Handbook of the Trees of New England Informative Summary

Overview:

This book, “Handbook of the Trees of New England,” provides a detailed guide to the tree species found in New England. It covers a wide range of trees, from familiar conifers like White Pine and Hemlock to deciduous trees such as Sugar Maple and American Elm. The authors, Lorin L. Dame and Henry Brooks, provide detailed descriptions of each tree, including their physical characteristics, habitat, range, and horticultural value.

The book highlights the unique nature of New England’s flora, which is a blend of Canadian and Alleghanian species. This blending has resulted in a diverse collection of trees, some of which have adapted to the region’s unique conditions, like the Tamarack, which drops its leaves in the fall. The book also touches on the historical context of the trees, providing information on how they were used by early settlers and the changing landscape of New England forests.

Key Findings:

New England’s unique flora is a blend of Canadian and Alleghanian species.
The book covers a wide range of tree species, both common and rare.
The historical context of the trees is described, including their use by early settlers and the changing landscape of New England forests.
The authors provide detailed information on the horticultural value of each tree.

Learning:

Tree Identification: The reader will learn to identify different tree species based on their leaves, bark, buds, flowers, and fruit. This knowledge can be applied to understanding the natural environment and appreciating the diversity of New England’s forests.
Tree Ecology: The reader will gain insight into the ecological roles of different tree species. Information about their habitat, range, and adaptations to specific conditions provides a foundation for understanding how trees interact with their surroundings.
Horticultural Value: The reader will learn about the best practices for planting and caring for various tree species, making this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in landscaping or forest management.

Historical Context:

The book provides insights into the historical context of the trees in New England, particularly focusing on the use of these trees by early settlers. The authors note how the abundance of White Pine led to its extensive use in shipbuilding, while the red dye obtained from Black Oak bark was utilized for various purposes. The book also highlights the gradual depletion of New England’s forests due to deforestation for agriculture and industry.

Facts:

Tamarack (Larix Americana): This is the only conifer in New England that drops its leaves in the fall.
White Pine (Pinus Strobus): This majestic tree is the tallest and stateliest conifer in New England, reaching heights of 100 to 150 feet in northern forests.
Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida): This pine species is known for its rough appearance and can thrive in dry, sterile soils.
Scrub Pine (Pinus Banksiana): This species is highly variable in its growth habit, ranging from low-lying shrubs to taller trees.
Red Spruce (Picea rubra): This spruce is a dominant tree in upper Coos county and the White Mountain region of New Hampshire.
White Spruce (Picea alba): This spruce can grow in dry, sandy soils, and is found on high rocky slopes and exposed hilltops.
Hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis): This tree is known for its graceful, plume-like spray and its dense, dark-green foliage.
Fir Balsam (Abies balsamea): This species is the most symmetrical spruce in New England and its cones are erect and conspicuous.
Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis): This tree is found in extensive areas known as “cedar swamps” in Maine and other parts of New England.
White Cedar (Cupressus thyoides): This species prefers deep swamps and marshes, and is mostly found near the seacoast.
Red Cedar (Juniperus Virginiana): This species is known for its aromatic wood and its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, including dry, rocky hills and peaty swamps.
Pussy Willow (Salix discolor): This willow is known for its early blooming and its attractive, silky catkins.
Black Willow (Salix nigra): This species is commonly found along rivers and ponds.
Butternut (Juglans cinerea): This walnut species is known for its shaggy bark and its sweet, oily kernels.
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra): This species produces a strong-scented nut with a thick shell.
Shagbark Hickory (Carya alba): This hickory is known for its shaggy bark, which separates into long, narrow plates.
Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa): This species has a thick husk and a smaller kernel than the shagbark.
Pignut Hickory (Carya porcina): This hickory is known for its variable fruit size and its thick-shelled nut.
Bitternut Hickory (Carya amara): This species is recognized by its flat, yellow buds and its bitter kernel.

Statistics:

Tamarack (Larix Americana): Can reach heights of 30-70 feet.
White Pine (Pinus Strobus): Can reach heights of 100-150 feet and trunk diameters of 3-7 feet.
Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida): Can reach heights of 70-80 feet and trunk diameters of 2-4 feet.
Scrub Pine (Pinus Banksiana): Can reach heights of 50-60 feet and trunk diameters of 10-15 inches.
Red Spruce (Picea rubra): Can reach heights of 40-75 feet and trunk diameters of 1-2.5 feet.
White Spruce (Picea alba): Can reach heights of 40-75 feet and trunk diameters of 1-2 feet.
Hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis): Can reach heights of 50-80 feet and trunk diameters of 2-4 feet.
Fir Balsam (Abies balsamea): Can reach heights of 25-60 feet and trunk diameters of 1-2 feet.
Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis): Can reach heights of 60-70 feet and trunk diameters of 3-5 feet in northern Maine.
White Cedar (Cupressus thyoides): Can reach heights of 90 feet and trunk diameters of 4 feet in southern states.
Red Cedar (Juniperus Virginiana): Can reach heights of 90 feet and trunk diameters of 4-6 feet in southern states.
Pussy Willow (Salix discolor): Can reach heights of 15-20 feet and trunk diameters of 5-10 inches.
Black Willow (Salix nigra): Can reach heights of 25-40 feet and trunk diameters of 10-15 inches.
Butternut (Juglans cinerea): Can reach heights of 20-45 feet and trunk diameters of 1-4 feet.
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra): Can reach heights of 150 feet and trunk diameters of 6-8 feet in the Ohio valley.
Shagbark Hickory (Carya alba): Can reach heights of 50-75 feet and trunk diameters of 1-2 feet.
Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa): Can reach heights of 50-70 feet and trunk diameters of 2-3 feet.
Pignut Hickory (Carya porcina): Can reach heights of 50-65 feet and trunk diameters of 2-5 feet.
Bitternut Hickory (Carya amara): Can reach heights of 50-75 feet and trunk diameters of 1-2.5 feet.

Terms:

Conifer: A cone-bearing tree with evergreen needle-like or scale-like leaves.
Deciduous: A tree that sheds its leaves seasonally.
Habitat: The natural environment where a plant or animal lives.
Range: The geographical area where a species is found.
Stipule: A small, leaf-like appendage at the base of a leaf.
Stipels: Small appendages at the base of a leaflet in a compound leaf.
Drupe: A fleshy fruit with a hard stone containing the seed, like a cherry or plum.
Samara: A winged fruit, like that of the ash or maple.
Involucre: A group of bracts that surround a flower or group of flowers.
Rachis: The central stalk of a compound leaf or a spike of flowers.

Examples:

Tamarack: This conifer thrives in cold swamps, where it often forms extensive forests.
White Pine: This majestic tree is a dominant species in northern New England forests, and was historically used extensively for shipbuilding.
Scrub Pine: This species can be found on sandy plains and rocky slopes, often exhibiting a more stunted growth habit.
Red Spruce: This tree is found on cool, rich woods and mountain slopes, where it is often the dominant spruce species.
White Spruce: This spruce species is common in dry, sandy soils, and is often found at higher elevations.
Hemlock: This tree is a dominant species in cool, moist forests, and is known for its gracefully drooping branches.
Fir Balsam: This species thrives in rich, damp, cool woods, and is noted for its symmetrical, conical form.
Arborvitae: This tree is a common species in the “cedar swamps” of New England, where it grows in a moist, boggy environment.
White Cedar: This species is found in deep swamps and marshes, often near the seacoast.
Red Cedar: This species is known for its aromatic wood, and can be found in a variety of habitats.

Conclusion:

This comprehensive “Handbook of the Trees of New England” provides valuable information for anyone interested in the region’s diverse flora. It covers the identification, ecology, and horticultural value of numerous tree species, while also offering insights into the historical context of these trees in New England. The book emphasizes the unique nature of New England’s flora, which is a blend of Canadian and Alleghanian species, resulting in a rich tapestry of trees adapted to various conditions. The detailed descriptions, illustrations, and range information make this a valuable guide for both amateur naturalists and experienced botanists, offering an in-depth look into the fascinating world of New England’s trees.

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