Got Nature? Blog

In this episode of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces the Quaking Aspen. This species is found in the North Woods of Northern Wisconsin, Northern Indiana, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This species has simple, alternately arranged leaves. The stems are flat which allow them to quake or tremble in the wind. The stems on this species are relatively stout and have a chalky white color.

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Quaking Aspen, Native Trees of Indiana River Walk, Purdue Fort Wayne
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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Starting in 2019, sassafras trees began wilting and dying in southern Indiana. It was originally thought that laurel wilt, a deadly disease in the southeastern U.S., had made its way to Indiana. However, neither the fungus responsible for causing laurel wilt nor its beetle vector were recovered from wilting trees at the time. A potentially novel fungus was recovered, as well as two invasive ambrosia beetle species. Invasive insects, particularly bark and ambrosia beetles are well-known carriers of devastating disease-causing fungi. Dutch elm disease is one of the most famous examples of a beetle-transmitted disease.

Sassafras trees are an important understory tree that aids in nutrient cycling and are important food sources for deer and rabbit populations in the winter months. They are also important to native butterfly populations like the Swallowtail butterfly, that uses sassafras as a host. At this time, we do not know what is killing our native sassafras trees or the range of impacted trees. This is a problem because if we do not know what is causing wilt or where trees are wilting, then we cannot work to identify ways to protect our native sassafras trees.

We need more help in identifying locations of wilting sassafras trees. We anticipate trees to start wilting towards the end of the summer, from late July through September. If you see any wilting or dying sassafras trees, please email sassafras.wilt@gmail.com to report it. You can also use the QR code on the bottom of the attached handout.

To learn more see the attached Sassafras Wilt Report Flyer.

Resources:
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
ID That Tree: Sassafras
ID That Tree: Sassafras Spring Bloom Edition
Morton Arboretum: Sassafras
Sassafras, Purdue Fort Wayne Native Trees of Indiana River Walk
ID That Tree Spring Bloom Editions, Got Nature Blog
Hardwood Lumber and Veneer Series: Sassafras, The Education Store
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
The Woody Plant Seed Manual, U.S. Forest Service
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube playlist
Woodland Management Moment , Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist

Olivia Bigham, Graduate Student
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources & Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC)

Matt Ginzel, Associate Professor
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources & Department of Entomology

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In this episode of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces the Chokecherry. This species is found in the North Woods of Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as well as natively in Indiana in small/medium shrub form. This species has alternately held broad leaves with finely toothed margins, and has short leaf stalks. The stems are a light to medium gray color and have prominent lenticels scattered along them.

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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In this episode of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces the White Spruce. This species is found in the North Woods of Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This species has single needles attached to the twig that tend to be relatively angular and stout. The bark tends to be flaky and dark. The cones are two to three inches in length, have thin scales, and are cylindrical in shape.

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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In this episode of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces the Balsam Poplar. This species is found in the North Woods of Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This species can be quite tall and has gray bark with relatively prominent diamond shapes along it. These trees have a very vertical form and their leaves are elongated, sharply pointed, and have a shiny finish. Balsam Poplar also have very resinous sticky bud scales located below the leaves along the stem.

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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In this episode of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces the Pin or Fire Cherry. This species is found in the North Woods of Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and highly associated with disturbances such as fire. This species has a smooth bark with a reddish bronze color. It also has a very shiny surface with horizontal lenticels. The leaves are alternately arranged and are elongated. There are also clusters of white flowers that grow from one point on the stem.

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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In this episode of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces the Paper Birch. This species is found in the North Woods of Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This species has white chalky bark that peels and flakes off the sides of the tree. Under the bark, the tree tends to be a light tan to bronze color. They have alternate leaf arrangement, are catkins as part of their flowering structure, and have simple leaves.

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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In this episode of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces the Black Ash. This species is typically found in wetland environments within Indiana and the North Woods of Northern Wisconsin. This species has light gray flaky bark, opposite leaf arrangement, and compound leaves. These trees separate very easily along their growth rings and thus have a long tradition of native peoples creating baskets with them. This species is under is a major threat by the emerald ash borer.

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Black Ash, Native Trees of Indiana River Walk, Fort Wayne-Purdue
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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In this episode of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces the Balsam Fir. This species is found in the North Woods of Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It’s the primary fir found in the area and features soft and aromatic needles, which are flattened and have white stripes along the underside. Another notable characteristic is the three buds at the end of the twigs. This species can be easily identified from a distance due to its tight pointed spire like appearance.

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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Purdue Landscape Report: The hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) continues its eastward spread across the US. In 2022, seven new counties were added to the distribution map of this invasive insect. While it is not present in Indiana yet, it is confirmed throughout the eastern USA from northern Georgia to Maine, extending west into Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky.

Since its introduction in the 1950s, hemlock woolly adelgid has caused severe mortality of eastern hemlock in the United States. Not only is this a significant impact on our native tree diversity, hemlock losses are linked to a decline in several native bird species in the New England and mid-Atlantic forests (Ellison et al. 2018). In Indiana, eastern hemlock has a scattered native range in isolated locations of the west-central and southern regions of the state. It typically grows on steep slopes, canyons, and ravines. Hemlock woolly adelgid is also a threat to ornamental hemlocks, which are frequently used in landscaping.

Identifying Eastern Hemlock
Hemlock woolly adelgid will only feed on hemlocks, so proper tree identification is crucial. If you’re not sure whether your conifer is hemlock, check the color, shape, and arrangement of the needles. The needles of eastern hemlock grow singly (not in clusters) in alternate or opposite positions. The needles are flattened, and have two white stripes on the underside. The cones are small (1-2 cm), and when dry, they can resemble a rosette.

Monitoring for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
The white “wool” balls are the most tell-tale sign of this pest. Check the undersides of the branches at the base of the needles, and look for small, round, white cottony masses that cover the twig. These are actually the egg sacs of the hemlock woolly adelgid. You may also notice the “crawlers”, or the mobile nymphs, which are tiny, oval-shaped, reddish-brown insects.

If you frequently check hemlock trees, you may see other white spots that resemble the woolly adelgid. The cocoons of elongate hemlock scale are often confused with hemlock woolly adelgid. However, note how the white “spots” from the scale infestation are flattened and cover the needles. Hemlock wooly adelgids congregate at the base of the needles along the twig, not on the needles themselves, and the egg sacs are round in shape. Single, large egg sacs found throughout the branch are often spider egg sacs or oak skeletonizer cocoons.

Report any suspected findings of hemlock woolly adelgid at the Early Detection Distribution Map System (EDDMapS) website.

To view this original article and other Purdue Landscape Report articles, please visit Purdue Landscape Report.

Resources:
ID That Tree: Eastern Hemlock, video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Distinguishing Hemlock From Yew, The Purdue Landscape Report
Normal Needle Drop: Even Healthy Evergreens are not Evergreen, Purdue Plant & Pest Diagnostic Lab (PPDL)
Recognizing and Managing Poison Hemlock, Purdue Landscape Report
Be Careful Around Highly Toxic Poison Hemlock Plant This Summer, Purdue Extension – FNR
Phomopsis Dieback of Spruce, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Chlorosis of Pine Trees, The Purdue Landscape Report
Borers of Pines and Other Needle Bearing Evergreens in Landscapes, The Education Store
Stress-related Conifer Dieback, The Education Store
Certified Soil Testing Laboratories, Purdue Extension-Master Gardener Program
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Tree Risk Management, The Education Store
Consumer Horticulture: Collecting Soil Samples for Testing, The Education Store
Find an Arborist website, Trees are Good, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Purdue Pest and Plant Diagnostic Lab, send in photo or samples

Alicia Kelley, Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Coordinator
Purdue Extension – Entomology

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