Arboretum Guide and Information
1. Honey Locust Gleditsia triacanthos
This project was made possible by the Wildlife Preservation Endowment from The East Tennessee Foundation
The honey locust tree is native from southern Texas, to the Midwest, and over to parts of New England. They can reach heights of 65-100 feet and can live as long as 125 years. Their species name derives from Greek meaning "three thorns" which can commonly be found protruding from their trunks. The honey locust tree comes from the slightly sweet pulp surrounding the tree's pod and its resemblance to the "locust tree" found in the middle east. These seed pods rattle in the fall resembling the singing of locusts giving many to believe is the origin of its common name.
Historically, the thorns found on its bark were used as primitive nails, pins for carding wool, and needles to pin sacks and cloth. Confederate soldiers often used the thorns for their uniforms sometimes giving the tree the nickname of "Confederate pintree". Its wood was durable and was often used as fence posts and even railroad ties. The seed pods were often used by indigenous tribes as a source of sweetener as well as a food source for livestock . It was historically used medicinally and is still used and researched today to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
A young Honey Locust at 15ft: Washington, US, 2009
Oldgrowth Honey Locust in Tennessee, 1941
2. Southern Red Oak Quercus falcata
A Mature Southern Red Oak, Mississippi, US, 2010
The Southern Red Oak, sometimes referred to as Spanish Oak, is a deciduous tree native to the southern United States. It can be found from eastern Texas to northern Florida and reaches up through the southeastern US and as far north as New York. It can grow to heights of up to 80-92 ft. tall and has a typical lifespan of about 300 years. Its scientific name translates as “Sickle-shaped Oak,” referencing the lobes on its leaves.
Southern Red Oak is highly valued for its use in construction. Its wood has been used for flooring, paneling, tools, and shipbuilding. Because of the strength of the wood, it was ideal for warships and found use in the construction of the first American naval force during the Revolutionary War. Its wood was used in the construction of the USS Constitution, which is still in service to this day.
Michaux, François-André, and Augustus L. Hillhouse. 1819. The North American Sylva
Charles d'Aiguebelle. 1828. Homographie ... Choix de vingt Plantes indigènes et coloniales
3. Yellow Poplar Liriodendron tulipifera
The Tulip Poplar is a flowering deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. It can be found as far south as northern Florida, reaching over to eastern Louisiana before stretching into New England. It can grow up to 192 ft. and can live as long as 300 years. Its scientific name translates as “Tulip-Bearing Lily Tree.” Both its English and scientific names reference the tulip-like flowers that the tree bears in the spring.
The Tulip Poplar found wide use in construction due to the versatility of its wood. Among Native American tribes, it was used in the construction of dugout canoes, which earned it the nickname “The Canoe Tree.” The tulip flowers the tree produced also found medicinal use among the Cherokee, who used it to treat stomach issues, fever, and snakebites.
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Loudon, J. C. 1838. Arboretum et fruticetum Britannicum
4. Eastern White Pine Pinus Strobus
Project still in construction,keep an eye for more information soon!
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