Trees of Westerly Preview

1

Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedar:Juniperus virginiannaHT: 30-60ft DIA: 1-2'This tree is located within my yard. I particually love cedars because of their interesting bark and how easily it peels. I also love the smell of these trees. The area this tree is found in is dry, partially shaded and a pretty rocky area of my yard as it borders my neighbors driveway. Typically, these trees are found in dry rocy slopes, along the coast or in open fields.

2

American Holly

American HollyIllex opacaHT: 15-50' DIA: 9-18"This evergreen was located again on my property. It also acts as a property divider between my yard and my neighbors yard. The area it is found in is a mixture between rich and sandy soils. Personally, I think this evergreen is beautiful, and I love the pop of color when it's red berries are present. I do find it particulalry interesting how these bushes require both a male and a female plant for optimal growth conditions.This species can grow in habitats along the coast, in very sandy environments to swamps and very rich soiled forests. Often used as holiday decorations come Christmas time.

3

Sycamore Maple

Sycamore Maple:Acer pseudoplatanusHT: 50-80' DIA: 1 1/5 -2 1/2'The next few trees are found in one of my favorite location to walk through-my local park. I really love the variety of trees found in this area. And I am particualrly fond of this tree because I love the shape of its leaves, which helps it become more easily identifiable. Typically, these trees are found in moist areas, and commonly in cities. It is cool to note that these trees were once invasive to the states.

4

American Beech

American BeechFagus grandifoliaHT: 50-80' DIA: 1 1/2- 2 1/2'Just a short walk away from the Sycamore Maple you will find an American Beech. This species is commonly found in moist areas, and areas with clay-like soils. I really find this tree interesting from its super smooth light-gray bark to its very distinctive seed clusters.

5

Norway Maple

Norway Maple:Acer platanoidesHT: 40-70' DIA: 1- 2 1/2'Another short distance away in Wilcox Park is the Norway Maple. This too is an invasive species of maple that tends to grow in more city-like areas such as here in Wilcox Park! Typically, these trees are found along side a water way, in areas with moist soils. I choose this species as I really enjoy the unique look of its fruit and its similarity to wings.

6

London Planetree

London PlanetreePlantus X acerifoliaHT: 70-80' DIA: 2-4'Also in this area you can find a London Planetree. These trees have a super smooth bark that I can best compare to paper. These trees are commonly found in park-like settings. Interestingly enough these leaves have a shiny top coat and a pale underside. And the buds are incredible.

7

Japanese Umbrella Pine

Japanese Umbrella PineSciadopitys verticillataThis particular tree stood out to me as I had to go into deeper research than our class provided guidebooks. I found it extremely interesting that this tree is native to Japan however, there is one in little old Rhode Island. These trees enjoy cooler summers and a fair combination of shade and sun. Just look at those needles!

8

American Basswood

American Basswood; also commonly known as an American LindenTilia americanaThis is a tree native to Rhode Island and is also found within Wilcox Park. These trees prefer moist places with a range of elevation preference. Making this park the perfect place for this type of tree. I liked this particular tree as it looks very rugged. I just wish I was able to see it's clusters.

9

Irish Yew

Irish YewFastigiataThis is another tree I had to research a little more in depth. Because of the needle pattern and color (the dark green and the shininess) I was able to narrow this tree down to the "Yew" family. It is said that these are a more decorative tree, which probably explains how it ended up being in this park. I also find it particually interesting that these belong to the evergreen and coniferous families as I commonly associate those with pines/spruces and things of the like. These trees grow best in moist environements with a combination of sun and shade.

10

Sweetgum

SweetgumAlso known as Redgum or SapgumLiquidambar styracifluaHT: 50-150' DIA: 2-5'These trees grow best in environments that range from being some what dry to moist. I really love the shape of the fruits on these trees as they look like wild! An intersting fact about these trees is come autumn, their leaves can range from yellow, orange, red, and even purple! I feel as though this tree really makes Wilcox Park so unique!

11

White Ash

White AshFraxinus americanaHT: 70-100' DIA: 2-3'Abother short distance away you will find the White Ash. These trees prefer moist environments. An intersting fact is that White Ashes is the tallest within the ash family, and is typically planted as an ornamental. They really do have an encredible burst of color come fall.

12

Red Horsechestnut

Red HorsechestnutAesculus X CarneaI belive this tree is a Rhode Island champion tree. This tree is also located within Wilcox Park. It is actually a cross between a horechestnut and redbuckeye which is probably why I find it to be so intriguing to me. Come flowering, this tree produces a very eleagant group of pinkish flowers. These trees tend to be commonly found in city parks.

13

Alaska Cedar

Alaska CedarChamaecyparis nootkatensisHT: 60-100' DIA: 1-5'Walk a little bit further into the park and you will come across an Alaska-Cedar. These trees are not native to Rhode Island, however are commonly used as an ornamental as RI conditions do not allow them to grow to their fullest condition. I really like the bark on these trees. And I love the combination of greens and browns.

14

Burr Oak

Burr Oak:Quercus macrocarpaHT: 60-80' DIA: 2-4'These trees grow in a variety of environments. Ranging from moist to dry to clay like soils. Though I can say they are not all that commonly found this far east. Which is why I find it all the more cool that it is located within WIlcox Park. Just look at the shape and development of its acorns!

15

Chestnut Oak

Chestnut OakQuercus montanaHT: 60-80' DIA: 1 1/2 - 2 1/2'Another Oak found within Wilcox Park is the Chestnut Oak. This is a more commonly found Oak in Rhode Island. And its preferred growth is in rockier areas, which I would say best describes most of Rhode Island. I like the distinct shape of the leaves on this type of Oak as I feel as it makes it stand out the most.

16

Paper Birch

Paper BirchBetula papyriferaHT: 50-70' DIA: 1-2'Another tree that is very common in forests near me is the Paper Birch. This one is a particularly small one located within the boundaries of Wilcox Park. Paper Birches tend to grow best in rockier areas and newer forests. In addition to an elevation range of 1,000-3,000 ft. I really enjoy the lighter color of this bark and I feel that it's name fits the tree well.

17

American Elm

American ElmUlmus americanaAlso known as White Elm or Soft ElmHT: 60-100' DIA: 2- 3 1/2'A tree very popularly found planted along streets and parks or in open fields which is why Wilcox Park is the perfect home for this tree. Its leaves lengths can vary anywhere between 3-6' long and 1-3' wide. I really like the "teeth" as a completed look on this trees leaves.

18

Honeylocust

HoneylocustGleditsia triacanthosAgain, is a rarer find in Rhode Island, as it is more commonly found in Central North America in moist soils. I feel as though this is a reason why I find the tree so appealing. I also just find it's leaves to be super calming.

19

Scarlet Oak

Scarlet OakQuercus coccineaHT: 60-80' DIA: 1- 2 1/2'Back tracking back to my house, where I came across a Scarlet Oak. This tree really peaked my interest with the size of its leaves. They are giant in comparison to this 2x2 peice of paper. My land is more on the sandy side, which is why this oak grows so well here.

20

Eastern White Pine

Eastern White PinePinus strobusAlso known as the Weymouth Pine or the Northern White PineHT: 80-150' DIA: 2-5'Also on the edge of my property is a huge Eastern White Pine. This tree probably grows so well as the soil on my property tends to be more sandy and acidic. And the area its self is pretty shaded. Out of my entire tour here this is probably my favorite due to its massiveness, and my fondness of evergreens.