Introduction

The English hawthorn, also known as Crataegus laevigata, is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to Europe and North Africa. It is a popular choice for landscaping because of its beautiful flowers, which bloom in a variety of colors including white, pink, lavender, and red. The tree is also relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of soil and climate conditions.

Description

The English hawthorn typically grows to be between 15 and 25 feet tall, with a similar spread. It has lobed, green leaves and attractive bark that is similar to that of an apple tree. The branches of most varieties are thorny.

The tree’s most striking feature is its flowers, which bloom in abundance in the spring. The flowers are small and delicate, and they have a sweet fragrance. After the flowers bloom, the tree produces small red or orange fruit.

Growing Conditions

The English hawthorn is a very adaptable tree that can tolerate a wide range of soil and climate conditions. It prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, but it can also tolerate alkaline soils. The tree can also tolerate drought conditions, but it will produce more flowers and fruit if it is watered regularly.

The English hawthorn is hardy in USDA zones 4b to 8. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade, but it will produce more flowers in full sun.

Care

The English hawthorn is a relatively low-maintenance tree. It does not require a lot of pruning, but it can be pruned to shape or control its size. The tree should also be fertilized annually with a balanced fertilizer.

The English hawthorn is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including aphids, lace bugs, leaf blight, and leaf spot. These problems can usually be controlled with regular pest and disease control measures.

Uses

The English hawthorn is a popular choice for landscaping because of its beautiful flowers and attractive foliage. It is often used as a street tree or in urban landscapes, as it can tolerate poor air and soil conditions. The tree can also be grown as a bonsai or espalier tree.

The fruit of the English hawthorn is edible, but it is not very flavorful. It can be used to make jams, jellies, and other preserves. The leaves and flowers of the tree can also be used to make tea.

Conclusion

The English hawthorn is a beautiful and hardy tree that is easy to care for. It is a great choice for landscapers and homeowners who are looking for a tree that will add beauty and interest to their property.

Additional Information

• The English hawthorn is a member of the rose family.
• The tree’s flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects.
• The fruit of the English hawthorn is a source of food for birds and other wildlife.
• The English hawthorn is a popular choice for bonsai and espalier trees.
• The tree is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including heart disease, anxiety, and insomnia.

Butternuts are not a type of squash, but rather a species of walnut tree native to the eastern United States and Canada. They are also known as white walnut trees because of their pale gray bark. Butternut trees are related to black walnut trees and other members of the walnut family.

Butternut Tree Information

Butternut trees grow to be about 60 feet tall and have dark green leaves arranged in leaflets that can be up to 20 inches long. The fruit of the butternut tree is a nut that is not round like the nut of the black walnut tree, but elongated and longer than it is wide. The nut is deeply ridged and grows inside a green, hairy husk until they mature in mid-autumn.

Are Butternuts Edible?

Yes, butternuts are edible and have been eaten by Native Americans for centuries. The butternut is an oily nut that can be eaten as is when mature or prepared in a variety of ways. The Iroquois crushed and boiled butternuts and served the mixture as baby food or drinks, or processed it into breads, puddings, and sauces.

Growing Butternuts

It is possible to grow butternuts in your backyard, if you have a site with rich, loamy soil. The trees are vigorous and live for some 75 years. However, the butternut tree is now a threatened species due to its susceptibility to a fungal canker disease called butternut canker. Hybrids, where white walnut trees are crossed with Japanese walnut, are more resistant to the canker.

Butternut Canker

Butternut canker is a fungal disease that has caused a decline in butternut tree populations in the wild. The disease is caused by the fungus Sirococcus clavigignenti-jug-landacearum. Symptoms of butternut canker include cankers on the trunk and branches, wilting leaves, and dieback of branches. There is no cure for butternut canker, but there are steps that can be taken to prevent the disease, such as avoiding wounding the trees and planting resistant varieties.

Butternut Tree Benefits

Butternut trees provide a number of benefits, including:

• Food: Butternuts are a nutritious food source for humans and wildlife.
• Timber: Butternut wood is strong and durable, making it valuable for furniture and other woodworking projects.
• Wildlife habitat: Butternut trees provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including squirrels, birds, and insects.

Conclusion

Butternut trees are a valuable resource that provide a number of benefits. However, they are threatened by butternut canker disease. By taking steps to prevent the disease, we can help to protect these trees and ensure that they continue to provide benefits for generations to come.

Introduction

The Pacific Northwest is home to a vast and diverse array of coniferous plants, also known as conifers. These trees are iconic symbols of the region, and they play a vital role in the ecosystem.

Types of Conifers in the Pacific Northwest

There are three main botanical families of conifers in the Pacific Northwest: Pine, Cypress, and Yew.

• Pine family: Includes Douglas fir, hemlock, fir, pine, spruce, and larch.
• Cypress family: Includes four cedar species, two junipers, and the redwood.
• Yew family: Includes only the Pacific yew.

Douglas Fir: The Most Common Conifer

Douglas fir is the most common conifer in the Pacific Northwest. It is actually not a true fir, but belongs to its own genus. Douglas firs have distinctive downward-pointing cones and pitchfork-shaped bracts.

True Firs

True firs have erect cones that break apart at maturity, leaving a spike on the branch. They have smooth bark with resin blisters on young stems and alternately furrowed and smooth bark on large trunks. Needles either lie in flat rows or curve upwards, but all come to a soft, non-prickly point.

Hemlocks

There are two types of hemlock conifers in the Pacific Northwest: Western hemlock and Mountain hemlock. Western hemlock has short, flat needles and small cones, while Mountain hemlock has short, irregular needles and longer cones. The cones of both hemlocks have rounded scales but lack the bracts of the Douglas fir.

Pines

Pines are the most common conifer in the world, but they don’t do well in the dark, damp, and dense forests of the Pacific Northwest. They are more common in open forests and on the east side of the Cascade Mountains. Pines have long, bundled needles and large, woody cones.

Spruces

Spruces have needles that are sharp and pointed, and each needle grows on its own small peg. The cones have extremely thin scales, and the bark is gray and scaled.

Larches

Larches are unique among conifers because they are deciduous, meaning they drop their needles in the fall. They have needles that grow in bundles, and they can be found on the east side of the Cascade Mountains and in the North Cascades of Washington.

Cedars

North American cedars are different from those of other regions. They have flat, scale-like leaves and stringy-looking bark. The Western Red cedar is the most common cedar in the Pacific Northwest, but other species include Incense cedar, Alaska cedar, and Port Orford cedar.

Other Cypresses

The only cypress native to the Pacific Northwest is the Modoc cypress. Other cypresses that make the Northwest their home include the Western juniper, Rocky Mountain juniper, redwood, and sequoia.

Yews

Yews are unlike other Pacific Northwest conifers. Their seeds are contained in small, red, berry-like fruit. Although they do have needles, they lack cones, which has led to some debate about their classification as conifers. Only the Pacific yew is native to the Pacific Northwest.

Conclusion

The conifers of the Pacific Northwest are a diverse and fascinating group of trees. They play a vital role in the ecosystem, and they are a beautiful and iconic part of the region’s landscape.

The high desert of Eastern Oregon is a land of contrasts, with vast open spaces, deep canyons, and a unique ecosystem dominated by sagebrush and juniper trees. While junipers are an important part of this ecosystem, they have also become a problem in some areas, invading and outcompeting native plants and degrading habitat for wildlife.

Western Juniper: A Unique and Intriguing Plant

Western juniper is a fascinating tree with a distinctive appearance. Its gnarled branches, loose, scaly bark, and bluish-purple berries make it easy to identify. Junipers are also incredibly hardy, able to survive in the harsh conditions of the high desert, where water is scarce and temperatures can fluctuate wildly.

Despite its tough exterior, juniper has a soft side. Birds love its berries, and new junipers often grow from seeds dispersed in bird droppings. However, juniper’s usefulness to humans is limited. Its wood is messy and difficult to burn, and it has few other practical applications.

The Invasion of Western Juniper

Over the past century, juniper trees have expanded their range in the high desert, increasing from about 420,000 acres in the 1930s to over 3 million acres today. This expansion is due to a combination of factors, including overgrazing by livestock, fire suppression, and climate change.

Overgrazing has reduced the amount of vegetation available to carry fires, which would naturally kill smaller juniper trees and keep their populations in check. Fire suppression has also allowed juniper trees to spread into areas where they would not normally be found. Finally, climate change has created more favorable conditions for juniper to grow and thrive.

The Impact of Juniper Invasion

The invasion of juniper trees has had a significant impact on the high desert ecosystem. Junipers consume large amounts of water, which can lead to the drying up of springs and streams. They also outcompete native grasses and sagebrush, reducing habitat for wildlife that rely on these plants for food and shelter.

The loss of sagebrush habitat is particularly concerning because it affects the sage grouse, a bird that is already threatened with extinction. Sage grouse rely on sagebrush for nesting and food, and the decline of sagebrush populations has led to a decline in sage grouse populations as well.

Managing Juniper Trees

The U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are working to manage juniper trees in the high desert and restore the sagebrush-steppe ecosystem. Their goal is to retain old-growth juniper stands while controlling the spread of younger, invading junipers.

One way to control juniper trees is through prescribed burns. Fire can kill small juniper trees and prevent them from becoming established. However, prescribed burns must be carefully planned and executed to avoid damaging other vegetation or starting wildfires.

Another way to control juniper trees is through mechanical removal. This involves using machinery to cut down or uproot juniper trees. Mechanical removal is more expensive and time-consuming than prescribed burns, but it can be more effective in certain situations.

The Future of Western Juniper

The future of western juniper in the high desert is uncertain. Climate change is likely to continue to favor the spread of juniper trees, and it is unclear how effective management efforts will be in controlling their populations. However, one thing is clear: the invasion of juniper trees is a complex issue with significant implications for the high desert ecosystem.

Conclusion

Western juniper is a fascinating and complex tree that plays an important role in the high desert ecosystem. However, the invasion of juniper trees has become a problem in some areas, and land managers are working to find ways to control their spread and restore the balance of the ecosystem.

Introduction

Meet Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’, a stunning elder tree known for its unique black foliage and vibrant pink flowers. This tree is a must-have for any garden, attracting wildlife and adding beauty to your landscape.

Key Features

• Height and Spread: Grows up to 6 meters tall and wide
• Hardiness: Hardy in most climates
• Foliage: Finely cut, almost black foliage
• Flowers: Pink-flushed blooms in early summer
• Fruit: Red-black elderberries in the fall

Planting and Care

• Soil: Prefers moist but well-drained soil
• Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun to partial shade
• Planting Time: Plant anytime from January to June
• Pruning: Prune back to ground level in early spring for best foliage color

Benefits for Wildlife

• Attracts bees, birds, and other pollinators
• Provides nectar, pollen, shelter, and habitat

Toxicity

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ is non-toxic to humans and pets.

Companion Plants

• For a stunning contrast, pair with plants that have lighter colored foliage, such as hostas or ferns.
• To attract even more wildlife, plant it near other pollinator-friendly species like lavender or sunflowers.

Conclusion

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ is an easy-to-grow and versatile tree that adds beauty, wildlife benefits, and a touch of mystery to any garden. With its striking foliage and vibrant blooms, this tree is sure to become a favorite.

Introduction

The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is a beautiful and unique evergreen shrub that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. With its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and strawberry-like fruit, the strawberry tree is a favorite among gardeners and wildlife alike.

Description

The strawberry tree is a large, bushy shrub that can grow up to 8 meters tall and wide. It has rough bark and dark green, leathery leaves. The bell-shaped flowers of the strawberry tree resemble those of lily of the valley and have a strong honey fragrance. The fruit of the strawberry tree is round and red, and it resembles a strawberry or lychee.

Growing Conditions

The strawberry tree is relatively easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of conditions. It prefers well-drained, sandy soil and full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of chalk soils and can also be grown in coastal areas.

Planting and Care

When planting a strawberry tree, choose a reputable nursery or supplier and look for healthy plants with green, lush foliage and no visible signs of pests or diseases. Avoid purchasing plants that appear weak, pot bound, or stressed.

Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the strawberry tree and just as deep. Place the strawberry tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the strawberry tree deeply and regularly, especially during the first growing season.

Wildlife

The strawberry tree is a magnet for wildlife. Its nectar- and pollen-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and moths. The fruit of the strawberry tree is a favorite food of birds. The strawberry tree also provides shelter and habitat for a variety of animals.

Toxicity

The strawberry tree is not poisonous to humans or animals. However, the fruit of the strawberry tree is not as tasty as real strawberries and is best left for the birds.

Medicinal Uses

The strawberry tree has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The leaves and fruit of the strawberry tree are said to have diuretic, antiseptic, and astringent properties.

Propagation

The strawberry tree can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or layering. Seed propagation is the most common method, but it can take several years for the seedlings to mature. Cuttings and layering are more reliable methods of propagation, but they require more skill and experience.

Conclusion

The strawberry tree is a beautiful and versatile evergreen shrub that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. It is relatively easy to grow and care for, and it attracts a variety of wildlife. With its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and strawberry-like fruit, the strawberry tree is a surefire way to add beauty and interest to your garden.

Introduction

The winged elm tree (Ulmus alata) is a deciduous tree that is native to the southern woodlands of the United States. It is a very adaptable tree that can grow in both wet and dry areas, making it a popular choice for landscaping. Winged elm trees are also known as corked elm or Wahoo elm trees.

Characteristics of Winged Elm Trees

Winged elm trees get their name from the very broad, warty growths that grow along their branches. These growths are thin and wing-like, and they give the tree a unique appearance. The tree is a small one, usually growing to a height of 40 to 60 feet tall. Its branches form a vase shape with an open, rounded crown. The leaves of the winged elm are small and oval, and they are a dark green color with paler, hairy undersides. In the fall, the leaves turn a bright yellow color. Winged elm trees produce brown or burgundy flowers in the spring, and these flowers produce a very short orange samara that disperses by the end of April.

Uses of Winged Elm Trees

Winged elm trees are often used as shade trees or street trees. They are also used in parking lot islands, medium strips, and along residential streets. The wood of the winged elm tree is flexible and strong, making it a good choice for flooring, boxes, crates, furniture, and hockey sticks.

Growing Winged Elm Trees

Winged elm trees are relatively easy to grow and require little care. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They are tolerant of drought and can grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 6 through 9.

To grow a winged elm tree, start by selecting a planting site that meets the tree’s requirements. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree and just as deep. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the tree deeply and regularly, especially during the first growing season.

Caring for Winged Elm Trees

Winged elm trees require little care once they are established. However, they should be pruned regularly to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the tree. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring, before the tree begins to produce new growth.

Winged elm trees are susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including Dutch elm disease, elm leaf beetle, and elm scale. Dutch elm disease is a fatal disease that is spread by beetles, and there is no cure. Elm leaf beetle and elm scale can be controlled with insecticides.

Benefits of Winged Elm Trees

Winged elm trees provide many benefits, including:

• They are a beautiful and stately tree that can add value to your property.
• They provide shade and help to cool your home in the summer.
• They are a good choice for urban areas because they are tolerant of air pollution and poor drainage.
• They are a food source for wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer.

Conclusion

Winged elm trees are a beautiful and versatile tree that is a good choice for a variety of landscaping needs. They are easy to grow and care for, and they provide many benefits.

Introduction

Hazel trees are beautiful and versatile trees that are native to Europe and Asia. They are popular for their edible nuts, wildlife value, and attractive foliage. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to grow and care for hazel trees in your own garden.

Identifying Hazel Trees

Hazel trees are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall. They have soft, round leaves with jagged edges and pointed tips. The underside of the leaves is hairy.

In late winter or early spring, hazel trees produce long, drooping catkins. These catkins are the male flowers of the tree. The female flowers are small and red, and they appear as wispy petals protruding from a small bud.

Types of Hazel Trees

There are two main types of hazel trees:

• Cobnut (Corylus avellana): This is the most common type of hazel tree. It produces large, round nuts.
• Filbert (Corylus maxima): This type of hazel tree produces smaller, oblong nuts.

Planting and Growing Hazel Trees

Hazel trees prefer to grow in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. They are hardy trees that can tolerate most soil conditions, but they will not thrive in waterlogged soil.

To plant a hazel tree, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the tree well after planting.

Pruning Hazel Trees

Hazel trees only require light pruning. In late winter or early spring, cut out any diseased, damaged, or dead stems. Remove any suckers, which are shoots that grow from the base of the tree.

If you are growing hazel trees for nuts, you may want to prune them more heavily to encourage fruit production. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before the tree begins to flower.

Harvesting Hazel Nuts

Hazel nuts are ready to harvest in the fall, when the husks turn brown and start to split open. To harvest the nuts, simply shake the tree or knock the branches with a stick. The nuts will fall to the ground, where you can collect them.

Benefits of Hazel Trees

Hazel trees provide a number of benefits, including:

• Food for wildlife: Hazel nuts are a valuable food source for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.
• Habitat for wildlife: Hazel trees provide a dense canopy that provides shelter for birds and other animals.
• Erosion control: The roots of hazel trees help to hold the soil in place, preventing erosion.
• Ornamental value: Hazel trees are attractive trees with interesting foliage and flowers. They can be used as hedges, screens, or specimen trees.

Conclusion

Hazel trees are easy to grow and care for, and they provide a number of benefits for both people and wildlife. Whether you are looking for a tree to add to your landscape or a source of food for your family, a hazel tree is a great choice.

Introduction

The flamingo tree (Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’) is a popular dwarf willow tree that is known for its beautiful variegated foliage. In spring, the leaves emerge with a mix of green, white, and flamingo-pink tips. The leaves fade to green in summer and turn coral-orange in autumn, revealing the vibrant stems. Before the new leaves appear in spring, the tree produces yellow catkins.

Choosing the Right Location

Flamingo trees prefer moist but well-drained soil and full sun or dappled shade. They can also be grown in pots as long as they are kept well-watered.

Planting Your Flamingo Tree

1. Dig a hole that is the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide.
2. Place the rootball in the hole and fill in the space around it with soil.
3. Water the tree deeply and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Caring for Your Flamingo Tree

Watering and Feeding

• Water flamingo trees growing in the ground during dry spells.
• Flamingo trees in pots should be kept moist at all times.
• Fertilize your flamingo tree in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Mulch around the tree in spring with well-rotted manure or garden compost to help retain moisture.

Pruning

• Prune your flamingo tree in late winter to encourage lush foliage growth.
• Trim back about one-third of the growth and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased shoots.
• Also, trim away any shoots that are sprouting from the grafted stem.
• You can lightly trim again in summer to encourage more fresh pink growth.

Propagation

Flamingo trees can be propagated by taking softwood cuttings in spring and summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn and winter.

Common Problems

• Poor leaf color in spring: This may be due to lack of sun.
• Brown leaves: This could be due to wind or sun damage, or lack of water.
• Green leaves on the stem of standard trees: These are from the willow that the top was grafted onto and should be trimmed off.
• Willow aphids: These do not harm the plant, but they can produce honeydew that attracts sooty mold.
• Rust: This appears as yellow patches on the tops of the leaves and orange pustules on the undersides.
• Canker: This can cause leafless shoots and distorted bark.
• Willow anthracnose: This causes black or brown spots and lesions on the leaves and stems.
• Honey fungus: This can attack plants growing in the soil.

Tips for Growing Flamingo Trees in Different Climates

• In cold climates, flamingo trees should be planted in a sheltered location and mulched heavily in winter.
• In hot climates, flamingo trees should be protected from the sun during the hottest part of the day and watered regularly.

Choosing the Right Flamingo Tree for Your Needs

There are many different varieties of flamingo trees available, so it is important to choose one that is right for your needs. Consider the size, shape, and color of the tree, as well as its hardiness in your climate.

Conclusion

Flamingo trees are beautiful and easy-to-care-for trees that can add a touch of color and interest to any garden. By following the tips in this article, you can grow a healthy and vibrant flamingo tree that will thrive for years to come.

Introduction

Choosing the right trees for your landscape can be tricky. You want trees that are beautiful, provide shade, and are easy to care for. The Baumann horse chestnut tree is a great option that meets all of these criteria.

Baumann Horse Chestnut Info

Baumann horse chestnut trees are popular landscaping and street trees throughout the United States. They grow up to 80 feet tall and have beautiful, white flower spikes that bloom in the spring. Their dark green foliage makes them a popular choice for adding curb appeal to properties.

Despite their name, Baumann horse chestnut trees are not related to edible chestnuts. All parts of the tree are toxic, containing a poisonous toxin called esculin. Do not eat any part of the tree or feed it to livestock.

Growing a Baumann Horse Chestnut

Growing a Baumann horse chestnut tree is relatively easy. Here are the steps:

1. Choose a well-draining location in your yard that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day.
2. Dig a hole at least twice the depth and twice the width of the root ball of the tree.
3. Place the tree in the hole and gently fill the dirt around the root zone to the crown of the plant.
4. Water the planting and ensure that it remains consistently moist as the tree becomes established.

Care of Baumann Horse Chestnuts

Once you have planted your Baumann horse chestnut tree, it will require minimal care. However, it is important to monitor the tree for signs of distress, especially during hot summers. If the tree becomes stressed, it may be more susceptible to fungal issues and insect pressure.

Benefits of Planting a Baumann Horse Chestnut Tree

There are many benefits to planting a Baumann horse chestnut tree in your landscape, including:

• Beautiful flowers: The white flower spikes of the Baumann horse chestnut tree are a beautiful sight in the spring.
• Shade: The large canopy of the Baumann horse chestnut tree provides welcome shade on hot summer days.
• Air purification: The leaves of the Baumann horse chestnut tree help to purify the air by removing pollutants.
• Wildlife habitat: The Baumann horse chestnut tree provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and insects.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Baumann Horse Chestnut Trees

The Baumann horse chestnut tree is a relatively low-maintenance tree, but there are a few common problems that you may encounter, including:

• Leaf scorch: Leaf scorch is a condition that can occur when the leaves of the tree are exposed to too much sunlight or heat. To prevent leaf scorch, make sure to plant your tree in a location that receives partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
• Fungal diseases: Baumann horse chestnut trees can be susceptible to a variety of fungal diseases, including anthracnose and powdery mildew. To prevent fungal diseases, make sure to water your tree regularly and avoid overwatering.
• Insect pests: Baumann horse chestnut trees can be attacked by a variety of insect pests, including aphids, scale, and spider mites. To control insect pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Conclusion

The Baumann horse chestnut tree is a beautiful and beneficial tree that is a great addition to any landscape. With its beautiful flowers, shady canopy, and air-purifying leaves, the Baumann horse chestnut tree is a tree that you will enjoy for years to come.