Trees on the Yale Nature Walk

The Kentucky Coffeetree is a slow to medium-growing species that is native to the midwest; it was Kentucky's state tree for nearly 20 years, hence providing the first part of this organism's name. While the second part of this tree's name (coffee) may seem inviting to taste this plant, it is important not to eat this plant raw, as the seeds and pods are poisonous to humans because they contain cytosine. However, upon roasting them, one can use the leaves, seeds, and pulp of the Kentucky Coffeetree to make beverages similar to coffee. This tree is remarkable in its toughness and adaptability; it can survive both droughts and floods, as well as high levels of air pollution. The Kentucky Coffeetree makes a great ornamental tree (as seen on Yale's campus) due to its unique ascending branching structure, which gives the plant a crown-like appearance. Students can look forward to this striking view as May and June approach, as the Kentucky Coffeetree is known to bloom in late spring. On the topic of blooming, this species is deciduous; its leaves emerge in a beautiful bronze-pink shade and progress to dark green over time, then as fall comes, the leaves turn yellow and brown before falling from the tree.

The Eastern Redbud tree, also known as Cercis canadensis, is a small, deciduous tree that can be found in eastern North America. It is commonly found in wooded areas, along streams, and in parks and gardens. The tree grows to be 20-30 feet tall and has a rounded, spreading canopy that provides dappled shade. Its bark is dark brown and slightly rough, and its heart-shaped leaves are bright green in the spring and summer, turning yellow in the fall. One of the Eastern Redbud's most striking features is its pink to purple flowers, which appear in early spring before the leaves. These small, pea-like flowers bloom in clusters along the branches, making the tree look as though it is covered in pink or purple mist. After the flowers fade, the tree produces flat, brown seed pods that persist into the winter. The Eastern Redbud's wood is hard and dense, making it useful for woodworking projects. The tree is relatively low maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, as long as they are well-draining. It is also resistant to pests and diseases. Overall, the Eastern Redbud is a beautiful and versatile tree that adds color and interest to any landscape.

The White Ash tree is native to eastern and central North America and is home to many different wildlife species, including birds, squirrels, and insects.