New Jersey’s state tree, red oaks have straight trunks clear of branches leading to a rounded crown and a canopy that is usually 3/4 as wide as the height. Its leaves turn crimson, golden orange and russet in the fall. Its wood outsells all other hardwoods and is used for multiple purposes. Hosts: over 500 species of butterflies, larval host to Grey Hairstreak Attracts: birds, small mammals and deer Growth: 75-100’h, moist to dry well drained loamy soil, shade tolerant Location: Next to circuit drive as you enter/leave via Bellevue, in the field near the bandstand

Swamp White Oaks are natives and have attractive peeling bark which is especially apparent on young trees.   The leaves are dark green on top with a silvery underside, and the acorns are distinguished by their long stalks.  Every 3 to 5 years they produce large “mast” crops of acorns, this reduces seed predation and improves reproduction.   This is a “keystone tree” as it supports many types of wildlife from insects to butterflies to birds and mammals.
Hosts: over 500 different species of butterflies/moths
Growth: 50-60’ h, moist to wet acidic soil, adapts to dry site
Location: Next to Circuit Dr between triangle and dog park, on circuit drive heading to leave to Watchung

A popular landscape tree this has a fast growing nature, balanced round form and fine texture. It is tolerant of pollution, transplants well and adapts to most soil conditions. Like most oaks, it is also a high value tree for wildlife supporting birds, mammals and butterflies. The smooth edged narrow leaves are hairy on the bottom and golden in the fall and the bark gets dark grey and furrowed as it ages. Acorns are eaten by woodpeckers, songbirds, ducks, small mammals, wild turkeys, deer and bears; they are edible for humans only if boiled. Hosts: Imperial moth, butterflies - banded hairstreak, Edward’s hairstreak, gray hairstreak, white hairstreak, Horace’s duskywing, Juvenalis dustywing Attracts: birds, mammals and butterflies Growth: 40-75’ tall, 25-50’ wide, most soils, full sun/part shade Location: Upper Circuit drive, between beeches and yellowwoods, and opposite dog park entrance

This native tree, part of the pea family produces fragrant flowers in June followed by seedpods that resemble pea pods.  Yellowwoods provide nesting sites for songbirds as well as high quality nectar and pollen that attracts bees/pollinators.  The wood of this tree is indeed yellow and the root bark was used in the past to produce yellow dye.  
Attracts: bees and other pollinators
Growth: 30-50’ h, moist soil, protect from wind
Location: Between Pollinator Garden and Band Stand 

This small tree has fragrant white flowers that appear in early spring when the ground thaws and the shad run in rivers. Edible berries in summer attract a wide variety of birds. Wonderful as a small group, it is just as lovely standing alone with its spring white flowers or red and orange leaves in the fall. The wood is used to make handles, walking sticks and fishing rods.  
Hosts: red-spotted purple and Viceroy butterflies Attracts: Butterflies, nectar eating insects, songbirds and mammals
Growth: up to 25’ high, 20’ wide,  sun/part shade, most soils
Bloom: Spring
Location: Lower circuit drive in the open area next to the toe stretch station

This tree has a straight trunk and dense oval/round form, compound leaves are red in the spring and yellow in the fall - these features make it easy to identify.  The wood is very strong and is used for lumber and firewood.  Settlers used the wood for wagon wheels.  With a deep taproot it is drought tolerant and hates to be transplanted. Its nuts can be bitter but are eaten by wildlife such as squirrels, chipmunks, deer, foxes, bear, mice, and wood ducks.  
Hosts: Banded hairstreak butterfly, luna and other moths, supports hickory horn devil Attracts: butterflies, pollinators, mammals
Growth: 80’tall, 40’wide, adapts to fertile sandy/clay loams in sun to part sun
Bloom: Spring with small flowers and catkins
Location: Next to dog park

This medium to large tree has a short thick trunk with a rounded/pyramidal crown of branches.  Spreading branches hold leaves larger than your hand while smelling “green”. Leaves turn yellow in the fall. Its flowers are white and showy with yellow and purple patterns, they give way to long green seed pods.  Moths that it hosts are an important food for birds and bats.  Its wood is brittle.
Hosts: catalpa sphinx moth and tersa sphinx moth Attracts: bees, birds, moths, bats
Growth: 40-70’ tall, 8-16’wide, full sun/part shade, tolerant of most soils, prefers moist loam
Bloom: late spring to early summer with a panicle showy white flowers
Location: at the Upper Circuit Drive corner of the cherry grove

A member of the pea family, this produces glorious pink/purple flowers on the bark of its stems.   Its short stature and flat or slightly rounded crown means it is frequently found growing under taller trees in the wild.   Its heart shaped leaves are a cool note of color in the summer and turn assorted red, yellow and orange shades in the fall depending upon the variety of tree.  In drought, regular watering is needed to keep this tree healthy.  Native Americans used the bark for medicinal purposes and the flowers are edible and taste like peas.
Hosts: 12 species of lepidoptera including redbud leaf folder moth and Harry’s elfin butterfly Attracts: bees, butterflies, birds, song birds and small mammals
Growth: 20-30’ tall, 20-35’wide, full sun/part shade, moderately fertile clay soil
Bloom: Spring
Location: Gordonhurst entrance, Ridgewood entrance, Dogpark entrance, dotted along lower circuit drive

Providing four season interest, this native tree is part of the olive family (Oleaceae). It produces spectacular clouds of fragrant white flowers in late spring followed by black fruits which are a food source for birds and other wildlife. Its clear yellow leaves brighten the fall and the scaly red furrowed park provides some winter interest.  With a maximum height of around 30 feet it fits in well in lawns, gardens and along the edge of a woodland which is how we use it in the park.   Native Americans used this plant for disinfectant and dermatological aid.
Hosts: larval stage rustic sphinx Attracts: pollinators, birds, mammals
Growth: 12-30’tall, 12-20’wide, full sun/part shade, most soils
Bloom: April to May
Location: Ridgewood entrance, Rose Garden

An understory tree topping out at a maximum 25 ft tall this tree grows from Canada through the eastern US to eastern Mexico.  It can be a bit tricky to get established if its light/soil needs are not met but is well worth the effort in terms of its beauty.  The showy flower is actually a collection of tiny flowers surrounded by 4 petal like showy bracts.  They are followed by red fruits which feed songbirds and wildlife through the fall and winter.  Native Americans used the dogwood for medicinal purposes, carving wood and disinfectant.  Its strong wood is used for tool handles and weaving shuttles.
Hosts: spring azure butterfly, Gonanderna specialized bees Attracts: butterflies, bees, birds, chipmunks, bear, foxes, deer, skunks and squirrels
Growth: 15-25’tall, 15-30’ wide, full sun/part shade, most acid/neutral soils
Bloom: Spring
Location: Lower circuit drive in the open area next to the toe stretch

Both male and female plants are required to produce berries.  This tree grows slowly into a pyramidal shape that has limbs all the way down to the ground.  The leaves and fruits make beautiful colors in the winter garden, and branches are often used for Christmas decor.  Read up this tree and make sure that its a fit for a planting location as it becomes large, it’s highly flammable and while fairly adaptable, it has a few specific dislikes re soil, drainage and amount of shade.
Hosts: Harry’s elfin butterfly Attracts: butterflies, honey bees, birds, deer, squirrels and small mammals
Growth: 40-60’tall, 10-20’wide, sun/part shade, clay or loam, acid/neutral soil
Bloom: Spring/Summer
Location: Lower circuit drive behind the toe stretch tucked up to the pine trees

This slender magnolia smells best in the early evening and blooms sporadically in the summer month with white cup shaped flowers that open in the morning and close in the evening. Cone like fruits with bright red seeds provide fall interest.  In the south it becomes a tall tree  but in our area it is usually a multi stemmed open shrub.  While its flowers are far smaller than the glossy leaved southern magnolia, its long blooming period, accessible height and lovely fragrance makes it a great addition to a home garden.
Hosts: spicebush swallowtail larvae, eastern tiger swallowtail larvae Attracts: deer, birds and small mammals
Growth: 10-35’tall, 10-35’wide, full sun/part shade, acid soil
Bloom: late spring through summer
Location: Lower circuit drive in the open area next to toe stretch and in a patch around the curve towards Bellevue

These will reach a height of 50 to 70 feet tall. One of the longest living trees in the world it has an average lifespan of 600 years. We planted it as a specimen tree to help frame the beauty of our open fields.  It’s also a great example of planting for a warming climate because this tree is more prevalent further south but, as average temperatures climb, it will do very well here. Unlike other cone bearing trees it “goes bald” loosing its needles annually. In fall this is a showstopper turning a gorgeous russet red.
Attracts: birds and mammals eat the seeds
Growth: 50-70’ tall, 20-30’ wide, full sun/part shade, most acid soils
Bloom: Spring
Location: In the field by the band stand