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.
 
Cortland Rural Cemetery -- 110 Tompkins Street, PO Box 288  Cortland, NY 13045
Telephone: 607-756-6022   |   Email: Contact@cortland-rural-cemetery.com
The Cortland Rural Cemetery posts career opportunities when they are available. We are an equal opportunity employer who values diversity and bases offers of employment on qualifications, merit, and business need -- without regard to race, religion, gender (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability or other categories as proscribed by federal, state or local law.