Native Trees vs. Non-Native Trees
12 years ago
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NJ Shore Non Native Tree
Comments (2)They look like a variety of Chamaecyparis obtusa to me....See MoreTree ID (native woodland tree + Arbor Day mystery tree)
Comments (5)Well... of course, as soon as I post this I find a list from the Arbor Day order (or at least, I think it was that year's order). No idea which is which (which of the ones that came in this bundle actually survived), but could the third photo be a young Sargeant Crabapple? That's on the list, as is Eastern Redbud, Washington Hawthorn, dogwood (I know it's not that), Goldenraintree and crapemyrtle (I remember wondering why on earth they were shipping crapemyrtles to New England!!) In theory (meaning assuming they sent what they said they were sending), it should be one of those -- and the crabapple seems like the only one it could be? I'd be floored if they were shipping free Bradford pears (which is what someone on Name that Plant thought it was as well) -- aren't they considered more or less invasive plants in a lot of areas these days? So I'm hoping for Sargeant crabapple since I wouldn't mind having one of those for the birds (means the little guy can stay right where he is now, in the bird/butterfly garden)....See MoreWhy do people get mad about non-native trees growing in the wild?
Comments (16)For my part, I'm just happy to see a rather nuanced discussion unfolding here. I see I'm not alone in being frustrated with some of the unintended consequences of the "natives only" movement, even though to a large extent, I'm a part of that movement, or at least a supporter of its main tenets. I think it really comes down to the fact that there are a few really bad actors, and then a whole bunch of stuff somewhere in the middle. I'm a big fan of Norway spruce-obviously not a native tree-and I know of some woods which are mostly native, but have a few big , old monsters of this species mixed in. In my view, absolutely not a problem, in any way. But those same woods are truly being "choked" by common buckthorn. That will be their demise, as that plant really does have the ability to crowd everything else out. It just depends on the situation, but to not realize there is a problem with non-native, invasive plant species proliferating in the environment indicates that you, OP, just haven't yet seen the light. Since you're interested enough in the topic to bring it up, I suspect you will in time come to see the havoc. A part of it really depends on your managing to fall in love with the native plant communities which have not yet been destroyed. Then once you cross that threshold, I think it will become clear what something like Callery pear, garlic mustard, or common buckthorn is doing to the landscape. +oM...See MoreNative Shade Trees (and understory trees)
Comments (20)I have not seen any mention of Blackgums! Beautiful, large trees with truly blood colored foliage in the fall (They also provide little blue berries for the birds!). They grow fairly quickly and are pretty tolerant of drought conditions. Something we put in last year was a Princeton American Elm. Unbelievably fast grower and was bred to have resistance to Dutch Elm disease. There really is a reason they were so widely planted as street trees and would provide high shade for your front yard relatively quickly. They are also reputed to be very tolerant of city pollution. No mention of Red Cedar, either. Grows quickly, immune to virtually everything and has a nice grayish color which contrasts nicely with the dark greens of other trees. I have mixed them into our overstory oaks/maples etc. with podocarps, firs and deodars for a nice tapestry of color and texture. They give good cover for camellias from winter burn. Any kind of magnolia does well! We have planted virtually every kind we could find and they have distinguished themselves into overstory and understory nicely over the years. The Sweet bays smell particularly wonderful and are a good open, midsized tree without too much spread. They tend to get very thin in winter, however. The Little Gems have the advantage of blooming until frost without getting overly large. American Hollies are magnificent, but are difficult to get started for some reason. Once one is happy, however, they will take off. Mary Nells or Oakleafs might be a good compromise. River Birch, of course, is incredibly fast growing and would do well in your seasonally wet areas. They have beautiful yellow leaves in Fall, nice open shade in summer and gorgeous exfoliating bark. Finally, esh had a good suggestion in bald cypresses. We have one that is always commented upon by those who come over, especially in the Fall when the needles turn golden and carpets the ground around it. A truly beautiful tree and a fast grower. As he mentioned they do well in both dry sites and wet. The only difference to my eye is speed of growth and density of needles/boughs....See MoreRelated Professionals
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