Honeylocust
Honeylocust (Gleditsia Triacanthos)This tree can be found in my neighborhood, a few blocks down from my house. It is planted right along the sidewalk in a yard so it isn't hard to find. Honeylocust will be happy in many types of soil so they are perfect to grow in your yard. It's also very drought and salt tolerant so growing right by the road is perfectly suitable. It also prefers full sun, so you won't usually find them growing right next to other trees.I think honeylocust is a really elegant looking tree with its long compound leaves. It also turns a beautiful golden yellow color in the fall. This particular subspecies doesn't have the feature, but some can also grow thorns right out of the trunk as a defense. The seed pods are very unique, they almost look like long twisted straps of leather than can get to 18 inches in length. I also find it impressive that the tree is so hardy, it doesn't seem to be bothered at all by the usual stresses of an urban environment.
American Sycamore
American Sycamore (Platanus Occidentalis)This tree can also be found near my house, only one or two blocks down and right across the street. It is also growing right along the road and it towers above all of the other trees around it so it stands out easily. American Sycamore like moist soil and require lots of water to thrive. They also prefer some shade instead of full sun. The house and surrounding trees provide the shade necessary and the tree is planted on the lowest part of the yard so it can meet its needs. In the wild, you would usually find them near wetlands or in low valleys surrounded by other trees.Sycamore always stand out to me for a few reasons, mainly their size. They are huge trees with crooked, spreading branches and very thick trunks. Their bark is also amazing, it exfoliates regularly in patches of different colors giving it a camouflage pattern.
Norway Maple
Norway Maple (Acer Platanoides)This tree is actually planted right on the edge of my yard, again right next to the road. It is standing on its own, a few feet away from the other trees. Norway Maple is actually invasive in the US, although it's been so long that it's basically naturalized here. They are usually planted for lumber or as an ornamental tree, but they can "escape" very easily and spread into the wild. They don't pose much of a threat and can usually stay in an ecosystem without causing too much damage. However, they are still invasive. They can displace native trees and shrubs, forming dense groups that block out the sun from the plants and seed under their canopy. This tree obviously stands out because it is invasive, but I can get the appeal. They're very pretty trees with interesting bark and beautiful fall colors. They also have a very nice dark green color out of the fall.
Black Oak
Black Oak (Quercus Velutina)This tree is also found in my yard, right along the road. Again, it's a few feet away from the other trees and easy to find. Black Oak can be found in pretty much any forest in CT, they dominate in temperate deciduous habitats. They can survive in fairly dry soil because of their deep taproot. It also makes them a bit hard to move or plant, but if they are planted young they will usually do well in urban environments. They aren't nearly as popular as maples though. Black oak is generally a really nice looking tree, they can get fairly big and have nice dark green lobed leaves. I also think their deep taproot is pretty interesting. I really love the color and pattern of the lumber more than anything, especially with a darker stain.
Littleleaf Linden
Littleleaf Linden (Tilia Cordata)This tree is found to the side of my house, reaching over the sidewalk. It's a pretty huge, old tree so it defiantly stands out. Littleleaf Linden is native to most of Europe, but it's been planted ornamentally in America for years. It probably won't be found in the wild, but they do grow naturally occasionally. They are slightly sensitive to salt, so they should be planted a few feet back from the road. They prefer moist and acidic soil and aren't particularly drought resistant. I have a soft spot for this particular tree because it's been at the house for as long as I remember and it's fairly old. It's also a beautiful tree with a huge, dense crown and shiny dark green leaves. I also think the uneven base of the leaf is a pretty cool feature. It also serves as a great source of nectar for hummingbirds and bees.
White Oak
White Oak (Quercus Alba) This particular tree can be found along a walking trail behind the CT Forest and Parks Association building. It's found on the Discovery Loop trail, surrounded by lots of other White Oaks and a Mockernut Hickory nearby.White Oaks are very, very common in CT and other temperate deciduous forests. It can do well in many soil types, but it usually prefers deep, moist, and well-drained soil with low acidity. It also prefers full sun but can do well in shade too. They are towering trees with thick trunks, so they usually dominate their environments. I like these trees because they are usually huge and imposing in their habitats. They also have some really cool leaves with nice colors in the fall. I also think it's interesting that they produce acorns so late, around 50 to 100 years old. They wait a fairly long time to start reproducing, which is kind of rare in nature.
American Beech
American Beech (Fagus Grandifolia) This tree can be found along the same walking trail, the Discovery Loop. They are very, very common in this forest and can grow almost as tall as the oaks.They are usually for many different purposes, including ornamentally in parks and gulf courses and in the lumber industry. They are found very commonly in the wild throughout CT. They grow in temperate deciduous forests and prefer acidic and moist soils. They are very sensitive to droughts and need a good amount of sun. These trees and usually very pretty with a dense canopy and beautiful bronze colors in the fall. Their leaves are simple but really pretty. Their bark is also very interesting, usually very smooth and spreading bases, giving it an appearance kind of like an elephant's foot. They can also get very old.
Sassafras
Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum)This tree is found a little way off the hiking trail, near a ditch that fills up to be a vernal pool. It's the only sassafras tree I could find in the area so it should be easy to find. Sassafras can be found in temperate deciduous forests but it is fairly hard to find in CT. They prefer moist and acidic soil. They have some tolerance to drought and salt but nothing spectacular. They prefer partial shade but can do well in full sun. They grow pretty small, so they will form the understory of the forest.They stand out mainly because of their unique mitten-shaped and 3-lobed leaves. I always think trees with multiple lead shapes are really cool. They also stand out because of their aromatic small and the slight controversy around their use. They also have some pretty unique bark and fruits on a fleshy stalk. Lastly, their fall colors can also be very beautiful.
Tuliptree
Tuliptree (Liriodendron Tulipfera) This tree can be found right along the walking trail, near a wooden platform made for lectures and meditating. It is also the only Tuliptree that I could find nearby.Tuliptrees are fairly short, making up the understory of temperate deciduous forests. They are somewhat rare in CT, but not nearly as rare as Sassafras. They prefer moist, acidic soil and full sun. They are fairly drought resistant and grow very fast. Tuliptrees stand out for a few reasons, obviously, one of them being their tulip-shaped leaves. Their flowers are also very interesting, with light greenish-yellow and pink tones growing high in the crown. Their bark can also have some interesting patterns. They serve many purposes for wildlife, with their flowers providing nectar for hummingbirds and bees, low branches for deer to browse, and seeds for birds and squirrels.
Eastern Hemlock
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis) This tree can be found pretty far into the forest, in a small grove of a few other hemlocks. Its crown is slightly rounded because the top branches are bare. Eastern Hemlock is fairly common in CT. They grow alongside mainly deciduous trees and stay fairly short compared to other evergreens. They like moist soil and sloping areas like hillsides and ravines. They prefer full sun and partial shade but are fairly tolerant to heavy shade as well as browsing deer.Hemlocks are one of my favorite trees because of their bark and leaves. The bark is almost scaly, flaking sway from the tree in small patches. I also think their small needles are kinda cute and they have a nice dark green color. Their small cone-shaped bells also stand out compared to the other larger evergreens.
Eastern White Pine
Eastern White Pine (Pinus Strobus)This tree can be found behind the soccer field at Stanley Quarter Park. It stands with another slightly shorter pine a good ways away from any other trees. Eastern White Pine are hardy, huge trees. They grow best with full sun or partial shade in moist acidic soils, but they can tolerate a wider range of landscapes. They can be found on everything from rocky ridges to bogs. They will usually tower over other trees around them. I think these trees are really cool because of their size and needles. Their needles are very unique, with 5 long thin needles in small clusters. They can grow over 130ft in the wild and they look very imposing when you get close. Their twigs are also pretty interesting, they have small scales peeking away from the twig along to the needles. They're also very popular as a Christmas tree.
Norway Spruce
Norway Spruce (Picea Abies)This tree can be found a few feet away from the stand of Eastern White Pines. It stands with 2 other spruces, also behind the soccer field and away from other trees. Norway Spruce are native to Europe, but they have been naturalized here. They are huge, sturdy trees that develop fast for their size. They can be found in a wide variety of sites, they grow well with most other species. They prefer full sun and moist, acidic soil but they can handle dry areas well. I think these trees are really beautiful overall and I have some great memories of an annual Christmas event that's held around a huge, old spruce in my town. They have long drooping branches full of dark green needles, making them great trees for breaking wind. Their bark is also very interesting, breaking apart into small scales with reddish-brown undertones.
Sweetgum
Sweetgum (Liquidambar Styracifula) This tree can be found next to the tennis quart, standing alone from the other trees. Sweetgum can be found in temperate deciduous forests but that is going to be hard to find in the wild in CT due to their sensitivity to pollution. They are very popular ornamentally, so they'll be easier to find that way. They prefer full sun and moist, acidic soils. They are very pretty trees, with deen green, shiny leaves in a unique star shape. They turn a deep purple or red in the summer. Their crown is usually rounded or pyramidal and dense and their bark is simple but pretty, dark brown with almost purple undertones. I think their sensitivity to pollution is also an important feature, they could be used to tell when an environment is becoming threatened.
Paper Birch
Paper Birch (Betula Papyrifera)This tree can be found along the edge of the park, between the lake and the road. It stands with a few other trees but stands out as the only Paper Birch.Paper Birch are very popular trees, growing commonly in the wild and planted extensively for ornamental use and harvesting. They prefer full sun and moist, acidic soil. They don't usually dominate their habitats, but they can grow to be fairly tall with a widespread. I can see why they are so popular. Their bark is usually bright white, with thin delicate strips peeling off regularly. The bark can be used for a few different purposes, including birch tea and beer or kindling. Their leaves are small, simple, and pretty with beautiful golden and yellow hues in the fall.
American Hornbeam
American Hornbeam (Carpinus Caroliniana)This tree can be found along the river leading into Stanley Quarter lake. You'll have to go down a small incline just behind the stone bridge where the lake runs off into the stream. American Hornbeam are hardy, strong trees that are harvested extensively for lumber. They can grow in a wide range of sites, but they prefer moist soil and full sun. They'll be easy to find in wetlands and along rivers. They are fairly small trees, so they'll make up the understory of the forest. Their most notable feature is their bark. It is smooth with shallow ridges and dips, resembling muscles. Their wood is also incredibly strong. They also have some beautiful colors in the fall, usually have a range of orange, red, and purple hues.
Weeping Willow
Weeping Willow (Salix Babylonica) This tree can be found right outside of my workplace, Wagging Tails pet daycare. It's located in a small patch of grass between buildings, surrounded by brush and pricker bushes. Weeping Willow are native to Chine, but they have been cultivated across the world for their appearance. You'll have a very hard time finding them outside of parks, gardens, and neighborhoods in CT. They prefer moist or sandy soil and lots of sun so they'll be found along streams and rivers. They are one of my favorite trees ever, I think they're beautiful and fascinating. They have long graceful branches and leaves with a huge, weeping crown. They don't provide great shade, but they're so peaceful to sit under. They also have some really cool bark, with deep furrows that almost swirl together. They also provide great nesting sites for small birds and mammals!
American Basswood
American Basswood (Tilia Americana) This tree can be found in Butternut Park, right along the trail going around the lake. It will be along the small ridge, after the bridge going across the connected stream. American Basswood grow in temperate deciduous forests alongside other species. They are smaller trees, so they'll make up the understory in climax communities. They need plenty of sun and prefer moist but well-drained soil. They'll grow commonly along lakes and streams, but they're along planted commonly in parks and neighborhoods. They are very pretty trees with large, dark green heart-shaped leaves. They also have small, delicate yellow flowers that hang down in clusters. They serve as a great food source for jays and other songbirds. Their bark is also cool, with deep furrows and flat ridges.
Shagbark Hickory
Shagbark Hickory (Carya Ovata)This tree can be found along the same ridge, higher up on the slope once you reach the end of the small section of the forest. It grows on the very edge of the stand.Shagbark Hickory is a common tree in the US and Canada. It grows very commonly in the wild, but it's also harvested commercially for lumber and hickory nuts. They can grow very large, usually dominating their habitats. They can grow well in a wide range of conditions as long as their needs are met. These trees are also one of my favorites. Their bark is their most notable feature, peeling off away from the tree in long tough scales. Their leaves become a beautiful golden color in the fall and dry to a bronze color. They're also notable for their edible hickory nuts and bright yellowish-green leaves.
White Spruce
White Spruce (Picea Glauca)This tree can be found farther away from the lake, in a straight line of more spruce and elm planted between the park and the neighboring building. White Spruce is a straight, tall tree that grows well in North America and Canada. They can grow alongside broadleaf trees but they don't grow well if they're crowded. They prefer cold weather, but they can withstand heat pretty well. They prefer moist, acidic soil and full sun. They are very pretty trees in general with long trunks and a nice conical shape, making them a popular choice for Christmas trees. Their needles are a nice light green but I think the fact that they are so sharp is more interesting. It makes an effective tool for defense against most animals and harsh conditions.
Mountain Laurel
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia Latifolia) This particular shrub can be found all near my family's summer cabin, growing on the slope right in front of the road. It can also be found all along the road down to the river.Mountain Laurel is a large shrub native to North America. It grows in large stands of its own species, crowding together closely. They can get pretty large for shrubs, almost 20ft at most. They can be found all over CT, both wild and planted. They prefer partial shade and moist soil, either rocky or sandy. I'm partial to these plants because they are actually CT's state flower, but it's for good reason. They produce beautiful umbrella-shaped white and pink flowers and have shiny dark green leaves. Their branches are straight and crooked, forming nice patterns and the bark a nice shade of reddish-brown. Although they're beautiful, they're actually incredibly poisonous! Every single part of the plant can be fatal if ingested.
