Native Trees with Fall Brilliance

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, near Nashville Tennessee, is certified a Level III arboretum. Host April Moore tours the grounds to spotlight some grand specimens with beautiful autumn color. The arboretum boasts nearly 100 trees, including 6 nearly 200 year old cedar trees, 19 species of oak trees, and 5 species of hickory trees.

Post author By NPT Editorial
Post date September 7, 2023
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Plants Featured in this Clip

ACER rubrum (red maple)
ACER saccharinum (silver maple)
CARYA ovata (shagbark hickory)
CARYA laciniosa (shellbark hickory, kingnut)
FAGUS grandifloria (American beech)
NYSSA sylvatica (Black Tupelo, Sour Gum, Black Gum)

Gardener Extras

The silver maple is the fastest growing of any maple species, reaching 50' in height within 20 years.
Hickories are members of the walnut family, and the fruit of the shagbark hickory is highly prized by both humans and wildlife. It reaches maturity and starts to produce seeds at around 40 years.
The shellbark hickory was among the earliest trees that settlers discovered when arriving to the country. Currently, it is a threatened species.
Tupelo wood is highly cross-grained which makes it almost impossible to split and damage. It is used for handles of heavy tools and chopping bowls.
The Hermitage Arboretum has nearly 100 trees, including two Davidson County Champion American holly trees, six nearly 200 year-old cedar trees, 19 species of oak trees, and 5 species of hickory trees.

Gardener Notes

www.thehermitage.com

April Moore

April grew up roaming the hills of Tennessee and has always had a love of nature, especially flowering plants, shrubs and trees. Though the plants she grew up with are nearest and dearest to her heart, she also loves history, art and travel and has visited many gardens and parks in other parts of the world. Her favorite souvenir from those journeys has always been bringing back new ideas to try out in her own garden in Tennessee.