| Scientific Name | Acer negundo | Aesculus glabra | Magnolia macrophylla | Nyssa sylvatica |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Name | boxelder | Ohio buckeye | bigleaf magnolia | black tupelo (black gum or sour gum) |
| Height | 30-50' | 20-40' | 30-40' | 30-50' |
| Ohio Distribution | widespread | widespread | southcentral | south, north, east |
| Habitat | dry banks, wide range of soil types | wet or moist woods | deep ravines, moist or dry sites | mountain ridges, abandoned fields |
| Features | Vigorous grower, adaptable; considered weedy, but tolerates dry, infertile soils. *(bf)*(w)*(bd) | Disease problems. Best in natural setting. Ohio's state tree. *(w) *(bd) *(bf) N | Wide, rounded tree; does best in a large, open area. Rose-colored fruits 3" long. Leaves up to 32" long and 12" wide. | Brilliant and early autumn color; checkered, dark gray bark; prefers acidic soils. Difficult to transplant. *(bd) *(w) |
| Availability | trade | trade/ODNR | trade | |
| Flower Season and Color/Fall Foliage Color | foliage: yellow, orange | flower: spring; white | foliage: red |
| Scientific Name | Populus tremuloides | Quercus imbricaria | Salix nigra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Name | quaking aspen | shingle oak | black willow | |
| Height | 40-50' | 40-50' | 35-50' | |
| Ohio Distribution | north, southeast | widespread | widespread | |
| Habitat | moist areas, any soil type, slopes, rocky water margins | acid soils, rocky water margins, uplands, floodplains | along swamps, water margins | |
| Features | Green-white bark; rapid grower in moist, acidic soils. Disease and insect problems. *(w) | Thick, glossy leaves persist into winter; adaptable. *(bf-l) *(bd) *(w) | Wetland species; tolerates flooding. Does well in alkaline soils. *(bf-l) *(bf) *(bd) *(w) | |
| Availability | trade | trade | ||
| Flower Season and Color/Fall Foliage Color | foliage: yellow | foliage: yellow-brown, red | foliage: yellow, green |
KEY: = RED denotes plant is toxic to humans. Features: *(x) = a food or cover benefit for...*(bf) = butterflies, *(bf-l) = butterfly larvae, *(w) = wildlife; *(bd) = songbirds; *(be) honeybees; *(hb) = hummingbirds. "Do not disturb in the wild." = plant is endangered (!!), threatened (!), or potentially threatened (.)