what trees are native to new england

Hickories are important “mast” trees, large trees that provide edible nuts and many other resources for people and wildlife. Of New England’s native hickories, Shagbark (Carya ovata) produces the largest and tastiest nuts, with a flavor similar to walnuts dipped in maple syrup.

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How did colonists in New England use trees?

Trees in the New England colonies were a natural resource used to build ships, barrels, and houses. How did colonists in the New England Colinies use trees: Ben Franklin - Built the Philadelphia hospital, he was a printer, gave Philadelphia a library

Are maple trees native to New England?

The latter have maroon-red leaves throughout the growing season and are not native to New England woodlands. Some cultivated varieties of Japanese maple, (Acer palmatum), may also have red leaves, but they are smaller trees with smaller more delicate leaves than Acer rubrum. 5" "

Can a sequoia tree grow in the New England area?

The conifer, Sequoiadendron giganteum, is related to the California redwood tree. Both are cypress trees with reddish bark and scales on their leaves and can grow hundreds of feet tall. In Connecticut, there is a giant sequoia in Greenwich, another in New London and one in Waterbury. There used to be two in Stonington, but one died last year.

What type of tree is the tallest tree in England?

Britain's tallest native tree. A beech tree in Newtimber Woods on the Devil’s Dyke estate in West Sussex has been declared the tallest native tree in Britain. Measuring a staggering 44m tall (144ft), the champion tree is thought to be almost 200 years old.

What is the most common tree in New England?

We'll start with the sweetest, most colorful tree: the sugar maple. Sugar maples are arguably the most common–certainly the most celebrated–trees in New England. Known for their syrup and brilliant fall colors, people come from all over to taste and see the goodness of sugar maples.

What kinds of trees are in New England?

The dominant canopy species of this area include red pine (Pinus resinosa), balsam fir (Abies balsamea), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), red spruce (Picea rubens), which northwards, is replaced by white spruce (Picea glauca).

What trees are native to northeast us?

Trees of the Northeast – the Deciduous ForestNorthern White Cedar. This is another evergreen coniferous, but is a much smaller tree than the Norway Spruce. ... Northern Red Oak. An oak tree is known for its beautiful leaves, their unique shape, and its production of acorns. ... American Elm. ... Striped Maple.

What is the most common tree in Massachusetts?

Facts about MA Forests:Massachusetts imports 98 % of its wood needs.Many of our forests are 80 years old.White pine, Red Maple, Northern Red Oak and Hemlock are the most common tree species.More items...

What is the oldest tree in New England?

AgeNrTree speciesAge1Platanus occidentalis (American Sycamore)362 ± 50 y2Fagus sylvatica (European Beech)358 ± 10 y3Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)322 y4Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)186 ± 50 y1 more row

Are sycamore trees native to New England?

Platanus occidentalis, also known as American sycamore, American planetree, western plane, occidental plane, buttonwood, and water beech, is a species of Platanus native to the eastern and central United States, the mountains of northeastern Mexico, extreme southern Ontario, and possibly extreme southern Quebec.

What is the fastest growing tree in the Northeast?

Dawn Redwood On good sites, its growth is rapid, with a tree in Virginia reaching 120 feet in 30 years or an average of 4 feet per year.

What ground covers are native to New England?

Here are some Massachusetts natives that make nice ground covers:Antennaria plantaginifolia (woman's tobacco)Asarum canadense (Canadian wildginger)Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood)Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry)Geum canadense (white avens)Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal)More items...•

Are arborvitae native to Massachusetts?

Thuja occidentalis, Eastern Arborvitae or Eastern Whitecedar is native from Nova Scotia to Manitoba and south through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois to Massachusetts; south on the limestone Alleghenies of the Virginias, mountains of Tennessee, and rare in western North Carolina.

Are cedar trees native to Massachusetts?

Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a native evergreen that grows 10 to 40 feet high with a pyramidal shape that becomes rounder with age. It is tolerant of salt and dry soils and is good for both exposed areas and sheltered coastal areas.

What is the most common tree in Boston?

The Top 10 most common trees in the Central Boston neighborhoods include: Honey Locust at 41.5%, Littlelead Linden at 13.6%, Pin Oak at 8.8%, Ginkgo at 6.9%, Red Maple at 6.7%, Accolade Elm at 5.7%, Callery Pear at 5.5%, London Planetree at 5.5%, Freeman Maple at 3.2%, and Japanese Pagoda at 2.7%.

Are birch trees native to Massachusetts?

Facts. River birch is widely planted for its appealing, peeling bark and shiny, diamond-shaped leaves. Some trees may have naturalized in the wild from yards and gardens, but several populations in New England are native, and the species is listed as rare in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

What is the most common tree in North America?

Red MapleRed Maple or (Acer rubrum) Red maple is the most common tree in North America and lives in diverse climates and habitats, mainly in the eastern United States.

What is the best flowering tree for New England?

What are the best flowering trees for a small yard?Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata)Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata)Flowering Crabapple (Malus)

How many trees are in New England?

There are an estimated 6.5 billion live trees that are 5 inches and larger in diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) on New England's 32.5 million acres of forest land (Appendix, Table 7). There are an additional 380 million standing-dead trees.

Is blue spruce native to New England?

It is found naturally in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. It has been widely introduced elsewhere and is used as an ornamental tree in many places far beyond its native range. The blue spruce has blue-green colored needles and is a coniferous tree.

What is the best maple tree for fall?

Noted for its exfoliating bark and showy fall color, award-winning Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) is a small spreading deciduous tree that is highly desirable. The chestnut-brown bark of both its trunk and branches constantly peels into thin, tight curls, revealing brighter cinnamon-red wood beneath. Even the youngest stems contribute to this pleasing peeling bark effect. Equally attractive is the foliage of three-lobed leaves, typical of most Acers. Dark green above, but frosty blue-green underneath in spring and summer, the delicately textured leaves warm up to brilliant red and orange in the fall before shedding for the winter.

What is Miss Satomi?

Award-winning Cornus kousa 'Miss Satomi' (Kousa Dogwood) is an upright, spreading medium-sized deciduous shrub with 4 seasons of interest. In spring, a heavenly array of star-like blooms appear. They consist of four narrowly pointed deep pink bracts which surround the center cluster of tiny yellowish-green flowers. The blossoms give way to strawberry-like, rosy-pink fruits in summer, which persist into fall, unless devoured by hungry birds. In summer, its canopy of layered branches, clad with oval, pointed, dark green leaves, provides shade and beauty. In the fall, it offers spectacular bright red color when its foliage turns attractive shades of scarlet. In winter, its exfoliating, mottled, tan and gray bark adds interest to the landscape.

What is the name of the tree with the three-flowered leaves?

Acer triflorum (Three-Flowered Maple) Noted for its ravishing exfoliating bark and showy fall color, award-winning Acer triflorum (Three-Flowered Maple) is a small deciduous tree that is a real treasure in the landscape.

What is a fringe tree?

Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe Tree) is a deciduous shrub or small tree which is spectacular in full bloom. In late spring or early summer, it is literally covered with delicate clouds of slightly fragrant, creamy-white flowers borne in long drooping panicles. As the blooms fade, the petals drop like snow on the ground. While the male flowers bear slightly longer petals and are showier, the female flowers give way to lovely clusters of dark blue fruit in late summer and are a food source for birds and wildlife. The foliage of wide, spear-shaped leaves turns golden-yellow in fall.

How long do magnolia flowers last?

across (20 cm), which appear to glow in early to mid-spring as the new leaves begin to unfurl. Slightly fragrant, the large blooms may last up to 4 weeks.

What is a small king birch?

Compact, Betula nigra 'Little King' or Fox Valley River Birch, is a particularly handsome river birch prized for its attractive peeling bark. Pale salmon and reddish-brown at first, it exfoliates to reveal lighter inner bark. Vigorous and fast growing, this dwarf cultivar forms a dense, deciduous, multi-stemmed tree with a uniform broad-pyramidal to broad-rounded habit. The foliage of leathery, diamond-shaped, bright green leaves deepens to dark green as the season progresses, before turning pale yellow in fall. Perfect for wet soils, 'Little King' can tolerate locations with drier soils.

What color are acer leaves?

Equally attractive is the foliage of three-lobed leaves, typical of most Acers. Dark green above, but frosty blue-green underneath in spring and summer, the delicately textured leaves warm up to brilliant red and orange in the fall before shedding for the winter. Add to Collection. Add to Any Collection. My Collection.

What is the color of hawthorns in spring?

Above: Better known for their posies of scented blossom in mid spring, hardy hawthorns (Crataegus species and cultivars)are yellow and russet beacons in autumn, displaying fiery bunches of berries in ornamental clusters which last well into the new year. Try their ripe fruit in jellies and fruit leathers.

What does sassafras albidum smell like?

Above: Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)roots used to be the source of the flavor in rootbeer, and if you crush their fragrant wide leaves a vintage float is exactly what you smell. The powdered green leaves make the Creole gumbo-thickener, filé. But even if you do not eat them, plant sassafras for its rich copper fall attire, which blazes along shady garden edges.

What is the best tree for shade?

Above: Demure denizens of eastern North American forest edges, redbuds (Cercis canadensis) light up for fall. Their large, heart-shaped leaves become brilliant yellow, and transform the small trees into bright umbrellas after the first frost. This is the perfect tree for shade or semi-shade, and a small garden.

What does "fall color" mean?

Fall color is an added and symbolic seasonal domestic pleasure at a time when New England and the forests of the Northeast are blazing with it. Here is a collection of 11 trees which turn gorgeous ...

What is the name of the tree that bears red berries?

Above: In his book Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2002), William Cullina, director of the Maine Coastal Botanic Garden, writes that spicebush (Lindera benzoin) “has a wild elegance about it that is perfect at the edge of the woods or scattered through trees.” It is one of the earliest shade-loving trees to flower after winter. In the fall female trees bear berries like red drops hanging among the yellow leaves (the berries are known as Appalachian allspice and are used in cooking. Crush the twigs of the tree to smell its citrus-pine scent.)

What is the name of the tree that turns the ground into a carpet?

Above: If you have the space for a statuesque tree, the indigenous black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a fall-gorgeous choice. Following many months after the sweetly scented (and edible) mid-spring flowers, the compound leaves are like yellow feathers on the tree and turn the ground beneath into a magic carpet when they fall.

What does a warm glow from a well-chosen selection of autumn-interest trees add to the picture?

Above: A warm glow from a well-chosen selection of autumn-interest trees adds complexity and depth to the picture that is a garden.

Where are fir trees native to?

White fir ( Abies concolor ), while native to Colorado, is one of the best firs for eastern gardens, and Fringetree ( Chionanthus virginicus ), found from New Jersey south, is an exceptional ornamental plant for much ...

What is the cold hardiness zone in New England?

This is particularly important for wetland species. New England also encompasses a range of cold-hardiness zones, from Zone 7 on Cape Cod to Zone 3 in northern Maine. Some native plants occur throughout this range while others are restricted to the warmer zones.

What are some books that describe native plants?

Among them are Michael Dirr's "Manual of Woody Landscape Plants" and Gary Hightshoe's "Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Urban and Rural America".

What are the habitats of North America?

Here in New England, we live in the eastern deciduous forest but within this region there are many different plant habitats such as meadows, marshes, mountains, uplands, and sand plains, among others.

How many petals does a marsh marigold have?

Both are in the buttercup family. But whereas marsh marigold will have 5 to 9 petals, lesser celandine may have up to 12. The latter is also a smaller plant, reaching just a few inches in height, whereas marsh marigold can reach 1 foot or more in height.

Why is bloodroot a red root?

This native plant is also called "red root," because the root exudes a red juice that has been used as a dye.

How tall is a bluet?

The Connecticut Botanical Society identifies bluets as a New England native plant, lists its height as 2 to 8 inches (it is most often on the low end of that range), and gives the diameter of the flower as 1/2 inch.

What does a Mayapple look like?

As the leaves unfurl, they look like little umbrellas opening up. If you enjoy beholding such details, you may be interested in growing Mayapple. But this is not a plant that will interest gardeners who care only about showy flowers.

What plant has a spathe?

This hooded structure is hidden under the leaves at the base of the plant. Another plant (non-native) that has a spathe is Amorphopha llus konjac. Another New England native plant that sports a spathe is jack-in-the-pulpit ( Arisaema triphyllum ). It's the spathe that contains skunk cabbage's flowers.

What is the name of the spotted wintergreen?

One common name for this native plant is misleading. Your guide book may refer to Chimaphila maculata as "spotted wintergreen." The species name, maculata, does, indeed, translate from the Latin as "spotted." But a common name that is more befitting of its appearance is "striped wintergreen." It is clear to any objective observer that, if anything, the leaf is noteworthy for its stripes, not spots.

How tall is a sweet fern?

It is not a true fern, although it has fern-like leaves. Rather, this New England native plant is a shrub that reaches 2 to 4 feet in height. It is commonly found in sunny, dry areas; for example, abandoned sites with sandy soil. Crush the leaves of sweet fern sometime and you'll be rewarded by its strong, pleasing fragrance. Along with its toughness, fragrance is its main selling point, since it isn't much to look at. Some nurseries do, however, carry sweet fern.

What is a Sassafras tree?

Sassafras is an attractive shrub/small tree providing spring nectar and pollen along with fall fruits. The fiery fall color on attractive, tri-lobed- leaves is a plant tactic to attract the attention of migrating birds to its dark berries. New England beekeepers value sassafras for the quality of the honey produced from it. In the wild, sassafras grows in moist areas, but it can tolerate drier soils too and is a good choice for a woodland edge or naturalized thicket. While the bark of sassafras roots has a familiar “root beer” aroma that has a long history of usage as a flavoring for drinks, confections, and medicines, the Food and Drug Administration warns that an essential oil in the root bark (Safrole) might be carcinogenic in large amounts. That said, young sassafras leaves (which have no Safrole content) are the primary ingredient in Filé powder, used to flavor and thicken soups and stews. Zones 4-9.

What is a winterthur?

Viburnum nudum ‘Winterthur,’ a selection of Wild Raisin from the southeastern US that is hardy well into New England, has foliage that turns a beautiful fiery red and purple “raisins.” Photo used by permission: Ellen Sousa/THBFarm.com

What are some good things to do with beach plums?

Use beach plums to make a tart jelly. Photo: Russ Cohen. Elderberry ( Sambucus canadensis) A common flowering shrub of wetlands, elderberry blooms in white frothy clusters in early summer, providing important nectar for native bees and beneficial predatory insects.

What is a wild raisin?

Wild Raisin is an outstanding landscape shrub with glossy leaves that turn a beautiful burnished color in fall, providing high contrast with clusters of colorful berries that begin pink, then turn blue, and finally shrive into raisin-like fruits with edible (albeit thin) pulp. White flowers in late spring attract many pollinators. Wild Raisin grows in most soils with adequate moisture in sun or light shade. In New England, full sun produces the most berries and best fall color. Perfect for a woodland edge or a “songbird hedge” to support migrating birds on their long journeys north and south. Zones 3-9.

Where do viburnums grow?

Eastern Native Viburnums. Native viburnums grow in a wide range of habitats across New England, and their beautiful fall berries (which transform from pink to blue to purple) contrast with attractive fall foliage, making them a highly ornamental addition to any style landscape.

Why is home cultivation important?

Home cultivation of these native plants for edible usage is a sustainable way for property owners to increase their self-reliance, help maintain existing wild populations of valuable plants and the genetic resilience they hold, as well as support the vast array of wildlife that depend on the presence of native plants for their own survival.

How tall is New Jersey tea?

New Jersey Tea stays a manageable height (2’–3′) and thrives in full sun and lean soil without irrigation or fertilizing required. Photo used by permission: Ellen Sousa/THBFarm.com.

What are the two groups of species?

Species are split into softwood and hardwood groupings. Within those broad groups, species are broken into genus. The genus are listed in alphabetical order by the generic common name (i.e. pine, maple, ash, etc.). The species appear within the generic grouping by the common name (s) most often used by this particular author—many other common names exist. Scientific (Latin) names are also given. Family names appear by the generic scientific name.

Where is the sage native to?

Native to, at least part of, New Hampshire. Capable of growing to at least 20 feet tall. At least on occasion, must grow as single-stem specimens—some are more commonly found in the shrub form. Species are split into softwood and hardwood groupings. Within those broad groups, species are broken into genus.

Who wrote the book Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada?

Henry A. Gleason and Arthur Cronquist, 1993, Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada, The New York Botanical Garden.

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What is a wild cherry tree?

Wild Cherry Tree. The name Wild Cherry Tree refers to a number of species in the genus Prunus . Some of the more common are the Black Cherry ( Prunus serotina) and the Chokecherry ( Prunus Virginiana) both native to North America. There is also a species native to Europe called wild cherry ( Prunus avium ).

What is the black knot on a cherry tree?

Another good identification feature is that many cherry trees have a fungus called black knot which creates large and small cankers or burls on the tree. Black knot affects many plants in the Prunus genus including Cherries and Plums.

What did Native Americans eat?

Cherries were a necessity to ancient people including Native American Indians, they ate them in many ways including pemmican, a high calorie Native American food for long trips. The native Cherry Tree is still common in many parts of the US especially the eastern half. Once you have identified that you have indeed found a cherry tree, try a cherry or two, I like to eat them raw in small quantity during the summer.

When are black cherries ripe?

Cherries are ripe in summer between May and June depending on the species. Prunus serotina, Black Cherry leaves, fruit and twigs.

Is Prunus avium edible?

The only edible part of the plant is the fleshy part of the fruit, even the seeds contain toxins. Taste varies a lot from one species to another and also within each species from one individual to another. The European species Prunus avium is also called Sweet Cherry and it is the wild version of the cherries that we buy at the supermarket, ...