Addicted to Trees

[arborholic]

I often get asked why I "say the scientific name" after I identify a tree. It's because all plants have only one binomial name and that binomial applies to only one species. Here I have a small tree/large shrub that I call "deciduous holly" but folks here call "possum haw". I think the local common name is ugly and unfair for such a gorgeous creature. But also, possumhaw is used for other plants in other parts of the country. Deciduous holly is slightly prettier sounding, but it also is not unique to this species.

The binomial, however, is pretty sounding AND unique (and descriptive) - Ilex decidua. Ilex says it's a holly and decidua says it's deciduous.

[arborholic]

I'm a sucker for wooded trails. Whether through a "traditional" forest or an urban forest like this one.

Deciduous holly (Ilex decidua), Mexican plum (Prunus mexicana), and Texas mountain laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum) line this section of trail.

[arborholic]

The stressful hot and dry summer followed by a near freeze and week plus of 40s followed by several weeks of 60-80 have led to this redbud (Cercis canadensis) tree flowering and setting new leaves.

It should be fine, but next year might not be a great flower show.

[arborholic]

A couple of weeks ago, I got the chance to spend a week in Seattle for the Arbor Day Partners in Community Forestry conference where I had the chance to give two talks. Of course we also took the time to be tourists.

[arborholic]

And the real reason I love living in the "South". In the midst of all the #FallColor we still have flowers blooming. #PurpleHeart, #Lantana, & #Plumbago. Our trees may not have spectacular color every fall, but we have flowers almost year round.

(These plants all survived the 2021 freeze. Not only survived but have come back with a vengeance.)

[arborholic]

Fall in Austin Texas is warm, yet colorful this year. Sun and blue skies, red oaks, red Japanese maple, yellow redbuds.

I live here for the trees and weather y'all

[arborholic]

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am so thankful for this community of amazing women who are all helping to change the face of trees, one woman at a time.  

I'm thankful for every single one of them for sharing their stories.  Their stories of their wins, their struggles, their kindness, and their tips for survival and success.  I'm so thankful for each of them for sharing their support and being a part of a network to help women succeed and thrive.

Being part of this community is important to me because I needed a community like this when I was first starting out and I want to make sure all the women just starting out have everything I didn't have.

Come check out the blog and tell us why you're thankful and download the template to add your picture to the "Changing the Face" campaign and share it on social media (be sure to tag #WomenInTreesChat)