Dendrology Study of the Potomac-Shenandoah Wateshed

 Today, we are going to begin a preliminary study of the different tree species that you might find if you are wandering through a natural area within the Potomac-Shenandoah Watershed. In a few weeks, we will continue this study and be doing a much deeper dive into these species and how they benefit the watershed. 

This watershed is large enough that it encompasses many different ecoregions which offers it a immense diversity in the tree species that it can support. Some areas of the watershed support old-growth forests, some support mixed hardwood forests, and some support floodplain forests. Some of the more common species you might see on a what through a park in this watershed will include a variety of oak species such as chestnut oaks, white oaks, and red oaks. In addition, you might also see Beech trees, Tulip Poplars, Hickories, Ash trees, Red Maples, Flowering Dogwoods, and even Pawpaw trees in some areas. In the floodplain forests, you are more likely to see Sycamores and Silver Maples as well as River Birch.  

There are also a variety of shrubs that you may notice during your walk. Spicebush, Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, and Mountain Holly are all common shrub species found in the Potomac-Shenandoah Watershed. 

All of these species and many more that have not been mentioned are important in the overall ecosystem of the watershed and provide a beautiful landscape for people to visit. However, when I am taking hikes in this area, I think the Pawpaw tree and the Spicebush are some of my favorite species to find. The Pawpaw is a beautiful fruit-bearing tree with large green leaves, red flowers, and large green or yellow mango-like fruits. I know of many people who harvest the fruit to make pawpaw pies. The Spicebush is particularly fun for me to find because it is a beautiful green bush with red berries and has an interesting spicy smell when you scratch either the leaves or the branches. 

I will be taking a much deeper dive into each of these plant species in the next few weeks so stay tuned!!