All trees were found on Deercreek Wildlife Area, OH
Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
The Burr Oak has deeply lobed leaves with rounded lobes, often larger than other oaks. The leaves are alternate, simple, and have a leathery texture. The tree is recognized by its massive trunk and broad, spreading crown, though this is a younger example. I found this tree in the Deercreek Wildlife Area, in a converted ag field. The tree stood out with it’s unique leave that are distinct amongst other oaks. Very interesting to see this before it grows to a very large tree.
The bur oak is easily recognized by its bold and textured appearance, featuring large, fringed acorns that sit in a mossy, bowl-like cap, often covering much of the nut. (Petrides. p.217). These acorns, along with the oak’s uniquely shaped leathery leaves and deeply ridged, fire-resistant bark, make it a truly striking tree. (ODNR PUB 5509. p.11).
Black Birch (Betula lenta)
Black Birch leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate with a finely serrated edge. The leaves are dark green with a glossy finish. The bark is dark and smooth when young, developing into cracked, plate-like ridges as it matures. This tree was located in a grown out parking lot, standing somewhat isolated among other species.
Found in well-drained, rocky soils, black birch is notable for its wintergreen-scented bark. Although it thrives in cool, mountainous areas, its adaptability makes it suitable for various environments and historically valuable for birch beer flavoring. (Petrides. p.233) As stated before black birch is easily recognizable by its dark, shiny bark. This tree produces strong, durable wood that’s often used in furniture and flooring. (ODNR PUB.5509 p.25).
Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)
The Chinkapin Oak has alternate, simple leaves with coarsely serrated edges. The leaves are leathery and dark green on top, lighter underneath. The bark is light gray and flaky. I found this oak near forested walkway in Deercreek wildlife area that we have been trying to reduce competition for oaks. Its distinctive leaves and light bark made it stand out among the other trees.
The chinquapin oak usually grows in dry, rocky soils and on limestone outcrops, showing how well it can adapt to tougher conditions. Even though it prefers these rugged spots, it can also do well in richer soils, making it pretty versatile. (Petrides. P.220) It is distinctive because it produces sweet acorns that are a favorite among wildlife. This oak is well-suited to tough conditions and plays a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems. (ODNR PUB. 5509 p.13).
White Mulberry (Morus alba)
White Mulberry leaves can be highly variable in shape, from simple, ovate leaves to lobed ones, all alternate. The leaves have a glossy upper surface, and the fruit resembles small blackberries. This mulberry was found near the edge of the plains. The irregular shape of it’s leaves was definitely present with the 3 distinct leaf variations being seen.
The White Mulberry was originally introduced to North America from Asia with the intent of supporting the silkworm industry, as the leaves are a primary food source for silkworms. Over time, it became naturalized and spread across various regions of the U.S. (Petrides. P.207) Despite being naturalized, It poses an ecological risk by outcompeting native species and potentially hybridizing with the native red mulberry, as well as spreading a root disease to it. (ODNR PUB. 5509 p.76).
American Elm (Ulmus americana)
American Elm leaves are alternate, simple, and doubly serrate, with an asymmetric base. The bark is dark gray, deeply fissured, and rough to the touch. The tree has a classic vase shape with an arching crown. This tree was located on the fencerow of a planted grass field amongst a large number of locusts and honeysuckle bushes.
Once a common sight in North America, the American elm was famous for its elegant, vase-like shape and ability to thrive in moist soils. Unfortunately, Dutch elm disease has taken a heavy toll, drastically reducing its population. (Petrides. P.226) It thrives in moist, well-drained soils but is adaptable to a wide range of environments, including both wet and dry conditions, as well as various soil types like clay, rocky, rich, or poor soils. It also handles pollution exceptionally well. (ODNR PUB 5509. p.29).
Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Black Locust has alternate, pinnately compound leaves with 7-19 leaflets, each oval-shaped and smooth-edged. The bark is deeply furrowed and dark brown. The tree is also known for its fragrant white flowers in spring (though none were present). This tree was standing tall among a small cluster of other locusts. This was found was found at Deercreek WA in a fencerow. These trees fill me with dread after having to remove them and getting poked by the numerous thorns.
Black locust, known for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in poor soils, was once widely planted for its hard, rot-resistant wood. However, it has become invasive in many areas outside its native range, spreading quickly and outcompeting local vegetation. (Petrides. P.127) This tree is susceptible to several issues, including locust borer, leaf miner, bark canker, and trunk rot, which can make it less healthy and limit its growth potential. Despite these challenges, it serves as a good pollinator tree. (ODNR PUB. 5509 p.21)
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)
Silver Maple leaves are opposite, simple, and deeply lobed with five lobes. The underside of the leaves is silvery, hence the name. The tree often has a distinctive, irregular branching pattern and smooth, gray bark that becomes shaggy with age. This maple was growing near a river within the same grown-out parking lot that I found the other species.
Silver maple thrives along riverbanks and in wetlands, known for its rapid growth and ability to withstand wet, flood-prone conditions. Its silvery leaves create a shimmering effect in the wind, making it a favored choice for urban planting, despite its tendency for brittle wood and storm damage. (Petrides. P.97) This tree provides numerous habitat functions. Squirrels feed on the buds of this tree in early spring, and it also offers nesting sites for ducks and other birds. (ODNR PUB. 5509 p.40).
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
The Black Walnut has alternate, compound leaves with 15-23 leaflets, each ovate with a serrated margin. The bark is dark and deeply furrowed. The tree is also known for its large, round nuts and the distinct odor of its leaves and fruit. Found this one further from the others, in a grown-out parking lot.
Black walnut is a very valuable tree due to the large number of products that can be made from this species such as bark being used for tanning, nuts being edible and timber having a very strong and attractive form. (Petrides. P.135). Amongst other pieces of information, this native tree thrives in deep, moist, rich soils with plenty of sunlight and has a deep taproot, making it tough to transplant. Aside from leaf spot, it’s mostly free from diseases and pests. Black walnut releases a chemical that can be toxic to nearby plants, effectively reducing competition. (ODNR PUB 5509. p.50).