All posts in the topic trees on the boulevard (Short link)
Summary
- There are 8 posts — by 8 authors — in this topic.
- Latest post made by Jeanne Weigum at Jul 07 15:32 UTC
I'm sure someone here can answer a few questions for me. First, what is
the tree in bloom all over the boulevards right now that has large spade
shaped leaves and clusters of creamy flowers? Is it native to the Midwest?
Who gets to decide what trees are planted on the boulevards?
Julia May
Payne Phalen, East Side
Aren't those bean trees? On 6/27/08, J. May <jmay@idlelion.net> wrote: > I'm sure someone here can answer a few questions for me. First, what is > the tree in bloom all over the boulevards right now that has large spade > shaped leaves and clusters of creamy flowers? Is it native to the Midwest? > > Who gets to decide what trees are planted on the boulevards? > > Julia May > Payne Phalen, East Side > > > J May > Payne- Phalen on the East Side, Saint Paul > Info about J May: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/jmay > > This topic's messages may be viewed at: http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/727j5N4Eco1zDtwy9wmnw0
Those are Catalpa trees, and according to my pal Erik Hare, were brought here
from upstate New York in the later 19th Century.
I used to love cruising down Summit in the summer on my Vespa, with possibly a
few beers under my capable belt, and revel in their glorious perfume filling
the night air.
Then some bastard stole my Vespa.
The scent is still as wonderful, though I like it best mixed with a slight bit
of 2-stroke exhaust. Call me crazy, or nostalgic...
I believe the tree you are describing is a Catalpa tree.
The Catalpa trees (the bean tree) have huge leaves and larger flowers with a
little purple and yellow pattern in the center. What I have been seeing in
bloom is much a smaller tree and a smaller flower that clumps together. They
look like a Japanese Tree Lilac. These flowers definitely look more like a
lilac. Both bloom in later june.
Tonya Nicholie
West End
Under an Ironwood Tree Lined Street
Yes, the littler ones are the Japanese Tree Lilacs and I'm astounded how
many there are all over town. When I put one in my back yard just a couple
of years ago there were hardly any around. They grow really fast, bloom
beautifully, and smell wonderful.
I guess no one ever got around to answering Julia's other question about who decides about planting boulevard trees. Looks like it is the Forestry Office of the City of St. Paul. There's a city boulevard tree guide on the website that has a good link to a planting schedule map and a bad link for a tree trimming schedule: http://tinyurl.com/6fvl4f Looks like you can pick a species they think is okay for your location and with a permit, plant your own; too bad they don't link that okay species list.
The other tree that could meet the discription is the Tilia Americana,
American Basswood. The Basswood has smaller but similarly shaped leaves to
the Catalpa. Its flowers are insignificant except enmass they perfume the
air for blocks. Quite lovely.
I happen to love the Catalpa but it can "hollow out" in old age and break in
a heavy wind. Not good as it can be up to 100 feet tall.
Jeanne Weigum
Certified tree hugger in Merriam Park