Detailed information about the species of trees that the Division of Forestry grows in each of its two tree nurseries. 

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Black Cherry Leaves	Black Cherry Bark	Black Cherry Blooms

Black cherry is a rapidly growing woodland tree common throughout all of Kentucky. It is often found in open fields and previously harvested forests. Its beautiful, fine-grained, orange-brown to mahogany-colored heartwood ranks second only to black walnut as the ultimate choice for making solid wood furniture, interior trim and high-quality veneer. Its small fruits are relished by birds and mammals as a food source in late summer. This tree is named for its ripened black cherries as well as its black-gray, flaky mature bark, which looks like black cornflakes pasted on the trunk of the tree. Black cherry is a pioneer invader tree in open fields or woodlots, and as such can become a "woody weed" as an aggressive sapling. In youth, it displays a symmetrical, often pyramidal growth habit, but it often divides into several upright branches due to storm damage and assumes an irregular shape as it matures. Also known as wild black cherry, this tree may grow to 60 feet tall by 30 feet wide (or larger) when it is found in an open field. Black cherry quickly invades a variety of sites due to its prolific fruit production and the resulting distribution of its seeds by birds and mammals. It prefers deep, moist, rich, well-drained soils of variable pH under full sun to partial sun conditions, but tolerates relatively dry, poor soils as well, with a reduced growth rate. For additional information about Black cherry, please click here.

Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Black Locust Leaves	Black Locust Bark	Black Locust Blooms

Black locust is a nitrogen-fixing legume found naturally in most areas of the state. It has pinnately compound leaves 8-14 inches long with thorns, one-half to three-quarter inches long, at each twig node. Generally a medium tree, it may attain 1-3 feet in diameter and 40-100 feet in height, depending upon the site. It is a fast-growing species and is classed as shade intolerant. It will also root sucker and reproduce itself in this manner. Limestone base soils produce best development, though it will grow nearly anywhere except swamps, hardpan areas and excessively dry places. Its survival is exceptional on acid strip-mined banks, and it is widely used for erosion control on such areas. The wood is hard, strong and extremely durable with high nail-holding qualities and excellent decay resistance. It is used extensively for fence posts, poles, mine timbers and stakes. Long, straight pieces are prized for pole-type barns. Black locust also makes excellent firewood with very high heat content and easy splitting characteristics. On the best sites, post-size trees can be produced in 15-20 years with 8-inch bolts in 30 years. Stump sprouts may produce posts in less time. Black locust is also considered a good tree for wildlife. For additional  information about Black locust, click here.

Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

Black Oak Leaves	Black Oak Bark	Black Oak Acorn

Black oak is a member of the red oak group (sometimes also referred to as the black oak group) and is one of the most common of the eastern upland oaks. It is native throughout Kentucky. Black oak commonly grows 60 to 80 feet in height and 2-3 feet in diameter, though some specimens grow much larger. Leaves are 5-7 inches long with five to seven toothed lobes each tipped by a spine and separated by sinuses or indentations of various depths. Physiological maturity is at about 100 years with some individuals living 150 to 200. Black oak's best growth is on moist, rich, well-drained soils, where it approaches northern red oak in stature; however, it is more often found on poorer, drier sites because of its inability to naturally compete on the better ones. It is intermediate in shade tolerance. Black oak is an important tree in Kentucky, both for timber and wildlife food, although its quality ranks behind northern red oak within the upland red oak group. For additional information about Black oak, click here.

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

Black Walnut Leaves	Black Walnut Bark	Black Walnut Fruit

Black walnut is Kentucky's most valuable hardwood tree and is distributed throughout the state. It is not uncommon for high quality specimens to bring more than $3,000 per tree. It has large, heavy twigs and pinnately compound leaves 12-24 inches long, with 15-23 sharply-oval, toothed leaflets. Crushed foliage and the fleshy, green seed covering give a characteristic sharp "walnut" odor. On good sites, walnut will reach 2-3 feet in diameter and 70-100 feet in height. Openly grown trees tend to be shorter with wide-spreading branches. Young walnut trees are especially sensitive to plant competition. Initial site preparation and maintenance are a necessity for successful plantations. Cultural work, particularly pruning, is usually needed to produce high-quality logs; this may increase mature tree value four-to five-fold. Walnut requires deep, fertile soil which is moist and well-drained. Deep loams, fertile alluvial soils and good agricultural soils are the best sites. Walnut should not be planted on shallow soils, soils with fragipans or eroded or worn-out land. As an alternative to planting seedlings, some people contend that planting the nuts will produce an adequate stand of walnut with less time, money and trouble. Areas with a high rodent population, however, will pose a high risk to the success of this method. It should also be noted that walnut is incompatible with certain trees and plants because a chemical called juglone, found in all portions of the tree, may cause decline or death to susceptible species. This becomes most apparent when plants come in direct contact with walnut roots. Susceptible plants include: pine, alfalfa, blackberry, broomsedge, tomatoes, potatoes, apple and rhododendron. Walnut wood is heavy, hard, strong and durable with high shock resistance. Its dark brown heartwood makes it highly coveted for furniture, paneling and gunstocks, and the nuts are widely used in cakes, candies and other confections. Walnut is also a good wildlife tree, particularly for squirrels.  For additional information about Black walnut, click here.

Chinese Chestnut (Castanea mollissima)

Chinese Chestnut Leaves	Chinese Chestnut Bark	Chinese Chestnut Fruits

Chinese chestnut is a native of China and Korea and has been introduced into Kentucky for nut production as a blight-resistant replacement for the once native American chestnut. It is a small to medium tree, reaching 60 feet in height, with a characteristic broad spreading crown. The leaves are alternate, simple and oblong, with a very coarsely serrate margin. The fruit is encased in a 1-1 1/2-inch prickly husk, with one to five large, edible brown nuts inside. Chinese chestnut prefers a fertile, well-drained soil, but it grows well in fairly dry, rocky, poor soils. It does not do well in wet or alkaline situations, however, and needs full sunlight for proper development. The tree is primarily used as an ornamental, and the nuts make it a good tree for wildlife as well as humans. It is of small size and poor form. The wood has no commercial use.  For additional information about Chinese chestnut, click here.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Eastern Redbud Leaves	Eastern Redbud Blooms	Eastern Redbud Tree

Eastern redbud is a small, short-lived tree found throughout Kentucky and the eastern United States. It is sometimes referred to as a Judas-tree as legend has it Judas Iscariot hanged himself from a branch of its cousin European species. It has a heart-shaped leaf and often a multi-stemmed trunk. Under normal conditions, tree height will not exceed 25 feet. Redbud is a strikingly conspicuous tree in the spring because of the bright pink flowers that emerge before the leaves. For this reason, it is widely planted as an ornamental, but due to its small size and irregular shape, its wood has no commercial value. Redbud will grow on a wide variety of sites but does best on moist, well-drained sites. It naturally occurs most abundantly on south-facing slopes where sunlight is more intense, and there is less plant competition. It is characteristically an understory tree and is generally classed as tolerant of shade, becoming less tolerant with age. The fruits are flat, reddish-brown pods, which are one-half inch wide and 2-4 inches long, containing compressed beanlike seeds. The fruits remain on the tree until after leaf fall and some persist throughout the winter, making them a good wildlife food. For additional information about Eastern redbud, click here.

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Flowering Dogwood Leaves	Flowering Dogwood Bark	Flowering Dogwood Bloom

Flowering dogwood grows 20 to 35 feet tall and spreads 25 to 30 feet.  It can be trained with one central trunk or as a picturesque multi-trunked tree. The fall color depends on site and seed source but on most sun-grown plants will be red to maroon. The bright red fruits are often eaten by birds.

Dogwood is a standard tree in many gardens where it is used by the patio for light shade, in the shrub border to add spring and fall color or as a specimen in the lawn or groundcover bed. It can be grown in sun or shade but shaded trees will be less dense, grow more quickly and taller, have poor fall color and less flowers. Trees prefer part shade (preferably in the afternoon) in the southern end of its range. Many nurseries grow the trees in full sun but they are irrigated regularly.  For additional information about Flowering dogwood, click here.

Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)

Gray Dogwood Leaves	Gray Dogwood Fall Coloration	Gray Dogwood Fruit

Gray dogwood is a small to medium-sized shrub that can reach heights of 10 to 15 feet and usually occurs in clumps. Gray dogwood will tolerate a wide range of moisture levels and prefers open areas. The natural range extends from southern West Virginia to Arkansas, north to Wisconsin and Michigan, and east to central Maine and Massachusetts. The upper leaf surface lacks hairs and is smooth to touch. As with most dogwoods, the leaf arrangement is opposite. The twigs are smooth and gray with a yellowish tinge. The white or slightly off-white flowers give way to clusters of fruit (seed). A wide variety of wildlife eat the fruit produced by the gray dogwood. Primary use is for windbreaks and wildlife borders.  For additional information about Gray dogwood, click here.

Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)

Kentucky Coffeetree Leaves	Kentucky Coffeetree Bark	Kentucky Coffeetree Fruit

The Kentucky coffeetree had the legal distinction of being Kentucky's state tree, even if for only a few years. The tulip poplar replaced the Kentucky coffeetree as the current state tree. It now holds the title of Kentucky's heritage tree. The common name refers to the similarity in appearance of the seed to a coffee bean. It is a medium to large tree in the legume family and can reach heights of 80 to 100 feet. The natural range of coffeetree extends throughout the central hardwood region west of the Appalachians, but does not occur in great numbers locally. The leaf is one of the largest leaves on any deciduous hardwood. It is bipinnately compound and is 1-3 feet in length. The species is dioecious, meaning any given tree is either male or female. Flowers are small, greenish and rather inconspicuous. The fruit is a thick, leathery, slightly curved pod containing one to 10 extremely hard seeds that require scarification in order to germinate. The timber is used for fence posts and rough lumber.  For additional information about Kentucky coffeetree, click here.

Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

Northern Red Oak Leaves	Northern Red Oak Bark	Northern Red Oak Acorns

Northern red oak is native to most upland areas of Kentucky. The leaves are simple, 5-8 inches long and have seven to 11 lobes. Each lobe is usually three-toothed and sharply pointed, with bristles on the points. It usually grows 2-3 feet in diameter and 70-90 feet tall. Under forest conditions it develops a tall, straight, columnar bole with excellent natural pruning. It is classed as intermediate in shade tolerance and responds well to release. Epicormic branching is generally not a problem. The best sites for this species are characterized by fine-textured, deep soil with plentiful moisture. Red oak wood is heavy, hard and stiff, with high shock resistance. It is extremely porous, however, and decay resistance is low. The wood is used for veneer and furniture, and its natural beauty and resistance to wear make it preferred for flooring in residences. When treated with preservatives, it is used extensively for railroad ties and mine timbers. Northern red oak acorns provide an excellent food source for wildlife.  For additional information about Northern red oak, click here.

Silky Dogwood (Cornus ammonum)

Silky Dogwood Leaves and Fruits	Silky Dogwood Blooms	Silky Dogwood Tree

Silky dogwood is a small-to medium-sized shrub with broadly egg-shaped leaves, 2-4 inches long and up to 10 feet in height. It grows naturally in marshes, swamps and alluvial woods. Berries are dark blue in umbrella-shaped clusters. Commonly grows in thickets. Silky dogwood was called kinnikinnik by midwestern Indian tribes. The name refers to a mixture of tobacco and bearberry leaves and silky dogwood bark that members of tribes smoked for reputed tonic effect. Fruits attract a wide variety of birds. Primary use is for windbreaks and wildlife borders.  For additional information about Silky dogwood, click here.

Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata)

Southern Red Oak Leaves	Southern Red Oak Bark	Southern Red Oak Acorn

Southern red oak is native to all of Kentucky with the exception of the Bluegrass area and the far eastern mountains. It is characteristic of drier, poorer soils; however, the largest specimens are found along stream bottoms. Leaves are 5-9 inches long and 4-5 inches wide. It is also often called "turkey foot oak" due to the characteristic three-lobed shape of many of its leaves, although leaves with more than three lobes generally occur on the same tree. At maturity, trees usually reach 60-80 feet in height and 2-3 feet in diameter. Maximum age is about 150 years. Southern red oak is similar in many features to black oak. Cherrybark oak, which is the best of Kentucky's bottomland oaks, is a variety of southern red oak. Southern red oak is a major timber species where it occurs and the wood is marketed together with other species of red oak as "red oak." As with all the oaks, southern red oak acorns provide a good wildlife food source. For additional information about Southern red oak, click here.

White Ash (Fraxinus americana)

White Ash Leaves and Seeds	White Ash Bark	White Ash Twigs

White ash is one of Kentucky's most valuable timber species and is found naturally on a variety of sites throughout the state. It has pinnately compound leaves, 8-12 inches long, with five to nine leaflets (usually seven) per leaf. It has opposite branching, and the bark is deeply divided by narrow ridges into net-like patterns. The bole is long, straight, clear and cylindrical, with good natural pruning characteristics. White ash trees normally reach 70-80 feet in height and 3 feet in diameter, although trees 120 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter have been found in Ohio River bottomlands. Depending upon the amount of root competition, a tree in full sunlight may take three to 15 years to reach breast height. Once it has reached this height, its root system is normally well-established, and it is able to grow rapidly in spite of surrounding weeds. When young, it is a shade tolerant tree, able to survive under a forest canopy and make significant growth with less than 3 percent full sunlight. Tolerance decreases with age, however, and it is generally ranked as intermediate to intolerant in most lists. Soil moisture is an important limiting factor in the tree's local distribution. It grows best on moderately well-drained, fertile soils with high nitrogen content and a moderate to high calcium content. It is rarely found naturally in swamps, but it is comparatively tolerant to temporary flooding. It does not do well on oak-pine ridge tops or in bottom areas with poor drainage. White ash wood is heavy, hard, strong and stiff with good shock resistance and bending qualities. It is the standard handle material used for hoes, rakes and shovels. It is also commonly used in baseball bats, oars and other sporting goods and is also sought for veneer and furniture. Ash seed provides a good wildlife food source.  For additional information about White ash, click here.

White Oak (Quercus alba)

White Oak Leaves	White Oak Bark	White Oak Acorns

White oak is one of Kentucky's major timber species and is highly prized for its beauty and superior wood characteristics. It has simple leaves, 5-9 inches in length, with seven to nine round lobes. On good sites, it will reach 4 feet in diameter and 100 feet in height. Trees 150 feet tall, 8 feet in diameter and 600 years old have been found in old growth, natural stands. The tree is generally intermediate in shade tolerance, decreasing toward intolerant as it grows older. Natural pruning is generally good in heavy shade, but epicormic branching (water spouts) may occur on suddenly released trees. The species develops best on deep, well-drained, loamy soils; however, growth is good on all except the driest shallow soils. White oak wood is heavy, very hard and strong, and the heartwood is relatively decay-resistant. It is in demand for veneer, furniture, hardwood flooring and boat construction. White oak is also the wood used in the manufacture of barrels for the storage and aging of Kentucky bourbon because the pores of the heartwood are impervious to liquids. White oak acorns provide an excellent source of food for wildlife.  For additional information about White oak, click here.

Wild Plum (Prunus americana)

Wild Plum Leaves	Wild Plum Blooms	Wild Plum Fruit

Wild plum is a small tree, 10-30 feet in height with a trunk diameter of 5-10 inches. The trunk is typically short, dividing a few feet above the ground into many slender, spreading or slightly drooping, spiny branches. Leaves are typically oval, 2-4 inches long and up to 1 1/2 inches broad. Wild plum prefers deep, rich and moist soils and is most commonly found naturally in bottomlands where it frequently forms thickets. The wood has no commercial value. Several varieties of cultivated plums have been derived from this native wild species. The fruits are succulent but almost too sour to be eaten raw. They do, however, make excellent jelly and preserves. Because of the fruits and the thick, low-growing nature of this species, it is excellent for wildlife.  For additional information about Wild plum, click here.

Yellow (tulip) Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Yellow-Poplar Leaves	Yellow-Poplar Bark	Yellow-Poplar Blooms

Yellow (tulip) poplar is one of the most plentiful trees of Kentucky's forests and is Kentucky's official state tree. Good sites will produce trees of 18-24 inches in diameter and 120+ feet in height in 50 to 60 years. The tree is noted for its tulip-shaped leaf, fast growth, tall, straight bole and excellent wood characteristics. The name poplar is a misnomer, however, since the tree actually isn't a poplar at all, but a member of the magnolia family. Yellow-poplar is shade intolerant, but its fast growth enables it to outgrow much of its competition once it becomes established. Natural seeding on scarified mineral soil is much superior to planting of seedlings when an adequate seed source is present. The yellow-poplar grows best in moderately moist, well-drained, loose-textured soils. It rarely grows well in very dry or wet situations. Stream bottoms, coves and moist north and east slopes are ideal sites. Yellow-poplar wood is used for construction, furniture and rotary veneer. The heartwood has a certain natural resistance to decay and a reputation for being termite resistant. It also makes a good shade tree and is desirable for ornamental purposes.  For additional information about Yellow-poplar, click here.

BOTTOMLAND HARDWOODS

Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

Bur Oak Leaves	Bur Oak Bark	Bur Oak Acorns

Bur oak is a medium-sized to large tree with a massive trunk and broad crown of stout branches. Mature trees are 80-100 feet tall and 3-4 feet in diameter. As a member of the white oak family, it has rounded lobes with leaves 6-12 inches long and five to nine lobes. The distinguishing characteristic of the leaves is that the two middle sinuses or indentations between lobes reach nearly to the midrib of the leaf. Bur oak is classed as intermediate in shade tolerance and is tolerant of a wide range of soil and moisture conditions. Its most common natural occurrence in Kentucky is in the Bluegrass region, and it is a common large shade tree found growing in the pasture fields of the central part of the state. It is known for its very large fringed acorns that commonly reach the size of a golf ball. This obviously makes bur oak an excellent tree for wildlife. Bur oak wood is marketed as white oak and the tree frequently sees use as an ornamental.  For additional information about Bur oak, click here.

Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda)

Cherrybark Oak Leaves	Cherrybark Oak Bark	Cherrybark Oak Acorns

Cherrybark oak is a bottomland tree of the red oak group, native to the lowland areas of western Kentucky. The leaves are simple, 5-9 inches long, with five to nine lobes. Each lobe is tipped with a bristle, and the two leaf edges meet unevenly at the base. The tree is one of the hardiest and fastest growing of all oaks and one of the largest of the southern red oaks. It often attains 3-5 feet in diameter and 100-130 feet in height. Its name is derived from a bark pattern that often strongly resembles that of black cherry. The tree is classed as shade intolerant with a long, branch-free bole. On good sites, one-half inch per year diameter growth is common. This species is widely distributed on the best sites in first bottoms, well-drained terraces and colluvial and alluvial areas along both large and small streams. Best development is on loamy, well-drained soil. Although a lowland tree, it does not do well where drainage is poor or in wet or swampy soil. Cherrybark wood is used for veneer, furniture and flooring along with the other common uses of red oak. Cherrybark, however, is generally a higher quality tree than many other species of the red oak group and is therefore highly preferred by the wood industry. The acorns also provide a valuable source of food for wildlife.  For additional information about Cherrybark oak, click here.

Green Ash (Fraxinus pensylvania)

Green Ash Leaves	Green Ash Bark	Green Ash Seeds

Green ash is the most widely distributed of the American ashes and is easily confused with white ash. It has pinnately compound leaves that are somewhat smaller than white ash, with seven to nine leaflets per leaf. It is usually characterized by a bole which is not as straight as white ash, and its opposite branches are usually more numerous. Green ash is a medium tree, reaching 50-60 feet in height and 1 1/2-2 feet in diameter. It has an extensive root system, and its shade tolerance varies from intolerant to moderately tolerant. It is exceedingly hardy of climatic extremes and widely planted for ornamental uses, windbreaks and strip mine reclamation. Natural stands are usually confined to bottomlands, but it will grow well when planted on moist upland soils. It is highly tolerant of water and will remain healthy even when flooded up to 40 percent of the growing season. The wood is similar to white ash in use and properties.  For additional information about Green ash, click here.

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)

Overcup Oak Leaves	Overcup Oak Bark	Overcup Oak Acorns

Overcup oak is in the white oak group, but occupies the same sites as Nuttall oak, such as the poorly drained clay bottoms of the Mississippi Valley. However, overcup oak's range extends on up the Atlantic coast to Chesapeake Bay and does not occur in the Appalachians. Overcup oak is a medium to large oak and can be 80-100 feet tall at maturity. Its name is derived from the fact that the acorn is almost completely engulfed by the cap or "cup."  Unlike Nuttall oak, overcup oak may require up to 30 years before good crops of acorns are produced, but the acorns are highly prized by many wildlife species. For additional information about Overcup oak, click here.

Pecan (Carya illinoensis)

Pecan Leaves	Pecan Bark	Pecan Nuts

Pecan is a species of hickory growing naturally along the major river drainages of the western part of the state. It has pinnately compound leaves, 12-20 inches long, with nine to 17 characteristically curved leaflets. It is the largest of the hickories, attaining heights of 100-180 feet and 6-8 feet in diameter. It is intolerant of competition and prunes itself well in natural stands. Its most common natural occurrence is on well-drained loam soils not subject to prolonged flooding. It does not do well on heavy-textured soils, and best development is on riverfront ridges and well-drained flats. Pecan is highly prized for veneer and furniture, and the nuts are also of high commercial value. It is a good wildlife food tree and is also used frequently for ornamental purposes. For nut production, there are improved varieties suitable for northern areas. Some of these varieties include majors, peruque, posey, Indiana and Green River.  For additional information about Pecan, click here.

Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

Persimmon Leaves	Persimmon Bark	Persimmon Fruit

Common persimmon is a small-to medium-sized tree averaging 30-60 feet in height and 1 foot in diameter. Leaves are elliptical or oval with a somewhat metallic luster. The dark brown to black bark is broken into small, conspicuous blocks. It is adaptable to a wide variety of sites and will thrive almost anywhere. Best growth is in bottomland, alluvial soils, however. Persimmon is shade tolerant and may be propagated by root cuttings. The fruit is extremely astringent when green, but edible when ripe and consumed locally. It is an important wildlife food. The wood is close-grained and straight and sometimes used for special products requiring hardness and strength such as golf club heads or piano keys.  For additional information about Persimmon, click here.

Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)

Pin Oak Leaves	Pin Oak Bark	Pin Oak Acorns

Pin oak is a member of the red oak group native to the bottomlands of the western two-thirds of the state. It has a simple leaf, divided into five to seven lobes by wide, deep sinuses. As in all red oaks, the lobes are tipped with a bristle. On good sites, the tree may reach 3 feet in diameter and 120 feet in height, although 2 feet in diameter and 70-90 feet in height is the average on wet areas. Under forest conditions, it grows tall and straight with a narrow crown. This species is noted for producing a large amount of limbs which, upon death, are tough and persistent. This leads to formation of pin knots in the lumber which not only gives the tree its common name, but also makes lumber from the species very low in quality. Pin oak is intolerant of shade and reaches physiological maturity in 80-100 years. It grows fast with one-half inch per year diameter growth common. Periodic flooding will not harm the trees, but permanent flooding will kill them in two to three years. It grows well on wet sites and heavy soils with poor internal drainage. Though it will do fine on deep, well-drained bottomland soil, it is the only tree which grows well on upland flats which are characterized by excessive surface wetness during winter and spring and excessive dryness in the summer. Often such areas are even referred to as "pin oak flats." Pin oak wood is heavy, hard, strong and close-grained, but it warps and checks badly during seasoning. It is principally used for cheap construction lumber, railroad ties, pallets and pulpwood. Stands which receive shallow flooding in fall and winter are valuable for wildlife, since the small and abundant acorns are an important source of food for waterfowl, particularly diving ducks. Pin oak is also extensively used as an ornamental because of its rapid growth, autumnal color, pyramidal form and adaptability to a wide range of conditions.  For additional information about Pin oak, click here.

Shellbark Hickory (Carya lacinosa)

Shellbark Hickory Leaves	Shellbark Hickory Bark	Shellbark Hickory Nuts

Shellbark hickory is a slow-growing but potentially massive tree scattered throughout Kentucky. It is often found in moist bottomlands where shagbark hickory usually does not grow. Like other hickories, its heavy, dense, strong, yet elastic wood is sought after for making tool handles, athletic equipment, furniture, construction timbers and firewood, and its wood chips are utilized in the smoking of meats. Its sweet, huge nuts are relished by squirrels and give it an alternative common name of king nut hickory, due to their being the largest of the hickories. A native to the midwestern United States, and stretching into portions of the southern, eastern, and great plains states, shellbark hickory is a climax forest tree in moist soils, particularly along flood plains and bottomland areas. It grows to 80 feet tall by 40 feet wide when found in the open. As a member of the walnut family, it is related to other hickories and the walnuts. Shellbark hickory prefers deep, moist to occasionally wet, rich soils under sunny conditions, such as are found in bottomlands, flatlands that do not drain quickly and floodplains. It tolerates shade in its youth, when it is stretching for sunlight beneath the canopy of taller trees, and develops its deep taproot system. Like other hickories, it is very tolerant of summer drought, even though it prefers moist conditions.  For additional information about Shellbark hickory, click here.

Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii)

Shumard Oak Leaves	Shumard Oak Bark	Shumard Oak Acorns

Shumard oak is one of the largest of the southern red oaks, frequently attaining heights of 100-125 feet and diameters of 4-5 feet. Leaves are 6-8 inches long and 4-5 inches wide with five to nine lobes, each tipped with a bristle. Lobes are conspicuously longer and thicker toward the end of the leaves, giving them a unique appearance among the red oak group. Shumard oak also has a long, clear, symmetrical bole and a slightly buttressed root system. The species is generally considered a bottomland species, although it grows well on a variety of sites and is common on some upland sites in Kentucky where it is often mistaken for northern red oak. It is classified as intolerant of shade and its acorns provide a valuable wildlife food source. The wood of Shumard oak is commercially marketed with other red oaks, though it may be of a higher quality than some other associated species.  For additional information about Shumard oak, click here.

Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii)

Swamp Chestnut Oak Leaves	Swamp Chestnut Oak Bark	Swamp Chestnut Oak Acorn

Swamp chestnut oak is also known as "basket oak" for the baskets made from its wood or as "cow oak" for its large acorns often eaten by cows. It is a member of the white oak group and its wood is second only to that of the best white oaks. The leaves tend to be broad toward the end and characterized by a shallowly lobed margin. Leaves average 5-8 inches long and 3-4 1/2 inches wide. It is a well-formed tree with a straight, massive trunk and narrow crown, averaging 60-80 feet in height and 2-3 feet in diameter. It is medium in size and native in Kentucky west of the Green River in western Kentucky and along the Ohio River. There are also isolated pockets in the south central and southeastern parts of the state. It is generally classified as intolerant of shade and is found naturally on the best, relatively well-drained loamy ridges and silty clay and loamy terraces in bottomlands. Cherrybark oak is a often a common associate. The large, sweet acorns are an important wildlife food source.  For additional information about Swamp chestnut oak, click here.

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)

Swamp White Oak Leaves	Swamp White Oak Bark	Swamp White Oak Acorns

This deciduous native tree reaches 50-70 feet in height with an equal spread, forming a broad, open, rounded canopy and casting dense shade below. The shiny, dark green leaves have fine white hairs on their underside and irregular margins. In fall, the leaves turn a showy yellow/brown to red before dropping. The oval, 1-inch acorns are usually found in pairs and are quite attractive to a variety of mammals and birds. Swamp white oak has deeply ridged and furrowed, dark brown bark and forms an impressive shade tree.  Found in the wild along streams and in swampy soils, swamp white oak should be grown in full sun to partial shade on acid soils, showing severe chlorosis on alkaline soils. These trees are very long-lived, surviving for more than 300 years. They tolerate soil compaction, drought and some salt exposure. They should be tried more often in urban areas. Transplanting is best done in springtime. Container-grown material can be planted anytime.  The wood has the same value as its cousin, white oak.  For additional information about Swamp white oak, click here.

Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

Sycamore Leaves	Sycamore Bark	Sycamore Seed

Sycamore is commonly found along streams and bottomlands throughout Kentucky. It is easily recognized by its brown and white mottled bark, which often becomes totally white on the upper trunk and branch surfaces. The simple leaves are usually three-to-seven lobed, divided by broad, shallow sinuses and generally 4-7 inches long and broad. It is a large, fast-growing tree which has been known to exceed 10 feet in diameter and 160 feet in height, though 3-5 feet in diameter and 100 feet in height is more nearly average. Under forest conditions, it has a relatively small crown and a long, slightly tapered bole that may be clear of branches for 70 or 80 feet. It is generally considered intermediate in shade tolerance. Sycamore reaches its largest size on alluvial soils along streams and in bottomlands. It seems to develop best in wet situations where the summer water table drops enough to permit good soil aeration during the growing season. It will only survive flooded conditions when inundated for less than 25 percent of the growing season. Sycamore wood is close-textured and has an interlocking grain. It is used for lumber, veneer, furniture, railroad ties and butcher's blocks.  For additional information about Sycamore, click here.

Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica)

Water Tupelo Leaves	Water Tupelo Bark	Water Tupelo Fruit

Water tupelo is a large, long-lived deciduous tree common to southern U.S. wetlands and floodplains. It is valuable for timber uses and wildlife offerings. Water tupelo's ability to withstand prolonged inundation makes it a integral component of important wetland ecosystems.  Fruit are eaten by many wetland species and are often found floating on water. The fruits attract wood ducks, several species of birds, squirrels, raccoons and deer.  Water tupelo is shade intolerant and requires regeneration by clearcut or seed-tree methods. The species stump sprouts readily. Seedlings and saplings are uniquely able to tolerate prolonged flooding or surface saturation. Wood from the roots and swollen base is very spongy and is used locally for corks, duck decoys and fish-net floats. Water tupelo's light wood is used for boxes, pallets, crates, baskets and furniture. The characteristic swollen butt of the tree is used for pulp products. Flowers are valued as a resource in honey production.  For additional information about Water tupelo, click here. 

Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)

Willow Oak Leaves	Willow Oak Bark	Willow Oak Acorn

Willow oak is named for the willow-like leaves. Willow oak grows naturally on a variety of soil types. It grows on ridges, flats and sloughs and can be very common in some minor stream bottoms. Willow oak cannot tolerate flooding nearly as well as Nuttall or overcup oaks. This medium to large southern oak is known for its rapid growth and long life. It can reach heights of 100 feet or more at maturity. It is an important source for lumber and pulp. It is also an important species for wildlife because of the heavy acorn production. It is also a favored shade and ornamental species.  For additional information about Willow oak, click here.

CONIFERS

Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)

Baldcypress Needles	Baldcypress Bark	Baldcypress Fruit

Baldcypress is a deciduous conifer native to the swamps and wet areas of the westernmost areas of Kentucky. It is a large, long-lived tree reaching 150 feet tall and 8 feet in diameter in old-growth natural stands, though 100-120 feet tall and 3-5 feet in diameter is more average. It characteristically puts on false growth rings, making age determination difficult. Growth is much faster than usually credited to the species. Baldcypress is known for its swollen, deeply-lobed base and characteristic "cypress knees," extending from the ground some distance from the tree. In natural stands, it has a clean, smooth stem and small crown with excellent pruning characteristics. It is generally considered intermediate in shade tolerance, though this may vary geographically. This species is usually restricted to very wet soils where moisture is abundant and fairly permanent, such as mucks, clays or the finer sands. It grows best on deep, moist, fine sandy loams with moderately good drainage, but it rarely occurs on such sites naturally, possibly because of competition from tolerant hardwood species. It cannot grow in poor, dry, sandy soils. Baldcypress wood is moderately heavy, hard, strong and stiff with outstanding durability under conditions favorable to decay. It is used extensively in construction where decay resistance is required and is also used for doors, interior trim, boats, river pilings and fencing.  For additional information about Baldcypress, click here.

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Eastern White Pine Needles	Eastern White Pine Bark	Eastern White Pine Cone

White pine is generally a northern tree which occurs naturally in the mountainous areas of eastern Kentucky and the southern Appalachians into Georgia. The needles are soft, flexible and blue-green, clustered in bundles of five. The cones are 4-8 inches long and are narrow with a slight curve. The tree may eventually attain 3-4 feet in diameter and 100 feet in height, although 200-foot specimens have been known. White pine has a picturesque, symmetrical bole, with long, upward sweeping branches. It also produces a whorl of branches each year, giving it a characteristic pyramidal shape. It is classed as intermediate in shade tolerance and will endure some shade. This species does well on a variety of soils, ranging from light and sandy to heavy textured. In a comparison of site index and growth of 10 species in the southern Appalachians, white pine's growth exceeded all species except on the best sites, where yellow poplar outranked it in height only. The tree's northern adaptation also keeps it hardy under the worst of Kentucky's winter conditions. White pine wood is light, durable and easy to work with. Nationally, it is in demand for interior trim, furniture, matches, wood carving and similar items; however, there isn't currently enough volume in Kentucky to establish a strong market. White pine's beauty also makes it highly desirable for ornamental purposes, and it is one of the species commonly cultured for Christmas trees. It is also frequently used for windbreaks, screens, barriers and landscaping. Its poor natural pruning characteristics enhance its value for these purposes and for wildlife cover, but necessitates artificial pruning in forest plantations in order to produce high-quality, knot-free wood.  For additional information about Eastern white pine, click here.

Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)

Loblolly Pine Needles	Loblolly Pine Bark	Loblolly Pine Cones

Loblolly pine is one of the mainstays of the southern pine industry of the deep south. It is one of the fastest growing of the southern pines and for this reason has been introduced into Kentucky. Because of its southern background, it is generally not adapted to the severe extremes of Kentucky winter weather. Ice damage is frequent, and dehydration of needles during prolonged periods of abnormally cold weather makes its desirability questionable in some areas. These factors limit planting recommendations to protected sites in the more southern and western areas of the state, although some strains used in recent years are from more northern seed sources and may improve on this somewhat. Loblolly pine has long, pale green needles, generally 6-9 inches in length, borne in clusters of three. On good sites, it will reach a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet and a height of 100 feet. It is intolerant of shade and must have 95 percent full sunlight to survive and grow. It grows on a wide variety of soils but does best on deep soils with poor surface drainage and on those with high acid content. The wood is used for lumber and pulpwood. It is useful for posts and poles when pressure treated. It is also excellent for erosion control plantings because of its fast growth and the large amount of needle litter it leaves on the ground.  For additional information about Loblolly pine, click here.

Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata)

Shortleaf Pine Needles	Shortleaf Pine Bark	Shortleaf Pine Cone

Shortleaf pine is native to the eastern third of Kentucky. It has much better form than Virginia pine and is more tolerant of severe weather than loblolly, though growth is slower than both. It is generally a tall, straight tree, 80-100 feet tall and reaching 2-3 feet in diameter. Needles are in clusters of twos or threes and are 3-5 inches long. It is classed as intolerant of shade, needing full sunlight to survive. Nationally, shortleaf has the widest natural range of any of the southern pines, partly due to its adaptability to a great variety of sites. Best development occurs on well-drained, sandy loams and silt loams, but it will grow adequately on poor soil and dry ridges. Acid soils are preferred, and a high calcium content may inhibit growth. The wood is used for interior and exterior finish, construction and pulpwood. It is widely used for poles, posts and mine props when pressure treated.  For additional information about Shortleaf pine, click here.

Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana)  

Virginia Pine Needles	Virginia Pine Bark	Virginia Pine Cone

Virginia pine is native to most areas of Kentucky and may be known locally as "scrub pine," "black pine" or by some other local nickname. It is generally a poor tree from a timber standpoint, but its virtue is its ability to grow on nearly any upland site. It is especially good in gullied areas, or where soil is thin and close to bedrock. It is shade intolerant and needs full sunlight to develop properly. Needles are 2-3 inches long, borne in bundles of two. Growth is good on good sites, with trees reaching 2 feet in diameter and 70-80 feet at maturity. Natural pruning ability is poor, thus limiting its value for forest products. This same characteristic, however, enhances its desirability for wildlife, particularly in young stands. Virginia pine will not respond to thinning past age 15, and older stands are subject to windthrow and ice damage if opened up by thinning or partial cutting. The wood is used for structural material and pulpwood. It is also suitable for posts and poles when pressure treated.  For additional information about Virginia pine, click here.

Photo credits - these photos were obtained from several U.S. Forest Service Web sites and other state agency Web sites with permission.