One of the ecological communities that thrived in
what is now New York City's Washington Square Park
is the
oak-tulip tree forest. The primary canopy trees
in this forest type are its namesakes, oaks (Quercus
spp.) and tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), as well
as American beech (Fagus grandifolia), black birch
(Betula lenta), and red maple (Acer rubrum). Understory
trees and shrubs include flowering dogwood (Cornus
florida), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), American witch-
hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), and lowbush blueberry
(Vaccinium angustifolium). The herbaceous layer is
mostly composed of white wood aster (Eurybia divar-
icata), Solomon's plume (Maianthemum racemosum),
and New York fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis).
Two tulip trees were planted during the 2007-
2014 reconstruction of Washington Square Park.
Was the species planted to better reflect the
indigenous landscape? I don't have an answer,
but I'm happy to have them nearby. >>
Tulip Tree among the Oaks:
Notes on My Favorite
Forest Tree
By Georgia Silvera Seamans,
Washington Square Park Eco Projects Director
Photos Courtesy of Washington Square Park Eco Projects
The pair of Washington Square Park young
tulip trees featured in the story.
13 CityTREES
