|
Agroforest
Flora
Welcome to our agroforest flora page. This is a list of the natural flora in our
agroforest.
Picture - One of 4
proposed campsites. This campsite is well above the reservoir and has a
beautiful 180 degree view of same.
|
|
Tree Identification |
This list is for our use in identifying trees in our newly purchased forest.
Use the following characteristics: |
- Leaf Type
There are three basic leaf types: needles, scales and broadleaf. Most
evergreens have needles or scales, while most broadleaf trees are deciduous.
- Leaf Shape
Common leaf identification shapes include ovate (egg shaped), lanceolate (long and narrow), deltoid (triangular),
and obicular (round). There is also the palm-shaped maple leaf and the
lobed oak leaf, two of our most recognizable leaf shapes.
- Bark Color
While many tree species indeed have gray bark, some
have bark that is cinnamon (mulberry), pure white (birch), silver (beech),
greenish white (aspen) or copper (paperbark maple) in color.
- Bark Texture
There are many variations in texture between different tree species, as
well. Bark can be furrowed (cottonwood), scaly (sycamore), peeling
(hickory), smooth (beech), shiny (cherry), papery (birch) or warty
(hackberry).
- Bark Variations With Age
Often the color and texture of the bark change as the tree matures. This is
most noticeable on the trunk—the oldest part of the tree.
- Tree Shape
Some trees have a distinctive shape.
- Tree Size and Location
If you’re trying to identify trees species in a natural setting, you can
study the site.
- Flower Type
While there’s a whole class known as flowering trees (everything from
crabapples to magnolias), other tree species have inconspicuous flowers.
Either way, flowers can help with identification. First, consider the color.
Consider when the flower appears and what it looks like. Flower types
include single blooms, clustered blooms or catkins which are
dense hanging spikes that look like tassels. Many trees bloom in spring, but
some flower in summer or even early fall, helping you eliminate certain tree
species as you investigate.
- Fruit Type
When you think of fruit, you probably think of larger fleshy fruits with
seeds inside (apples, pears). But fruit is just a seed dispersal mechanism,
so there are other variations to consider. Think of the papery winged fruits
of maple, the nuts of chestnut, the acorns of oak, the catkins of willow,
the berries of hawthorn and the cones of alder. All can help you
pinpoint a tree species.
- Seed Comparison
The seeds themselves can help with more specific identification. Say you
have an oak tree but you’re not sure what kind. Leaf shape is highly
variable on oaks, even on the same specimen. A better indicator may be the
acorns. Get your hands on a good guide such as The Audubon Society Field
Guide to North American Trees (a mainstay in bookstores for decades). Then
compare the acorns to what’s pictured in the guide. You’ll find that acorns
can be small (black oak), big (bur oak), oblong (English oak) or barrel
shaped (red oak). Some are even striped (pin oak). The cap that partially
encases an acorn is also unique in size, shape and texture.
- Leaf Bud Arrangement
Buds can be helpful in identifying tree species in winter, when deciduous
trees are without foliage. Those at the end of a twig are called terminal
buds, while those growing along the twig are lateral buds. The arrangement
of these lateral buds can help establish a tree’s identity. Alternate buds,
found on elms, are arranged in alternating pairs on opposite sides of the
stem. The opposite buds of maple are directly facing each other on the stem.
And spiral buds whorl alternately around the stem, as seen on oaks.
- Leaf Bud Appearance
Some trees have distinctive buds, such as the sharply pointed buds of beech
and the small, clustered buds of oak, which are covered by protective
scales. Bitternut hickory is hard to miss—just look for the sulfur-yellow
buds when the tree is dormant.
|
This modified list of tree characteristics for tree identification originally
came from the following website. The page contained really useful information.
Visit the following link for the full text. |
|
These site also contain a lot of good information about tree
and leaf identification. |
|
|
Trees to Keep
The following trees we plan to keep unless termite infested, not living, etc. |
|
Japanese
Cypress
Chamaecyparis obtusa (Japanese cypress, hinoki cypress or hinoki; Japanese: 檜 or
桧, hinoki) is a species of cypress native to central Japan in East Asia, and
widely cultivated in the temperate northern hemisphere for its high quality
timber and ornamental qualities, with many cultivars commercially available. |
|
Additional Reading |
|
Japanese
Cedar
Chamaecyparis obtusa (Japanese cypress, hinoki cypress or hinoki; Japanese: 檜 or
桧, hinoki) is a species of cypress native to central Japan in East Asia, and
widely cultivated in the temperate northern hemisphere for its high quality
timber and ornamental qualities, with many cultivars commercially available. |
|
Additional Reading |
|
|
|
Trees to Remove
The following trees we plan to remove if growing as understory
trees to allow more sunlight for our agroforest project. |
|
-
About agroforestry -
general information about agroforestry and how it relates to our specific
project.
-
History of our forest
- our forest has a very long and interesting history. Learn how this land
transferred from famous Japanese clans of the past and eventually became the
property of the Hayman clan.
-
Agroforest fauna
- the beginning of a list of fauna found in the forest.
-
Our mission -
the main goals we are trying to achieve through our agroforestry project.
-
Agroforest plan
- proposed plan for the agroforest including trails, campsite
locations, and what we plan to grow.
-
Project progress
- an ongoing reverse chronological record of our progress from initial interest
in the property up to the present.
-
Agroforest agriculture
- a continuously updated list of things we plan to grow.
-
Agroforest camping
- visit one of our 4 planned campsites and Lover's Point.
-
Agroforest challenges
- A few of the challenges which need to be met in order for our agroforestry
project to succeed.
-
Agroforest products
- a collection of very unique products you can purchase from our agroforest.
100% organic from our forest....a land untouched for thousands of years.
-
Agroforest equipment
- a review of work and camping equipment which is contributing to the success of
our project.
-
Please consider
becoming a sponsor
- for those of you who believe in our mission, please consider sponsoring
this very important project.
|
|
|
|
|