Evergreen trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape, and Vermont is fortunate to have a variety of native evergreen tree species. These trees not only provide year-round color and foliage but also offer many benefits to the environment. Let’s explore some of the evergreen trees that are native to Vermont.
1. Fir Trees: The Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is a common evergreen tree found in Vermont. It is known for its conical shape and dense foliage. The needles are dark green and aromatic, making it a popular choice for holiday decorations. The Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) is another native fir tree in Vermont, known for its symmetrical shape and soft needles.
2. Spruce Trees: Vermont is home to several native spruce trees, including the white spruce (Picea glauca) and the red spruce (Picea rubens). White spruces have a classic pyramidal shape and blue-green needles, while red spruces have dark green needles and a more irregular form. Spruce trees are valued for their adaptability and ability to withstand harsh winters.
3. Pine Trees: Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is a prominent native pine tree in Vermont. It has long, soft needles that are bluish-green, and its branches form a graceful, open crown. This tree can reach impressive heights and is often used as a timber tree. Red pine (Pinus resinosa) is another native pine species found in Vermont, known for its reddish-brown bark and long needles.
4. Juniper: Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a native evergreen tree that grows well in Vermont. It has a dense, columnar shape and blue-green foliage. Juniper trees are valued for their ability to tolerate various soil conditions and their attractive berries, which provide food for birds during the winter months.
5. Thuja: The native Northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree commonly found in Vermont. It has scale-like foliage that is dark green and aromatic. Thuja trees are often used as hedges or privacy screens due to their dense growth and ability to tolerate pruning.
Moving on to native shade trees in Vermont, there are several species worth mentioning:
1. American Sycamore: The American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is a large, deciduous shade tree native to Vermont. It has distinctive mottled bark, with patches of white and brown. Sycamores are known for their broad, spreading canopy and large, maple-like leaves.
2. Northern Red Oak: The northern red oak (Quercus rubra) is a majestic shade tree found throughout Vermont. It has lobed leaves with a glossy green upper surface and a characteristic reddish color in the fall. Red oaks are long-lived, providing shade and beauty for generations.
3. Red Maple: Red maple (Acer rubrum) is a popular native shade tree in Vermont known for its brilliant red foliage in the fall. It has attractive, serrated leaves and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. Red maples are often planted as ornamental trees due to their vibrant colors.
4. Ash, Birch, Beech, Maple, and Hornbeam: Vermont is also home to several other native shade trees, including ash (Fraxinus), birch (Betula), beech (Fagus), maple (Acer), and hornbeam (Carpinus). These trees offer a variety of leaf shapes, colors, and growth habits, adding diversity and beauty to Vermont landscapes.
Vermont boasts a diverse range of native evergreen and shade trees. From fir and spruce to pine and juniper, there are many evergreen species to choose from when landscaping in Vermont. Additionally, the American sycamore, northern red oak, red maple, and various other native shade trees provide ample options for creating shade and adding visual interest to any garden or landscape in Vermont.
