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Lacebark Pine:
Nature's Best Camouflage
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One of my favorite ways to identify trees is by their bark, but it’s tricky: bark appearance changes throughout a trees’ lifetime. Trees have different phases of bark appearance, often starting as smooth surfaces and gradually transmuting into differing textures such as exfoliating, blocky, or furrowed. Even trees within the same species can exhibit differing bark appearances at similar ages. This makes identifying trees by bark more difficult, but not impossible, and you must be familiar with bark phases through the ages. The winter is a good time to start developing this skill, when deciduous trees are leafless, and twigs and buds may be out of reach. Bark color and texture become the distinguishing feature, and many barks offer subtle pops of intrigue against an otherwise grey and wintry backdrop. | Mature Pinus bungeana in China. Source | If identifying deciduous trees by bark is a bit too daunting at first, start with an evergreen like this month’s feature plant, Pinus bungeana, the lacebark pine. Instantly identifiable as a pine by its 3-needled fascicles and pinecones, the lacebark pine can be furthered keyed out by its’ distinctive exfoliating and colorful bark. As it ages the bark sloughs off to reveal camouflage themed puzzle pieces, which can include a myriad of earthy hues like terracotta, cream, olive, titanium grey, or lime green. Like many other beings, it eventually “goes gray”, and mature trees predominately display white and silver markings. | |
Olive green and titanium grey camo on accession number, located in the Old Pinetum. (1980-OP736) | |
Exfoliating cream camo on accession number in the Four Seasons Garden. (U-1426) | |
The reason for bark exfoliation is not entirely known but believed to have evolved to shed lichen, fungus, pests, and diseases that may block light from reaching inner photosynthetic bark layers. Some suggest this photosynthetic bark is used compensate for occasional defoliation due to drought, pests, or diseases. Energy produced by the bark may also support cell maintenance in the trunk and branches. South and south-west facing bark is exposed to sunnier, warmer conditions, and can photosynthesize even below freezing. In lacebark pines, this side of the tree tends to exhibit more variety in colors, while the north facing side of the tree trends towards a more neutral palette. | |
Pinus bungeana ‘Rowe Arboretum’ (2016-0078) | |
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Lime green camo on
Pinus bungeana ‘Rowe Arboretum’
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This is a very beautiful tree for very patient gardeners. It is a slow grower, and it can take 10 years before the bark develops its defining character. The 5 specimens at the arboretum are hidden treasures that need to be sought out. Use the recently updated Tree Explorer to discover these trees and appreciate each specimens uniqueness! | |
Jessica O'Callahan, Grounds Supervisor | |
On February 24th we hosted our seventh annual symposium, Evolution of the American Landscape: The Secrets of Old Growth Trees. This year we explored the important lessons that old growth and historic trees teach us. Topics focused on preservation and conservation efforts. As an Arboretum with extensive arboricultural history, we felt the importance of showcasing how historic trees define landscapes and require special consideration. | |
 | | Our first speaker, William Bryant Logan, profiled four of New York City’s oldest trees that his company, Urban Arborists, have cared for over the last three decades. We saw his different pruning approaches to care for 300+ year old specimens in the middle of bustling Manhattan. He spoke of the incredible endurance these trees have and the importance they carry in public spaces. Visitors can purchase signed copies of William Logan’s book, Sprout Lands, in the Visitor Center. Our second speaker, Whitney Lewis, is a local representative from Bartlett Tree Experts. We have been fortunate to have Bartlett as a platinum sponsor for the past few years. He discussed the technical components to keeping old growth trees healthy. The third speaker, Brian Kelley, is the founder and archivist of Gathering Growth. His presentation reminded us of the importance of visually preserving the legacy of trees and forests. His artistic background and dedication allowed us to see champion trees from all over the country. Kelley discussed the ongoing creation of his first book documenting the oldest and largest trees in New York State.
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In the afternoon, we had two wonderfully passionate speakers to close out the day. Mark Lesser, forest ecologist in the Center for Earth and Environmental Science at SUNY Plattsburgh, spoke about dendrochronology and its role in old growth trees. He defined how tree rings are dated and measured. Lesser focused on how the field of dendrochronology and its associated sub disciplines of dendro-ecology, -climatology, and -archeology can all work towards telling us compelling stories of a tree’s life. Lastly, our grounds supervisor, Jessica O’Callahan represented the Arboretum beautifully with an overview of our historic trees. She discussed the history of some of the Arboretum's oldest trees and what actions are taken to encourage their continued longevity. O’Callahan ended the day with what we are currently planting to ensure an ongoing collection to be enjoyed for generations. | |
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Our mission is to engage and educate our community. This year we sold out of tickets in record time with over 115 attendees. Everyone had the opportunity to learn and interact with our five speakers throughout the day. The weather was nice enough to walk the landscape and enjoy our new Visitor Center during breaks. We are pleased to educate our patrons and share knowledge on how we can manage historical landscapes for a sustainable future. With the help of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society and our board of trustees, our 7th annual symposium was truly a success! We would like to thank all of our speakers and attendees for a wonderful event.
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Joy Arden, Landscape Curator | |
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Panoramic view of the Old Pinetum blanketed in snow.
Chase Callahan, Horticulturist
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Wild & Scenic: Family Friendly Film Festival | |
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Get ready for a morning matinee of incredible short films about our natural world to help connect and inspire young learners!
Featuring titles such as: Brave Girl, Kind of Fishy, You Are Not Small, Jojo- A Toad Musical, and The Tundra. This program is best intended for families with young children. Includes 45 minutes of short films as well as 45 minutes of activities that relate to the films. Light refreshments are provided with the price of admission.
Saturday, March 15th, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
$15 per participant
Register here!
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Inspired by Nature: A Collection of Artworks by
Linda and Scott Hartman
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Manor House Annex: March 27 - April 20, 2025
Artist Reception: April 5, 2025 2 PM - 4 PM
Gallery Hours: Thursday-Sunday 11 AM - 4 PM
After 33 years of successful years working as art teachers in the Brentwood, School District, artists Scott and Linda Hartman have focused their retirement years on creating, exhibiting, and selling their own original artworks. Their inspiration for the art exhibited in this show, “Inspired By Nature,” reflects a variety of landscapes, still-life images, fiber landscapes, and natural wood furniture created in various media (watercolors, acrylics, fiber and wood). The artists' goal is to interpret nature through well designed works of art that remind viewers of the beauty of the world around us.
https://www.hartmanstudio44.com/
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Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection, on a walk to reconnect with the natural world around us.
Saturday, March 8th, 2025 - 10:30AM to 12:30PM
Fee: $45 per person.
Please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and warm clothing for walking outdoors. Register here!
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Find More Educational Programs on our Website! | |
Help Support Bayard Cutting Arboretum | |
Tax deductible donations can also be made by check payable to
Natural Heritage Trust and mailed to
Bayard Cutting Arboretum, PO Box 907, Great River, NY 11739
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