FEATURED NATIVE TREE: Quercus alba, white oak
The white oak is a popular and long-lived shade tree which grows to 100 feet, with a wide-spreading rounded crown and with numerous horizontal branches. Its bark is light gray with shallow furrows forming scaly ridges or plates. The leaves are light green and smooth, with a lighter underside, turning red in the fall. The wood is used for furniture, flooring, and specialty items such as wine and whiskey barrels. In colonial times, the wood was used for shipbuilding. Acorns are a favorite food source for birds, squirrels, and deer. The largest known white oak specimen had a circumference of 32 feet and grew in the Wye Oak State Park, Talbot County, Maryland. It was destroyed during a storm on June 6, 2002. For additional information on growing conditions and habitat, click the button below. FEATURED NATIVE TREE: Pinus virginiana, Virginia pine
This smaller pine colonizes old fields and abandoned farmlands. The short needles of the tree are held in pairs, forming a "V." The seeds are eaten by birds and other animals, and deer will browse the twigs. For additional information on growing conditions and habitat, click the button below. FEATURED NATIVE TREE: Quercus falcata, Southern red oak
Southern red oak is also referred to as Spanish oak. It is a large tree, up to 80 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 4 feet. The crown is rounded and open, with spreading branches. Long leaves, typically shaped like a turkey foot. For additional information on growing conditions and habitat, click the button below. FEATURED NATIVE TREE: Liriodendron tulipifera, tulip tree
The tulip tree is one of the most attractive and tallest of eastern hardwoods. It is fast growing and can reach a height of 150 feet, with a soaring straight trunk and tulip-shaped blossoms high in the canopy. Distinctive leaves are shaped like a cat's face. Hummingbirds enjoy its nectar, while Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers enjoy its sap. Tulip trees produce seeds, which are favorites of Northern Cardinals. Hollow spaces inside this tree provide homes for squirrels and raccoons, among other animals. For additional information on growing conditions and habitat, click the button below. FEATURED NATIVE TREE: Rhus copallina, shining sumac
A small tree or shrub, often growing in colonies. It provides dense cover for birds and wildlife. Lustrous dark green foliage turns a brilliant orange in the fall. Red fruit is hairy. Shiny compound leaves have wings along the leaf stems. For additional information on growing conditions and habitat, click the button below. |
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