Deciduous Trees

Deciduous Trees

Description
Description

Deciduous trees are a type of tree that sheds their leaves annually, usually in response to seasonal changes. This adaptation allows them to conserve water and energy during unfavorable conditions, typically in colder or drier climates. Deciduous trees are found in various habitats, predominantly in temperate regions of the world, where distinct seasons are present. The evolution of deciduousness is a significant adaptation to seasonal environmental changes, enabling these trees to survive in regions with varying climates.

Their leaves, often broad and flat, are designed to efficiently capture sunlight and facilitate photosynthesis during the growing season. In autumn, these leaves change color and fall off, a process triggered by shorter days and cooler temperatures. Deciduous trees have diverse forms and sizes, ranging from small shrubs to towering oaks and maples. Their annual leaf-shedding cycle plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycles through leaf litter decomposition.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Deciduous trees are characterized by their seasonal leaf shedding. Their leaves are typically broad and flat, maximizing sunlight absorption for photosynthesis. In autumn, these leaves turn vibrant colors before falling, preparing the tree for winter dormancy. They have a varied root system, often with a main taproot and spreading lateral roots, providing stability and nutrient absorption.

Deciduous trees can have diverse seed forms, from the winged seeds of maples to the nuts of oaks. Their growth patterns include a yearly cycle of growth, dormancy, and renewal. Many grow a new ring of wood each year, visible in their trunk cross-section, which helps in aging the tree.

Cultural Impact
Cultural Impact

Deciduous trees have deeply influenced human culture and history. They've been vital in providing timber for construction, furniture, and fuel. In folklore and literature, trees like oaks and maples symbolize strength, endurance, and growth. The changing leaves of deciduous trees herald the seasons, particularly autumn, inspiring festivals, poetry, and art celebrating their beauty and the passage of time.

In urban environments, deciduous trees are planted for their shade in summer and sunlight in winter. They play a role in traditional medicines and are central to many landscapes, parks, and gardens. Their annual cycle of renewal often represents new beginnings and the transient nature of life in various cultural contexts.

Common Questions
Common Questions
Why do leaves change color in autumn?

Leaves on trees change color in the fall season due to reduced chlorophyll pigment production in preparation for shedding their leaves for the winter. Brighter leaf colors occur in environments where nights are cold and days are shorter.

Why do trees lose their leaves?

Trees shed their leaves to conserve water for either the winter season in temperate climates or for the dry season in tropical and subtropical environments.

What is a Deciduous Tree?

Deciduous Trees are trees that naturally shed their leaves during specific seasons.

Plants

* Under Development *

50’-75’ | 15.2-22.9 m
25’-40' | 7.6-12.2 m (Spread)
3’-6’ | .9-1.8 m (Trunk)
.6”-.8” | 15-20 mm (Leaf)
Bald Cypress
2290.000
1220.000
180.000
2.000
24350
GUIDE
3D
Bald Cypress
25’-30’ | 7.6-9.1 m
25’-30’ | 7.6-9.1 m
Blue Palo Verde Tree
910.000
910.000
GUIDE
3D
Blue Palo Verde Tree
50’-80’ | 15.2-24.4 m
25’-40' | 7.6-12.2 m (Spread)
3.3’-8.2’ | 1-2.5 m (Trunk)
.4”-.8” | 10-20 mm (Leaf)
Montezuma Bald Cypress
2440.000
1220.000
250.000
2.000
1150
GUIDE
3D
Montezuma Bald Cypress
50’-60’ | 15.2-18.3 m
10’-20’ | 3-6.1 m (Spread)
1.3’-2.3’ | .4-.7 m (Trunk)
.12”-.4” | 3-10 mm (Leaf)
Pond Cypress
1830.000
610.000
70.000
1.000
1300
GUIDE
3D
Pond Cypress
White Ash | American Ash Tree
Elevation drawing of the White Ash (American Ash) Tree with dimensions for overall height and canopy sizes

The White Ash (American Ash Tree), Fraxinus americana, is a deciduous tree with a wide-spreading canopy and was given it is named due to the color of the underside of its leaves. In appearance, it is very similar to the Green Ash Tree making it difficult to distinguish between both trees. The White Ash (American Ash Tree) is native to eastern and central North America and does not thrive under harsh conditions.

The White Ash Tree has a lifespan that can reach the age of 200 years old, but is highly susceptible to the Emerald Ash Borer which has been spreading across different landscapes. The tree provides seeds to wildlife like finches and cardinals as well as habitat.

Detailed elevation and plan drawings of the White Ash (American Ash) Tree
The White Ash (American Ash Tree), Fraxinus americana, is a deciduous tree with a wide-spreading canopy and was given it is named due to the color of the underside of its leaves. In appearance, it is very similar to the Green Ash Tree making it difficult to distinguish between both trees.

Detailed elevation and plan drawings of the White Ash (American Ash) Tree
White Ash | American Ash Tree
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Height: 50’-80’ | 15.2-24.4 m
Width (Canopy): 40’-50’ | 12.2-15.2 m
Leaf Shape: Five to Nine leaflets per leaf
Leaves (Length): 8”-15” | 20.3-38.1 cm
Color: Dark green and lighter below; yellowish with purple (Seasonal)
Scientific Name: Fraxinus americana

Drawings include:
White Ash | American Ash Tree elevation (detail), plan (detail), elevation (simple), plan (simple)

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Hawthorn Tree
Scale drawing of a Hawthorn Tree labeled with typical heights compared to the size of a person

The Hawthorn Tree, Crataegus monogyna, is a small deciduous tree with a dense canopy. Also known as the Common Hawthorn or Oneseed Hawthorn the tree has dull brown bark with orange-colored cracks. The Hawthorn Tree is native to Europe, Northwest Africa, and West Asia preferring hedgerows, fields, and woodland habitats.

The average lifespan of the Hawthorn Tree is about 250 years, but this tree has been known to live longer. The Hawthorn Tree has been traditionally used for herbalism and provides over 300 insects like the Hawthorn Moth or Orchard Ermine with food and birds with habitat and shelter.

Pair of elevation drawings of a Hawthorn Tree illustrated in silhouette and detail
The Hawthorn Tree, Crataegus monogyna, is a small deciduous tree with a dense canopy. Also known as the Common Hawthorn or Oneseed Hawthorn the tree has dull brown bark with orange-colored cracks. The Hawthorn Tree is native to Europe, Northwest Africa, and West Asia preferring hedgerows and fields.

Pair of elevation drawings of a Hawthorn Tree illustrated in silhouette and detail
Hawthorn Tree
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Height: 15’-49’ | 4.6-14.9 m
Width (Canopy): 35’-85’ | 10.7-25.9 m
Leaf Shape: Ovate with serrate on the margin
Leaves (Length): 3.0”-4.0” | 7.6-10.2 cm
Leaves (Width): 2.0”-3.0” | 5.1-7.6 cm
Color: Green; white flower bloom
Scientific Name: Crataegus

Drawings include:
Hawthorn Tree elevation (detail), elevation (outline)

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American Elm Tree
Dimensioned drawing of an American Elm Tree with measurements for height and canopy width and a person for scale

The American Elm Tree, also known as the white elm or water elm, is a large and hardy deciduous tree species native to eastern North America. Scientifically referred to as Ulmus americana, American Elms are naturally found in rich habitats that include floodplains, streams, swamps, hillsides, uplands, and mountain rivers. Once living for several hundred years, the lifespans of American Elms today are now limited to under 100 years due to Dutch elm disease.

American Elm Trees are notable for their expansive canopies that reach widths of 60’-100’ (18-30 m) and overall heights between 50’-100’ (15-30 m).

Elevation and plan drawings of an American Elm Tree with detail
The American Elm Tree, also known as the white elm or water elm, is a large and hardy deciduous tree species native to eastern North America. Scientifically known as Ulmus americana, American Elms are found in rich habitats including floodplains, streams, swamps, hillsides, uplands, and mountains.

American Elm Trees are notable for their expansive canopies that reach widths of 60’-100’ (18-30 m) and overall heights between 50’-100’ (15-30 m).

Elevation and plan drawings of an American Elm Tree with detail
American Elm Tree
Height:
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Height: 50’-100’ | 15-30 m
Width (Canopy): 60’-100’ | 18-30 m
Trunk Diameter: 4’-5’ | 1.2-1.5 m
Leaf Shape: Thin, elliptical, double serrated margin
Leaves (Length): 3”-5” | 7.6-12.7 cm
Leaves (Width): 1”-3” | 2.5-7.6 cm
Color: Green, Yellow (Seasonal)
Habitat: Woodland
Scientific Name: Ulmus americana

Drawings include:
American Elm Tree side elevation (detail), side (man walking dog), plan (detail), side (outline), plan (outline)

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Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
Size comparison drawing of the Bald Cypress compared to a person and other Bald Cypress species

A major characteristic of the Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is that it is hardy and tough and would adapt to any soil type common in the southeastern United States. It is also called swamp cypress, red cypress, and tidewater red cypress. In Louisiana, it is the official state tree. The tree is large, has a longer life span, and a slow-growth rate. Above its roots are cypress knees, while the thin, fibrous bark is grayish-brown or reddish-brown. It has simple, alternate, green needle-like leaves, which it sheds during winter and grows new ones in spring. It can tolerate shade and humid conditions. It is a common source of timber or wood for making homes, canoes, and coffins.

Bald Cypresss have a typical overall height between 50’-75’ (15.2-22.9 m) and spread diameter of 25’-40' (7.6-12.2 m). Exceptional mature Bald Cypress trees may grow to heights of 120’ (37 m) in the wild. The trunk of the Bald Cypress has a diameter of 3’-6’ (.9-1.8 m) with needle-like leaf lengths between .6”-.8” (15-20 mm).

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of the Bald Cypress viewed from the front and top
A major characteristic of the Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is that it is hardy and tough and would adapt to any soil type common in the southeastern United States. It is also called swamp cypress, red cypress, and tidewater red cypress. In Louisiana, it is the official state tree.

Bald Cypresss have a typical overall height between 50’-75’ (15.2-22.9 m) and spread diameter of 25’-40' (7.6-12.2 m). Exceptional mature Bald Cypress trees may grow to heights of 120’ (37 m) in the wild. The trunk of the Bald Cypress has a diameter of 3’-6’ (.9-1.8 m) with needle-like leaf lengths between .6”-.8” (15-20 mm).

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of the Bald Cypress viewed from the front and top
Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
Height:
50’-75’ | 15.2-22.9 m
Width:
25’-40' | 7.6-12.2 m (Spread)
Length:
.6”-.8” | 15-20 mm (Leaf)
Depth:
3’-6’ | .9-1.8 m (Trunk)
Height (Exceptional)
120’ | 37 m (Max)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Taxodium distichum

Drawings include:

Bald Cypress front elevation, plan view

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Pond Cypress (Taxodium ascendens)
Size comparison drawing of the Pond Cypress compared to a person and other Bald Cypress species

The shorter, slender leaves and erect shoots are what botanists used to distinguish the Pond Cypress (Taxodium ascendens) from the Bald Cypress. This is besides its preference for an isolated lifestyle and not a communal lifestyle. It is endemic to the southeastern United States. The Pond Cypress prefers low altitude with wet, poorly drained soil, such as shallow ponds, wetland, and swamps. It can exist in these conditions because the trunk broadens towards the base, making it properly anchored in the soil. It has a narrowly conical or columnar form and loses its blue-green feathery needles each winter but grows them in spring. The cones are small, ovoid, purplish-green to brown, and long-lived.

Pond Cypresss have a typical overall height between 50’-60’ (15.2-18.3 m) and spread diameter of 10’-20’ (3-6.1 m). Exceptional mature Pond Cypress trees may grow to heights of 70’ (21 m) in the wild. The trunk of the Pond Cypress has a diameter of 1.3’-2.3’ (.4-.7 m) with needle-like leaf lengths between .12”-.4” (3-10 mm).

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of the Pond Cypress viewed from the front and top
The shorter, slender leaves and erect shoots are what botanists used to distinguish the Pond Cypress (Taxodium ascendens) from the Bald Cypress. This is besides its preference for an isolated lifestyle and not a communal lifestyle. It is endemic to the southeastern United States.

Pond Cypresss have a typical overall height between 50’-60’ (15.2-18.3 m) and spread diameter of 10’-20’ (3-6.1 m). Exceptional mature Pond Cypress trees may grow to heights of 70’ (21 m) in the wild. The trunk of the Pond Cypress has a diameter of 1.3’-2.3’ (.4-.7 m) with needle-like leaf lengths between .12”-.4” (3-10 mm).

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of the Pond Cypress viewed from the front and top
Pond Cypress (Taxodium ascendens)
Height:
50’-60’ | 15.2-18.3 m
Width:
10’-20’ | 3-6.1 m (Spread)
Length:
.12”-.4” | 3-10 mm (Leaf)
Depth:
1.3’-2.3’ | .4-.7 m (Trunk)
Height (Exceptional)
70’ | 21 m (Max)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Taxodium ascendens

Drawings include:

Pond Cypress front elevation, plan view

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