Arboretum

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Welcome to the CRC's "arboretum" page...

Where you'll be able to read about the major species of trees in our cemetery AND watch as we make progress toward establishing our grounds as a bona fide "arboretum." (Our goal is to eventually become a National Arbor Society Certified Arboretum, which means a minimum of 100 distinct species.)

As of this writing (on November 2, 2014), our favorite tree guru -- Dr. Steve Broyles, who heads up SUNY Cortland's Biology Department and who is generously donating his time and expertise in this endeavor -- has identified 30 distinct and noteworthy species (mostly native to our region) and counted over 300 specimens in total across our 44+ acres. (Shown at left is a tremendous "hophornbeam" that is a contender to be a NYS Champion based on its size and age; we'll let you know what the DEC's ruling is!)

Below is a list of our 30 major specimens; stay tuned to watch this list grow -- and for opportunities for the public to 'sponsor' new trees in the coming years.

Below is a list of our 30 major specimens; stay tuned to watch this list grow -- and for opportunities for the public to 'sponsor' new trees in the coming years!
American Hop hHornbeam Ostrya virginiana New York State Record-holder. Hophornbeam. Burls, sinuous trunk, and large lateral branches hint at the antiquity of this tree.
Balsam Fir Abies balsamea Balsam fir is a popular Christmas tree. Its aromatic oils have been used in air fresheners and as a non-toxic rodent repellent.
Bur Oak Quercus macrocarpa Bur oak produces the largest acorn of any oak. It is known as a fire-resistant prairie tree.
Callery Pear Pyrus calleryana Callery pear is a pollution-tolerant street tree with beautiful glossy leaves, symmetrical form, and a profuse spring flora display.
Colorado Blue Spruce Picea pungens Blue spruce is a desirable landscape and Christmas tree. It is native to the U.S. Rocky Mountains.
Crimson King Maple Acer platanoides This purple-leaved variety of the Norway maple is a favorite street tree because of its brilliant color and its cold tolerance.
Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir is an important timber tree in the western U.S. The tallest Douglas fir ever harvested grew to a height of 415 feet.
Eastern Hemlock Tsuga canadensis Eastern hemlock composes 30% of Adirondack forests. Hemlock was harvested for timber and tannins to preserve leather.
European Larch Larix decidua New York State Record-holder. This conifer loses its needles in the autumn and is a favorite among bonsai artists in Europe.
Honey Locust Gleditsia triacanthos Honey locust tolerates poor soils, neglect, and pollution. Cultivated trees lack the 3-5 inch thorns typically found in natural settings.
Northern Red Oak Quercus rubra Northern red oak is important for indoor wood products and veneer. Acorns are bitter but provide food for wildlife.
Pin Oak Quercus palustris Pin oak is a fast growing wetland species with minimal value for timber but can be a valuable urban street tree.
Red Maple Acer rubrum Red maple is the most common tree in eastern America. Its brilliant fall color and salt tolerance make red maple an excellent street tree.
Silver Maple Acer saccharinum Silver maple is fast-growing, but produces weak wood that breaks in high winds. The winged fruits are important wildlife food.
Small-leaved Linden Tilia cordata In Europe, linden is a long-lived forest tree. In the U.S., linden is a nicely-shaped street tree with sweet-scented flowers.
Sugar Maple Acer saccharum Sugar maple is the state tree of NY, VT, WV, and WI. Wood products include bowling pins and pool cues.
Swamp White Oak Quercus bicolor Swamp white oak is a Midwestern species of lowland forest. It provides acorn forage for many waterfowl.
Tulip Poplar Liriodendron tulipifera This relative of magnolia is a fast-growing, shade-tolerant tree with green-orange flowers. It is the state tree of IN, KY, and TN.
White Fir Abies concolor Regarded as an ornamental tree, foresters complain the white fir's branches provide a "step ladder" for fire in giant redwood forests.
White Oak Quercus alba White oak is a favorite wood for Stickley furniture and whiskey barrels. It is the state tree for CT, IL, and MD.
White Pine Pinus strobus White pine is a very fast growing tree. During colonial times it was the preferred wood for ship masts. It is the state tree for MI and MA.
White Spruce Picea glauca A common forest tree in Canada and Alaska, the White Spruce is known as the 'skunk tree' for the pungent odor of its crushed needles.