Native Americans believe the Sycamore grows near water because of the spirit of a brave who died of thirst at its base. Early French settlers are said to have made huge canoes from Sycamore trunks which could carry several tons of cargo. Sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum Native to the Appalachian Plateau, this excellent ornamental plant has glossy green leaves in summer which change to brilliant red in fall. Long drooping clusters of white flowers occur in early summer. American Holly Ilex opaca A somewhat upright plant, hollies are either female or male, meaning the flowers of any one plant have only female or male parts.
Female plants bear fruit which turn red in late summer.
The evergreen leaves and red berries make it a favorite during the holidays. Berries are a favorite of robins and other birds in early spring. European Linden Tilia europaea A native of Europe, European Linden is commonly used as a street tree in European cities. While Lindens are widely used in the U.S. as shade trees, they are uncommon in our area. As with most quick growing trees, the limbs commonly break during ice and wind storms.