Some thoughts on planting native trees
Part Two  by Mike Miller

As you make plans for your fall planting, have a look around your garden for locations to plant a pleasing native tree or two. We highly recommend choosing native species as they will provide the best support for native pollinators and other wildlife.

These trees will be available for sale at Birdsong over a series of weekends this fall starting on Saturday, October 23.  
 

Tulip Poplar 

Once thought to be the same species, these notes may apply to both species. Each is a native tree although neither is considered common when found in this area; therefore it's always an exciting moment for a botanist to come upon one in the wild. Fortunately, both Ashe's and Big Leaf Magnolias have become popular with gardeners who find them easy to care for and lovely to have in their yards. Each has large leaves, deciduous, almost 'tropical' in appearance, and does well in partial shade to full sun if sufficiently watered. It has moderately large white flowers in summer and will grow to about 15 feet.   

Sweet Bay Magnolia

This is the the 'silver' tree we see at a distance when driving in the in the South. A Sweet Bay is an evergreen with silvery undersides on its leaves giving it a distinctive appearance in the wind of an afternoon thunderstorm. It's native, loves damp feet but can do well in drier sites if sufficiently watered during early growth period with smallish white flowers and leaves you can cook with. Grows up to 50 feet tall. 

Black Gum

A tupelo which is typically found on upland soils making it ideal for home sites, the Black Gum can grow up 90 feet with dark bark and vivid red leaves in the fall. It seems to do best with rich soils but can do well in poorer soils with organic matter provided during planting and with continued mulching.