
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. |
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