Trees on the Trail: the Mighty Oak

In 2004, Congress officially recognized the Mighty Oak as our national tree. While no specific species was designated, the entire Quercus genus was given this honor. The significance of oaks extends beyond their individual characteristics. As keystone species, oaks play a crucial role in supporting entire ecosystems. They provide essential sustenance and shelter for wildlife, contribute to soil enrichment, and boast sturdy wood that serves numerous purposes. Moreover, their majestic presence in the landscape has made them iconic symbols of natural beauty.

How do you know which oak is best for your yard?

The 2024 Arbor Day Tree Giveaway will feature two oak species, white oak (Quercus alba) and Nutall oak (Quercus texana). Let’s take a deeper dive into the similarities and differences between the two species and help decipher which oak is best for your landscape.

The white oak can soar to a height of 100 feet, with a robust trunk that measures over 3 feet in diameter. Flourishing on fertile slopes or drier uplands, it is instantly recognizable due to its distinct pale bark that give it tree its name. Its leaves, spanning from 6 to 9 inches in length, exhibit deep lobes and rounded contours. In contrast to its red oak counterparts, the white oak lacks bristle tips on its leaves. During the flowering season, the male catkins can reach lengths of 3 to 4 inches, emanating a delightful yellow-green hue. White oaks bears diminutive reddish female flowers, measuring a mere half an inch and small light brown acorns that require at least a single season to reach maturity. As the tree ages its bark undergoes a captivating transformation, evolving from a smooth surface to an invitingly shaggy texture, characterized by loose plates.

The Nuttall oak is also a substantial tree, reaching heights exceeding 75 feet, with a crown extending 30-60 feet and a trunk measuring two or more feet in diameter. This species thrives in forested wetlands and moist areas. Its leaves, measuring 4-6 inches in length, display bristle-tipped lobes. The Nuttall oak bears both male and female flowers, with male catkins reaching 5 inches in length. The acorns of this oak are slightly larger than those of the white oak, and a darker brown. The dark grey bark, which starts off smooth, eventually breaks into scaly plates on larger trunks.

Oaks are a popular species for our native pollinators. Native oak trees are a host to over 500 species of moths and butterflies in the US. This is more than any other native or non-native species, making the oak the Most Valuable Player in an urban landscape. Planting either Nuttall or white oak in your yard is sure to attract birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

The white oak is a popular and long-lived canopy tree – if you only have room for one large shade tree its an excellent choice. This is a slow-growing species; while you may not witness its full splendor in your lifetime, it will be a living legacy for the generations that follow. This tree needs to be planted in sunny areas and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. The white oak provides ample shade once it matures, and its leaves change color as the temperature cools. Transplanting the white oak is difficult due to its deep taproot. However, this tree is incredibly stable and can stand tall in the landscape for over 200 years.

Nuttall oak is one of the most well-adapted oaks for general use in urban and suburban landscapes. This species grows fast and can tolerate wet and dry conditions. They need to be planted in an area with access to full sun, offering a spot to sit under for shade in the summer. The dark green glossy leaves turn a beautiful red color right before they start to drop in winter which brings a variety of color to your yard. The acorns are a benefit to wildlife, especially squirrels, but can become messy if not maintained.

Whether it’s the majestic white oak, with its slow growth and long lifespan, or the versatile Nuttall oak, known for its rapid growth and adaptability, both choices offer abundant benefits to your yard! By planting a native oak, you will not only support a diverse array of local caterpillars that transform into beautiful butterflies and moths but also contribute to the vital role of these pollinators. Moreover, the oak’s presence will attract a variety of bird and wildlife species, creating a thriving backyard habitat. There’s no wrong decision when it comes to adding an oak tree to your landscape; its important to consider the specific characteristics and requirements each tree has to ensure its success in your yard. Whether in your yard or on the trail, appreciate the beauty and benefits of these magnificent oaks!

Don’t forget to join the Environmental Services Department for the 48th annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway on January 27th, 2024, from 9am – noon at Rob Fleming Park.

Pollinators on the Patio for the Small Space Gardener  

Christian Anderson said, “Just living is not enough… one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower”

Living in an apartment or a home with little to no outdoor space can be challenging, especially for those with a green thumb. Large suburban yards allow homeowners to create lush greenspace that invites birds, pollinators, and wildlife to visit them daily. However, abundant space is not required to grow native plants or welcome our pollinator friends. Whether you are an urban apartment dweller, are renting your home, or are limited on space, you can still plant natives in containers and enjoy all the benefits they provide.  

Follow these container gardening tips to create a pollinator habitat by adding greenery to your small spaces.  

Eco Friendly Containers  

When choosing your perfect pot, it is important to think about sustainable options that can be used for years to come or can be recycled for future use. A container must be the right size and have adequate drainage for the plant to flourish. If the plant is too crowded by a small pot or doesn’t have drainage, it will be hard to keep it alive. Cork containers are a fantastic option for native flowering plants because the material is natural and has built-in aeration and drainage capabilities. Other sustainable materials for plant containers include recycled plastic, clay, wood, bamboo, or tough fibers like Jute.  

Also, don’t forget to recycle the clean plastic planter pot once you have transferred it into its new eco-friendly container. These can be put in your recycling cart, or you can recycle them at Home Depot and Lowes.    

Texas Native Plants  

Native Texas plants thrive in our humid climate, storm-prone summers, and chilly winters making them the perfect candidate for container gardening. Local Texas plants require less maintenance than their non-native counterparts, which can save you time and money, allowing you to enjoy your garden.  

By including natives in your small space, you welcome native pollinators, like the monarch butterfly and mason bee to your oasis. Planting a variety of native grasses and flowers together will add texture and color to your pot, making it beneficial for pollinators and beautiful to look at. Think “thriller”, “filler”, “spiller”: tall plants in the back or center, lush texter in the middle, and trailing plants to soften the edge.  

Determine how much sun your small space receives, and choose from the following: 

Shade Container Plants  

Inland sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)  

Chilie Pequin (Capsicum annuum)   

Rose Pavonia (Pavonia lasiopetala) 

Texas Spiderwort (Tradescantia humilis) 

Part- Shade Container Plants

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)  

Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)  

Gregg’s Mistflower (Conoclinium greggii) 

Prairie Verbena (Glandularia bipinnatifida)  

Sun Container Plants  

Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis)  

Texas Lantana (Lantana urticoides)  

Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii)  

Mealy Blue Sage (Salvia farinacea)  

Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii) 

Woolly Stemodia (Stemodia lantana) 

Event Spotlight

Don’t miss the Woodlands Landscaping Solutions on September 30th from 9 am – noon at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming.

This event will help you turn any space into a garden oasis. Stop by the small space gardening booth to get expert advice and design ideas. There will be native plant vendors, landscape designers, and many more standing by to assist you on your gardening journey. This is an event you won’t want to miss! 

Got Questions? Contact The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800 or enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov  

Protect Our Forests From Invasive Species: Learn How You Can Help

Dear Resident,

You may have noticed volunteers working in green spaces and along pathways near your home. They are helping with a serious problem that is damaging our forest community – the spread of invasive plants.  

Many times, plants that are not native to our region are introduced to our pathways from residential landscapes. When an aggressively growing non-native plant, such as Air Potato Vine, escapes from yards and overgrows our native trees and shrubs, we lose valuable habitat for butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects. Over time the trees and shrubs can die from lack of sunlight and losing nutrients these invasives remove from the soil.

You can help with this problem by reducing or eliminating non-native invasive plants in your landscape, or by carefully controlling their growth to keep them within the yard. Not sure which plants you see are bad guys? Check out the “most unwanted” plants or learn more with this helpful guide 

Warning: Japanese honeysuckle, nandina, Asian jasmine, and other invasive species are available for purchase at many plant nurseries; shop in the native plant section to avoid them. If invasive plants are already in your landscape, consider replacing them with a native one. Not only will you prevent further invasion, but get to enjoy the butterflies and birds that native plants invite into your yard. 

Join the fight to save our forests! You are invited to help remove these culprits from our pathways and green spaces. Attend the next training on August 19 to learn more about our worst non-natives, then register to join The Woodlands’ Invasives Task Force to receive notices about workdays and classes. 

Thank you for your interest in helping the Township maintain the forested reserve that benefits our native trees, plants, and wildlife! For questions, contact Environmental Services: enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov  

Elegant and ephemeral, Texas rain lilies are a delight in the garden 

NATIVE PLANT FOCUS| Texas Rain Lilies |Cooperia drummondii and Cooperia pedunculata  

Emerging suddenly after a rain, the fragrant Texas rain lily is a delicate, graceful native wildflower. Dark green, grassy foliage is almost invisible in the landscape, providing an element of surprise when the star-shaped flowers quickly appear.  Five to nine-inch-tall flowers begin to unfurl in the late evening and will be fully open by the next morning.  Blooms may be white or tinged with pink, with the rose tint increasing as the flowers age. Enjoy waves of blooms following substantial rains from May to September.  

Two species are native to Texas: giant rain lily (Cooperia pedunculata) and the smaller evening rain lily (Cooperia drummondii).  Rain lilies are perennial plants whose blooms generate numerous black seeds which grow into tiny bulbs.  As the bulbs mature more flowers are produced, spreading the plants over a larger area.  When left undisturbed, rain lilies will produce a carpet of flowers and are easily divided and moved to new locations. These diminutive plants can even be grown in pots. 

Rain lilies are an attractive border accent, used alone or combined with other small perennials.  The plants are drought tolerant and thrive in full sun to part shade in almost any soil – whether clay, sandy loam, or sand.  While they look delicate, rain lilies tolerate the extremes of Texas weather including our summer heat and unexpected winter freezes.    

Sources of rain lilies include local garden suppliers specializing in native plants as well as on-line nurseries.  Local Master Gardener or Native Plant Society plant sales frequently offer rain lily bulbs or plants for sale.  Once started in a home garden, rain lilies will multiply quickly.  This fascinating plant is worth searching for and adding and element of surprise to flower bed borders and containers.    

For more information, read this interesting article from Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine.

https://tpwmagazine.com/archive/2021/apr/scout6_flora/index.phtml

Find other beautiful Texas plants to add to the landscape with more Native Plant Resources

Sow your love for pollinators! 

National Pollinator Week is almost here! Celebrate the vital role bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles play in a healthy and resilient landscape. Pollinator Week is June 19th -25th, 2023!    

Pollinator week history 

In 2009 The U.S. Senate approved and designated a week in June as “National Pollinator Week”, marked as a necessary step toward addressing the declining populations of our pollinators. Pollinator Week is managed by Pollinator Partnership and has grown into an international celebration that promotes and celebrates our valuable pollinating species. Groups and individuals around the world have pledged to promote their health and well-being through education and events during this special week.   

A celebration of pollination  

Pollination occurs when an animal carries pollen from the male part of the flower (stamen) to the female part (stigma) of the same or another flower. It is through this process that the plant is fertilized and go on to produce fruits and seeds.  While some plants can pollinate themselves, and others rely on the movement of wind or water, the vast majority of flowering plants need critters such as bees, wasps, moths, butterflies, flies, birds, and bats to move pollen between blooms. This includes 35% of the world’s food crops like almonds, coffee, avocados and so much more.   

Help fight pollinator population decline caused by habitat degradation, loss of nesting sites, and use of pesticides. It is time to raise awareness about the issues surrounding our pollinators and spread the word about what we can do to protect them.

Here are ten things you can do in your yard to help save pollinators.

1. Plant a pollinator garden—provide nectar plants (flowers and herbs).  Visit our website for more information on planting a pollinator garden or how to register your existing garden.

2. Provide a water source—place shallow dishes of water in sunny areas or create a PolliPool.

3. Provide shelter and overwintering habitat – bee boxes, undisturbed soil, and small brush piles are used by native insects. Learn about Air BeeNBee boxes here.  

4. Stop or limit the use of pesticides. Use Natural Alternatives.

5. Provide a sheltered sunny area out of the wind – a sun-drenched stone near a shrub is the perfect place for bees and butterflies to rest and recharge.

6. Plant native species. Mimic local natural areas by selecting native plants. Bluebonnets and black-eyed Susans aren’t just roadside beauties. Make your pollinator garden a season-long showstopper with native plants and wildflowers for your neighbors and pollinators to enjoy. Get stared with these local stars. 

7. Grow flowers throughout the seasons. Provide a variety of colors and shapes.  

8. Plant in clumps and layers. There are 7 layers to a forest – which one(s) are missing from your yard? A mix of tall, canopy tress, smaller trees and shrubs, underplanted with low-growing perennials and vines makes for a rich habitat. Fill in bare spots with flowering annuals.  

9. Use compost instead of commercial fertilizers. The organic matter in compost fuels and promotes the interdependent relationship between roots, soil microbes, and fungi that pull nutrients in from a much wider area than plant roots can reach on their own. So, loading the soil with a diverse and abundant mix of organisms found in compost directly promotes plant health. Source great local compost or make your own. Learn how you can compost here.  

10. Look but do not touch. More than being mindful of a potential sting, pollinators are delicate insects easily harmed if handled. Take a photo instead! Keep track of your garden sightings with iNaturalist – learn how you can save pollinators with your phone Here!

Join the BioBlitz

In celebration of plants and animals of the Pineywoods, the Township is hosting a week-long “BioBlitz”– a community effort to identify as many local species as possible during National Pollinator Week, June 19 through June 25, 2023. This effort is a fun, informal opportunity to learn together and share enthusiasm for nature. You don’t need to be an expert! The iNaturalist app makes it easy discover new things right outside your back door. Click here to learn more.   

Join us for the in-person BioBooth, Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 8 to 11 a.m. at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive.  Marvel at the display of biological wonders and look through the microscope to see butterflies and their host plants up close. Experts will be on hand to help with iNaturalist observations and answer questions on local insects, frogs, plants, birds, mushrooms, and more. This is a free event for all ages! Click here to learn more.   

 For great resources on all things pollinators, visit the Plant for Pollinators page or email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov