Earth and Space News: New World native tree

Showing posts with label New World native tree. Show all posts

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Has Bright Yellow Ribboned Flowers

Summary: Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), a New World native shrub or small tree, produces bright yellow ribboned flowers from mid-autumn to early winter.

witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) with peak autumnal leaf colors, Marion Brooks Natural Area, Moshannon State Forest, Elk County, northwestern Pennsylvania; Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, 15:15:04: Nicholas_T, CC BY 2.0 Generic, via Flickr

Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a late-flowering, New World native shrub or small tree that produces fragrant, vibrant yellow ribboned flowers from autumn to early winter.

Witch-hazel is primarily native to eastern North America. The small native tree claims homelands from the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario southward through Florida and westward through the Midwest states of Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri and further west through the Great Plains states of Oklahoma and Texas.

In native habitats, witch-hazel is associated with coniferous and deciduous forests of eastern North America. Witch-hazel appears as a shrub or small tree in the forest understory, the layer of vegetation occurring beneath the main canopy. Forest margins, streamsides and woodlands are preferred habitats.

Witch-hazel thrives in sunny habitats but accepts partial shade. Optimal flowering occurs in sites with full sun.

Soil preferences emphasize acidic, moist, well-drained soils that are organically rich. Witch-hazel is tolerant of heavy clay soils.

Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is one of four North American species in the six-species genus of Hamamelis. The genus is known popularly as the witch-hazels.

Hamamelis virginiana is known commonly as witch-hazel. Other common names include American witchhazel and common witch-hazel. The common name of witch derives from wice, an Old English word meaning “bendable, pliant.”

Trunks emerge from shallow roots. Typical mature heights of 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.5 meters) yield witch-hazel’s classification as a large shrub or a small tree. Branches form a rounded crown.

Short trunks divide into multiple, zigzagging branches. Witch-hazel’s spread, with widths of 15 to 25 feet, echoes its height range.

Bark may be scaly or smooth. Bark on trunks is light brown or gray. Branchlets have reddish brown bark. Peeling off the thin outer bark reveals reddish purple inner bark.

Oval-shaped leaves form alternate arrangements. Leaf edges are scalloped. Leaf length ranges from 3 to 6 inches (7.62 to 15.24 centimeters).

Leaves are medium to deep green in color. In autumn, leaf color changes to golden yellow.

Flowers may open as early as September and last into December. Each fragrant flower features four crinkly, ribboned petals. Floral coloring usually is bright yellow. Occasionally, bloom colors are orange or red.

Fruits appear as greenish seed capsules that contain one to two black, shiny seeds. The capsules harden and turn tan with maturity. Seed capsules wait a year before releasing seeds by spontaneously bursting open, in a process known as dehiscence (Latin: dehiscere, “to burst open, to split apart”). The seed trajectory may measure up to 30 feet (9.14 meters).

Witch hazel seeds are a food source for a variety of wildlife. Birds, such as northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) forage for witch hazel seeds. Small mammals, such as North American beavers (Castor canadensis) and cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.), and large mammals, such as American black bears (Ursus americanus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) include witch hazel seeds in their diets.

Native American ethnobotany recognizes the value of witch hazel as an analgesic (Ancient Greek ἀν-, an-, “without” + ἄλγος, álgos, “pain”), astringent, sedative and tonic in therapeutic remedies. For example, the Cherokee of the southeastern United States prepare an infusion of witch hazel bark as a treatment for tuberculosis. The Iroquois prepare a compound decoction of roots as a panacea. The Potawatomi of the Great Lakes region include twigs in a steambath for treating sore muscles.

Traditional culinary uses gather tree parts for beverages and snacks. A tea may be made from boiled bark and leaves. Seeds are edible, with a taste that is reminiscent of pistachio (Pistacia vera) nuts.

Witch hazel graces private, public and wild landscapes with the interesting architecture of its branches and the vivid yellows presented by autumnal flowers and foliage.

Acknowledgment

My special thanks to talented artists and photographers/concerned organizations who make their fine images available on the internet.

Image credits:

bright yellow ribboned flowers of American witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) on Hallowe'en, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015, 16:53; Rock Creek State Park, Northwest Quadrant, Washington DC: Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA, CC BY 2.0 Generic, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hamamelis_virginiana_Flowers_-_Flickr_-_treegrow.jpg; Katja Schulz (treegrow), CC BY 2.0 Generic, via Flickr @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/treegrow/22516723147/

For further information:

Anzelone, Mariellé. “Native Witch-Hazel.” Brooklyn Botanic Garden > Gardening Resources > Gardening How-tos > Native Flora > Plant Choices. Sept. 9, 2005.
Available @ http://www.bbg.org/gardening/article/winsome_witch-hazel

Coladonato, Milo. “Species: Hamamelis virginiana.” U.S. Forest Service > Fire Effects Information System (FEIS) Database. 1993.
Available @ http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/hamvir/all.html

“Common Witchhazel.” University of Kentucky > Department of Horticulture > Fact Sheet.
Available @ http://www.uky.edu/hort/Common-Witchhazel

Dweck, Anthony C. “Ethnobotanical Use of Plants. Part 4: The American Continent.” Dweck Data.
Available @ http://www.dweckdata.co.uk/Published_papers/American_Indians.pdf

Eastman, John Andrew. The Book of Forest and Thicket: Trees, Shrubs, and Wildflowers of Eastern North America. Mechanicsburg PA: Stackpole Books, 1992.

Gilman, Edward F., and Dennis G. Watson. "Hamamelis virginiana: Witch-Hazel." University of Florida IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) Extension > Southern Trees Fact Sheets. November 1993. Revised December 2006.
Available @ http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st294

“Hamamelis virginiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden > Gardens & Gardening > Your Garden > Plant Finder.
Available @ http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a749

Tenaglia, Dan. “Hamamelis virginiana L.” Missouri Plants > Yellow Flowers, Leaves Alternate.
Available @ http://www.missouriplants.com/Yellowalt/Hamamelis_virginiana_page.html

“Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana.” Fairfax County Public Schools > Island Creek Elementary School > Study of Northern Virginia Ecology.
Available @ http://www2.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/witch_hazel.htm

“Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.).” Nature Labs.
Available @ http://www.thenaturelabs.com/article.php?id=61

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Bald Eagle Nests in Eastern White Pine: Pinus strobus Is Favorite Tree

Summary: Bald eagle nests in Eastern white pine trees (Pinus strobus) provide spacious safety for raising eaglets by the national bird of the United States.

A bald eagle in an Eastern White Pine; Minocqua, Wisconsin; Friday, July 22, 2011, 17:06: John Picken from Chicago, CC BY 2.0 Generic, via Wikimedia Commons

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a New World bird of prey native to North America.

Its homelands range from northern Mexico northward through much of Canada.

In the United States, bald eagles natively populate Alaska and all of the Lower 48 states.

Bald eagles belong to the diverse Accipitridae family of diurnal raptors (Latin: rapere, "to seize") that presents an array of dissimilarities and similarities. A common characteristic is their strong, hooked beaks. A fleshy membrane known as a cere (pronounced: si[ə]r) covers the base of the upper mandible in all accipitrids.

As both the national animal and the national bird of the United States, bald eagles are renowned powerhouses. Their legendary eyesight spans aerial distances, frustrating attempts by their prey to elude them. Their storied stamina enables them to cover great distances during their lifetimes. Their wingspans easily may measure 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.4 meters).

Nesting sites hold crucial importance for the perpetuation of species. Bald eagles evince a high degree of nest site fidelity. Despite indulging in far-flung flying, they tend to return to nesting territories within 100 miles of their birthplace.

Bald eagles favor elevated sites with unobstructed views of their territory. Arboreal sites such as dead trees, known as snags, and mature or old-growth trees are prime locations for bald eagle nests.

Bald eagles favor sites in proximity to food supplies and water sources. Coastlines, lakes, rivers and streams all promise adequate food supplies.

Bald eagles especially prefer Eastern white pines (Pinus strobus), New World native trees that tower above the forest canopy with their dizzying heights. The elevated grandeur of Eastern white pines, with their sturdy upper limbs, lush with plentiful bundles of flexible needles, provides ample space for flexed or outspread wings as bald eagles frequently land and take off during nesting.

Bald eagles are credited with building some of the world's largest avian nests. Nests may weigh more than 1,000 pounds (453.5 kilos). Diameters easily span 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters). Depths easily measure 3 feet (0.9 meters).

Construction utilizes large sticks. Lining materials may include grass, lichens, moss, plant stalks, seaweed or sod.

The sight of bald eagle parents roosting atop Eastern white pines is an awesome spectacle.

The high-flying bird, elegant aerialist of the skies, matches perfectly with the high-growing tree, grand dweller of earth and sky.

bald eagle chicks in nest, Kodiak Island, south Alaskan coast; image credit Dave Menke/USFWS: USFWS National Digital Library, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Acknowledgment

My special thanks to talented artists and photographers/concerned organizations who make their fine images available on the internet.

Image credits:

A bald eagle in an Eastern White Pine; Minocqua, Wisconsin; Friday, July 22, 2011, 17:06: John Picken from Chicago, CC BY 2.0 Generic, via Wikimedia Commons @ http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Haliaeetus_leucocephalus_-Minocqua,_Wisconsin,_USA-8.jpg

bald eagle chicks in nest, Kodiak Island, south Alaskan coast; image credit Dave Menke/USFWS: USFWS National Digital Library, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Haliaeetus_leucocephalus1.jpg;
Public Domain, via USFWS National Digital Library @ https://digitalmedia.fws.gov/digital/collection/natdiglib/id/6022

For further information:

"Haliaeetus leucocephalus." US Forest Service > Fire Effects Information System (FEIS) Database > Animals > Bird.
Available @ http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/animals/bird/hale/all.html

Marriner, Derdriu. "Eastern White Pine: Graceful Tall Silhouette of Pinus strobus." Earth and Space News. Tuesday, March 31, 2015.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2015/03/eastern-white-pine-graceful-tall.html

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Eastern White Pine: Graceful Tall Silhouette of Pinus strobus

Summary: Pinus strobus, known as Eastern white pine, is a New World tree native to eastern North America. Its graceful silhouette towers across space and time.

Pinus strobus, from the Park Loop Road looking towards the Porcupine Islands, Acadia National Park, Maine; Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, 09:42: Harvey Barrison from Massapequa, NY, CC BY SA 2.0 Generic, via Wikimedia Commons

Pinus strobus is a New World pine tree native to eastern North America.

In Canada, the tall tree towers in habitats from the prairie province of Manitoba eastward to the coast, with the exception of Labrador.

In the United States, the rapidly growing tree dominates landscapes from the Eastern Seaboard -- except for Florida -- westward to the midwestern states of Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and, skipping over Mississippi, to Arkansas.

Pinus strobus is known by the common names Eastern white pine, northern white pine, soft pine, white pine and Weymouth pine (in the United Kingdom).

The elegant pine presents a graceful silhouette that is favored in private and public gardens.

Eastern white pine is a coniferous (Latin: conifer, "cone-bearing"), resinous evergreen.

Its flexible, velvety needles, with a maximum length of about 5 inches (12.7 centimeters), cluster in bundles of five.

A variety of birds, from Cooper's hawks (Accipiter cooperii) to northern saw-whet owls (Aegolius acadicus) to northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) and purple finches (Haemorhous purpureus), enjoy sheltering in the tree's capacious branches.

Wildlife, including songbirds, such as chickadees (Poecile ssp) and brown thrashers (Toxostoma rufum), and small mammals, such as gray squirrels (Sciurus ssp) and red-backed voles (Myodes ssp), feature Eastern white pine seeds in their diets.

Eastern white pines enjoy status as governmental symbols.

Ontario in east central Canada recognizes the resinous tree as provincial tree.

Maine and Michigan in the northern United States accord state tree status to the long-lived conifer.

Three Eastern white pines grace my yard. The easternmost stands at the driveway entrance as a welcome sentinel. The other two grow within a few feet of each other at the northern extent of the retaining wall which braces the southeast terrace.

As long-lived evergreens, Pinus strobus may thrive for two to almost five centuries. With their vibrant health, I expect them to outlive me, despite the unwelcome sight of several hefty branches felled by 20 inches of snow weight from three merciless snowstorms.

closeup of Eastern white pine's bundled needles; high vitamin C content favors the needles' popular preparation in hot (not boiling) water as a tea remedy for colds: Robert H. Mohlenbrock/hosted by USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute, Public Domain, via USDA NRCS PLANTS Database

Acknowledgment

My special thanks to talented artists and photographers/concerned organizations who make their fine images available on the internet.

Image credits:

closeup of Eastern white pine's bundled needles; high vitamin C content favors the needles' popular preparation in hot (not boiling) water as a tea remedy for colds; Biotics Consultants Inc., Robert H. Mohlenbrock, Northeast Wetland Flora: Field Office Guide to Plant Species (1997): Robert H. Mohlenbrock, Not copyrighted and may be freely used for any purpose, via USDA NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) PLANTS Database @ https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PIST; (former URL @ http://plants.usda.gov/java/largeImage?imageID=pist_002_ahp.tif)

For further information:

"Bald Eagle Nests in Eastern White Pine: Pinus strobus is favorite tree." Earth and Space News. Saturday, April 18, 2015.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2015/04/bald-eagle-nests-in-eastern-white-pine.html

Mohlenbrock, Robert H. Northeast Wetland Flora: Field Office Guide to Plant Species. Chester PA: Northeast National Technical Center, 1995.

"Pinus strobus." US Forest Service > Fire Effects Information System (FEIS) Database > Plants > Tree.
Available @ http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/pinstr/all.html