Rivanna Chapter
Virginia Master Naturalists
Serving the
Central Piedmont of Virginia
Useful Websites for the Study of Trees
11. Miscellaneous
- Dictionary of Common Names
The Plant Press offers this database, “a free dictionary that lists over 30,000 English language pairs for common and botanical plant names.” You can enter a common name and get the Latinate scientific name, or vice versa. For example, if you type in “ironwood,” the search engine produces a list of the scientific names of six plants which are all commonly called “ironwood.” A handy tool which claims to be the only database of its type on the web. - Ultimate Tree-Ring Web Pages
This site was created by Henri Grissino-Mayer, he explains, because he felt there was “an overwhelming need” for an online site that would act as “a permanent repository of information [on tree-ring dating] that was free to the public, easilyunderstandable, and as comprehensive as humanly possible.” He also designed the pages, he says, “to be easily understood by people at all levels of education.” That said, many portions of the site are actually aimed toward the university community. Pages on the site include “New in Dendro,” which is basically a list of academic announcements, internships, conferences, etc.; an elaborate A-Z index; resources; links; software; hardware; principles; references; photo gallery; and more. - Tree Trail
Tree Trail appears to be a labor of love. It is a non-commercial site--allows no advertising and offers nothing for sale--created by Billy Bruce Winkles and devoted to the preservation of rare native trees. I’ll let him speak for himself:
“The purpose of this website is to assist people who want to help preserve these rare species by growing them on their own properties or other suitable locations in their communities. The site provides information on how to select and obtain the needed plants, and how to grow them.
“As the population of a species declines, the shrinking of its gene pool reduces its ability to resist new diseases and adapt to changing environments. Therefore the preservation of genetic diversity is very important, and every plant is a potential source of needed genetic material. Even if you grow a tree in an urban area, wildlife could still scatter its seeds to distant forests, thereby producing new plants which might interbreed with other members of the species.
“Your tree might also inspire other people who see it to join the preservation effort. As noted elsewhere on this site, several threatened tree species have been saved, or are being saved, by human intervention.
“Many of our rare trees make attractive garden and landscape plants. And because they are adapted to the native environment, they are often easier to grow than plants imported from other parts of the world. Local wildlife also generally prefers the flowers, food and habitat offered by native plants.
“But rare species are often hard to obtain, not only because of their rarity, but also because the commercial nursery industry generally promotes other types of plants. Fortunately this situation is improving, as a number of specialist nurseries are now producing and selling these rare natives. One of the purposes of this website is to help you find the tree you are looking for.”
On the left side of the home page is a list of sixteen smaller native trees which he feels are adaptable and attractive enough to be good candidates for homeowners. Clicking on the name of a species takes you to a page loaded with information and photographs, all of excellent quality. In addition to the normal descriptive information, each page also includes the species’ normal range, its conservation status, tips on cultivation, and sources where it may be obtained. - Forests
An unusual site, created by the Illinois State Museum, chronicling the role of forests in Illinois history. Sections on forest types, people in forests, ancient forests, conservation, forests in art, a tree guide, a glossary, and activities and resources. A nice model for the role of forests in history, with insights and information transferable to other locations as well. Intended to be used by students and teachers, as well as the general public. Recommended. - Plant Identification Characteristics for Deciduous Trees and Shrubs
A photocopy of lesson plans (twelve in all) prepared for high school horticulture classes by Kathy Burkholder, this site is plain, unattractive, and risks conjuring up memories of educational drudgery. The lesson plans are intended to accompany a specific slide series, which is not included, but they still contain a great deal of information (accompanied by line drawings), as well as activities, questions to set students thinking, quizzes, etc. Overall, it can be used as one model for teaching about trees and shrubs, or as a helpful starting point for others.