Dendrology in Taunton Preview

1

Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)

Growing beside train tracks and over a fence into the parking lot of a CVS, a Scarlet Oak stands tall. It is thriving in the dry, gravel soil and displays brilliant red foliage every autumn. This hardy specimen will be standing for years to come.

2

Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)

In the parking lot of the Trucchi's shopping plaza, a Northern Catalpas tree grows over the fence, spreading its branches over a small grassy area. Its unique large leaves and pod-like fruit warrant a look. It is well suited to the full sun of this locale, and should continue to grow larger in the coming years.

3

Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Planted just off the sidewalk, this Black Locust provides shade and pleasant yellow autumn foliage for passersby. Its compound leaves are different to most trees in this area, catching the eye. This sunny spot allows for better visibility, and photosynthesis for this solar-loving plant.

4

Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)

Taking a look at this tall tree in the middle of a residential yard, you will see a Blue Spruce, exhibiting its usual pyramid shape and blue tinted needles. Looking like the typical christmas tree, this one sticks out among the primarily deciduous trees along Granite street.

5

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

This exotic transplant hangs over the sidewalk, forcing taller pedestrians to duck or get a mouthful of its beautifully red leaves. The homeowner who resides here must water it frequently to keep up with its moisture requirements. This tree's spreading branches and in the way nature make it unmissable.

6

Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)

An open driveway reveals an outright massive Norway maple, the largest I have seen ove rthr course of my survey. Theyre everywhere, but this one stands out due to its height and girth. Tolerant of urban pollution and numerous soil types, it is well adapted to the streetside tree it often is planted as.

7

Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus)

In a series of maple trees along Hodges Ave, a lone Sycamore Maple stands among several Norway Maples. This outlier has distinctly different leaves than most maples in the area. It catches the eye if one looks at the foliage down the street. Its hardy and adaptability to most soil types creates its reputation as a great ornamental tree.

8

Red Pine (Pinus Resinosa)

This Red Pine stands just on the other side of a wall from a busy residential block, towering over most of the area. Its unique position and the fact that its the only one of its species in the area got it included in this tour. Residing mostly in non-shaded areas with high wind, it is thriving.

9

Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Tulitrees are one of the largest in north America, this one is no slouch by any strech of the imagination. tucked in a far corner of the grounds of Taunton State Hospital, its somehow hides behind several maples, until one sees its very unique fruit and leaves. The maintained lawns benefit this tree that craves deep, moist soils.

10

Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

Standing in the open between two roads, this norway spruce is hard to miss, a straight and mostly bare lower trunk gives way to drooping, needled branches and cones littering the ground. This sun-loving, adaptable tree is sought as a windbreak or ornamental, doing its job here, breaking up the lawn monotony.

11

Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)

This tree may be a hybrid between two mulberry species Red, and White. The asymmetrical leaves and large spreading crown give it presence up close or far away. On the edge of the woods, fulfilling its partial shade preference, saplings surround the trunk, ensuring its survival for the next generation.

12

American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

The smooth grey bark of this tree is often a target for pocketknife grafitti, but luckily this one is largely untouched. Peeking out of the edge of the woods on this road, the broad leaves absorb what sunlight it can from its spot below the tall oaks. Having grown this tall and thick, must men the strategy is working for this normally sun-thriving decidous tree.

13

Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

On the lonely edge of a desolate cornfield, a Black Oak provides a bit of cover ans shade for the squirrels and crows common here.It is hard to miss the glossy sheen of its leaves against the sun, presumably planted as a windbreak for what is now a wasteland. Oh, well, take a water break in the shade.

14

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

This is the only red maple I could find that wasn't in someones backyard. Its tiny, but it'll grow. Being shade tolerant will prevent it from being smothered by all the oaks and pines in this roadside grove. One of the most common trees in north america, its fall foliage often attracts gawkers.

15

Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana) ??- 2020

This stop is in loving memory of my favorite tree that I found over the course of the survey. Where once a young Callery Pear stood resolute, bearing its rounded leaves and small green fruit, now lies a stump. A life lost in the name of industrialzation and the expansion of man into the green places. In the four weeks since I recorded this tree, it has since dissapeared. Hopefully its exceptionaly fertile sees will take root and bring beauty back to this space. You will not be forgotten.

16

Rosebay Rhododendron & Mountain-laurel

Rhododendron maximum & Kalmia latifoliaThese two ornamentals decorate a small garden area with gazebos and benches, providing something for the eyes as you take a picnic lunch. Both plants flower beautifully in springtime. The mulch here protects the shallow roots from being damaged.

17

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)

This tall fellow here has much different leaves than the other oaks in the area., catching my eye on the ground Large acorns make a closer look more interesting as well, also providing ammunition for fending off the skunks seen nearby. On the side of the road, spreading its autumn foliage on the pavement and easy access to the sun, making a drive by viewing possible.

18

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

This is the most common pine in New England, but this one here is magnificent. Tall, strong and handsome, with branches from bottom to the top, it makes it easy to appreciate something so commonplace. Pithy cones litter the ground, watch your step or collect a hitchiker. Dead needles cover up the dry soil, something the white pine can tolerate no problem.

19

Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

The autumn foliage of this brilliant red oak draws the eye across the street from some residential homes. The large lobed leaves and wide trunk somewhat hide the path to the parking lot behind it. Being difficult to transplant due to its taproot, I think it grew there naturally some time ago, creating an interesting landmark for hospitalgoers and pedestrians alike.

20

Northern Pin Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis)

The tour ends back on the Hodges street entrance lawn with a Northern Pin Oak, its oblong acorns and autumn fallen leaves making the small hill here a challenge to go up on two legs. Persistent fall foliage make it attractive to look at, and its out of place nature make it interesting from a dendrology point of view. I hope you enjoyed this tour.