Our Favorite Trees
A selection of some of the Cambridge DPW's favorite trees
01 / 07
1
Paperbark Maple in Wilder Park
The Paperbark maple (Acer griseum) is a small but beautiful species. This specimen at Wilder Playground on Lee St appears to be a modestly sized tree but it is the largest paperbark maple found in any City park. This species has distinctive peeling bark that can appear copper to cinnamon to purple in color. The leaves turn bright red to orange in the fall. Paperbark maples grow to a maximum of about 30ft tall, making it a perfect tree for small landscapes and under-wires.
2
Cucumber Magnolia - City Hall
The Cucumber magnolia (Magnolia acuminata) located on the front lawn of City Hall is one of the largest City-maintained magnolias in Cambridge, with a DBH of over 20 inches. Most of the flowers and cucumber-shaped fruits can be difficult to see because they appear towards the top of the canopy in this species. Cucumber magnolia is the hardiest and one of the largest of all magnolia species but it is a rare find in MA. Enjoy this large specimen along Mass Ave and find a smaller companion Cucumber magnolia tree behind City Hall at Inman St and Doyle Way.
3
American Elm on Hurley St
There are many trees I have enjoyed working with over the years in Cambridge. East Cambridge is home to some really big trees in a very dense neighborhood. Many years ago, I stumbled upon a beautiful American elm on Hurley Street. The tree was not correctly identified in our tree inventory so I did not know it existed until spotting it. It really stands out on the street with its classic vase shape form. This elm provides 4 season interest for all to enjoy
4
Weeping Willow - Main Library
The Weeping willow (Salix babylonica) found at the entrance to Joan Lorenz Park outside of the Main Library is a magnificent tree that offers year-round beauty. This graceful tree is over 60 inches in diameter, over 5 feet across! In the spring, summer and fall the canopy appears to form a graceful curtain around the trunk and anyone who visits underneath the tree. Like this specimen, willows can grow to be very large and have extensive, thirsty root systems. They are best suited for park locations.
5
London Planetree – Cambridge Street
The London planetree in front of the King Open school on Cambridge Street is an amazing tree. When I learned the King Open School was slated for demolition and rebuilding, we made sure this tree was preserved and protected during the construction process. Due to the preservation methods used during the construction project, the planetree withstood the pressures from construction. Today the tree stands healthy and prominent for all to enjoy.
6
London Planetree – Donnelly Field
The London Planetree (Platanus × acerifolia) at Donnelly Field across from 40 York St is the largest City tree of its species! London planes are common city trees because they tolerate pollution very well. They can easily be identified by their grayish to white colored bark and upper branches. London plane is a hybrid between American and Oriental sycamores. American sycamore and London plane have many similarities and can be difficult to distinguish. Both species have the potential to become huge trees. There are over 55 London planes and American sycamores in Cambridge with DBHs 30”+ !
7
Dawn Redwoods - Pleasant St at Putnam Ave
These 2 Dawn redwoods (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) on Pleasant St just north of the intersection with Putnam Ave are the largest street trees of this species in Cambridge. Dawn redwoods are identified in the Urban Forest Master Plan as a best performer for being a resilient and adaptive species when taking into account the effects of climate change.
Dawn redwood is a deciduous conifer meaning it loses its needle-like leaves every fall. This species used to be common in the northern hemisphere, 50 to 100 million years ago. A discovery of a population of dawn redwoods in China in the 1940’s brought it back from assumed extinction and led to this tree being known as a “living fossil”.
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