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
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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
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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Red Oak | Champion Oak Tree
Elevation drawing of a Red Oak (Champion Oak) Tree with dimensions for the canopy size and height

The Red Oak (Champion Oak) Tree, Quercus rubra, is a deciduous tree with stout branches that grow at right angles to the trunk and then form a round canopy. The bark of the Red Oak (Champion Oak) Tree makes it easily recognizable as it has ridges with the appearance of shiny stripes.

The Red Oak is native to North America particularly in the eastern and central United States as well as southeast and south-central Canada. The average lifespan of the Red Oak (Champion Oak) Tree consists of up to 400 years. The tree also produces acorns that serve as food for blue jays, wild turkeys, squirrels, and black bears.

Detailed plan and elevation drawings of a Red Oak (Champion Oak) Tree
The Red Oak (Champion Oak) Tree, Quercus rubra, is a deciduous tree with stout branches that grow at right angles to the trunk and then form a round canopy. The bark of the Red Oak (Champion Oak) Tree makes it easily recognizable as it has ridges with the appearance of shiny stripes.

Detailed plan and elevation drawings of a Red Oak (Champion Oak) Tree
Red Oak | Champion Oak Tree
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Height: 50’-75’ | 15.2-22.9 m
Width (Canopy): 40’-60’ | 12.2-18.3 m
Leaf Shape: Seven or nine-lobed oblong-ovate
Leaves (Length): 5”-10” | 12.7-25.4 cm
Leaves (Width): 4”-6” | 10.2-15.2 cm
Color: Dark green or yellow green; rich red (Seasonal)
Scientific Name: Quercus rubra

Drawings include:
Red Oak | Champion Oak Tree elevation (detail), plan (detail), elevation (simple), plan (simple)

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Sycamore Tree
Scale comparison illustration of a Sycamore Tree compared to the size of a person labeled with height dimensions

The Sycamore Tree, Acer pseudoplatanus, is a large deciduous tree with serrated leaves and a wide canopy. The Sycamore Tree is recognizable by its bark with irregular patches, green-yellow flowers, and domed crown. The leaves of the tree have 5 lobes with thick veins the protrude on the underside.

It is naturally found in both Central Europe and Western Asia and prefers moist, well-drained soils. The Sycamore Maple has a long lifespan ranging between 200 to 500 years. The Sycamore Tree provides valuable food to wildlife through its leaves, pollen of its flowers, and seeds.

Pair of illustrations of a Sycamore Tree in both detail and silhouette elevations
The Sycamore Tree, Acer pseudoplatanus, is a large deciduous tree with serrated leaves and a wide canopy. The Sycamore Tree is recognizable by its bark with irregular patches, green-yellow flowers, and domed crown. The leaves of the tree have 5 lobes with thick veins the protrude on the underside.

Pair of illustrations of a Sycamore Tree in both detail and silhouette elevations
Sycamore Tree
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Height: 100’-135’ | 30.5-41.1 m
Width (Canopy): 100’-135’ | 30.5-41.1 m
Leaf Shape: Broad 3-5 lobe
Leaves (Width): 4.0”-10.0” | 10.2-25.4 cm
Color: Medium to dark green; tan to brown (fall)
Scientific Name: Platanus occidentalis

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

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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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Blue Palo Verde Tree
Elevation drawing of a Blue Palo Verde Tree with dimensions for typical overall height

The Blue Palo Verde Tree, Parkinsonia florida, is a deciduous tree with a name translating to ‘green pole or stick’ referring to its green trunk and branches. The Blue Palo Verde is multi-stemmed and has a long hanging canopy. The tree is native to Sonoran deserts in the southwestern part of the United States and northwestern Mexico preferring soil with good drainage and low amounts of moisture.

The Blue Palo Verde Tree grows fast and has a lifespan of up to 100 years. The Blue Palo Verde Tree produces seeds, nectar, and shaded cover creating wildlife value.

The Blue Palo Verde Tree, Parkinsonia florida, is a deciduous tree with a name translating to ‘green pole or stick’ referring to its green trunk and branches. The Blue Palo Verde is multi-stemmed and has a long hanging canopy. The tree is native to Sonoran deserts in the southwestern United States.

Blue Palo Verde Tree
Height:
25’-30’ | 7.6-9.1 m
Width:
25’-30’ | 7.6-9.1 m
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Leaf Shape: Tiny leaves with pods
Color:
Light green; yellow (seasonal)
Scientific Name:
Parkinsonia florida

Drawings include:
Blue Palo Verde Tree elevation

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