COMMON TREES of
PENNSYLVANIA
PREPARED BY
J. E. Ibberson, A. B. Mickalitis, J. E. Aughanbaugh and C. L. Morris
ILLUSTRATIONS BY
J. M. Francis
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
· ·
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
DIAGRAM SHOWING FUNCTIONS OF DIFFERENT PARTS OF A TREE
Courtesy of the New Tree Experts Manual by Richard R. Fenska
- MEDULLARY RAYS
- CONDUCT FOOD AND WATER RADIALLY, SERVE IN FOOD STORAGE
- PITH
- ANNUAL RINGS
- INDICATE GROWTH, NORMALLY ONE RING PER YEAR
- LEAVES
- THE AIR SUPPLIES CARBON, THE PRINCIPAL FOOD OF THE TREE, WHICH IS TAKEN IN ON THE UNDER SURFACE OF THE LEAVES.
- HEARTWOOD (INACTIVE CELLS)
- ADDS STRUCTURAL SUPPORT
- SAPWOOD
- CARRIES FOOD AND WATER UPWARD
- CAMBIUM
- GROWING LAYER, CELLS DIVIDE HERE TO FORM BOTH BARK AND WOOD.
- INNER BARK
- CARRIES FOOD MADE IN THE LEAVES DOWNWARD TO CAMBIUM AND STORAGE CELLS.
- OUTER BARK
- INACTIVE CELLS FORM PROTECTION FOR INNER BARK
- SOIL
- BACTERIA AND FUNGI MAKE AVAILABLE SOIL NUTRIENTS
- ROOTS
- ABSORB FOOD ELEMENTS THROUGH THE TINY ROOT HAIRS, ALSO PROVIDE ANCHORAGE
FOREWORD
The purpose of this booklet is to make the reader’s lifemore enjoyable by being able to identify, through leaf,twig and bark characteristics, the important trees of Pennsylvaniaat various seasons of the year.
Today, more than ever before, trees play an increasinglyimportant part in our lives.
Trees produce wood, one of the essentials of oureveryday life. The uses for wood are rapidly increasing.
Trees provide shade and solace for man; they help tobeautify the places where we live; help purify the air webreathe and the water we drink; enrich the soil andretard the earth from sliding into our streams, and providefood and shelter for wildlife.
In a few words: Trees live to give.
We sincerely hope the brief study of tree featuresdescribed in this publication will help you to developa closer feeling for our mutual friends of the plant kingdom—thetrees of our land.
Many a tree is found in the wood,
And every tree for its use is good;
Some for the strength of the gnarled root,
Some for the sweetness of flower or fruit;
Some for shelter against the storm,
And some to keep the hearthstone warm,
Some for the roof and some for the beam,
And some for a boat to breast the storm;
In the wealth of the wood since the world began
The trees have offered their gifts to man.
—HENRY VAN DYKE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Department of Environmental Resources
Harrisburg, 1971