Exploring Trees in Columbus.

Come join me in finding trees near the Ohio State campus area! These pictures were taken on Tuesday, August 27th and it was around 92 F (too hot in my opinion) . These trees were found near my off campus house in and around Goodale Park!

Understanding My Own Tree Blindness.

The article “Cure Yourself of Tree Blindness” discusses how many people overlook the trees around them, failing to recognize or appreciate the variety of species. The author suggests that by learning to identify different trees, you can deepen your connection with nature and enhance your sense of place. For a college student like me studying Forestry,Fisheries and Wildlife, overcoming “tree blindness” can be achieved by regularly practicing tree identification on campus or nearby parks, using guides or apps to recognize species. This hands-on approach will help me build a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diversity of plant life.

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American Sycamore

(Platanus occidentalis)

The American sycamore (Plantanus occidentalis)  is a large deciduous tree known for its massive trunk and broad, spreading canopy. Its leaves are simple, large, and palmately lobed, typically with three to five pointed lobes. The leaf margins are coarsely toothed, and the surface is a vibrant green with a slightly rough texture. The leaves are alternately arranged along the stems, with each leaf attached by a long petiole. The bark of the sycamore is distinctive, peeling away in patches to reveal a mosaic of green, tan, and white beneath. This tree was found in an urban forest near the Columbus campus and the Olentangy river. This doesn’t surprise me as Sycamores are known to thrive in wet environments.

In this picture, you can see leaves with both 3 and 5 lobes.

Fun Facts: According to the Peterson Field Guide for Trees and Shrubs, Sycamores reach their largest size in the Ohio and Mississippi River basins. Their coarse bark is best used for barrels, butchers’ blocks, cabinetwork, and furniture. Besides the Tulip Tree (read more about this tree below), the Sycamore is considered to be the most massive tree of the eastern United States.

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Red Maple

(Acer rubrum)

The red maple (Acer rubrum) is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a rounded or oval crown. Its leaves are simple and palmately lobed, typically with three to five lobes, and are arranged oppositely along the stems. The leaf margins are serrated, and the leaves change from green in the summer to vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. One of the notable features of the red maple is its reddish stems and twigs, particularly in young branches, which adds to its striking appearance. The red maple thrives in a wide range of environments but prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is highly adaptable, growing in both full sun and partial shade. The tree is often found in wetland areas, along stream banks, and in lowland forests, but it can also grow in upland regions. Its adaptability makes it a common and versatile tree in both natural and urban landscapes like the one it was found in here. This tree was found in an urban forest next to many other maple trees.

Fun Facts: According to the Peterson Field Guide for Trees and Shrubs, the Red Maple can be found all over North America in places such as Newfoundland, Ontario, Manitoba and eastern Texas! Red Maples are also enjoyed by moose, deer, and rabbits, who help keep overgrowing trees in check (National Wildlife Federation; https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Plants-and-Fungi/Red-Maple#:~:text=The%20oldest%20ones%20may%20reach,products%20like%20furniture%20and%20flooring.)

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Black Walnut

(Juglans nigra)

The black walnut (Juglans nigra) is a large, stately deciduous tree with a tall, straight trunk and a broad, rounded crown. Its leaves are pinnately compound, typically consisting of 15 to 23 leaflets arranged along a central stem. Each leaflet is lance-shaped with a serrated edge, and the leaves are alternately arranged along the branches. The tree is known for its dark, deeply furrowed bark, which becomes more pronounced with age. This tree was found by my house and surrounded by other trees in the Oak and Maple family.

Fun Facts: They produce a chemical called juglone, which can inhibit the growth of certain plants nearby (such as tomatoes and apples according to the field guide), making the surrounding environment less suitable for some species. Black walnut is highly valued for its rich, dark wood and its edible nuts, which are encased in a hard, green husk that turns brown as it matures. Similar to the Ohio Buckeye tree, the bruised nut husks can be used to kill fish for food.

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Tulip Tree

(Liriodendron tulipifera)

The tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), also known as the yellow poplar or tulip poplar, is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree with a straight trunk and a pyramidal crown that becomes more rounded with age. Its leaves are simple and distinctively shaped, with four lobes that create a silhouette resembling a tulip or a cat’s face. The leaves are alternately arranged along the branches and have smooth edges with a bright green color that turns golden yellow in the fall. Tulip trees produce large, tulip-like flowers in late spring, which are greenish-yellow with an orange band at the base of each petal. These flowers are not only visually striking but also attract pollinators like bees. The tulip tree is valued for its tall, straight trunk, making it a popular choice for timber.

Fun Facts: Although taller than the American Sycamore, the Tulip Tree is second to the Sycamore when it comes to trunk diameter (Peterson Field Guide). This tree was also used by Native Americans to create canoes.

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Redbud

(Cercis canidensis)

The redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree known for its beautiful spring display of vibrant pink to purplish flowers that bloom directly on its branches and trunk before the leaves emerge. Its leaves are simple, heart-shaped, and arranged alternately along the stems. The leaves are bright green, turning yellow in the fall.Their striking early spring flowers make them a popular ornamental tree in gardens and landscapes. This tree was found in goodale park next to a few other Redbud trees.

Fun Facts: The nomenclature of this tree is weird! It is actually the blossoms, not the buds of this tree that are reddish (Peterson Field Guide). The blossoms are also sometimes eaten in salads and their red roots are known to yield red dye.

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American Basswood

(Tilia americana)

The American basswood (Tilia americana) is a medium to large deciduous tree with a broad, dense canopy. The leaves are simple, heart-shaped, and coarsely toothed along the edges. They are arranged alternately on the stems and have a pointed tip with a slightly asymmetric base. The leaf surface is smooth and green on top, with a paler, downy texture on the underside. In the fall, the leaves turn a yellow color. The tree is known for its fragrant, creamy-white flowers that appear in clusters in midsummer and are followed by small, nut-like fruits. American basswood prefers moist, well-drained soils and can be found in a variety of forested environments, including both upland and bottomland areas. It is also valued for its soft, lightweight wood and its use in traditional crafts and woodworking.

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Red Oak

(Quercus rubra )

The red oak (Quercus rubra) is a prominent deciduous tree known for its robust growth and striking appearance. It features a broad, rounded crown and a straight trunk. The leaves are simple, with a distinctive lobed shape, typically having 7 to 11 pointed lobes with sharp bristles along the edges. They are arranged alternately along the branches and are a rich green color that turns red to reddish-brown in the fall. Red oak trees produce acorns that mature in about two seasons, which are a vital food source for wildlife. The bark is dark and furrowed, with a reddish hue visible underneath. Known for its strong, durable wood, the red oak is valued for furniture, flooring, and other woodworking applications. This tree was found in an urban forest in my neighborhood surrounded by other oak trees both red and white.

Fun facts: The acorns made by red oak trees take two years to mature and are more bitter tasting than its white oak counterpart (Peterson Field Guides). Red Oaks also can grow very quickly, up to 24″ a year! (https://www.threeriversparks.org/blog/species-spotlight-red-oak-trees)

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Sweetgum

(Liquidambar styraciflua)

The Sweetgum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a deciduous tree known for its distinctive star-shaped leaves and unique fruit. The leaves are simple, palmate, and typically have five to seven lobes, giving them a star-like appearance. They are arranged alternately on the branches and are green in the summer, turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall. Sweetgum trees produce spiky, round fruit clusters that are about 1 to 2 inches in diameter and persist on the tree through winter. The bark is grayish-brown and becomes fissured as the tree matures. The wood of the Sweetgum is used for various applications, including furniture and plywood, and the tree is also valued for its striking seasonal color changes and ornamental appeal.

Fun Facts: According to the Peterson Field Guide, the common name alludes to the sweet sap that comes from the tree! The hardened sap is sometimes even chewed as gum hence the name, Sweetgum. Its lumber is often used for furniture, boats, toys, and fuel. My favorite part about this tree is its unique star shaped leaves, it makes it very easy to identify!

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