THE LEAFLET

July 17th is World Emoji Day and to celebrate, let’s break down what species these trees emojis really are!  

At first glance, the deciduous tree emoji looks like any other tree, but if you look closely, you can see the iconic heart-shaped leaves of the American linden. The American linden, also known as “basswood,” is a stately shade tree with delicate pea-shaped fruits hanging from wing-shaped bracts. It is a summer-blooming tree with small white flowers, and bold, heart-shaped leaves that turn golden yellow in autumn. Linden trees line Embassy Row on Massachusetts Avenue – DCs historic linden corridor. Lindens do well in sun or partial shade. American lindens are available through our residential planting program, RiverSmart Homes. You can also get up to $100 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program. 

Next is the evergreen tree emoji, upon observing the bellowing branches that grow beautifully asymmetrical, it is clear this is a Deodar Cedar. A graceful tree with bluish-green needles, the deodar cedar is an exceptionally beautiful evergreen that many consider the most striking tree found in the DC Metro area. It grows pyramidal when young, but its crown flattens as it ages, with pendulous branches flowing from its trunk. You can get up to $50 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.

Taking a closer look at the falling leaves emoji, we can see that they’re simple oval pointed leaves with smooth edges – much like the Common Persimmon! A member of the ebony family, the persimmon is a graceful, slender, and smallish shade tree with dark, distinctive furrowed bark and leaves that turn red to purple-red in fall. Female trees have greenish-white flowers that bloom in the spring and develop an edible fruit prized by wildlife. The tree has very strong wood used for golf club heads and billiard cues. Persimmons prefer full sun but will persist in partial shade. 

Lastly, the iconic fall emoji is none other than the Red Maple! One of the most popular planted trees, red maples are coveted for their brilliant fall color, ability to withstand challenging soil conditions, and their seeds which fall “helicopter-like” to the ground. Red maples prefer full sun and can reach 40 feet in approximately 30 to 40 years. This tree is available through our residential planting program, RiverSmart Homes. You can also get up to $100 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program. 

To see and learn more about these trees, consider signing up for one of our upcoming events!