Old City Arboretum

SPECIMEN LANDMARK TREE

Scientific name: Cedrus deodara

Age:

The wood is aromatic and makes a fragrant incense. The cedar oils are often used therapeutically in aromatherapy or as an insect repellant. It can reach 130-160 feet tall, trunk to 10 feet wide, arching graceful branches, and blue green needle like leaves that create interest to your landscape. It is also known as "‘Rose Cedar’

The male and female cones are on the same tree. Male cones usually on the lower branches and the beautiful female cones, shaped like roses, on the upper branches. 

Scientific name: Morus  

Age: 100 years

 A Mulberry tree can be left to grow into a shade tree. However, if you want to develop it for the fruit, you must groom the canopy shorter to yield an abundant harvest for the season. They are fast-growing trees that produce sweet, juicy berries for fresh eating or preserves. Despite their similar appearance, mulberries are not closely related to raspberries or blackberries. The mulberry differs from these brambles in that it belongs to the Moreaceae family, which includes fig, jackfruit, and other fruits that grow on a tree. 

SPECIMEN LANDMARK TREE

THE JEFFERSON TREE

Age: 200 years, ( c.1825)    

Scientific name: Quercus phellas

“The Jefferson Tree” is called out due to President Thomas Jefferson’s documented declaration, “Truly my favorite tree.”  This tree dating to the earliest point in the history of Senoia and settlers were migrating into this area to establish a homestead.

The Willow Oak, native to the South, remains a favorite tree for planting in the hot climate, and for the graceful shade it provides. Frequently they are along streets and in parks because of its size, striking appearance, and relatively fast growth. Often referred as a "Handsome Tree," with its stand-out features: willow-like shaped leaves and tiny acorns, shallow spreading roots that do not heave above the soil.

Scientific name: Magnolia grandiflora

Age: 100 years

   A tall evergreen tree that grows to 120ft. It typically has a single trunk and a pyramidal shape. The leaves are simple, dark green, stiff, and leathery, with a cinnamon color and soft velvety underneath. The large, showy, lemon citronella-scented flowers are a sight to behold. Their white petals that span almost 12" across is a testament to the tree's beauty. The flower’s have a soft fragrance and waxy texture captivating all who lay eyes on them.

Scientific name: Ulmus americana

Age:

Elms are admired and loved for their graceful, stately shape, with branches like spreading fountains, and green leaves that turn gold in fall. The American elm was the most popular tree to plant in the booming cities of the 19th century, so that by the 20th century many streets were lined with only elms and were shaded in summer by a cathedral-like ceiling of their branches. The American Elm also provides food, nesting sites, and habitat for various wildlife species. There are American Elms throughout the Senoia historic district, see if you can identify them.  

Scientific name: Paulownia elongata

Known as the Empress Tree, Princess Tree, or Foxglove Tree, Paulownia is interesting because it is one of the fastest-growing trees in the world and has high-quality timber. In early spring, its beautiful large aromatic clusters of purple or lavender flowers that resemble foxglove adds splendor to the landscape. Its giant heart-shaped leaves create a lush green canopy, adding to its unusual presence.          

Scientific name: Prunus laurocerasus

English Laurel also known as Cherry Laurel is an attractive ornamental shrub that can be grown as a  small flowering Specimen Tree or beautiful flower hedge. It has a  a sweet smelling flowers and leaves that emit an almond aroma when crushed.         

Scientific name: Quercus nigra

Age:

Water Oak is distinguished among other oaks by its spatulate leaves: broad and rounded at the top, and narrow and wedged at the base. The name refers to its leaf shape: the lobe looks as if a drop of water is hanging from the end of the leaf. Leaves are alternate, simple, tardily dehiscent, and green to bluish-green in color.

It is a native to Georgia.

Water Oaks, a staple of Southern streets and used as shade for generations, are easy to care for and long-lasting if planted in a place they like. This tree has found a perfect spot!

Scientific name: Lagerstroemia

Crape myrtles are chiefly known for their colorful and long-lasting flowers, which occur in summer. Most species have sinewy, fluted stems and branches with a mottled appearance that arises from having bark that sheds throughout the year.

Flowers are borne in summer and autumn in pinacle shaped flowers with a crepe like texture. Colors vary from deep purple to red to white, with almost every shade in between.

Although pecans were renowned among colonial Americans as a novelty, the commercial growth of pecans in Georgia did not begin until the 1880s. By 1910, southwest Georgia landowners began planting thousands of pecan trees, recognizing their high financial potential, which led to the "pecan boom." Soon after, small private Pecan Groves on residential plots became a Real Estate necessity. They increased land value, developed a sales attraction, and created income-producing options.

Scientific name: Quercus falcata

Oak trees can look very similar from first glance but you can identify the Southern Red oak by it’s draping elongated classic oak leaf and the distinguishing very light underside feature.

The Southern Red Oak is a magnificent shade tree known for its resilience, fast growth, and stunning red fall foliage. Native to Georgia, The deeply lobed, glossy green leaves create a beautiful summer canopy before transforming into brilliant shades of red and orange in autumn. A tree that provides both beauty and function.

Scientific name: Quercus coccinea

The live oak is the iconic tree of the South. It has been called one of the most impressive North American trees and can live for hundreds of years. The live oak provides one of the most indelible images of the Old South. The huge branches of a live oak festooned with Spanish moss and spreading horizontally over grassy lawns is iconic. The tree has long been a favorite not only for its beauty and shade but also for its strong and dense wood. It was once so valuable for wooden vessels the Navy maintained its own Live Oak forest.

Scientific name: Magnolia x soulangiana

A hybrid cousin of America's magnificent Southern Magnolia, the Saucer Magnolia is actually a large spreading shrub that takes its name from its wide, saucer-like flowers. A handsome small tree with leathery leaves and smooth gray bark is the beauty of Springtime.

Scientific name: Betula nigra  

A native to Georgia, this birch is one of the few heat-tolerant trees. The base of the tree is often divided into multiple slender trunks with its characteristic unique peeling bark. It gives texture to the landscape and a graceful habit with remarkable adaptability. 

Scientific name: Junipers virginiana

Age: 100 years, (c.1925)

There are several Red Cedars in the Park that were all planted in 1925 to repopulate the building site by Mr.& Mrs.McKnight at the completion of their Stone Lodge by the lake.

The Eastern Red Cedar is a pioneer species, meaning that it is one of the first trees to repopulate disturbed sites. It is unusually long lived among pioneer species, with the potential to live over 900 years. This plant provides wonderful winter interest and the aromatic wood is used to repel moths.

HISTORIC LANDMARK TREE

MARY MC KNIGHT TULIP TREE

Scientific name: Liriodendron tulipifera

Age: 100 yrs. (c.1925)

This Tree was planted by Mary McKnight, a prominent figure in Senoia’s history, along side her newly finished Stone Fishing Lodge by the lake, now named Marimac Lake Park.

A specimen tree that one can argue about whether the "tulips" are the outline of its leaves or its cup-shaped flowers. But both undoubtedly contributed to the fanciful name given to this tree by early settlers. The tulip tree is still beloved for its beauty today. It is one of the largest native trees in North America. These showy, goblet shaped, orange-yellow-green flowers appear in late spring.

HISTORIC LANDMARK TREE

MARY MC KNIGHT EMPRESS

Scientific name: Paulownia tomendos

Age: 100 years, (c.1925)

This tree, also know as a Princess Tree, was also planted by Mary McKnight beside her newly built Stone Lodge on the Lake, now known as Marimac lake Park. It’s beautiful foxglove like flowers of the victorian style was a style of the period.

Known as the Empress Tree, or Foxglove Tree, Paulownia is interesting because it is one of the fastest-growing trees in the world and has high-quality timber. In early spring, its beautiful large aromatic clusters of purple or lavender flowers that resemble foxglove adds splendor to the landscape. Its giant heart-shaped leaves create a lush green canopy, adding to its unusual presence.        

Scientific name: Minus Taeda

Age: 175 years, (c.1855)

This tree dates the beginning of Senoia when it was called Location and early settlers arrived from North Carolina. A specimen tree, due to its size and shape, and fir needle alng the trunk that implies that it has stood alone throughout its history.

The loblolly pine is an important American timber tree that is also cloaked in beauty during much of the year. This pine is distinguished by its large, columnar trunk; attractive bark in broad, reddish-brown plates; and its pale green needles. One of the fastest growing southern pines.

Scientific name: Acer rubrum

Valued for its beauty, adaptability, and shade, the red maple is one of the most recognizable trees in North America. True to its name, this tree features something red in each of the seasons—buds in winter, flowers in spring, leafstalks in summer, and brilliant foliage in autumn. This pageant of color, along with the red maple's relatively fast growth and tolerance to a wide range of soils, makes it a widely planted favorite.

The Red Maple has many claims to fame, including the greatest north–south range of any tree species living entirely in the eastern forests (Newfoundland to southern Florida).

SPECIMEN LANDMARK TREE

“THE KING”

Age: 275 years at least

Scientific name: Maclura pomifera

This Osage Orange tree is a member of the Mulberry family and is native to Georgia. Although this is a male tree and does not bear fruit, the fruit resembles oranges, and the bark has a unique orange hue. Its growth habit is dense branches creating a thick canopy. It is known for its large baseball size green fruits, and only edible to wildlife. The nasty spines and dense growth habit of the branches make it an impressive security plant, once used extensively as a living fence to define property lines until the introduction of barbed wire.   

Scientific name: Acer palmatum

This little tree is the cornerstone of Japanese gardening, with its magnificent leaf color and shape. But don’t think it can’t work well in your yard. The Japanese red maple lends a sense of grace to any space. The dash of red is a welcome addition in yards and parks across the U.S.

The first specimen of the tree reached England in 1820 and was named Acer palmatum after the hand-like shape of its leaves. Today there are hundreds of Japanese red maple cultivars on the market, and Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' (meaning "dark-purple") is one of the most popular.

Scientific name: Acer Palmatum

The Japanese Green Maple is a graceful tree, prized for its vibrant green foliage that transforms into shades of gold, orange, or red in the fall before dropping to the ground. Its delicate, deeply cut, toothed lobed leaves give it a lacy, airy appearance, making it an attractive focal point. Relatively low-maintenance, Japanese Maples are extremely popular for their stunning foliage.

Scientific name: Cunninghamia anceolata

Age: 125 years

The China Fir, a unique tree species in the cypress family Cupressaceae, is an ornamental gem commonly found in temperate zones like Georgia. Despite its common name, China Fir, it's not a true fir but shares a closer kinship with the North American Redwoods, a relationship that sheds light on its evolutionary history. This pre-historic-looking tree stands out as a specimen tree, with its monoecious nature and the production of male and female cones on the same plant. The small, inconspicuous cones are usually clustered at the ends of upper branches, adding to their distinctiveness.

Scientific name: Prunus yedoensis

The Yoshino cherry (also known as the Japanese flowering cherry) is the darling of the flowering tree world and the star of such renowned events as the National and International Cherry Blossom Festivals.Yoshino Flowering Cherry is a soul-stirring tree in spring when it becomes a sparkling cloud of white or light pink blooms. The delicate but profuse blossoms have made this tree dear to American hearts. Yoshino is one of the big players in our capital’s famous Cherry Blossom Festival each year. The first Japanese flowering cherries planted in the nation’s capital were a gift from the mayor of Tokyo.

HISTORIC LANDMARK TREE

Scientific name: Platanus occidentalis

Age: 150 years (c. 1875)

The Sycamore is a grand, stately shade tree for a larger site.It can often be easily distinguished from other trees by its mottled bark, which flakes off in large irregular masses, leaving the surface mottled and gray, greenish-white, and brown. The unusual 1 inch round fruit pods dangle all winter long on a 4-6 inch thin stem which looks whimsical.The Sycamore has very high wildlife value, attracting many birds that use the tree for many purposes such as nesting, feeding, and roosting.

Scientific name: Cercis Canadensis

Unique and irregular branching patterns combine with a trunk that commonly divides close to the ground to create a handsome, spreading, and often flat-topped crown. Redbud Trees are one of the earliest spring bloomers. These flowering trees have small, showy blooms that form clusters that pop up all over the tree, even on the trunk! The heart-shaped leaves shimmer in the sun. The tree's greatest virtue is that it's an important source of food for honeybees and many of our native pollinating insects.

Scientific name: Carya illinoinem

Pecan trees can commonly be found surrounding both urban and rural dwellings throughout Georgia. They can enhance the environment and provide a significant additional income from selling nuts. Pecans are recommended for home planting in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont which is where Senoia is located but not for the north Georgia mountains. A pecan, like the fruit of all other members of the hickory genus, is not truly a nut but is technically a drupe, a fruit with a single stone or pit surrounded by a husk.

A SPECIMEN LANDMARK TREE “THE LIVING FOSSILL”

Sceintific name: Metasequoia glylostroboides

One of the most famous specimen trees in the city would be the Dawn Redwood which you can see here at the Senoia United Methodist Church. It is also known as “The Tree of the Century”.

The Dawn Redwood is known as a “living fossil” because it was thought to be extinct for millions of years until rediscovered in 1940 by a botanist in China. a few years after an expedition by Harvard University collected seeds to distribute throughout the United States to re-establish the tree here.

Most Dawn redwoods growing today can be traced back to the original seeds, and honored to have this prized tree here in Senoia in our collection.

Scientific name: Magnolia grandiflora “Little Gem’

The Little Gem Magnolia is a dwarf cultivar of the Southern Magnolia, known for its compact, evergreen form and fragrant flowers. It typically grows to about 20-25 feet tall and 8-12 feet wide. With all the charm of a southern magnolia in a smaller size, the little gem magnolia is a popular ornamental choice for people living in hardiness zones 6 through 10. It is often used as a standout landscape specimen to add evergreen beauty or a floral screen or hedge.

If you choose this variety, the reward is early on. The shrub blooms as soon as two or three years old, providing a profusion of fragrant blossoms.

Scientific name: Cornus florida

A white Flowering Dogwood is one of the most beautiful eastern North American trees. It has showy early spring flowers, red fruit, and scarlet autumn foliage. The dogwood is a small to medium woodland understory tree native to most of the eastern United States. Branches on the lower half of the crown grow horizontally, and those in the upper half are more upright. In time, this can lend a strikingly horizontal impact to the landscape. Lower branches left on the trunk will droop to the ground, creating a wonderful landscape feature.

Scientific name: Ulmus parvifolia

The Chinese Elm is a fast-growing semi-evergreen to deciduous tree. This sturdy and popular variety forms an umbrella-shaped canopy of heavily divided foliage that emerges bright green with an attractive red tinge to mature into a deep green. Adding further appeal to this vigorous species is the attractive mottled bark exhibiting shades of grey and reddish-orange with age. Branches eventually arch downward to create a lightly weeping appearance, and it is comforting to sit under for shade.  

Scientific name: Quercus palustris  

Homeowners and city foresters are particularly fond of this tree for many reasons: dense shade, tolerance of many soil conditions, heat, soil compaction, and air pollution, easy to plant, and pleasing to the eye.

The Pin Oak has a lot of admirable qualities, but honestly, that incredible fall color pretty much seals the deal, doesn’t it? Highly prized for its brilliant fall display of red and deep-bronze color. The outstanding color lasts for nearly a month.