Tree and Plant Biodiversity

In this issue: Read about the transitions in woodlands from autumn to winter, and the benefits of leaving leaves where they fall. There's also news about a new milestone for the Healthy Forests Healthy Waters program. Our "Native Trees of Maryland" looks at the Dwarf Chinquapin Oak, and "Invasives in Your Woodlands" looks at the Goldenrain Tree. And don't forget the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge.

The dwarf chinquapin oak (Quercus prinoides), unlike its towering relatives, is a mere 3-12 feet tall (rarely up to 20 feet). It’s one of only two shrublike oaks native to Maryland. Easily grown in a variety of environments, the dwarf chinquapin oak, while small, is ecologically mighty.

In this issue: Read about some good news for Maryland forests, and the promising future of a new woodland stewardship tool. There's information about how to sign up for our popular "The Woods in Your Backyard" online course, and how to find a licensed tree expert for your property. Our "Native Trees of Maryland" looks at the American sycamore, and "Invasives in Your Woodlands" looks at the paper mulberry. And don't forget the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge.

The American sycamore is native to a broad portion of the Middle and Eastern portions of North America, extending from south-central Texas to southern Maine. They are most often found in low-lying, riparian areas across Maryland, although they are also common pioneer hardwood species in abandoned fields and mining sites. Interestingly, sycamores tend to persist through most successional stages and are often present in mature forests.

The white mulberry reached our shores during the colonial period. This invasive plant is found in every Maryland county.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Maryland’s Best Native Plants offers a free and voluntary certification program for growers and retailers. The program aims to increase the availability and diversity of native plants, and to make it easier for consumers to find Maryland native plants through use of a logo created for retailers who become certified.

Back issues of the Branching Out newsletter can be found on this page.

In this issue: With warmer weather comes a reminder to stay vigilant about woodland threats, and a look at the importance of pollen. There's an assessment of ghost forests in the region, plus a roundup of news you might have missed. Read about the pawpaw in our "Native Trees of Maryland" feature and about glossy buckthorn in our "Invasives in Your Woodland" feature. And more!

Pawpaws, prized for their tasty fruits, produce the largest native fruit in North America. Their fruits contain high levels of essential amino acids. This small understory tree (10-40’ tall), might be a fun and fitting option for your backyard woods.

In the News and Notes roundup for this issue: A new book from Doug Tallamy provides 400+ answers to the question, "How can I help?"; the Virginia DOF announces a cost-share program to help protect against emerald ash borer; a University of Maryland team tests a drone system to detect and combat wildfires; and the MD Department of Transportation announced state funding to support tree plantings in 12 communities.