Gray Birch
This Gray Birch (Betula populifolia) is found before the entrance of the walking path, right next to the green pickup truck that has been parked there for 20 years. When Grandpa Spaulding passed away, his truck was parked next to the gray birch tree as it was the only one on the property, and his favorite. Before the truck was there, a picnic table was directly next to the birch where Grandpa Spaulding would drink his coffee and read the paper first thing in the morning. Gray birches grow best along streams and waterways as they grow best in moist, well-drained soils. As the yard is not located by a stream, the Spaulding's find this tree unique and especially important within their family.
Virginia Creeper
Virginia Creepers (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a woody deciduous vine that can grow anywhere from 3 to 40 feet. It's only limiting factor is the structure on which is climbs. This particular species is growing on the side of Grandpa Spaulding's garage, bright against the white paint. This woody, deciduous vine will be sure to catch your eye, especially in the fall as it has bright orange-red leaves. It is a must-see in the fall as this beautiful vine can be labeled as a nuisance species. Virginia Creepers grow in sun, part shade, and shade. They prefer to grow in moist, well-drained, sandy soils.
Eastern Hemlock
Eastern Hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) are immaculate species that can grow to be 100 feet tall. This tree is a must-see with its large size and feathery branches. Being one of my favorites on the property, this hemlock is located right before the entrance of the walking trail. Eastern Hemlocks are a pyramidal tree that have dark-green needles with silvery undersides. They grow best in part shade and shade, much like the other species located within the woods of this trail. This species of hemlock also prefers rocky, cool, moist, acidic soils. While being pH adaptable, they tend to grow best in acidity.
Eastern White Pine
The Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) marks the beginning of the trail. This tree is located across from a group of Flowering Dogwoods (Corus florida). Unfortuantely, this species will not paint the exact picture of an Eastern White Pine as it is a younger tree; however, I believe the younger trees are a charming inclusion. As healthy forests have numerous saplings and younger trees under the canopy, this Eastern White Pine is a beautiful addition to this tour! This tree does not reach its potential height of 100 feet quite yet, but it does have beautiful feathery clusters of needles that gracefully grow on its branches. This species of pine grows in sun, part shade, and shade. It grows best in fertile, moist, well-drained soils as well.
Flowering Dogwood
Flowering Dogwoods (Cornus florida) are a beautiful species of tree in both the spring and the fall, with stunning colors. Beautiful in both spring and fall, it is a must-see for this tour! There are clusters throughout the trail, especially in the beginning of the trail. This particular tree is located close to the entrance and is close to an American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) and across from an Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus). Flowering Dogwoods can be single- or multi-trunked; however, most on this trail are multi-trunked. Similar to other species, they grow best in part shade and shade as well as in moist, rish, well-drained, acidic soil.
American Beech
American Beeches (Fagus grandifolia) may be the most common tree species within this trail. If you were to count the amount of times you come across an American Beech within the first acre of this property, I guarantee you would lose track. For this reason, I had to include this species within this trail and appreciate its rapid growth! This American Beech is located next to a cluster of Flowering Dogwoods (Cornus florida) and next to a Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra). This American Beech is not quite full grown, but is essential within the habitat for the beechnuts they produce. Due to their importance to wildlife, I am relieved to see so many on the property. This species of beech has a shallow root system, growing best in moist, rich, well-drained, sandy soil. In addition, this species of beech grows best in part shade or shade.
Northern Red Oak
This Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is located directly next to an American Beech (Fagus grandifolia). While you would not expect this species to be a Northern Red Oak, it is still growing. The expression "blink and you might miss it" definitely applies to this thin-trunked tree. While this species can grow to be 100 feet tall and a spread of 45 feet, this particular tree has A LOT of growing to do. This tree was too cute not to include and needs all the good energy it could possibly get from those walking the trail! Northern Red Oaks grow in sun and part shade, but is one of the most shade-tolerant oaks! They grow best in well-drained loamy sands.
English Oak
This English Oak (Quercus robur) is located by an American Beech (Fagus grandifolia).Similar to most of the other species located at the beginning of the trail, it is not full grown yet. The leaves are present and easily distinguished from a Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra). English Oak leaves have a short petiole, are sinuate, and have 4-7 round lobes. English Oaks are one of the prettiest of the oaks as their leaves are much more apealing to the eye then Northern Red Oaks. As my mother's favorite, be sure to stop by and admire their leaves.English Oaks are unique as they grow in full sun and grow in clay, loam, sand, acidic, well-drained soil.
Staghorn Sumac
Staghorn Sumacs (Rhus typhina) are a smaller tree that has absolutely stunning leaves in the fall time. It is a common tree to find in Vermont, especially along the highways. It's bright orange and red coloring pops throughout the drive. Along the trail, it especially pops as it is the only tree growing in a ring of fallen branches. Staghorn Sumacs have sexual dimorphism as the female plants have yellow-green flowers followed by fuzzy bright berries in pyramidal clusters throughout winter. This particular Staghorn Sumac is a male as there are no pyramidal clusters of berries, just the bright colored leaves. This species of tree grow best in colonies that are single-sexed which is why when you see one female, the others are typically females as well! This tree grows in sun, shade, and part shade. It can grow in the dry waste areas.
Eastern Red Cedar
This Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is surrounded by other massive Eastern Red Cedars and is located off the trail. While this tree is located off the trail, it is totally doable to hike down to and is amazing to see surrounded by other cedars, pines, and hemlocks! It is worth the hike down to see the cluster of evergreens! Eastern Red Cedars can grow to 90 feet. Much like the Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina), they have sexual dimorphism. Females have pale blue fruits while males do not. These cedars grow in sun, part shade, and shade. In addition, they are tolerant to cold and heat, but prefer dry soil. Their soil preference is unique to most species on the trail!
Yellow Birch
This Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) is located on the right hand side of the clearest path intersection. It is located in a group of Yellow Birches, which might be my favorite species of birch for their golden hue. Yellow Birches grow larger than other eastern birches and are one of the largest hardwoods in northeastern North America as they can grow to be 100 feet tall. Yellow Birches' trunks are curly, translucent, golden-yellow, and are streaked with gray and brown. This species of birch grow in part shade and shade. Similar to other species, they grow in cool, moist soils.
Balsam Fir
Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) are the symbol of Christmas and gives the Christmas spirit throughout the trail (which puts a HUGE smile on my face whenever I pass by them)! This Balsam Fir is across from a cluster of other Balsam Firs, but is next to Eastern White Pines (Pinus strobus).This Balsam Fir is no where near the 45-75 feet it can grow to be, but it is growing! Similar to other species, it can grow in sun, part shade, and shade. This fir also prefers well-drained, acidic, moist soil.
Striped Maple
This Striped Maple (Acer pensylvanicum) is surrounded by Paper Birches (Betula papyrifera) and Northern Red Oaks (Quercus rubra). Striped Maples are a beautiful, understory tree. This species of maple are 20-40 feet, but this is a tiny (and CUTE) sapling that has so much growing to do. There are no adult species of Striped Maples along this trail, so be sure to stop and see these little saplings!This species also has sexual dimorphism as females are the only one with seeds. Striped Maples grow in part shade or shade and prefer cool, well-drained, moist, and acidic soils.
Red Maple
This Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is located next to a Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra). Much like others along this side of the trail, it is not full grown. While Red Maples are can grow to be 120 feet tall, this tree has some growing to do. This maple experiences sexual dimorphism as males have pink flowers in early spring while females display red samaras soon after. To distinguish them from Sugar Maples (Acer saccharum), this maple has three lobes, sharply pointed teeth, and form a sharp V-shape between lobes. Red Maples are not urban tolerant as they grow best in shade and moist soils. As Vermont is the maple state, this gorgeous young Red Maple is a must-see! Be sure to take a look at the leaves so you can distinguish them from other maples in the future.
Norway Maple
Norway Maples (Acer platanoides) are large trees that can exceed 90 feet. This particular tree is full grown, unlike some species on the path. Unlike other maples, this maple has dark green, opposite, 4-7 inch wide leaves with five lobes. When the leaf petioles break, milky fluid oozes. Unfortunately, this species is invasive within the state of Vermont. This location is in the sun, which suites the needs of this maple as it grows best in full sun and are adaptable to many soils and different levels of moisture. For this reason, it is important to include this species so you will be able to differentiate this invasive species from other maples.
Northern Catalpa
After your walk around the trail, be sure to take a stroll around the property on your way to say goodbye to Grandma Spaulding! Northern Catalpas (Catalpa speciosa) are highly adaptable species, grow rapidly, but are a short-lived species. They are Grandma Spaulding's absolute favorite on the property as it has heart-shaped, smooth leaves. This species prefers part shade and grows best in deep, rich, moist soils.
Sugar Maple
Sugar maples (Acer saccharum) are impossible to miss on your adventure through Vermont. As the state tree, and adored by all citizens of Vermont for is wonderful sap, you have to visit this tree on your walk through the property. It is located right across the driveway and can be seen perfectly outside any window of the house facing that side. Sugar maples have the best foliage in autumn as the tree is large and rounded with a dense crown. Each tree yields between 5 and 60 gallons of sap per year. This beautiful tree can grow in the sun, part shade, or shade. This maple also grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soils. It can be distinguished from other maples as it leaves have 5 lobes and a U-shape between each lobe.
Eastern White Cedar
This Eastern White Cedar (Tabebuia heterophylla) is full grown. The Eastern White Cedar can grow to be 40-50 feet with a spread of 8-20 feet and a trunk diameter of 3 feet. This species grows best in slightly alkaline, loam, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils. They are moderately drought tolerant and grow in sun, part shade, or shade. This cedar is impressive and a must-see so you can tell its difference from a red cedar which is located behind it. You can find this tree next to the grill (that never moves) and the wood shed which is a new addition! Look at the bark and think back to the Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and see what's different! As it's biggest difference is the bark hue, you'll be an ID'ing expert afterwards!
White Walnut/ Butternut
The White Walnut, also called Butternut, (Juglans cinerea) is a sweet and beloved tree located on the property and is popular with many birds during the fall. This tree can grow to be 100 feet tall, but is most often 40-60 feet tall. It has a large spread of 30-50 feet and produces edible butternuts. Unfortunately, its fruit becomes rancid pretty quickly so it must be harvested soon after maturing. This fast growing species does not grow beyond 75 years. It grows best in rich, moist soil located in direct sun. Try and time the butternuts right and feel free to take some with you to enjoy!
Blue Spruce
As you leave, be sure to check out this gorgeous Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) located by the Maplewood Inn! The Blue Spruce is my favorite evergreen due to its beautiful coloring. As you leave your walk, I hope you look at this spruce and appreciate its beautiful needle coloring as much as I do when I leave. Blue Spruces can grow to be 100 feet tall and are conical in shape. They are different from other spruces due to their short, still, blue-green needles. As it is symmetrical, pruning is seldom necessary. They grow best in part shade and in moist, rich soils. I hope you enjoyed this trail and sucessfully spotted all the species listed. Be sure to find some more hidden gems within the property and tell Grandma Spaulding all about it. We hope to see you there soon!!
