Tree Biology 2012 Identification Slides
• Abies balsamea • Cercis canadensis • Acer negundo • Corylus americana • Acer pennsylvanicum • Acer platanoides • Cornus amomum • Acer rubrum • Cornus alternifolia • Acer saccharum • Fagus grandifolia • Aesculus flava • Fraxinus americana • Aesculus glabra • Fraxinus pennsylvanica • Alnus rugosa ssp incana—not responsible for on • Ginkgo biloba first test • Betula alleghaniensis • Gleditsia triacanthos • Betula lenta • Gymnocladus dioica • Betula nigra • Hamamelis virginiana • Betula populifolia • Liquidambar styriciflua • Carpinus caroliniana • Liriodendron tulipifera • Carya cordiformis • Juglans nigra • Carya lacinosa—not responsible for on test • Magnolia acuminata • Carya ovata • Catalpa speciosa • Magnolia grandifolia • Castanea dentata • Metasequoia glyptostroboides • Nyssa sylvatica
• Ostrya virginiana • Rhus aromatica • Platanus orientalis x occidentalis • Rhus radicans • Picea abies • Rhus typhina • Picea pungens • Robinia pseudoacacia • Pinus resinosa • Salix sp. • Pinus strobus • Thuja occidentalis—not responsible for on first test • Pinus sylvestris • Tilia americana • Populus deltoides—not responsible for on first test • Toxicodendron vernix—not responsible for on first test • Populus grandidentata • Tsuga canadensis • Populus tremuloides • Tsuga caroliniana • Prunus persica • Ulmus rubra • Prunus serotina • Viburnum acerifolium • Quercus alba • Viburnum alnifolium • Quercus bicolor • Viburnum dentatum • Quercus coccinea • Viburnum opulus • Quercus macrocarpa • Quercus palustris • Quercus rubra
Return to Index Speckled Alder (Alnus incana rugosa) Identification Return to Index • Leaves alternate, simple, singly serrate and ovoid • Bark brown to black-grey with white spots (speckled) • Flowers are catkins that droop • Buds with narrow bases
Photo:http://www.ipfw.edu/native- trees/images/Alder,%20Speckled,%20Bark.JPG Photo: http://www.ipfw.edu/native- trees/images/Alder,%20Speckled,%20 Leaves,%20Summer.JPG Slide: Nathan Francisco Speckled Alder (Alnus incana rugosa)
Points of Interest Return to Index • Wood of little use commercially, although locally as fuel. • The seeds are an important food source for the American Goldfinch and the Common Redpoll, as well as countless other songbirds • Grows clumped roots that aid in floodwater drainage • There are 6 subspecies of Alnus incana . • 16 families of Lepidoptera caterpillars feed on Alnus, 4 exclusively.
Slide: Nathan Francisco http://tolweb.org/onlinecontributors/app;jsessionid=6E4 http://www.hdwallpapers.in/american_goldfinch- 6D3E891DC4788077737E92093889D?page=ViewIma wallpapers.html geData&service=external&sp=28522 Toxicodendron vernix (Poison Sumac) Return to Index Identification •Leaves alternate, pinnately compound, 7-13 leaflets each between 8-13 inches long. Leaflets are ovate with entire margins.
•Twigs are stout reddish-brown with numerous dark lenticels. Leaf scars are large and shield shaped. Buds with downy scales. Twig exudes a dark sap when cut.
•Bark is grey-brown with numerous dark horizontally spreading lenticels.
•Fruits are small (1/4 to 1/3 in across), round, white, and hanging in clusters.
Bark
Text By Ethan Childs 9-24-12 Photos From Virginia Tech VTree ID Toxicodendron vernix (Poison Sumac) Point of Interest
•The leaf, twig, flowers, fruit, and bark are all toxic.
•Related to poison ivy and poison oak and causes similar skin irritation.
•Native to swampy acidic soils of North America.
Twig Return to Index
Text By Ethan Childs 9-24-12 Photos From Virginia Tech VTree ID Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata) ID • Alternate simple leaves • Grey/brown bark • Reddish twigs with grey lenticels • Fruits that look like cucumbers • White/yellow large flowers
Return to Index
photos from google images and written by Justine Barnhart 9/24/12 Cucumber Tree (Magnolia accuminata) point of interests • Used for pallets, crates, furniture, plywood • Likes to grow in cool moist sites, such as mountains Return to Index • Most popular lumber in appalachin mountains
photos from google images and written by Justine Barnhart 9/24/12 Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) ID
• Scaled leaved evergreen Return to Index • Leaves have small resinous glands on back • Leave green/dark green • Crushed foliage gives off odor • Reddish brown roughly striped bark • Small cones
photos from google images and written by Justine Barnhart 9/24/12 Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) points of interest
• Great for fence posts Return to Index • Used in homeopathic remedies • Helps with lowering stress, boost the immune system • Originated in swamp areas
photos from google images and written by Justine Barnhart 9/24/12 Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
• Coarse toothed leaves • Glands on the stalks • Flattened leaf stalks • Alternate leaves, simple • Fruit is a white, cotton-like ball • Deeply furrowed bark • Yellow catkins • Deltoid leaf shape
Photograph from flickr.com, Written by Tiernan Lennon, 24 September 2012 Return to Index Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) Points of Interest • Potawatomi cooked buds in tallow to make an ointment for eczema and sores • Used by Native Americans as a folk cancer remedy • The wood is used for lumber, veneer, pulpwood, and fuel • Salicylic acid is derived from this species and synthesized
Photograph from dereilanatureinn.ca, Written by Tiernan Lennon, 24 Return to Index September 2012 Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) Identification
• Leaves are simple and opposite • Sooth leaves with veins arching towards tip • Brown pith • Berries or drupes color from white to blue
• Silky fine hair on youngest Return to Index twigs • Flower buds are terminal, hairy, and valvate Photograph by Steven Broyles and written by Aaron Schuldt 9/20/2012 Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) Points of Interest
• Berries have a high fat count • Migratory birds use berries as a high fuel source • Bare stems are great source of food for deer in Winter • Dense wood used for golf club heads and chisel handles
Return to Index
Photograph by duke.edu and written by Aaron Schuldt 9/20/2012 Witch Hobble (Viburnum alnifolium) Identification • Leaves are simple and opposite • Round, single serrated leaves • Dark green leaves 4 to 8” long • 3 to 5” flat white flowers in early summer • Red to Black drupe in late summer • Thicket-forming Return to Index
Photograph by Steven Broyles and written by Aaron Schuldt 9/20/2012 Witch hobble (Viburnum alnifolium) Points of Interest
• Very big source of food for many animals such as the White-tailed deer • Roots where the shoots touch the ground, making it a tripping hazard when walking in the woods • Flowers provide nectar for many insects Return to Index
Photograph by Wellesley.edu and written by Aaron Schuldt 9/20/2012 Carolina Hemlock(Tsuga caroliniana) Identification
• Needles medium size, 14/ to ¾” long • Needles look “plastic like” • 2 white bands on under side of needle • Small cones 1 to 1.5” long • Light brown color when they mature • Reddish brown bark, scaly and fissured
Photograph by Steven Broyles and written by Aaron Schuldt 9/20/2012 Return to Index Carolina Hemlock(Tsuga caroliniana) Points of Interest
• Limited commercial value • Very valuable to wildlife such as birds and deer • Affected by the hemlock woolly adelgid • Very slow growing, but long lived
Return to Index
Photograph by Steven Broyles and written by Aaron Schuldt 9/20/2012 Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)
Identification
• Flattened needles, ¾ inch long • Shorter and sharper pointed on upper branches • Shiny dark green on top part of needle • Silvery-blue underneath part of needle • Cone bearing,2 to 3 ½ inches long
Return to Index
Photo by vtech.edu and written by Aaron Schuldt 9/20/2012 Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) Points of Interest
• Very popular Christmas Tree • Wood is used for framing lumber as well as paper • Balsam Fir oil is a nontoxic rodent repellant
Return to Index
Photo by uconn.edu and written by Aaron Schuldt 9/20/2012 Gray Birch (Betula populifolia) Identification • Alternate, simple, doubly serrate leaves. • Leaves are “deltoid shaped” look like triangles. • Gray-white bark, somewhat chalky • Catkins roughly ¾ inch long • Buds slender, pointed greenish brown. Lacking terminal bud.
Written by Mike Powers and photographs by Steven Broyles September 2012 Return to Index
Gray Birch (Betula populifolia) Points of Interest • Gray birch used mainly for fuel and charcoal. • Seeds are used as food for songbirds and ruffed grouse. • Twigs eaten by whitetail deer
Return to Index Written by Mike Powers photographs by Steven Broyles September 2012
Ashleaf Maple (Acer negundo) Identification
● Box Elder
● Leaves compound with 3-5 (rarely 7) leaflets Return to Index ● Dull-serrate, waxy blue-green leaflets.
● End leaflets three pointed, somewhat lobed.
● Twigs “powdery,” hairless.
● Samaras
● Pulvinus petiole base.
● Flowers hang in clusters. Photographed and written by Timothy Lennon, 9/21/12 Ashleaf Maple (Acer negundo) Points of Interest
Return to Index ● Soft white wood favorable for boxes (box elder).
● Sap can produce syrup.
● Seeds favored by squirrels and songbirds.
● Wood used in earliest ancient Anasazi flutes found in the Americas.
Photographed and written by Timothy Lennon, 9/21/12 Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) Identification
•Twigs emit a foul odor when broken •Bundle scars in three groups •Pith is white •Bark is scaly •Opposite, palmate, compound leaves with 5 leaflets •The fruit is a round spiny capsule which is poisonous
Photographs by Steven Broyles, Written by Tiernan Lennon, 18 September 2012 Return to Index Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) Points of Interest
• The nuts can be coated in chocolate and peanut butter and eaten • The young shoots of buckeye are poisonous to cattle • Native Americans powered the seeds and dumped them in small pools to stun fish, which made them float to the surface • A flour from the seeds is used to repel roaches • Tannic acid is used for leatherworking
Photographs by Steven Broyles, Written by Tiernan Return to Index Lennon, 18 September 2012 Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) Identification •Opposite needles. Needles are lost in the winter. •Needles are soft, without petiole. •Needles grow on a horizontal plane. Has pollen and seed cones. Pollen cones are much smaller than seed cones. Return to Index •Bark grows in long strips.
Text and photos by Mike Rupnick Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) Points of interest •The Dawn Redwood is considered a living fossil, dating back to the mesozoic era. •This is a very fast growing tree, and the only living species of this genus. •Metasequoia is native to China. •Grows up to 200 ft tall and is among the smallest of the redwoods. Return to Index
Text by Mike Rupnick Honey Locust (Gledista triacanthos) Identification
•Twice compound, alternate leaves. •Has a pulvinus, characteristic of legumes. •Has three thorns in nature. •Fruit is a flattened pod.
Text and Photos by Mike Rupnick Return to Index Honey Locust (Gledista triacanthos) Poins of interest •Thorns have been used as natural toothpicks, animal traps, spear tips, and pins. •Wood is heavy and durable and used for railroad ties and fence posts. •Unlike most legumes, Gledista triacanthos does not contain nitrogen fixing bacteria in the roots. Return to Index
Text and Photos by Mike Rupnick Shellbark Hickory (Carya laciniosa) Identification •Compound leaves. Leaflets get larger towards the end of the leaf. •Very shaggy bark in long strips. •Very large green-brown nuts with a thick husk.
Return to Index Text and photos by Mike Rupnick Shellbark Hickory (Carya laciniosa) Points of interest
•Nuts are sweet and edible. Largest nut of all the Carya species. •Very strong, heavy wood used in tool handles.
Return to Index
Text and photos by Mike Rupnick Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera) Identification Return to Index
• Leaves are alternate, simple and tulip-shaped. • Yellow-green flowers bud singly at the end of a branch and are shaped like a tulip as well. • Twigs have a circling line where the petiole intersects it.
Photographs and Written by Melinda Clancy, 22 September 2012
Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Points of Interest Return to Index • This species is a major producer of honey in the Eastern U.S. which is favored by bakers. • Its wood is used in the production of organs as it cuts smoothly and is efficient at sealing pipes and valves. • State tree of Indiana.
Photograph by http://snailstales.blogspot.com/ and Written by Melinda Clancy, 22 September 2012
Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) Identification • Simple leaves that are heart shaped • Leaves are in whorls of three • Has a whitish pith • Slender cigar shaped fruits • Trunk bark is scaly • Many flowers in twig end clusters • Has extra floral nectaries on leaves
Photographs and Written by Tiernan Lennon, 10 September 2012 Return to Index
Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) Points of Interest • Railroad companies planted plantations of catalpa to use for railroad ties and wood fuel. • Catalpa is also used to make furniture and for telephone and power line poles. • Pioneer doctors used the seed pods for asthma and heart problems. • Green leaves and dried bark were ground up and taken for swollen lymph glands. • These trees are planted to attract catalpa worms which are excellent fish bait.
Photographs and Written by Tiernan Lennon, 10 September 2012 Quercus macrocarpa (Burr Oak) Identification Return to Index
•Leaves simple, alternate, deep rounded lobes, somewhat leathery and shiny above. Wider at the terminal end.
•Twigs are yellow-brown, terminal buds clustered blunt and hairy.
•Acorns are very large with rounded caps that have elongate scales giving them a “burred” appearance.
•Bark is light grey and shallowly grooved.
Text By Ethan Childs 9-17-12 Photograph Provided by Dr. Steve Broyles Quercus macrocarpa (Burr Oak) Points of Interest Return to Index •Has the largest acorns of all the oaks.
•Very urban tolerant, including tolerance to alkalinity and drought.
•Used for shade trees as well as timber for beams, railroad ties, flooring and furniture.
•The Iowa State tree.
Text by Ethan Childs 9-17-12 Photograph Provided by Dr. Steve Broyles Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) Identification • Alternate leaf branching • Waxy leaves with smooth edges • Large lateral bud Return to Index • Bluish fruit that grows in groups of two
photos and written by Justine Barnhart 9/21/2012 Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) Point of Interest
. Used for wild honey . Hollow trees were used by beekeepers as bee hives . Its name is Black Gum because at the heart of the tree Return to Index there is a black gummy substance . Originally a southern tree
right photo from Google images, left photo and written by Justine Barnhart 9/21/2012 Alternate Dog Wood (Cornus alternifolia) Identification • Alternate branched leaves White flowers • Veins in leaves go up to the tip Blue fruit
• Smooth wavy, edges around the leaf Return to Index • White color on back of leaves
photos and written by Justine Barnhart 9/21/2012 Alternate Dog Wood (Cornus alternifolia) Points of Interest Return to Index Mixing the roots with vinegar makes good dye Attracts many species of birds, both migratory and non-migratory
photos from google images and written by Justine Barnhart 9/21/2012 River, or Black, Birch(Betula nigra) Identification Return to Index • Simple, alternate, doubly serrate leaves • White and orangish flaky bark
Photos by Shane Cavanaugh (2012) River, or Black, Birch(Betula nigra) Points of Interest • Grows best in moist soils • Nesting site for red-tailed hawks1 • Root crowns survive fire2 • Bears an average of 375,000 seeds per pound2 • Useful for erosion control, fuel, and food for wildlife2
1 Portnoy, John W.; Dodge, Wendell E. “Red Hawk Nesting Ecology and Behavior”. Wilson Bulletin. 1979. Vol. 91. pp. 104-117. 2 “Betula nigra Fact Sheet.” USDA NRCS New York State Office and USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center. 2002. http://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_beni.pdf
Return to Index Return to Index Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) Identification • Simple, alternate, spade-shaped leaves • Double palvinus • Pink flowers • Flattened seed pods
Photos by Shane Cavanaugh (2012) Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) Points of Interest Return to Index • In the pea family1 • Utilized by Henry’s elfin butterfly and hummingbirds for nectar1 • Native Americans used various parts of the tree to treat whooping cough, dysentery, fevers, congestion, and vomiting1 • Flowers can be fried and eaten1
1 “Cercis canadensis Fact Sheet.” USDA NRCS New York State Office and USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center. 2010. http://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_ceca4.pdf Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) Identification Return to Index • Leaves alternate, compound and very large (up to one meter in length). • Leaflets with entire margins. • Large, heart-shaped leaf scars. • Bark grey and scaly, flaking off.
Slide: Nathan Francisco Photo: http://www.meridian.k12.il.us/middle%20school/student_work/ca rync/kentucky_coffee_tree_leaf.jpg Photo: http://www.cirrusimage.com/Trees/Kentucky_ coffee_tree_2.jpg Kentucky Coffee Tree
(Gymnocladus dioicus) Return to Index • A fast growing member of the legume family. • Seeds were once roasted to make a drink as a substitute for coffee during hard times and ground to make an edible paste. • Wood has been used by carpenters but is not commercially sought after. • Can be toxic to some animals.
Photo: http://habeasbrulee.com/wp- content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_6702-kentuckycoffee-500.jpg Photo: http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/g/wgydi-- Slide: Nathan Francisco fr24254.jpg Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea) Identification
• Alternate • Simple • Very deep sinuses on leaves • The fruit is the acorn with grooves of concentric circle near acorn tip • Cap scales of the acorn are shiny, cap covers ½ of acorn • Clustered buds at tip of twig
Photographs by Steven Broyles and written by Holly Flanigan, 17 Return to Index September 2012 Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea) Points of Interest • Leaves are sometimes used in potpourri because of their unique color
• Leaves are more deeply lobbed than Quercus rubra, other than that, they appear very similar
• Often planted on side of streets because of large canopy
Return to Index Photographs by Wikipedia and written by Holly Flanigan, 17 September 2012 Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
Identification Return to Index
• Needles in clusters of five • Slender, flexible needles with a blue-green color • Needles about 2-4 inches long • Has horizontal whorled branching pattern • Has long, slender, and thornless cones
Photographs by Steven Broyles Written by Jaimie Hughes, 15 September 2012 Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobes)
Points of Interest Return to Index • The White Pine is the fastest growing tree in the Adirondacks • Its wood is used for construction, millwork, trim and pulpwood. • Native Americans called it the “Tree of Great Peace” as the five needles represented the five nations of the Iroquois and had many uses for it like using first year cones to sweeten their meat
Photographs by hort.uconn.edu and en.wikipedia.org Written by Jaimie Hughes, 15 September 2012 Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Identification
• Needles in clusters of two • Shorter, twisted, and flexible needles with a yellow green hue • Needles about 2-3 inches long • Has yellow-orange bark • Cones 1.5-2.5inches long and do not stay on trees long Return to Index Photographs by Steven Broyles Written by Jaimie Hughes, 15 September 2012
Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Points of Interest Return to Index • The Scotch Pine is one of the only three native conifers found in England and the only native pine to Northern Europe • Scotch Pine was one of the first trees introduced to North America by the Europeans. • It is used to make Pine Oil which can be a treatment for respiratory, muscular, and urinary problems
Photographs by waterwiseplants.utah.gov, plantsystematics.org and essentialoils.co.za Written by Jaimie Hughes, 15 September 2012 Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) Identification Return to Index
• Simple, alternative leaves • Leaf becomes wider towards tip • Wavy leaf margin • Long stemmed acorn with notches on cap; cap covers 1/3 of acorn • White coloring on backside of leaves • Bark is a light grey color, flaky when mature
Written by Jessica Swindon, 13 September 2012. Photographs by Steven B. Broyles Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) Points of Interest • Produce a large amount of acorns everyday 3-5 years, off years produce significantly less • The Iroquois used swamp white oak to treat cholera, broken bones, and tuberculosis • Lives between 300-350 years Written by Jessica Swindon, 13 September 2012. Photographs by Steven B. Broyles
Return to Index Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) Identification
• 2 needles per cluster • Needles snap cleanly when Some needles bent- brittle broken to show • Needles 4-6 inches clean breakage • Bark plates with red tinge
Return to Index Written by Jessica Swindon, 13 September 2012. Photographs by Steven B. Broyles Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) Points of Interest
Return to Index
• Can live up to 500 years • Very low genetic variation- suggests went close to extinction • Takes up to 18 months for its reproductive cycle • Pine of choice for making telephone poles because of their straight trunks
Written by Jessica Swindon, 13 September 2012. Photographs by Steven B. Broyles Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans) Identification • Woody liana, vine, or shrub • Compound alternate leaves with three leaflets— shallowly lobed Return to Index • Adventitious roots • Green-white fruits • Widespread an occupies many habitats
Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans)
Points of Interest Return to Index • All parts of the plant are poisonous • Urushiol is the oily substance responsible for contact dermatitis • Washing skin with soap and water after contact is the best preventative • Rash is not contagious, rash can only be caused by urushiol • Burning poison ivy aerosolizes urushiol and can be breathed into lungs. Gingko (Gingko biloba)
Identification Return to Index
• A deciduous with fan- like leaves. • Dioecious; males produce pollen sacs on catkins and females produce cones. • Leaves in bundles on spur shoots. • In Autumn, the leaves turn a bright yellow to gold color and fall. Photographs and Written by Melinda Clancy, 16 September 2012
Gingko (Gingko biloba) Points of Interest Return to Index
• Gingko is the only remaining species of it’s 280 million year old family! • It is the most primitive of the woody trees and had been preserved as a sacred tree by a Buddhist monastery. • Once female cones mature and fall to the ground, a foul odor can be detected in the air.
Photographs and Written by Melinda Clancy, 16 September 2012
Norway Spruce (Picea abies) Return to Index Identification
•Conifer tree which grows 60-90 feet tall •Needles come off all the way around stem •Twigs and branchlets hang downwards •Needles are sharp and square in cross section •Large cones, 4-6 inches long
Written by Natalie Gregory. Pictures from www.pfaf.org September 16, 2012 Norway Spruce (Picea abies) Points of Interest Return to Index
• Sap sometimes used as a poultice for boils and abscesses • Valued in pulp industry, used to make paper • Source of burgundy pitch which is used in varnish and medicinal plasters • Only spruce in our area with drooping twigs and branchlets with large cones
Written by Natalie Gregory. Pictures and information from www.pfaf.org September 16, 2012 Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) Identification Return to Index •Pinnate compound, alternate leaves •15-23 narrow toothed leaflets •Light brown chambered pith •Big round nuts •Nuts have citrus smell and leave stain •Large leaf scars with hairy ridge
Written by Natalie Gregory. Photographs by Steven B. Broyles. September 16, 2012 Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) Points of Interest Return to Index • Bark is used for tanning and yellow- brown dye can be made from the husks of the nuts • Large walnut trees often kill other species around them • The strong durable heart wood is often used wood work including furniture and gun stocks • Nuts eaten by squirrels, mice, and humans
Written by Natalie Gregory. Photograph from www.denison.edu. September 16, 2012 Striped Maple Return to Index (Acer pennsylvanicum) Identification
•Simple, opposite leaves •Large “goose feet” leaves •3 lobes •Finely double-toothed leaf margin •Seeds housed in samaras •Bark: green with white vertical stripes •Yellow flowers in hanging clusters in early spring (May-June)
Written by Natalie Gregory. Pictures from www.duke.edu. September 16, 2012 Striped Maple
(Acer pennsylvanicum) Return to Index Points of Interest
• Understory shrub like tree, typically 15 feet tall • Also known as Moosewood • Eaten by many species of wildlife including rabbits, porcupine, moose and deer • Grows best on shaded, cool slopes
Written by Natalie Gregory. Pictures from www.duke.edu September 16, 2012 Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) Identification Return to Index • Alternate, compound leaves, 6-20 leaflets • Spines • Pulvinus • Dark gray bark with deep furrows • White pea-like flowers Written by Mike Powers September 2012 Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Points of Interest Return to Index • Strong wood • Used as a living fence • Thrives in temperate climates
Written by Mike Powers September 2012
Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) Identification Return to Index • Medium sized coniferous evergreen tree (25-30m) • Thin grey bark • Sharp needles from dull grey green to bright blue • Long cones with wavy scales
Written by Mike Powers September 2012 pictures by Steven Broyles September 2012
Blue Spruce (Picea prungens) points of interest Return to Index • It is the state tree for Utah and Colorado. These trees are often infected with dwarf mistletoe, which can cause extreme branching called "witches brooms.
Written by Mike Powers September 2012 pictures by Steven Broyles September 2012
Sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) Identification Return to Index • Alternate simple leaves looks like a star (lobed 5-7 points) • Bark is grayish brown, deeply furrowed • When leaves are crushed, it gives off a lemony smell • The fruits are a dangling brown colored spiked ball appearance “gum ball”
Photographs by Steven Broyles and Written by Deanna Caraccio, 14 September 2012
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) Points of Interest Return to Index • Good choice for a wind break tree because of its fast growth and tolerance • Seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals • Used as lumber, plywood, railroad ties • Grows in moist soil and often found in areas that have that have been cleared out
Photographs by Steven Broyles and Written by Deanna Caraccio, 14 September 2012 Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) Identification
• Simple, opposite leaves that look like maple • Have an deeply 3-lobed with big teeth • Not smooth • Thicket forming shrub 4-6 feet high • White flowers, with bluish fruits Return to Index
Photograph by Steven Broyles and Written by Deanna Caraccio, 14 September 2012 Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) Points of Interest Return to Index • Good seasonal landscape due to its white/cream colored flowers, dark color fruits and dark leaves • Fruits are eaten by birds (many songbirds) and small mammals • The low growth creates a good shelter and nesting place for birds • It can survive fire by sprouting from underground rhizomes, however it can not be repetitive or else the plant will die
Photograph by Steven Broyles and Written by Deanna Caraccio, 14 September 2012 Quercus palustris (Pin Oak) Identifying Features
•Alternate, simple leaves, with deep pointed lobes and terminal bristles.
•Lower branches slope downward.
•Acorns ½” long, thin saucer like cap with red-brown scales.
•Buds clustered at the terminal end of the twig. Return to Index •Bark is gray-brown with thin ridges and furrows.
Text and Photographs By Ethan Childs 9-11-2012 Quercus palustris (Pin Oak) Points of Interest
•Used for fence posts, fuel, and general construction.
•Because it is fast growing and pollution tolerant it is commonly planted as an ornamental tree in urban areas.
•Acorns of Q.palustris are an important food for mallards and wood ducks during their fall migration.
Return to Index Text and Photographs By Ethan Childs 9-11-2012 Yellow Buckeye (Aesculus flava) Identification • Compound, alternate, palmate leaves • Simply serrate with 5-7 leaflets • Produces smooth buckeyes • Grayish brown bark that is often splotchy • Bark is smooth when young and eventually becomes scaly • Pale orange/yellow tubular flowers
Return to Index
Photos by Steven Broyles. Text by Donielle Hall 9/13/12 Yellow Buckeye (Aesculus flava) Points of Interest • Buckeyes are not edible, they are actually poisonous • American Indians ate the yellow buckeyes but they first roasted the nuts among hot stones which apparently got rid of the poisonous glucoside they contain • Are also poisonous to livestock and are not eaten by wildlife. • Wood is used for pulpwood, woodenware, and lumber. Return to Index
Photos by Steven Broyles. Text by Donielle Hall 9/13/12 Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) Identification
• Alternate leaves compound with 5-7 leaflets. Terminal leaflets are usually larger. • Margins of leaflets serrate and acuminate • Bark peels away from trunk in long strips (Mature)
Return to Index
Photographs and slide: Nathan Francisco Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)
• Shagbark Hickory is a very tough wood and is used to make tool handles as well as stick bows Return to Index • Nuts are eaten mainly by squirrels, chipmunks • Fruit is edible and sweet.
Photo:http://www.3riversarchery.com/images/Contest2010/Kenny McLaughllinbow.jpg Slide: Nathan Francisco Hop-Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) Identification
• Leaves alternate, doubly serrate, acuminate with veins branching near margins. • Older bark peeling in vertical pieces, young bark resembling Betula lenta
Return to Index
Photographs and slide: Nathan Francisco Hop-Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
• Buds are food in the winter for Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey • Slow growing, not sought after for landscaping or commercial use • Previously called “Lever-wood” because it is strong enough to make large levers
Photo: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/images/osvi112.jpg
Slide by: Nathan Francsico Return to Index American Hazelnut (Corylus americana) Identification Return to Index • Simple, alternate, heart/ rounded base, doubly serrate, big teeth, widest in the middle of leaves • Male flowers show in the fall but open in the spring • Fruit is a Hazelnut
Photographs and Written by Deanna Caraccio, 4 September 2012 American Hazelnut (Corylus americana) Points of Interest • Fruit is a hazelnut The nuts are sweet and may be eaten raw or ground into flour for cake-like bread. • The nuts were used by American Indians to flavor soups • Have a higher nutritional value then acorns and are a food source for many animals • Extractives are used as emollients, oils, and others. • Used as an ornamental
Photographs and Written by Deanna Caraccio, 4 September 2012 Return to Index Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) Identification • Alternate, 3 leaved with rounded lobbing teeth Return to Index • Glossy, dark green leaves • Bright red, fuzzy fruits • Intense aroma when the leaves are crushed • Dioecious: small yellow flowers/scaly catkins
Photographs and Written by Melinda Clancy, 10 September 2012
Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica)
Points of Interest Return to Index
• The fruit is astringent; can be used in the treatment of stomach aches, tooth aches, fevers, and in the treatment of diabetes. • Various Indian tribes used the leaves, mixed with tobacco, as a smoking mixture. • There is a high concentration of tannin found in the bark and leaves of this plant which can be used for tanning leather.
Photographs and Written by Melinda Clancy, 10 September 2012 Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides)
Identification: Return to Index • Finely serrated cordate leaves that swivel at the petiole, producing sound in the breeze. • Fairly smooth White-yellow bark with greenish layer underneath. • Prominent lenticels. • Chevron shape at the base of branches. • Brown end buds are tacky and pointed. • Hairless, dark-brown twigs. • Leaves turn yellow in autumn.
Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) Points of Interest: • Quaking Aspen is an early successional tree. Return to Index • Bark contains salicin, a chemical closely related to aspirin (salycilic acid). • The outermost layer underneath the bark is adapted to carry out photosynthesis to assist in enduring a short growing season in the north. • All Quaking Aspen are genetic clones. • An increase in dead or dying Aspen trees has been noticed since 1996, especially in the west due to drought.
Photographed by Steven Broyles and written by Timothy Lennon, 31 August 2012 Green (Red) Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) Identification: Return to Index • Compound leaves with 5-9 pinnate leaflets with serrated margins. • Twigs and buds have a velvet texture. • Brown buds • Fruits are long, narrow, and wedge shaped samaras. • Distinctly furrowed bark.
Photographed and Written by Timothy Lennon, 31 August 2012 Green(Red) Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) Points of Interest: Return to Index
• Green Ash was previously classified as hairless red ash but the two species have recently been combined. • A lowland tree, growing up to ~70 feet. • Leaves can turn golden as early as labor day. • The Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive beetle from Asia has killed at least 50 to 100 million Ashes.
Photographed and Written by Timothy Lennon, 31 August 2012
Black cherry (Prunus serotina)
Return to Index • Simple leaves (usually long and narrow) in an alternate pattern • The leave margins are edged with small teeth • yellow brown hairs on leaf on midrib • The dark flaky bark resembles burnt potato chips • 2 small glands at base of blade • The cherries are small, black (when ripe) and tasteless. Written by Michael Powers 9 September 2012 All photographs by Will Cook 2012 (Duke) Black cherry (Prunus serotina)
Points of Interest Return to Index • The extra-floral nectaries attract ants, which protect the leaves from some leaf- chewing insects. • Healthy leaves contain prunasin, which is converted to hydrogen cyanide (HCN) when the leaves are crushed. This highly toxic substance acts as a defense mechanism against herbivores.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Identification Return to Index
•Leaves are 3-5 lobed and serrated all the way around •V-shaped sinuses between leaf lobes •Underside of leaves is whitened •The twigs and buds are reddish •Fruits produced are called samaras •On young red maple bark is smooth and light gray. With age bark becomes darker and breaks up into long, thin scaly plates.
Photographs by Steven B. Broyles, Written by Tiernan Lennon, 5 September 2012
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) Points of Interest Return to Index • Red maple wood can be used for many things such as furniture, paneling, veneer, musical instruments, tool handles, cutting boards, boxes, and crates. • It is a good wood for fuel • The sap is sometimes used for producing maple syrup • Native Americans used red maple as an analgesic wash for inflamed eyes. They also used it as a remedy for hives and muscle aches. • The inner bark was used to make tea that treated diarrhea and coughs. • Since the red maple produces pollen early it is important to many insects, such as bees, that visit the flowers.
Written by Tiernan Lennon, 5 September 2012 Muscle Wood (Carpinus caroliniana) Identification Return to Index
• Simple • Alternate • Double Serrate • Smooth grey bark with vertical ridges gives it the appearance of being muscular • Tough/durable wood • Has little fruit nutlets that appear on a 3- lobbed leaf that looks similar to a maple leaf
Photographs and Written by Holly Flanigan and Steven Broyles, 7 September 2012 Muscle Wood (Carpinus caroliniana) Points of Interest Return to Index • The Chippewa used the wood of Carpinus as the main supporting posts for the ridge pole of the wigwam, or tent • Carpinus Caroliniana can be mistaken for Ostrya Virginiana (ironwood) due to the similar leaf structure and zig zag branching pattern. • Leaves are a glowing red, orange and yellow in the fall. • Great wood for handles and levers, although it is rarely manufactured because of its slow growth.
Photographs by Steven Broyles and written by Holly Flanigan, 7 September 2012 Peach Tree (Prunus persica) Identification • Simple • Alternate • Tiny teeth (serrate) • Pinnate Leaf • Fruit is the peach • Extra floral nectary located near the bottom of leaf
Return to Index
Photographs and Written by Holly Flanigan, 7 September 2012 Peach Tree (Prunus persica) Points of Interest
• Produces very popular fruit; the Return to Index peach. • The seed can contain high levels of hydrogen cyanide which can be very dangerous in excess • China is thought to be the native home of prunus persica because of the wide range of wild peach types in the countryside. • Intro to the U.S. was in the 1500’s by French explorers • Life expectancy is only 8-15 years • Bears significant harvest after 4 years of life Photographs and Written by Holly Flanigan, 7 September 2012 Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) Identification Return to Index • Compound • Alternate • Serrate/Penate shaped leaves • Fuzzy twigs with a brown pith • Hidden lateral buds • Milky latex • Large red berries (17+)
Photographs and Written by Holly Flanigan, 7 September 2012 Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) Points of Interest Return to Index • Was once used to make a lemon-flavored tea by Native Americans • The bright green leaves of the staghorn sumac turn fiery shades of orange, scarlet and gold in fall. • The width of the tree often exceeds the height. • Fast growing tree that reaches 15-35 feet in height
Photographs and Written by Holly Flanigan, 7 September 2012
Big-toothed aspen (Populus grandidentata) Identification Return to Index
• Simple, alternate leaves with large serrations. • Flat petiole, allows leaves move in the wind producing distinctive sound. • Gray/green bark with chevron- shaped lenticels. • Short, slender hairy-gray buds.
Written by Mike Rupnick photographs by Mike Rupnick and Michael Kuo; Fall 2012 Big-toothed aspen (Populus grandidentata)
Points of interest Return to Index • Early succession species. Usually grows along the edge of a forest. • Can reproduce sexually and asexually. New shoots grow from pre-existing roots, making each tree a clone of the original. • Wood is used to make chopsticks, match sticks and particle board.
Written by Mike Rupnick photographs by Arieh Tal; Fall 2012 Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) Identification • Evergreen with flat, single needles Return to Index • Rounded needles with angles petioles • Needles are a shiny dark green on top with 2 white stripes on the underside • Cones are brown, ¾ inch long, rounded, with entire scales, and maturing in fall • Mature trees have reddish brown bark with ridges and furrows
Photographs and text by Donielle Hall 9/6/12 Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) Points of Interest
• Also called Canadian Hemlock • Used to produce Tsuga Essential Oil which has many medicinal uses such as kidney ailments, dysentery, rheumatism, and colds • Northeastern Native Americans used twigs and leaves to make poultice which was used to treat wounds, arthritic joints, and infections • Today it is used for its analgesic (pain relieving), anti-rheumatic, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties as well as veterinarian liniments.
Return to Index
Photographs and text by Donielle Hall 9/6/12 Black Birch (Betula lenta ) Identification Return to Index • Simple, alternate leaves ; doubly serrated margins • Little earlobe formations on the base of the leaf. • Finely pointed tip on leaf. • Produces spur shoots. • Twigs and bark have an intense aroma/taste of wintergreen. • Bark with horizontal lenticels that doesn’t peel.
Photographs and Written by Melinda Clancy, 3 September 2012
Black Birch (Betula lenta ) Points of Interest
• In the spring, birch sap can be extracted and fermented into Birch Beer. • The oil, methyl salicylate, commonly known as wintergreen, gives the tree its aroma and has medicinal purposes of alleviating headaches and reducing
fevers. Return to Index
Photographs and Written by Melinda Clancy, 3 September 2012
Ulmus rubra (Slippery Elm) Identification Return to Index
• Simple alternating doubly serrate leaves. • Uneven (Oblique) leaf base. • 2 ranked leaves that get bigger towards end of twig.
Photographs and Written by Ian McLaren-Dunshee, 5 September 2012 Ulmus rubra (Slippery Elm) Points of Interest Return to Index • Slimy inner bark. • Leaves have sand papery texture. • Native Americans make salve out of Ulmus rubra to treat wounds, boils, ulcers and burns. • Tea also made to increase mucus production.
Photographs and Written by Ian McLaren-Dunshee, 5 September 2012 Tilia americana (Bass Wood) Identification Return to Index
• Simple alternating serrate leaves. • Uneven (oblique) leaf base. • No terminal buds. • Twig bark is green and photosynthetic.
Photographs and Written by Ian McLaren-Dunshee, 5 September 2012 Tilia americana (Bass Wood) Points of Interest Return to Index • Flowers nectar is desirable to bees used in production of bass wood honey. • Tilia americana is native to Eastern North America. • Edible buds. • Knocking on tree produces a hallow sound . Photographs and Written by Ian McLaren-Dunshee, 5 September 2012 American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) Identification Return to Index • Simple, alternate, elongated, tapered leaves • Large, singular serrations • Small, rounded buds • Rare in adult form; exists primarily as new growth from old roots.
Photo of Chestnut fruits by R. L. Klotz. American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) Points of Interest Return to Index • Chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica)1 – Introduced from Asia – First observed in 1905 – Destroyed several billion trees in 50 years – Significant ecological, social, and economic consequences • Backcrossing2 – C. mollissima x C. dentata
– BC3 closest to American chestnut while retaining Chinese blight resistance
1Nuss, Donald L. “Biological Control of Chestnut Blight: an Example of Virus-Mediated Attentuation of Fungal Pathogenesis. Microbiological Review. Dec. 1992. p.561-576. Vol. 56, No. 4. 2Diskin, Steiner, Hebard; “Recovery of American chestnut characteristics following hybridzation and backcross breeding to restore blight-ravaged Castanea dentata”. Forest Ecology and Management. 2006. Vol. 223, p. 439-447.
London Planetree (Platanus orientalis x occidentalis) Identification Return to Index • Simple, alternate, lobed leaves • Camouflage bark • Dusty hairs on leaf • Lateral bud concealed in petiole
Photos by Shane Cavanaugh (2012) London planetree (Platanus orientalis x occidentalis) Points of Interest • Hyrbid • Urban ‘supertree’1 – “Immune to urban grime and smog” – Popular shade tree – Led to environmental commission in Nanjing, China Concealed and visible buds
Return to Index
1LaFraniere, Sharon. “A Grass-roots Fight to Save a ‘Super-Tree’”. June 4, 2011. The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/05/world/asia/05china.html Willow (Salix sp.) Identification Return to Index
• Simple, alternate leaves • Long, feather-shaped leaves • Serrated leaf margins • Prominent stipules • Short leaf petioles
Photographs and Written by Jessica Swindon, 4 September 2012 Willow (Salix sp.) Points of Interest Return to Index • Contain Salicylic Acid- an anti-inflammatory used to make aspirin • All species of Salix can hybridize together • Roots are typically larger then the stem they grow from • Willow roots will go into any water supply they can find so should not plant near buildings
Photographs and Written by Jessica Swindon, 4 September 2012 Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) Identification Return to Index
• Simple, opposite leaves • Wide U-shaped lobes • Usually 5 main veins • Fruits are called Samaras, look like winged nuts
Photographs and Written by Jessica Swindon, 4 September 2012 Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Points of Interest Return to Index
• Primary source of maple syrup- located inside of the trunk • Recognized for its bright fall foliage • Leaf is on the Canadian Flag • Bowling alleys and bowling pins are commonly made from the wood Photographs and Written by Jessica Swindon, 4 September 2012 Common Witch-Hazel
(Hamamelis virginiana) Return to Index Identification
•Simple, alternate leaves •Wavy-toothed leaf margin •Fragrant yellow flowers in the fall •Youngest twigs have zig-zag pattern leaf scars •Hairy buds without scales •Oblique uneven leaf base •Understory shrub-like tree
Photographs and written by Natalie Gregory September 5, 2012 Common Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Points of Interest • Seeds, buds, and twigs eaten by many animals such as pheasants, white-tail deer, rabbits, and beavers • Extract taken from the bark long used for medical purposes including minor bleeding and skin irritation • Branches can be used for water dowsing or “witching” rods • "Water dowsing" is the practice of using a forked stick or rod to locate underground water or minerals
Photographs and written by Natalie Gregory September 5, 2012 Return to Index Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum) Identification Return to Index • Opposite leaves with large course teeth • Upper leaf surface glossy • Blue colored drupes in flat- topped arrangement • Tall, multi-stemmed shrub, stems “straight as an arrow” • Peculiar “wet dog” odor near plants
Photographs and text by Steven B. Broyles on 5 September 2012 Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum) Points of Interest Return to Index • Native Americans used the light straight stems for arrows • Colorful plant used in native landscapes • Fruit is bitter tasting but attracts birds
Photographs and text by Steven B. Broyles on 5 September 2012 Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) Identification Return to Index • Alternate, simple, doubly serrated egg- shaped leaves • Has short spur shoots, wintergreen scent • Yellowish-golden bark, strips, with horizontal lenticels
Photographs by Steven Broyles Written by Jaimie Hughes, 3 September 2012 Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) Points of Interest
• Yellow Birch lumber is often used in making furniture • The bark is used to make "oil of wintergreen" which flavors some medicines • Yellow Birch is used in the distillation of wood alcohol, acetate of lime, charcoal, tar, and oils
Photographs by treesandshrubs.about.com Written by Jaimie Hughes, 3 September 2012 Return to Index Red Oak (Quercus rubra) Identification Return to Index • Alternate, simple, pointed fire flame-like lobed leaves with single serrated teeth • Have clustered buds at the end of twigs • Long gray streaky bark • Acorns are rounded and bitter
Photographs and Written by Jaimie Hughes, 4 September 2012 Red Oak (Quercus rubra) Points of Interest Return to Index • Red Oak acorns have a bitter taste • Red Oaks can reproduce from seeds and root sprouts. • Red Oaks were used by Native Americans for medicines to treat a variety of conditions, including digestive disorders, respiratory diseases, and skin infections Photographs by Jaimie Hughes and panoramio.com Written by Jaimie Hughes, 4 September 2012 White Oak (Quercus alba) Identification • Simple, Alternate • Bundle of buds (clustered) • Leaves with rounded lobes • Bark has plated look, ashy gray or white • Acorn is green, longer then wide, bowl like cap is bumby
Photographs and Written by Deanna Caraccio, 4 September 2012 Return to Index White Oak (Quercus alba) Points of Interest
• More than 180 birds and mammals use acorns as a food source. None bitter taste • The wood is strong and durable, used for lumber, flooring and interior woodwork • Excellent ornamental tree due to broad round crown, dense foliage, and purplish-red to violet-purple fall color
Photographs and Written by Deanna Caraccio, 4 September 2012 Return to Index White Ash (Fraxinus americana) Identification • Opposite, pinnate compound leaves • Leaflets with small stalk (i.e., petiolule); whitish underneath • Samaras • Dioecious trees (♀/♂) • Bark deeply and uniformly furrowed when old
Photographs and written by Steven B. Broyles, 4 September 2012 Return to Index White Ash (Fraxinus americana) Points of Interest
• Wood is strong, shock resistant and durable widely used in sports equipment such as baseball bats, tennis racquets, and oars • Popular street tree although will likely decline because of emerald ash borer • Found in moist upland secondary forests
Return to Index High Bush Cranberry (Viburnum opulus) Identification • Opposite leaves that resemble a 3 or 5 lobed maple leaf • Astringent, sour red drupes held in a flat-topped cluster • Leaf petioles with distinct “suction-cup” like extra- floral nectaries • Upright, multi-stemmed shrubs
Return to Index High Bush Cranberry (Viburnum opulus) Points of Interest • Introduced from Europe • Fruits are toxic in large quantities • National symbol of Ukraine and frequently found in their art and songs; symbol of blood and immortality • Invasive wetland plant of Midwestern U.S.
http://www.iubric.org/guelder-rose.htm Written by Steven B. Broyles; 4 September 2012 Return to Index Return to Index
• Leaves • Buds • Bark • Simple, alternate • Long and thin • Smooth • Serrated with one tooth • Pointed • Whitish-gray per vein • Cigar shaped • Elastic; retains • Large, regular teeth carvings and scars
Photographed and Written by Donielle Hall 8/29/12 . Information from duke.edu/~cwook/trees/fagr.htm as well as Carl H. Tubbs and David R. Houston • Used for flooring, furniture, veneer, plywood, railroad ties, baskets, pulp, charcoal, rough lumber • High density and good wood burning
• Only species of Beech in North America Photographed and Written by Donielle Hall 8/29/12. Map from Plants Database. Return to Index Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) Identification • Leaves • Buds • Simple, opposite • Turban shaped • Rough lobes with long • Green but turn purple pointed teeth at maturity • Width greater than length • 7 main palmate veins • Bark • Milky white latex sap exude • Gray-brown from petiole when detached • Seeds • Housed in Samaras
Photographed and Written by Donielle Hall 8/29/12 Information from Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest resources and Environmental Conservation Return to Index Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) Points of Interest • Also called Sycamore Maple • Invaded northern ecosystems and shades out native understories • Introduced to the US from Europe in 1756 • Sap can be used as a sweetener • Leaves are packed around apples and root crops to preserve them
Photographed and Written by Donielle Hall 8/29/12. Map by Plant Database Information by pfaf.org and The Wild Classroom 2005-2007 Return to Index Carya cordiformis (Bitternut Hickory)
•Alternate, compound, pinnate, 5-11 leaflets, leaf margins sharply serrated.
•Large often ½ inch or greater with two visible scales, bright yellow in color.
Return to Index •Nuts are cylindrical with an aromatic bitter scent.
•Bark is gray to brown in color with smooth shallow ridges.
Photographs and Text by Ethan Childs 9-3-2012 Carya cordiformis (Bitternut Hickory) Points of Interest
•Fruits are edible and the tree is used in landscaping for this Return to Index purpose.
•The wood is often used for barbecues to smoke meat.
•Hickory wood is hard and durable and for that reason it is used to make furniture and tool handles.
•Native Americans occasionally used hickory for making bows. Photographs and Text by Ethan Childs 9-3-2012