Trees found at Marilla

Leaf Characteristics broad, flat compound pinnately compound margins toothed leaflets similar in size and shape leaves opposite leaflets with short stems leaflets irregularly toothed, or only near tip twigs and leaf stalks smooth Fruit Characteristics single winged elongate seed cavity round or flattened fruit straight less narrow, less tapered, about 1/4" wide  White Ash  Fraxinus americana This is the largest of the Ash trees in North America, sometimes reaching 100 feet in height. The tallest specimen in Ohio today reaches 85 feet, and almost is 6 feet in diameter. The firm, gray bark of the White Ash has diamond-shaped furrows and interlacing ridges. The tree grows in the rich, moist, well-drained soil of bottomlands and not-so-dry slopes. It ranges throughout Ohio. The size and value of White Ash trees make this one of the primary commercial hardwoods in the United States. The wood is hard, strong, elastic, and very useful. It has a variety of applications, including interior finish, vehicles, furniture, containers, and wooden equipment. Also, it often has been used as a shade or street tree. Several kinds of birds eat the fruit. Tree Size      height 60' - 80'      diameter 2' - 4' Bark Leaf Characteristics broad, flat simple not lobed fine, double teeth all teeth same size long stem, wide leaf rounded, without glands few, course teeth Fruit Characteristics other fruit (not cone, winged, acorn, or in pod or capsule) fruit in small capsules along stem capsule with floss and disk at base thin walled, narrow Bigtooth Aspen Populus grandidentata As the name suggests, the leaves of this tree have large, coarse teeth. The tree grows in moist soil near streams, and frequently is one of the first trees to grow in abandoned fields and burned-over areas. Although widely distributed in Ohio, it is more common in the northern part of the state. Human use of this tree is mainly as pulpwood, although it sometimes is used in rough construction. Much of the tree, however, is used by animals. The beaver uses it both for food and construction, and several other mammals and birds use the bark, twigs and buds as food. Tree Size height 30' - 60' diameter 1' - 2' Bark Leaf Characteristics broad, flat simple not lobed fine, double teeth all teeth same size long stem, wide leaf rounded, without glands many, fine teeth Fruit Characteristics other fruit (not cone, winged, acorn, or in pod or capsule) fruit in small capsules along stem capsule with floss and disk at base thin walled, narrow Quaking Aspen Populus tremuloides The smaller, finer teeth on the leaves of this aspen contrast with those of the Bigtooth Aspen. The tree will grow in almost any soil except in the wettest swamps. As with its "bigtoothed" relative, it is a "pioneer" tree, growing readily in burned-over areas and unused fields. In northern Ohio this tree is common. In the southern part of the state it is widely distributed, but more local and less common. Human and animal use of the Quaking Aspen is similar to that of the Bigtooth Aspen. Tree Size       height 20' - 60'        diameter 1' - 2' Bark Leaf Characteristics broad, flat simple not lobed fine, double teeth all teeth same size shorter stem side veins near base longer than others asymmetrical base, broad large, 2" to 6" long 4" to 6" long, pale green beneath Fruit Characteristics other fruit (not cone, winged, acorn, or in pod or capsule) without husk or capsules loose, not packed tightly together fruit with pit whole fruit less than 1 inch not like rasperries fruit not at end of single stalk fruit loosely clustered gray-green Basswood (American Basswood, American Linden) Tilia americana The tree grows in rich, moist, well-drained soil. It is found throughout glaciated Ohio, in the western, northwestern and northern parts of the state. The tough, fibrous inner bark has been used by Native American Indians and settlers in making rope, mats, and thongs. The wood is light and soft, and is well suited for working. Although rather weak, it has been used for cheap furniture, containers, beekeeping supplies, and various woodenware. Honeybees feed on the flowers, producing what is reputed to be a choice grade of honey. Birds eat the buds, small mammals eat the fruit, and several species feed on the bark and sprouts. Tree Size       height 60' - 80'        diameter 2' - 3' Bark Leaf Characteristics broad, flat simple not lobed course teeth 2" to 5" long Fruit Characteristics other fruit (not cone, winged, acorn, or in pod or capsule) nut in a husk thin, spiny husk fruit less than 2" in diameter, weak, unbranched spines Beech (American Beech) Fagus grandifolia The tallest American Beech found today in Ohio, in Ashtabula County, is 130 feet tall. The smooth gray bark of this grand tree is familiar to many. Also distinctive are the long, slender, pale chestnut-brown buds, readily visible during the winter. The tree prefers deep, fertile, well-drained but moist soils. It is found throughout Ohio, probably in every county, and particularly in mature woods. In those parts of the state, however, where prairie grasses originally dominated plant growth, the American Beech is limited in its distribution. The tough, strong wood is used for flooring, furniture and other wooden ware. Hollows in beech trees provide shelter for many animals. And many mammals and birds, including deer, bear, squirrels, grouse and turkey, feed on the nuts. The smaller European Beech is widely planted in the United States as an ornamental tree. Tree Size       height 60' - 100'        diameter 2' - 3' Bark Twigs and Buds Leaf Characteristics broad, flat simple not lobed fine, double teeth small teeth between larger teeth base symmetrical base not wedge-shaped leaf long, oval narrows toward tip twice as long as wide Fruit Characteristics cone or cone-like cone greater than 1 inch long wings on both sides of scales seed with wings smooth winged nutlets cone short, robust cone 2 times as long as wide scales hairy Yellow Birch Betula alleghaniensis The bark on limbs and young trunks is silvery-yellowish in color, hence the name. On older trunks the smooth bark breaks open and curls back in thin plates. This tree is limited to a cool, moist habitat. In Ohio it most commonly occurs in the northeastern quarter of the state, but can be found southward in ravines along the western edge of the Allegheny Plateau. The Yellow Birch tree is the most frequently used birch for lumber. Its hard, strong wood is used for furniture and various small objects. Deer, rabbits and beaver feed on this tree, and Ruffed Grouse eat the buds during the winter. Tree Size         height        60' - 80'         diameter    2' - 4' Bark Leaf Characteristics broad, flat simple not lobed fine, double teeth all teeth same size shorter stem all side veins same length long, not narrow veins curved less than 5" long stem less than 1/3 length of leaf short tip, veins not dense narrow Fruit Characteristics other fruit (not cone, winged, acorn, or in pod or capsule) without husk or capsules loose, not packed tightly together fruit with pit whole fruit less than 1 inch fruit without strap-like modified leaf not like rasperries fruit not at end of single stalk loosely clustered various colors but leaves not modified round, dark red to black 0.5" in diameter with stone or pit Black Cherry Prunus serotina The tree grows on deep, moist but well-drained, fertile soils. It is found in forests, and also in open fields, second-growth woodlands, and along fence-rows. This is one of the most valuable timber trees in Ohio. Its strong, heavy wood has been used extensively for furniture, veneer, and interior finish. Although small in size, the fruit has been used in making wine and jelly. Many kinds of birds and mammals feed on the prolific fruit. Tree Size      height    50' - 60'      diameter    1' - 3' Bark Flower Leaf Characteristics broad, flat simple not lobed fine, double teeth small teeth between larger teeth base asymmetrical not rough beneath Fruit Characteristics single winged oval to circular wing edges hairy American Elm (White Elm) Ulmus americana This is the largest and most widespread elm in the United States. The tallest example in Ohio today, growing in Hamilton County, stands 97 feet. The tall, drooping crown growing above divided trunks gives the mature tree a distinctive, vase-like appearance. The tree grows on rich, moist bottomlands and in ravines, and sometimes on moist slopes and woodlands. Although widespread in Ohio, many trees have been destroyed by the Dutch Elm disease. In the past it extensively was used as a shade and ornamental tree. The wood has been used in much the same way as that of the Slippery Elm. Both birds and mammals feed on fruit and buds, and mammals will the the bark and twigs of younger trees. Tree Size      height 75' - 100+'      diameter 2' - 4' Leaf Characteristics flattened leaves (needles) needles wide, with 2 white lines beneath Fruit Characteristics cone or cone-like cone less than 1 inch long oblong cone 0.5 - 0.8 inches long Eastern Hemlock Tsuga canadensis This tree, the only hemlock found in Ohio, is large, growing to a height of 60 to 75 feet and a diameter of 1 to 3 feet. In virgin forests it grew to more than 100 feet in height and 4 feet in diameter. The distinctive, flat needles are glossy green above, and pale green with two white lines below. The scaly bark of mature trees is dark purplish brown and deeply furrowed. The tree grows best in cool, moist locations such as the north-facing slopes of deep ravines in eastern Ohio. The wood is inferior to that of White Pine and is used for rough construction lumber, and as pulpwood. Formerly, the bark was much in demand for its tannic acid, used in tanning leather. Several birds and mammals feed on the seeds. Tree Size      height 60' - 75'      diameter 1' - 3' Leaf Characteristics broad, flat compound pinnately compound margins toothed 3 end leaflets usually distinctly larger than basal leaflets 5 to 7 leaflets leaves large Fruit Characteristics other fruit (not cone, winged, acorn, or in pod or capsule) nut in a husk thinner husk husk 0.25" or more thick nut yellowish white nut rounded at base Shagbark Hickory Carya ovata The distinctive, shaggy bark, conspicuous on tall straight trees, gives this species its name. It grows well in both wet and dry areas, but prefers well-drained soils. In Ohio it is widely distributed, and probably can be found in every county. It commonly is found in association with oak trees. The wood is hard, strong, tough and elastic, and is used in handles for tools and in athletic equipment. The wood also makes excellent firewood, and often is used in smoking meat. As with other edible nuts, squirrels compete with humans for this fruit. Tree Size      height 50' - 90'      diameter 1' - 3' Bark Leaf Characteristics broad, flat leaves simple leaves not lobed fine, double teeth base symmetrical base not wedge-shaped leaf longer, oval narrows toward tip 3x OR 2x as long as wide Fruit Characteristics winged single winged elongated nut at base of 3-lobed wing-like sac American Hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana In 1985, a 41-foot-tall specimen of this tree was recorded in Hamilton County. The spread of the same tree at that time was 63 feet. The trunk of this tree is deeply rippled and looks like sinewy muscles. The bark is blue-gray and smooth. This combination of trunk and bark is unique, and it should confirm identification of a specimen. This tree, also sometimes called "Ironwood," and the Eastern Hophornbeam have an unusual history of confusion in common names. Each tree has at some time been called by the common name of the other. Also, because of similarities in the bark, the name "beech" (Blue Beech or Water Beech) has been misapplied to this tree. The American Hornbeam grows in moist to wet soils and commonly occurs in swamps, along streams, and in wet bottomlands. This tree grows throughout the eastern United States, westward to eastern Texas and Oklahoma, and in southeastern Canada. It is found throughout Ohio. Unlike the Eastern Hophornbeam, the wood of the American Hornbeam decays rapidly when in contact with soil. Still, the wood is hard and tough and is used in making tool handles and small wooden articles. Also, it is planted as an ornamental, especially on wet sites. Deer browse this tree's twigs and foliage. Squirrels and birds such as turkey, grouse, pheasant and quail eat the fruit. Tree Size      height   20' - 40'      diameter    1' - 2' Bark Leaf Characteristics broad, flat simple palmately lobed notches between lobes V-shaped appears 3-lobed, with weak basal lobes Fruit Characteristics paired wings wings close, less than 45 degrees apart winged seed about 3/4" long  Red Maple Acer rubrum This species and the Silver Maple often are referred to as the "soft maples." The bright red flowers make this tree conspicuous in early spring. In autumn the changing leaves become scarlet to orange in color. The tree grows in moist soils in swamps, bottomlands, and uplands. Distributed throughout Ohio, it is most common in the southwestern and eastern parts of the state and near Lake Erie. The wood is soft, not very strong and not durable. It is used for some furniture, boxes, and woodenware. Although not as productive as Sugar Maple, the Red Maple can be tapped for syrup and sugar. The tree often is planted as an ornamental. Several kinds of mammals feed on parts of the tree. Tree Size      height 60' - 80'      diameter 1' - 2' Bark Twigs and Buds   Leaf Characteristics broad, flat simple palmately lobed notches U-shaped small notches without milky juice not hairy beneath Fruit Characteristics paired wings wings 60 to 90 degrees apart winged seed about 1" long Sugar Maple Acer saccharum In spring, the numerous yellow flowers give this tree a distinctive appearance. The tree grows well in fertile, moist, and well-drained soils. Still, it can be found in poorer, rocky soil as well. It is widely distributed in Ohio. The wood is hard, close-grained, and heavy, making this a very valuable timber tree. It has many uses, including for flooring, furniture, veneer, musical instruments, and a variety of woodenware. In terms of quantity produced, this tree is the best source of maple sugar, and has been used as such since the days of early settlement. Before then it was used by Native American Indians. Tree Size      height   75' - 100'      diameter    2' - 4' Bark Twigs and Buds Leaf Characteristics broad, flat simple pinnately lobed bristle tips not deeply lobed thin leaves, lobes narrow toward tip Fruit Characteristics acorn cup without fringe, without long stalk acorn no longer than 1" scales not swollen, mostly flat shallow cup acorn oblong Red OaK (Northern Red Oak) Quercus rubra The bark darkens and roughens near the base of older trees, while becoming fissured with broad, grayish ridges on the upper trunk. The tree grows on rich, well-drained soils. It occurs commonly throughout most of Ohio, except in poorly-drained or swampy areas. The wood is similar to that of the White Oak, and although more porous and less resistant to decay, is used extensively used in construction and interior work. The Red Oak grows more rapidly than most oaks and is useful for planting in residential areas. The acorns are not as tasty as those of the White Oak, but many kinds of wildlife feed on them. Tree Size      height 50' - 70'      diameter 1' - 3' Bark Leaf Characteristics broad, flat simple pinnately lobed smooth, without bristle tips main vein ends in lobe end lobe small end lobes similar to others Fruit Characteristics acorn cup without fringe, without long stalk acorn no longer than 1" scales swollen, warty White Oak Quercus alba This is one of the largest trees of forests in the eastern United States. The tallest known in Ohio today is an 84-foot tree in Mahoning County. The distinctive bark is light ash-gray in color, and often fissured into scaly plates. The tree grows best on deep, well-drained upland soils. Still, it is found in a wide variety of habitats throughout Ohio, probably occurring in every county. The close-grained, strong wood is one our best for furniture and hardwood flooring. Native American Indians made flour from its acorns. Both Indians and early settlers boiled the acorns to make them more palatable. Many kinds of wildlife feed on the acorns as well. Tree Size     height 60' - 100'     diameter 2' - 4'  Bark Leaf Characteristics needle-like needles in clusters of 5 Fruit Characteristics cone cones mostly larger than 1" each scale of cone with an end wing cone dry and hard scales thick cone 4" to 8" long, with stalk White Pine (Eastern White Pine) Pinus strobus This is the largest conifer in the northeastern United States. The tallest of these trees in Ohio is a 137-foot giant in Ashland County. The bark on young trees is smooth and gray, while on older trees it is broken into small rectangular blocks. It prefers moist, sandy loam soils. It is native only to a small portion of northeastern Ohio, but has been planted throughout most of the state. This tree is important for its lumber and is used extensively in reforestation. In the days of wooden sailing ships the long, straight trunks of this tree provided many ships' masts. Tree Size   height 75' - 100'  diameter 2' - 4' Bark Flower Leaf Characteristics needle-like needles in clusters of 2 long needles, 3" to 8" long brittle Fruit Characteristics cone or cone-like cone greater than 1 inch long scales with end wings cone dry and hard scales thick cone less than 4 inches scales without spines scales smooth, without pyramid tips Red Pine (Norway Pine) Pinus resinosa The bark of this tree is reddish-brown in color. On older trunks the bark becomes broken into wide flat-topped ridges separated by shallow splits. The Red Pine is often confused with the introduced Austrian Pine . However, the reddish-brown bark of the Red Pine should help to distinguish this tree from the Austrian Pine with its grayish to blackish bark. Typically, the Red Pine grows in light sandy soils. It seems to grow well in soils that are too poor for the larger White Pine . In spite of being native to North America (not Norway) this tree also is known as the Norway Pine. The Red Pine grows naturally in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. Builders use the wood of this tree in building construction, but it must be chemically treated in order to used in contact with the soil. In marine applications it is used for piling and for ships' masts and spars. Also it often is used as an ornamental tree. Tree Size      height   50' - 100'      diameter    1' - 1.5' Bark Flower Leaf Characteristics broad, flat simple palmately lobed lobes sometimes unballanced notches between lobes U-shaped smooth Fruit Characteristics other fruit (not cone, winged, acorn, or in pod or capsule) without husk or capsules loose, not packed tightly together fruit with pit whole fruit less than 1 inch fruit without strap-like modified leaf not like rasperries fruit not at end of single stalk loosely clustered leaves not modified ovoid, dark red to black fruit at ends of club-shaped stalks Sassafras Sassafras albidium Although generally considered to be a small tree, the Sassafras sometimes reaches substantial height. The tallest specimen known in Ohio today, in Montgomery County, is 90 feet tall and has a diameter of almost 3.5 feet. The unusual leaves can be found in 3 forms, often on the same tree: 3-lobed; 2-lobed with a large central lobe and 1 smaller, side lobe; and without lobes. The tree grows in poorer soils than many other trees, and often is found in abandoned fields, along roadsides and fencerows, and on open slopes. It is widely distributed throughout Ohio, although less frequently in the northern and western parts of the state. The wood while soft, weak, and brittle is durable. It has been used for furniture as well as posts. Since the days of early settlement of the Ohio Country, Sassafras has been better known for the tea that is made by boiling the bark of its roots. Also, oil of Sassafras, which is distilled from roots and root bark, has been used in a variety of ways, including the flavoring of candies and medicines, and to perfume soaps and rubbing lotions. A variety of birds and a few mammals feed on the fruit. Tree Size      height   30' - 60'      diameter    1' - 3' Bark Flower Leaf Characteristics needle-like needles single, not in clusters shiny green Fruit Characteristics cone or cone-like cones greater than 1 inch long scales with end wings cones dry and hard scales thin cones 4 - 8 inches long Norway Spruce Picea abies The bark is reddish-brown and roughened with thick scales. Twigs also are reddish-brown and somewhat rough. The cones are the largest of the spruces. In 1987, the Ohio Forestry Association recorded a 90-foot tall specimen of the Norway Spruce in Summit County, Ohio. This tree generally grows taller than its relative, the White Spruce. The Norway Spruce can tolerate a great deal of cold, winter weather. It grows well in a variety of moist soils in temperate habitats that are humid and cool. In its native habitat of northern and central Europe the Norway Spruce is a very important commercial true. As an introduced tree in the United States, including Ohio, it is planted as an ornamental. And it is widely used in replacing forests. Also, the Christmas tree industry cultivates and uses this tree. Tree Size      height   60' - 90'      diameter    1' - 3' Bark Leaf Characteristics broad, flat simple pinnately lobed smooth, without bristle tips main vein ends in notch Fruit Characteristics cone or cone-like cone longer than 1" cone soft & fleshy scale ends with single wing narrow, elongate scales seed cavity 4-angled Tuliptree (Yellow Poplar) Liriodendron tulipifera This is the tallest hardwood tree in eastern North America, reportedly reaching 200 feet in height. At 164 feet, a specimen of this tree growing in Belmont County is the largest single tree presently known in Ohio. Coincidentally, both the bright green leaves (in outline) and greenish-yellow flowers are tulip-shaped. The tree grows in deep, rich, and moist soil, and commonly is found in bottomlands. Its widespread distribution in Ohio is limited by drier portions of the west-central and northwestern parts of the state. The wood is soft and weak, but is very easily worked, and has many uses. Early settlers used the wood extensively in building, and made home remedies from the inner bark of the roots. Bees make honey from the blossoms, and various wildlife eat the fruit and twigs. Tree Size      height 80' - 150'      diameter 4' - 6' Bark Twigs and Buds Flower Leaf Characteristics broad, flat compound pinnately compound margins toothed leaflets similar in size and shape leaves alternate no wing-like projections without milky sap leaflets greater than 8 inches long end leaflet small or absent Fruit Characteristics other fruit (not cone, winged, acorn, or in pod or capsule) enclosed by husk thick husk husk without seams, nut with ridges oblong, nut ridges rounded Black Walnut  Juglans nigra The Black Walnut is one of the tall trees of Ohio's original forests. Ohio's tallest today is 105 feet and grows in Holmes County. The tree commonly is found in bottomlands, but also grows on hillsides with rich soils. It is found throughout most of Ohio except in prairie areas. Its rich, dark brown, close-grained wood makes this tree one of the most valuable of our hardwoods. Historically, the wood was widely used in building construction. Today, it is prized for cabinet work and fine furniture. Humans compete with squirrels for the tasty nuts. Because of a toxic substance coming from the roots of the Black Walnut, many garden plants such as tomatoes and blackberries cannot grow under these trees. Tree Size      height 70' - 100'      diameter 2' - 4' Bark Twigs and Buds Flower