North American Nature Vanguard
Amwoga Khalwale 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
Maple trees are among the most popular trees in North America especially due to their beautiful shade, fall color and large number of flowers they produce during springtime. According to Utah State University, there are over 300 types of maple trees ranging from small to large varieties and growing from the oceans to the prairies. … Read more
Botanical Classification Crimson King Maple is a cultivar of Norway Maple, scientifically known as Acer platanoides. It belongs to the family Sapindaceae, under the genus Acer, which encompasses all maples. As a broadleaf deciduous tree, Crimson King is not a distinct species but a specially cultivated variety known for its striking deep purple foliage. Its … Read more
Boxelder trees (Acer negundo), also known as Manitoba maple or ash-leaved maple, are fast-growing, deciduous trees native to North America. They belong to the maple family but are distinct from sugar or red maples, often considered less “refined” due to their weedy nature. Boxelders thrive in a variety of environments, from riverbanks to urban lots, … Read more