Dr. Dirr

Dr. Dirr's Tree Spotlight: Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Dr. Dirr's Tree Spotlight September 18th, 2017 The species, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, was considered extinct until rediscovered in the 1940s in China and reintroduced via the efforts of the Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Seeds and seedlings were distributed to many public gardens and universities with trees now over 100’. Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, houses […]

Dr. Dirr's Tree Spotlight: Aesculus flava

Dr. Dirr's Tree Spotlight: August 28th, 2017 Such a great tree, reaching its zenith in the southern Appalachians, with trees 80 to 100’ in height. Most often found in moist hardwood coves on slopes and along streams, often in the company of mountain-laurel and rhododendron. The species is also common along the Blue Ridge Parkway […]

Dr. Dirr's Tree Spotlight: Corylus fargesii- Farges filbert or hazel

With the loss of Fraxinus, ash, to emerald ash borer and no resistance among the 22 U.S. native species; the uncertainty of long term performance of disease-resistant American elm cultivars; and the invasive issues attached to Norway maple and other species, new tree genetics are necessary. I first witnessed 20 to 30’ high trees at […]

Woody Plant Identification: Utilizing ALL the Senses to Bring Order to Chaos

Always enjoyed TREES and SHRUBS, desired to know their names and learn their characteristics. Reflect to my youth, hunting squirrels with my Dad, collecting Ohio buckeyes (seeds) by the pocketfuls. Quite an easy genus to assimilate. Thirteen species worldwide, all with opposite, compound palmate leaves. Many hybrids within Aesculus thus presenting challenges as to exact […]

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Articles & Tips

Dr. Dirr's Tree Spotlight: Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Dr. Dirr's Tree Spotlight: Aesculus flava

Dr. Dirr's Tree Spotlight: Corylus fargesii- Farges filbert or hazel

Woody Plant Identification: Utilizing ALL the Senses to Bring Order to Chaos