Trees on the Yale Nature Walk

White oak in the fall

White Oak
Quercus alba
Tree ID: 98
Prospect and Sachem
Date of tree entry: February 6, 2019
Sprawling, beautiful tree outside of the Bett's house. It is the largest tree to the left of the house on the lawn. If you look closely, you'll see old etchings from lovers long ago.

Pitch Pine
Pinus rigida
Tree ID: 100
Marsh and Farnam Gardens
Date of tree entry: February 6, 2019
This elegant pine tree sits atop the Marsh Gardens, next to the walkway of Greeley Memorial Laboratory. It towers above the other trees and plants in the immediate surroundings. As an evergreen, it keeps its green foliage throughout the winter, while its neighbors shed their leaves.

Sour Gum, Tupelo, Black Gum
Nyssa sylvatica
Tree ID: 97
Marsh and Farnam Gardens
Date of tree entry: February 6, 2019
This deciduous tree is found throughout the United States, mostly east of the Mississippi on the continental US and in southern Ontario, but also with significant populations in Lousiana, Missouri, and Texas. Elevation-wise, it prefers to grow low on highlands of up to 3,000 ft. Further, it is also known to prefer wetlands. It can grow up to a height of 35 meters but tends to stay between 20 and 25 when it is fully grown. It can live to be 650 years old, and during its lifetime will contribute to honey production for bees, an will supply berries that are an important source of food for birds. When it is grown by humans, it is generally for the beauty of its bright red leaves in the fall. Further, its wood is very strong and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as pulleys, bowls, and pallets.

Formosa Sweet Gum
Liquidambar formosana
Tree ID: 99
Marsh and Farnam Gardens
Date of tree entry: February 6, 2019
The Formosa Sweet Gum tree is a deciduous tree native to Asia and North America. At full growth, it can reach up to 40 meters tall. This eudicot grows mostly in woodland areas in warm temperate zones. It is known for its beautiful red and yellow color and grows best in moist soils. Interestingly, the Sweetgum tree has many medicinal applications. Its sap has been known to treat illnesses including coughs and ulcers and has also been used in the production of the Tamiflu drug that fights various forms of influenza.

Persian Ironwood
Parrotia persica
Tree ID: 101
Marsh and Farnam Gardens
Date of tree entry: February 6, 2019
Originating from Iran, this Persian Ironwood is situated in a patch of grass, between two other trees. While the tree may be small in width, it makes up for its narrow base with a plethora of branches, and orange leaves. The gray-green bark complements small flowering buds that reveal deep red flowers. This multi-branch shrub is an eye-catcher in the Marsh Botanical Garden, and should not be overlooked.
Image of Acer griseum

Paperbark Maple

Acer griseum
Tree ID: 96
Marsh and Farnam Gardens
Date of tree entry: February 6, 2019
This tree is known for its papery, peeling bark and distinctive orange-red color.

White Mulberry

Morus alba
Tree ID: 102
Marsh and Farnam Gardens
Date of tree entry: February 6, 2019
The regal Morus alba sits in the center of the Marsh Botanical Gardens. It stands alone at a strong 6.7 m, providing shade for those who sit underneath its branches. The morus alba is a deciduous tree, losing its leaves in the fall, but beginning to bud in the spring.

European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
Tree ID: 95
Marsh and Farnam Gardens
Date of tree entry: February 6, 2019
This tree is situated in a fairly isolated patch of ground on a somewhat rocky hillside with decent light exposure due to it's proximity to the open space of a parking lot. In addition to the massive circumference of the tree, the carvings of visitors from years ago still adorn the trunk of this otherwise silvery smooth beech.

Norway Spruce
Picea abies
Tree ID: 92
Marsh and Farnam Gardens
Date of tree entry: February 5, 2019

Cucumber Tree
Magnolia acuminata
Tree ID: 94
Marsh and Farnam Gardens
Date of tree entry: February 5, 2019
This cucumber tree is situated in a fairly isolated patch of lawn outside of Marsh Hall. Because it is one of two very tall trees in the immediate area, it has access to plenty of sunlight. These trees grow best in moist, rich, well-drained loams, and it appears that the soil our tree is growing in meets this description. They also tend to grow in a scattered manner rather than in groves. Cucumber trees are native to North America, and especially to the Appalachian belt and the southeastern United States. Additionally, there is a populuation in Southern Ontario, which makes the Cucumber tree the only magnolia native to Canada. The large magnolia gets its name from its green, cucumber-like fruits that develop after its greenish-yellow flowers wilt. The leaves, though our tree has not grown any yet, are simple, ovate, alternating leaves that are yellow-green in the summer and gold in the fall. It is unusual for magnolias to have leaves that change color, so this is a relatively unique feature of the Cucumber tree.

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