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aquaman Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 12:49 AM
Original message
What is your favorite tree??? Earth Day thread
Mine is the Oak Tree............Yes, I am from the south.
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yewberry Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 12:53 AM
Response to Original message
1. Harder than you'd think.
I love Maples, because I'm originally from New England, and they are so great in the Spring and Fall.

However, here in Seattle, I must vote for Madronas. They are so amazing. Second place goes to Monkey Puzzle trees, even if just for the name.
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Tom Kitten Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 12:53 AM
Response to Original message
2. Elm trees...
although I love oaks and all the conifers here in the NW there is a special place in my heart for elm trees because they grow so tall and are so graceful and shady! And I suppose rare nowadays...

Luckily there are still a bunch of elms here in Portland and I have lived under a number of them...
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Clarkie1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 12:55 AM
Response to Original message
3. Coast Redwood.
Maybe something to do with me being a Native Californian. And I love the ocean and the fog...
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rumpel Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 12:55 AM
Response to Original message
4. The one tree I climbed on when I was a kid, teasing m dog to find me from
above and watching him sniff the base of tree...looking for me, and I do not know what kind of tree it was.
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knowbody0 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 01:01 AM
Response to Original message
5. madronas
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Robeson Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 02:23 AM
Response to Reply #5
20. Wow, I'd never heard of that kind until I just looked it up....
...very pretty.
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Maddy McCall Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 01:02 AM
Response to Original message
6. Magnolia, of course.
:D
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Robeson Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 01:03 AM
Response to Original message
7. Ginko.
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mondo joe Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 01:05 AM
Response to Original message
8. Stewartia, Vine Maple, Katsura, Mt Fuji Flowering Cherry are a few!
And then of course the whole array of Japanese Maples!
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eridani Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 01:39 AM
Response to Original message
9. When I was in the midwest--
I liked hickories and elms. Out here on the West coast I like Doug firs, cedars, redwoods. When I was a kid, we always got these little twigs to plant. One of them actually survived, and grew into a substantial tree. Not visiting back there too often, its size always surprises me. I wrote a haiku about that.

Now thirty feet tall
The former Arbor Day twig
Still grows without me.
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KaliTracy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 01:42 AM
Response to Original message
10. need to pick two -- Bayon and Willow
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Tom Kitten Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 01:45 AM
Response to Original message
11. let's face it...
Trees bat last in the baseball game of life!
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freebird1 Donating Member (377 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 01:46 AM
Response to Original message
12. Willow
Lots of beautiful willows are growing around my former home in Georgia
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Robeson Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 02:20 AM
Response to Reply #12
18. Willows are beautiful.
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freebird1 Donating Member (377 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 07:20 AM
Response to Reply #18
32. Willows bend before the changing wind
I once believed that mighty oak was best ~ however it's strength and rigidness can be the oaks undoing as it snaps like a tooth pick before an unusually strong gust of wind.

The willows bend slightly as they face the challenges of nature.
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Robeson Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 03:00 AM
Response to Reply #32
50. That is very nicely put....
...:thumbsup:
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freebird1 Donating Member (377 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-26-05 10:23 PM
Response to Reply #50
61. Thank you Robeson
I was ~ freebird1 ~ it seems like only ...yesterday :hi:

Joani
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In_The_Wind Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-26-05 10:38 PM
Response to Reply #50
62. ~
and now I'm Joan_Alpern who is still Freebird in her heart ! Thanks :thumbsup:
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Arianrhod Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 01:48 AM
Response to Original message
13. I can't decide between Oaks and Beeches.
There's a mixed Oak/Beech woods not far from my place, where I can literally stand for hours. . . .
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imenja Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 01:49 AM
Response to Original message
14. Weeping willow
Also sugar maples and magnolia trees.
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Robeson Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 02:17 AM
Response to Reply #14
17. Ah, very Southern imenja.....
...sounds like a Tennessee Williams play...my favorite playwright!
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imenja Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 02:21 AM
Response to Reply #17
19. I remember weeping willows and sugar maples from Minnesota
Edited on Sat Apr-23-05 02:22 AM by imenja
we don't have them in S. Florida. We have Banyan trees, Spanish Olive trees (what a mess), palms, and some others more ordinary looking.

Edit: citrus trees of course. and I have a Magnolia that's less than 1 foot tall. Not one of my gardening successes.
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Robeson Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 02:30 AM
Response to Reply #19
22. I've grown up in Tennessee most of my life, and Weeping Willows and....
...Magnolias are pretty much standard here. Both can get huge! My Dad's side of the family is from North-Central Florida, and I used to spend my summers there as a kid. I always remember all the moss hanging from the trees in that area of Florida. Don't even remember what kind of trees they were, but I remember the moss. Damn, why do I keep thinking about an old Tennessee Williams play everytime I think of that....?
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FizzFuzz Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 01:43 AM
Response to Reply #19
45. cracking up at the thought of a 1 foot magnolia
Sounds cute!!

Hmmm, I like so many trees, and not sure of many names, but...

Hickories, Pines of all kinds, Maples (mmm Maple syrup.....), Fuzz Trees (well they're actually Cottonwood, but I like them because I can scold them soon--they put out all this fuzz and it flies everywhere and carpets the ground and looks kind of cool, but kind of ick, like dryer lint everywhere and so I scold the trees and roll my eyes at them, which is fun. The Fuzz Trees are at it again. You bad Fuzz Trees.)
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ArmchairActivist Donating Member (246 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 02:12 AM
Response to Original message
15. Lots of great choices...
Trees are what we do here in the PNW...

So I should take the Doug Fir, as it's kind of our 'signature'. But I love coming across a Yew tree in a really old patch of woods.

Even so, and even though I live on the west, wet side, my absolute favorite tree is the Ponderosa Pine. Especially when it's warm out, and they get soooo fragrant and wonderful -- kind of like a vanilla pineapple...

Nothing like hugging a ponderosa on a hot day. mmmmmmmm :loveya:
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Seabiscuit Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 02:39 AM
Response to Reply #15
25. Torrey Pines - the ones featured in the Dr. Seuss books.
and they're "in my back yard".
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hfojvt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 02:16 AM
Response to Original message
16. Oaks? Oaks? Now there is unrest in the forest
"there is unrest in the forest
there is trouble with the trees
for the maples want more sunlight
and the oaks ignore their pleas ..."

All power to the maples - the peoples' tree, approved by
none other than Scott Nearing.
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Arianrhod Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 12:40 AM
Response to Reply #16
41. One of Rush's most disturbing songs. . . .
In the thick woods near my apartment, you'll find Beeches and Birches intertwining their limbs with the patient, ancient Oaks as they reach up together to the clear sunlight. It's really a cool sight, actually. Some of the branches run along each other, as if they were part of the same tree. . . .

Oaks may suffer from a tinge of arrogance, but they are not heartless. :)
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LynneSin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 02:24 AM
Response to Original message
21. White Birch
I thought it was so pretty with their white bark. We use to pull twigs off the tree and nibble on them
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Rabrrrrrr Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 02:31 AM
Response to Original message
23. Cherry trees, and the bristlecone pines: earth's living sentinels
The oldest living things on the planet, many are more than 4,000 years old.

Imagine the world history they have been witness to! (or would have been witness to, had they been near it)

Older than the pyramids, older than Abraham, these trees were 2,000+ years old when Jesus was around.

To these trees, the life of humans is meaningless. Even our human institutions are meaningless. 230 year old country? 230 years is an eyeblink. Even a 1,000 year old country like England or France - it's like an 18 year old to a 90 year old.
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Seabiscuit Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 02:37 AM
Response to Original message
24. Japanese Maple
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Robeson Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 02:41 AM
Response to Reply #24
26. Nice call Seabiscuit. Beautiful trees.
Edited on Sat Apr-23-05 02:41 AM by Robeson
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Seabiscuit Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 02:55 AM
Response to Reply #26
27. Easy - I have one in my back yard next to my feng shui fountain. Love it.
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Robeson Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 02:58 AM
Response to Reply #27
28. I hear ya. I planted one in my back yard last year and over the ....
...winter, fertilized it. Its now booming out! The new growth is as big as the tree was last year. Who says they're slow growing!!
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aquaman Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 01:28 AM
Response to Reply #28
43. We have two of those in our yard......
Beautiful trees.
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elshiva Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 03:36 AM
Response to Original message
29. Maryland's state tree--The White Oak
But our old Wye Oak died! :cry:
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AlienGirl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 03:38 AM
Response to Original message
30. Tamarack.
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CRK7376 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 05:59 AM
Response to Original message
31. Red Maple
Our house has 5 huge maples surrounding it, the sixth one died last year unfortunately...They provide great shade in the hot NC summers...
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Goathead Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 07:24 AM
Response to Original message
33. Giant Sequoia
Muir Grove, Sequoia Nat'l Park. One of the most incredible organisms I have ever seen.
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FizzFuzz Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 01:54 AM
Response to Reply #33
46. oh my, thanks for that pic
gives me the chills. Wow.
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BensMom Donating Member (670 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 07:26 AM
Response to Original message
34. Ahh TREES!
Kentucky Coffee and Black Walnut for the winter bark texture and branch structure. Sugar Maple for color and just a zap of fall glory.
Redbuds because nothing else flowers like a redbud.

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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 08:17 AM
Response to Original message
35. I don't know
they all look so pretty whent they're blooming
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BensMom Donating Member (670 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 08:48 AM
Response to Original message
36. The Cottonwood is my State tree
We have a registered champion
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blindpig Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 08:51 AM
Response to Original message
37. Live Oak
all festooned with Spanish Moss. It is a true pity that the South Carolina Low Country is being destroyed by real estate developers and goof courses. The mystical green tunnelled lanes are becoming rare as roads are widened, almost gone on US 17. So, so sad.

Runner up is the Ceiba of tropical America, known to many of the locals as the World Tree.
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kitkatrose Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 09:04 AM
Response to Original message
38. You just have to make me chose, don't ya?
It's a three way tie between magnolias, willows, and Tulip Trees.

At least you didn't ask for my favorite flower. :)
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Scurrilous Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 09:08 AM
Response to Original message
39. Coconut Palm. n/t
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curse10 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Apr-23-05 09:43 AM
Response to Original message
40. I'm not sure what it is called- but it has purple leaves
it's gorgeous
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nytemare Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 12:44 AM
Response to Original message
42. Cypress!
I like oaks as well. I always liked cypresses, though!
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LeftyMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 01:41 AM
Response to Original message
44. The valley oak


I'm also rather fond of the magnolia trees on the grounds of the state capitol, and of willow trees. Oh, and orange trees, both because orange blossoms smell good and because I love orange fresh orange juice.
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anitar1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 02:17 AM
Response to Original message
47. Dogwood and Redbud
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Huckebein the Raven Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 02:20 AM
Response to Original message
48. Willows and Oak
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Hardrada Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 02:22 AM
Response to Original message
49. The Various Types of Elm Trees
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marions ghost Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 05:59 AM
Response to Original message
51. I know it's not native
and I love all trees,

but one of my favorite trees is the eucalyptus, with it's blue-green leaves and pungent smell. And it's fascinating the way the leaves are often round when the tree is young, and pointed when the tree is older, depending on variety. I saw many different kinds in Australia--the ghost gum in the desert was particularly memorable. They are very sculptural. Where there are a lot of eucalyptus trees, the scent wafts in the air.
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DistressedAmerican Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 06:17 AM
Response to Original message
52. Depends...
Which One Is Most Huggable?
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two gun sid Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 06:20 AM
Response to Original message
53. Silver Maple
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thecai Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 11:53 AM
Response to Original message
54. Tamarix
aka "Pink Smoke Tree".
Also; Monkey Puzzle Trees, Purple Smoke Tree, Sumac, and whatever tree smells like "Je Reviens Worth" perfume.
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miss_kitty Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 12:30 PM
Response to Reply #54
57. I love Je Reviens!
Edited on Sun Apr-24-05 12:30 PM by miss_kitty
Iwish I knew which tree smelled like that!
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thecai Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-26-05 04:23 AM
Response to Reply #57
59. It Fills The Air
Every May or June around here. (Eastern Washington). I don't know what type of tree it is, but it's next on my shopping list.
I love that perfume too, it just doesn't last long enough.
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BigMcLargehuge Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 12:09 PM
Response to Original message
55. blue spruce
but I have an increasing appreciation for Peach trees and weeping willows
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miss_kitty Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 12:27 PM
Response to Original message
56. As a landscaper, whenever I go to pick a fave-I am at a loss
I love most of 'em. I will cite however, the stewartia genus, for 4 seasons of interest (Spring, colour; Summer, flowers; Fall, stunning colour; Winter, bark and growth pattern):

and I love ginkgo trees for their age and uniqueness:
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MidwestMomma Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Apr-24-05 12:49 PM
Response to Original message
58. My ode to trees (because I love them all)
I love the sound of the winter wind stirring the oak leaves to song once again.
I love the creak of branches overhead as the old elm tells me stories of times it has lived.
I love the spruce with it's springtime song of birds resting for the night before they journey on.
And I love the redbud on a moonlit night for magics and glimmers and things not in sight.

:hi:
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tjwmason Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-26-05 05:07 AM
Response to Original message
60. Oak here as well
If there was going to be an English national tree it would probably be the oak.

The sight of oak trees sitting in the rolling English countryside - aaaaaaaahhhhhhh pure beauty.

The larch gets an honourable mention simply because of Monty Python.

Round here (South Buckinghamshire) we're full of beech trees which lead to a large and famous furniture industry.
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libnnc Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-26-05 10:40 PM
Response to Original message
63. Pink dogwood
and tulip poplar
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shanti Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-26-05 11:20 PM
Response to Original message
64. queen palm
they're just so.....tropical! lol
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peekaloo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-26-05 11:26 PM
Response to Original message
65. The Larch.
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