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| SYCAMORE... |
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| ...ALONG RIVER BOTTOM |
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| SWEETGUM... |
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| ...LEAF AND FRUIT |
Saturday, 8:30 AM. 32 degrees, wind WSW, very light. The sky is mostly clear with some haze, and although the barometer predicts rain, it looks like it will be a nice day to do some of the last yard work.
As one proceeds from the north central US to the east and south, the tree species, both native and introduced, become more diverse, and attain a greater stature. This is in response to greater rainfall and generally milder climatic conditions.
In addition to the Columbus street trees noted yesterday, I will add two Ohio native trees of note.
The sycamore, or plane tree, Platanus occidetalis, in the family Platanaceae, is a highly noticeable native tree along river banks and other wet places, but it is adaptable to drier sites. We tried to get good photos driving along the freeway, and this is as good as Joan could manage at 75 MPH. The sycamore becomes a very large, spreading tree, magnificent in old age. It has mature bark as white as the paper birch so it is unmistakable in the landscape. It is far too massive to be used as a street tree but is a fine park tree. The London plane tree, a hybrid between the native sycamore and the oriental plane tree, is a traditional city street tree, tough and adaptable and not so huge. I doubt it is hardy in Bayfield but I will try it if I can obtain it.
The sweet gum, Liquidambar styraciflua, in the witchhazel family (Hamamelidaceae) is native to southern Ohio and south to Texas and along the east coast as far north as Connecticut. Although it prefers wetter locations it will grow under drier conditions. It is a handsome tree, with excellent fall colors of purple, red and orange.
Political comment: the “Occupy” movement is falling apart, as evidenced by rampant drug use, riots, assaults and at least one murder. If the Left further embraces this toxic tar baby it will die in its arms.
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