The cultivar name is 'Andenken an Ludwig Spath', actually. An authority on phytophthora told me awhile ago it was too late for sudden oak death quarantines to be effective, so local officials are probably wasting their time and budgets, in Maine and elsewhere. Believe it is thought to even blow around on the wind, in water droplets. Here a nursery had to put some rhododendrons in plastic bags and bury them in a deep trench because state agents found some sudden oak death on them. So it's not just the time and resources of states that are being spent on trying to put the cat back in the bag. Worse things are being noticed these days in Europe, trying to keep those out of North America would certainly be worthwhile.

thanks, salicacae i read that it favors the climatic parameters of cool and moist, such as is found in the pacific northwest and northern california. also, some areas of the eastern u.s. that are expected to provide similar conditions would include the appalachians southward to northern alabama and georgia. do you think the spread into the lower and coastal south might be slower because of summer heat (and drought, here lately)? do they think it will be a problem in your area (does winter cold affect it)? phillip, if i understand correctly, our camellias(along with many other plants) serve as hosts for the fungus but don't die from it. i suppose my 'magnoliaeflora' had other health issues. here is a direct link to the site listed by gilisi Here is a link that might be useful: sudden oak death

Tom--and the rest of my advisers here: I forgot to mention that I have some hickories. I have two shellbark, pignut, mockernut, and shagbark. I have two shellbark because I planted the first one on a bit of a ridge where the soil is more shallow, I subsequently read that shellbark hickory is generally a bottomland species. In the spring the buds get very large, and just before and after break, the bud scales, or whatever they are called, grow and become red, so the tree seems to be covered with flowers--beautiful. I have some hickory on my timberland, and one shagbark, especially, is absolutely gorgeous. Looking at this tree, one could imagine it is the most beautiful tree in the world. One problem here is they grow very, very slowly. I also have 2 hiccan hybrids, which are supposed to grow extremely fast, but for me they are almost not growing, even after 5 years, and I have three pecans, also of the genus Carya, of course. They are also growing very slow in my environment here. I love hickories, but here--what's the old saying? "I should live so long!" I did some more research on American beech--based on what I can find out, maybe my initial idea of not bothering with it here is correct. They really, really don't like droughts, and don't like exposed sites. I never, never see any in the woods around here, and I am not sure I can point to a single one in Winchester. Beautiful trees, but I am afraid not for here. Well, I am still looking for ideas. I know it is a sin in the minds of many in these forums, but I may just prune up a Norway spruce or two for shade trees, and/or white pine. But so far the oaks are the best I have. I mentioned the white and swamp white oaks, but the two largest are Shummard oaks--they thrive here. Oh, and I have cottonwoods. They are not spreading yet, so not much shade. Where I grew up--from age 5 to 15, the primary tree for shade and general enjoyment was a cottonwood. Gorgeous!! I have a Siouxland cultivar of eastern cottonwood. In the ground 5 years, 20 feet tall, and looking like it may be the star of all the 120 or so kinds of trees I have here!! Wonderful large leaves, rich green, glossy, and so far this tree is acting like it is more drought resistant than my other cottonwoods. --spruce

I just took several UF classes on trees and learned A LOT . We had a certified Arborist speak and we learned that with Laurel Oaks they are less wind resistant and much more prone to diseases like fatal Oak wilt or sudden oak death caused by Phytophthora ramorum . Check with your local UF Extension Office and ask them if they can offer any advice . Also ask them how to get in touch with your city or county Arborist . They each have one . A certified Arborist can actually tell if a tree is healthy or having disease problems with many different tests - none of which cost you a penny . My favorite local tree company even has a certified Arborist on staff . Try to imagine a hurricane arriving next week and imagine the worst case scenario with this tree and your house or your neighbor's house . Can you realistically expect this tree to do well ? Is it disease free and sturdy ? Is it properly trimmed with just one header and no V notched large side branches ? Is it anchored securly with a strong healthy root system ? An Arborist can answer all these questions for you .