Betula papyrifera …it is now one of the best loved trees of the New England landscape, and when we remember a scene there, we see birches in it — gleaming white trunks, houses, and churches painted a cold, clean white, and pure country snow stretching white over dale and hill. — Donald Culross Peattie Beauty and romance may be the first images many people associate with the gleaming white paper birch. But this symbol of the north country, and the…
Quercus alba “If oak is the king of trees, as tradition has it, then the white oak, throughout its range, is the king of kings.” -Donald Peattie When early settlers discovered forests full of…
Cotinus coggygria Native to the rolling hills of the Mediterranean, this luring beauty is a tree that ignites curiosity. It is one of the most arresting shrubs available to gardeners today. As the name…
Sorbus americana Looking for a shield to cast off witches and malevolence? Travel back to 18th century Europe and residents would tell you to use mountainash wood as a guard to keeping witches away.…
Quercus macrocarpa Despite its acorns being called “frilled,” there is nothing dainty about the bur oak tree. The frills around its gigantic acorn are wild and woolly, and the top of the cap is…
(Acer saccharum) Best known for its syrup, the sugar maple supports one of the largest industries in the United States, producing nearly two million gallons of maple syrup every year valued between $29 and…
Quercus virginiana Did you know the first three forestry laws passed by American Congress were aimed at protecting live oak? Live oak was so valuable to America’s security that it prompted the government…
Cornus kousa Dogwood trees are well known for their delicate beauty in the landscape. Kousa dogwood not only meets the standard for attractiveness, it adds a hardiness that makes this species an excellent choice for…
Cornus florida Flowering dogwood holds a special place in the heart of all who love trees. Perhaps this is because of its bloom — bursting forth in the dark woods or barren backyard with…
Abies concolor If you ramble around in the central mountains of the West, chances are good that you will encounter a white fir. You can fit it near the tourist meccas in Yosemite Valley…