium sized, deciduous tree with a rounded to broad-spreading, often irregular crown. It typically grows at a moderate-to-fast rate to a height of 50-75' (often larger in the wild). Dark, lustrous green leaves (grayish-white beneath) have 7-11 toothed lobes, which are sharply pointed at the tips. Leaves turn brownish-red in autumn. Insignificant flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in spring. The fruits are acorns (with flat, saucer-shaped cups) which mature in early fall. An abundant crop of acorns may not occur before this tree reaches 40 years old.
100 - Star Magnolia
Magnolia stellata
Commonly called Star Magnolia, this tree is native to Japan. It is a small deciduous tree that typically grows 15-20’ tall with a spreading, rounded crown. It is also often grown as a large oval to rounded shrub. It is noted for its compact size and late winter to early spring bloom of star-shaped white flowers. Each flower typically has 12-18 narrow strap-like tepals. Star Magnolias are best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. The best flowers grow in full sun. Star Magnolias thrive in locations protected from high winds. Mulch (compost or bark) helps retain soil moisture. Prune only if needed immediately after flowering.
Commonly called Star Magnolia, this tree is native to Japan. It is a small deciduous tree that typically grows 15-20’ tall with a spreading, rounded crown. It is also often grown as a large oval to rounded shrub. It is noted for its compact size and late winter to early spring bloom of star-shaped white flowers. Each flower typically has 12-18 narrow strap-like tepals. Star Magnolias are best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. The best flowers grow in full sun. Star Magnolias thrive in locations protected from high winds. Mulch (compost or bark) helps retain soil moisture. Prune only if needed immediately after flowering.
101 - American Elm var. Princeton Elm
Ulmus americana
Commonly called American elm, this medium to large deciduous tree, typically grows to 60-80’ (less frequently to 130’) tall with a vase-shaped, broad-rounded crown. It is native to eastern and central North America. Although once widely planted as a street and lawn tree, American elm populations have been so decimated by Dutch elm disease that this tree has lost favor in when selecting trees for landscape uses. Years ago, the nearby town of Riverton, NJ lost the beautiful Elms that lined their major streets. The Princeton Elm variation, planted at Westfield Friends, is a new disease resistant variety, which has enabled landscapers to use Elms again in planning. Insignificant small green flowers appear in spring before the foliage emerges. Flowers give way to single-seeded wafer-like samaras (each tiny seed is surrounded by a flattened oval-rounded papery wing). Seeds mature in April-May as the leaves reach full size. Rough-textured, ovate-elliptic, dark green leaves (to 6” long) have toothed margins and asymmetrical bases. The leaves typically turn an undistinguished yellow color in fall.
Commonly called American elm, this medium to large deciduous tree, typically grows to 60-80’ (less frequently to 130’) tall with a vase-shaped, broad-rounded crown. It is native to eastern and central North America. Although once widely planted as a street and lawn tree, American elm populations have been so decimated by Dutch elm disease that this tree has lost favor in when selecting trees for landscape uses. Years ago, the nearby town of Riverton, NJ lost the beautiful Elms that lined their major streets. The Princeton Elm variation, planted at Westfield Friends, is a new disease resistant variety, which has enabled landscapers to use Elms again in planning. Insignificant small green flowers appear in spring before the foliage emerges. Flowers give way to single-seeded wafer-like samaras (each tiny seed is surrounded by a flattened oval-rounded papery wing). Seeds mature in April-May as the leaves reach full size. Rough-textured, ovate-elliptic, dark green leaves (to 6” long) have toothed margins and asymmetrical bases. The leaves typically turn an undistinguished yellow color in fall.
Identifications and descriptions
were made and written using information
found on the following sites:
<www.arborday.org/trees/index-identification.cfm>
<www.missouribotanicalgarden.org>
<www.plants.sc.egov.usda.gov>
photo credits: Patricia Lyons
were made and written using information
found on the following sites:
<www.arborday.org/trees/index-identification.cfm>
<www.missouribotanicalgarden.org>
<www.plants.sc.egov.usda.gov>
photo credits: Patricia Lyons