Category: Trees

Red Pine – Pinus resinosa

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Pinus resinosa (Red Pine) is a tall evergreen coniferous tree belonging to the Pinaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Size and Shape: Red pine is a large tree that typically reaches heights of 66 to 115 feet (20 to 35 meters). It has a straight, tall trunk with a relatively uniform crown and branches that spread horizontally.

Needles: The needles of Pinus resinosa are needle-like and occur in bundles of two. Each needle is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, and they have a reddish-brown to dark green color.

Cones: The tree produces large and distinctive cones that measure around 2.5 to 4 inches (6 to 10 centimeters) long. The cones have a conical shape and are reddish-brown when mature. The scales of the cones are tipped with small, curved prickles.

Bark: The bark of young red pine trees is smooth and grayish, often becoming reddish-brown and developing thick, scaly plates as the tree matures.

Branches and Twigs: The branches of red pine are relatively stout, and the twigs are often covered with a thin, white, waxy coating.

Habitat: Red pine is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including sandy soils and rocky areas. It is often associated with mixed forests and grows well in cooler climates.

Cultivation: Due to its rapid growth and straight trunk, red pine has been widely planted for reforestation and timber production. It is an important commercial timber species.

Other Species: Red pine is relatively easy to identify due to its long needles in bundles of two and unique reddish-brown cones.

Red pine is valued for its timber, which is used in construction, furniture making, and various other applications. It is also planted in reforestation efforts to restore forests and provide valuable wood resources.

Occurrence
Many planted in a 3 acre area in 1987 and 1988. Trees at that time were also planted in the north west corner of the property and in the yard and in some places in the former pasture.

Blue Spruce – Picea pungens

Native To State: NO
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Picea pungens (Colorado blue spruce) is a tall evergreen coniferous tree belonging to the Pinaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Size and Shape: Colorado blue spruce is a large tree that can reach heights of 50 to 100 feet (15 to 30 meters). It has a distinct conical shape with dense, horizontally spreading branches.

Needles: The needles of Picea pungens are stiff, sharp, and needle-like. They are arranged spirally on the branches and have a vibrant blue to silvery-blue color, which gives the tree its name.

Cones: The tree produces cylindrical cones that hang downward from the branches. The cones are relatively large, measuring about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long. When young, they have a purple hue, but as they mature, they turn brown.

Bark: The bark of young Colorado blue spruce trees is typically smooth, gray, and dotted with resin blisters. As the tree matures, the bark becomes rougher, developing fissures and turning grayish-brown.

Branches and Twigs: The branches are sturdy and slightly pendulous, while the twigs are hairless and have a reddish-brown to gray color.

Habitat: Colorado blue spruce is native to the western United States, primarily found in the Rocky Mountains and surrounding areas. It thrives in well-drained soils and is often seen in mountainous regions.

Cultivation: Due to its striking blue color and attractive shape, Colorado blue spruce is a popular ornamental tree in landscaping and is cultivated in various regions worldwide.

Other Species: While Colorado blue spruce is one of the most well-known and widely planted spruce species, it is essential to distinguish it from other spruces based on its unique blue-colored needles.

Colorado blue spruce is highly valued for its ornamental beauty and is frequently used as a focal point in landscapes, parks, and gardens. Its striking blue hue and graceful form make it a favorite choice for many gardeners and homeowners.

Occurrence
Some trees in yard and pasture planted in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Butternut – Juglans cinerea

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description
Smaller than black walnut, seldom more than 30′ to 50′ with a diameter of up to 24″, although in the forest it can attain a height of 80′ with a diameter of 36″; trunk usually divided and forked or crooked; top develops into open, broad crown; may be distinguished from black walnut by velvet collars just above scars left by last year’s leaves.

Occurance
One specimen planted in farm yard in late 1980’s. Several seedlings scheduled to be planted out in 2019.

Black Spruce – Picea mariana

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description
Small tree; straight trunk up to 12″ in diameter with somewhat drooping branches; mature tree usually reaches a height of 20′ to 30′, although under favorable conditions, it can attain a height of 70′ to 80′; often associated with tamarack, balsam fir, and white cedar. In cold swamps the growth is practically stagnant and trees 2″ in diameter have been found to be 127 years old.

Occurrence
Several specimens planted around the main marsh in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.

White Spruce – Picea glauca

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Size and Shape: White spruce is a medium to large-sized tree, typically reaching heights of 40 to 80 feet (12 to 24 meters) or more. It has a conical or pyramidal shape with dense, ascending branches.

Needles: The needles of Picea glauca are needle-like and evergreen. They are arranged spirally on the branches and are usually bluish-green or grayish-green in color. Each needle is about 0.5 to 0.75 inches (1.3 to 1.9 cm) long and has four sides, which helps differentiate it from other similar species.

Cones: The tree produces small, cylindrical cones that hang downward from the branches. The cones are typically 1.5 to 2.5 inches (3.8 to 6.4 cm) long and initially have a green or purplish color, which matures to light brown when ripe. The scales of the cones are flexible.

Bark: The bark of young white spruce trees is smooth and grayish-green, while in older trees, it becomes rough, thick, and scaly, ranging from gray to reddish-brown.

Branches and Twigs: The branches are slender, often slightly pendulous, and have a reddish-brown to grayish color. The twigs are slender, hairless, and have a slightly resinous aroma when crushed.

Habitat: Picea glauca is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including boreal forests, subalpine zones, and wetlands. It is adaptable to different soil types, including well-drained and acidic soils.

Distribution: The species has a wide distribution range, covering northern parts of North America, including Canada and Alaska, and extending into the northeastern United States.

Similar Species: Picea glauca may be confused with other spruce species, particularly with Picea mariana (black spruce) and Picea engelmannii (Engelmann spruce). Paying attention to needle length, cone characteristics, and habitat can help differentiate between these species.

Occurrence
The oldest and largest tree died in 2015. Many others planted in 1987/1988 are good sized trees today – primarily found around the main pine grove.

Northern Catalpa – Catalpa speciosa

Native To State: NO
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Appearance: Catalpa speciosa is a deciduous tree known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and showy, trumpet-shaped white flowers.

Leaves: The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and typically clustered at the branch tips.

Flowers: It produces showy, white, trumpet-shaped flowers.

Fruit: The tree bears long, slender pods containing seeds.

Habitat: It is commonly found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands and urban areas.

Distribution: Northern catalpa is native to North America.

Occurrence
One specimen planted along farm yard driveway.

Sawtooth Aspen – Populus grandidentata

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Appearance: Populus grandidentata is a deciduous tree known for its rounded leaves with big teeth along the margins.

Leaves: The leaves are rounded and have large teeth along the margins.

Bark: The bark is smooth and grayish-green, with white markings.

Habitat: It is commonly found in mixed woodlands and on hillsides.

Distribution: Bigtooth aspen is native to North America.

Occurrence
One large tree in farm yard. A population of Sawtooth Aspen occur on the western side of the large brush island.

Eastern Hemlock – Tsuga canadensis

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Appearance: Tsuga canadensis is an evergreen tree known for its flat, short needles and small cones.

Leaves: The needles are flat, short, and arranged in two rows.

Cones: It produces small, woody cones that dangle from the branches.

Bark: The bark is brownish-gray and furrowed.

Habitat: It is commonly found in moist, shaded woodlands.

Distribution: Eastern hemlock is native to North America.

Occurrence
Specimens planted on north end of field trail

Arbor Vitae – Thuja occidentalis

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Appearance: Thuja occidentalis is an evergreen tree known for its scale-like leaves and small, woody cones.

Leaves: The leaves are scale-like, overlapping, and appear in flattened sprays.

Cones: It produces small, woody cones.

Bark: The bark is reddish-brown and fibrous.

Habitat: It is commonly found in wetlands and along streams.

Distribution: Northern white cedar is native to North America.


Compact, pyramidal; height 50′ to 60′, diameter 24″ to 36″; trunk often twisted, strongly tapered, and frequently divided into two or more direct stems; branches short and nearly horizontal; sometimes forms almost impenetrable thickets because dead branches are very stiff and persistent; in the open, develops a conical, symmetrical crown. There are numerous ornamental or garden varieties of white cedar known as arborvitae.

Occurrence
Several larger specimens found around the edges of the farm yard.

Chinese Cork Tree – Phellodendron amurense

Native To State: NO
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Appearance: Phellodendron amurense is a deciduous tree known for its pinnately compound leaves and small yellow flowers.

Leaves: The leaves are pinnately compound, with several leaflets.

Flowers: It produces small, yellow flowers in clusters.

Bark: The bark is corky and rough.

Fruit: It produces small, black drupes.

Habitat: It is commonly found in various habitats, including woodlands and urban areas.

Distribution: Amur cork tree is native to eastern Asia.

Occurrence
Two mid-sized specimens in the farm yard and seedlings planted along east side of property in 2017.