Dendrology tour of Vassalboro,ME Preview

1

Red Maple (Acer rubra)

This tree is found next to the apple sign at Lemieux's Orchard. It was planted in the 1900s. This red maple is one of my favorites because of how colorful it is.Red maples are known for their red tinged bark, twigs, wood, and flowers. In the spring and fall this tree stands out. Red maples inhabit a large range of habitats, and are sometimes planted as shade trees, such as this one.

2

Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)

This Crimson King Norway Maple was planted in the 1970s by my grandfather. Norway maples are often planted as ornamentals or shade trees, however they should be planted with caution, because the species can become invasive. This is one of my favorite trees because of how unique its summer foliage color is. This tree can be found on the front lawn of Lemieux's Orchard, beside the road.

3

White Oak (Quercus alba)

This white oak was planted by my father in the early 2000s from a cutting taken from a tree planted by my great great grandfather. The original tree was located beside the road, about a mile up, however it was cut down. This is one of my favorite trees because of the family history associated with it. This tree is found on the front lawn of Lemieux's Orchard.

5

Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)

This silver maple was planted by my great grandfather in the early 1900s. It is one of my favorite trees because it has a tire swing on it that I used to play with as a kid. Silver maples are not the best tree to plant next to your house, since they have brittle limbs. As any observer can tell, this particular tree has had its fair share of breakages, but it still has a lovely autumn color. This specimen can be found on the front lawn of Lemieux's Orchard.

6

Common Pear (Pyrus communis)

This common pear was planted by my great grandfather. It is one of my favorite trees because of how interesting it looks. Even though it has a huge hole in the middle of the tree, it still produces pears every year. This tree can be found in the middle of the orchard across the road from the main orchard.

7

White Ash (Fraxinus americana)

This white ash tree is located next the the road in the small plot of woods down the road from the orchard where the pear tree is located. It is the first tree after the orchard fence. This white ash is one of my favorite trees because it is located next to a stream, which is really pretty in the spring.

8

Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana)

This choke cherry tree is located next the the chicken coop at the barn. It can be accessed by the driveway leading to the barn at 210 Priest Hill rd. This is one of my favorite trees because I like to hang treats for my chickens from the branches as enrichment for them.

9

Northern White-Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)

This Nothern White-Cedar tree can be found behind the cow barn down the hill from the main orchard. It is one of my favorite trees because it is the only full grown tree in the area behind the barn yard, so it stands out. This tree can be accessed by the driveway leading to the barn.

10

Northern Red Oak (Quercus ruba)

To access this Northern Red Oak, you will have to cross into the horse pasture. There is a gate next to the big pond where you can enter the pasture. Don't mind the horses, they are very friendly. Their names are Sammy [the chestnut quarter horse] and Jerry [the black percheron], in case you were interested. This tree is one of my favorites because it has a very nice fall color.

11

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

This eastern white pine is located in front of the horse barn. It is one of my favorite trees because of how much larger it is than the other trees in the horse pasture. It is a great shade tree.

12

Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)

This balsam fir is located on the hill next to the horse barn. It is one of my favorite trees because the horses love to scratch on it, which is always funny to watch.

13

Common Winter Berry (Ilex verticillata)

This common winter berry shrub is located behind the tool shed next to the horse barn. To get to this specimen, wearing tall boots is a must, since it is located in a swampy area. This is one of my favorite shrubs because it has lovely red berries that persist into the winter.

14

Virgin's Bower (Clematis virginiana)

This vine can be found growing along the border fence between Lemieux's Orchard and the neighboring property. It can be identified in the fall by its feathery seed heads. This is one of my favorite woody plants because it has such a unique appearance.

15

Redosier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

This dogwood shrub is found beside the boarder fence, in the horses pasture. It is one of my favorite trees because its red bark is a very bright spot of color in the winter.

16

Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)

This pussy willow tree is found next to the farm pond. To get to this tree, you will have to leave the horses pasture and follow the trail until you see the large rocks that surround the pond. This tree is one of my favorites because it blooms early in the spring, which makes it stand out.

17

Sawtooth Blackberry (Rubus argutus)

This blackberry bramble is located behind the tractor barn. It is one of my favorite shrubs because it is the best place for picking blackberries in the summer.

18

Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides)

This quaking aspen tree can be found next to the other farm pond. It is one of my favorite trees because of its fall color, which is a really nice yellow.

19

Common apple (Malus pumila)

This apple tree is located at the end of a row of much younger and smaller trees. It was planted by my great grandfather. This tree produces wolf river apples, a very old variety that are known for their size. It is my favorite tree because is the oldest apple tree on the farm.

20

American Sweet Crabapple (Malus coronaria)

To get to this specimen, walk along the orchard road until you reach the saw mill. This crab apple tree is located next to the saw mill. This is one of my favorite trees because I have a lot of fond memories of picking crabapples to make jelly.