by Jim Woodworth, Director Tree Planting
Look people, we know you’ve probably got lots planned for summer’s greatest holiday: BBQs and weekend trips to the beach, fireworks and parades, picnics and parties galore. But we know there’s going to be two staples to everyone’s Independence Day celebrations: sunshine and shade. That’s why while we’re all commemorating the birth of our country, don’t forget to think about some of the tree species that have watched over our nation’s biggest moments (and myths):
WHITE OAK – Quercus alba
“The Charter Oak” was an unusually large white oak tree that became a famous hiding spot for, according to tradition, Connecticut’s Royal Charter of 1662 to thwart its confiscation by the English governor-general. Legend has it (dundunduhhhh) that the evening of the meeting between the king’s agents and colony officials was a stormy dark night – suddenly, the candles blew out and the ensuing darkness concealed the spiriting of the parchment charter out a window and into the night, where the document was stowed in a cavity of the old white oak. The charter was not found and stayed safely stowed beyond King James’ reach, and the oak became a symbol of American independence (it’s even commemorated on the Connecticut State Quarter).
Widespread across the eastern half of the United States, many white oaks figure prominently in history, mythology and lore. They are an important shade tree and a source of hardwood for the construction of flooring, furniture, barrels and ships. White oak is abundantly represented in both the American Forests National Register of Big Trees, as well as the National Park Service Witness Tree Protection Program, an effort to identify and document historically and biologically significant trees in the greater Washington, D.C. area. “The Wye Oak” was the state tree of Maryland (and the largest white oak in the U.S.), as well as the initial inspiration for the champion tree program. On Northampton Street in Northwest D.C., the 105-foot tall “Northampton White Oak” was crowned local champion in the National Register of Big Trees. While the acorns are an abundant food source for many types of wildlife, and crushed acorn flour is making a resurgence as a boutique baking ingredient, the tree is host to hundreds of butterfly and moth species. Don’t deny – white oak is truly an amazing species.
CHERRY TREE – Prunus serotina
Perhaps the best known story about George Washington’s childhood is that he chopped down his father’s favorite cherry tree and admitted the deed when questioned: “I can’t tell a lie, Pa.” Though the anecdote is largely unsubstantiated, is remains a popular moral lesson that adults still want children to learn from history today, especially as taught by example from the lives of great national heroes like Washington. Nevertheless, it is probably also the best known anecdote about a cherry tree as well! When most of us consider cherry trees in D.C., we undoubtedly are drawn to the monumental stand of ornamental Japanese cherry trees of historic descent, which are an annual reminder of how trees can be such powerful international symbols of beauty, peace, and global citizenship. But the cherry tree George Washington most likely chopped down was our humble native black cherry, Prunus serotina.
This sun-loving pioneer species is a moderately long-lived tree, widespread across the eastern United States, and particularly abundant along roadsides, abandoned land, and forest-margins. The fruit of black cherry is suitable for making jams and cherry pies, as well as popular flavoring for soda and ice cream. Black cherry is also another powerhouse for wildlife habitat, supporting birds and hundreds of associations with caterpillars, butterflies and moths. It has been loved to death by the eastern tent caterpillar, known to defoliate entire groves some springs. Black cherry is a valuable timber species, and perhaps the premier cabinetry wood, known for its strong red color and high price. The Allegheny National Forest of northern Pennsylvania, once home to old growth hemlock and beech, is now actively managed to allow the more valuable black cherry to thrive for timber production. We can certainly appreciate why Washington may have chopped it down.
EASTERN REDCEDAR – Juniperus virginiana
“I will unite with any one to do right, and with no one to do wrong!”
Just across the Anacostia River, one can walk the halls of Cedar Hill, home of the famed abolitionist and women’s rights advocate, Frederick Douglass.
Born into slavery, Douglass escaped to spend his life fighting for justice and equality for all people, moving to Cedar Hill in 1877 and living there until his death in 1895. His tireless struggle, brilliant words and inclusive vision of humanity continue to inspire and sustain people today.
That Douglas chose to live on this hill adorned in trees overlooking the capitol is not surprising – that he chose to call it Cedar Hill, however, is interesting. Redcedar is a humble, patient, tenacious tree, growing well under adverse conditions. Both drought tolerant and cold tolerant, it adapts well in rocky, sandy, and clay substrate. The fine-grained, soft brittle pinkish- to brownish-red heartwood is fragrant, very light and very durable, even in contact with soil. Because of its rot resistance, the wood is used for fence posts.
The wonderfully colored and aromatic wood is avoided by moths, so it is in demand as lining for cedar chests. Juniper virginiana is tireless, year-round performer in the landscape, buffering winter winds, providing habitat and winter cover, shelter and privacy. It suffers slowly through tough soils and drought. This is an abundant tree, found in many habitats, and one of the first trees to occupy old abandoned fields, pastures, roadways and eroded land. It is unusually long lived among pioneer species, with the potential to live over 850 years.
WHITE FRINGE TREE – Chionanthus virginicus
In 1786, Thomas Jefferson, then living in France, wrote Philadelphia botanist John Bartram, Jr., for seeds of this showy, spring flowering tree to share with his Parisian friends. Its delicate, fragrant white blossoms bloom in late spring and are followed by a dark blue berry-like drupe, which deer, quail, wild turkey and song birds enjoy.
Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)
or “Old Man’s Beard” was, among the many trees grown by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, one of his favorites. The “snow flower” (as its Greek name translates) is a wonderfully delicate and diminutive small native tree that should deserve more consideration in our small urban settings. It can easily hold its own against many non-native ornamentals for any compact, space-constrained sunny spot, whether in typical residential yards or easily fit under utility wires.
CT: Did you take care of the tree?
You look like a cat-person. Are you?