North American Nature Vanguard
Amwoga Khalwale Botanical Classification Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) is a stately, long-lived hardwood tree native to Europe, known for its ecological significance, high-quality timber, and place in folklore. Its name “sessile” comes from the unique feature of its acorns — they attach directly to twigs without stalks, unlike its close relative the English Oak (Quercus robur), whose … Read more
Botanical Classification Horse Chestnut belongs to the plant family Sapindaceae, though it was previously placed under Hippocastanaceae before taxonomical reclassification based on genetic data. Its scientific name is Aesculus hippocastanum, and it is commonly referred to simply as “Horse Chestnut.” The name “horse” is believed to derive from the old belief that the seeds (conkers) … Read more
Botanical Classification The Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is a deciduous tree in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae, and is closely related to other Aesculus species like the horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). Its botanical classification is as follows: Other names for the Ohio buckeye include American buckeye, fetid buckeye, or simply buckeye. The tree gets its common … Read more
Botanical Classification Balsam poplar is a deciduous tree belonging to the willow family, Salicaceae, which includes other poplars, cottonwoods, and willows. It is scientifically named Populus balsamifera, and is sometimes known by other names such as Tacamahac, Balm-of-Gilead, or Hackmatack poplar. Its name comes from the distinct balsamic resin it produces, which has been used … Read more
Botanical Classification Fraser fir is a member of the Pinaceae family, which includes other conifers such as pines, spruces, and cedars. Its scientific name is Abies fraseri, named in honor of Scottish botanist John Fraser, who explored the Appalachian Mountains in the 18th century and collected numerous plant specimens. Its botanical classification is as follows: … Read more
Botanical Classification Balsam fir is a coniferous evergreen tree belonging to the Pinaceae family, which includes pines, spruces, hemlocks, and other firs. Its scientific name is Abies balsamea. The full botanical classification is as follows: Commonly known as balsam fir, the tree is also referred to as Canadian balsam, balsam pine (though it is not … Read more
Botanical Classification Sitka spruce, scientifically known as Picea sitchensis, is a coniferous evergreen tree in the family Pinaceae, a large family that includes many other well-known genera such as Abies (firs), Larix (larches), and Pinus (pines). The genus Picea comprises the true spruces, characterized by their needle-like leaves attached to woody pegs, and cones that … Read more
Botanical Classification Amur Maple, scientifically classified as Acer ginnala (sometimes synonymized with Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala), is a member of the Sapindaceae family, which includes maples, horse chestnuts, and other related species. Within the genus Acer, it belongs to the section Ginnala, closely related to Acer tataricum (Tatar maple), with which it shares many traits. … Read more
Botanical Classification Mountain Maple, scientifically classified as Acer spicatum, belongs to the Sapindaceae family, which includes maples, horse chestnuts, and lychees. Within the genus Acer, it is grouped in the section Macrantha, characterized by smaller maples with distinctive bark and leaf traits. The species name spicatum, derived from Latin, refers to the spiked, upright flower … Read more
Botanical Classification Black Maple (Acer nigrum) is a deciduous hardwood tree closely related to the Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), often considered a subspecies or variety due to their significant similarities. However, Black Maple maintains distinct characteristics that make it identifiable in the landscape and ecologically valuable. It is part of the Sapindaceae family, within the … Read more