It's a terrifying prospect that the trees you see in forests now might not be around in the next couple of years. Sadly, this situation is becoming increasingly real as many of North America's notable trees face extinction from the triple threat we can only summarize as climate change, diseases, and human activities.
In this article, we'll explore eight endangered trees in North America, some of which are so iconic it's hard to imagine they're critically threatened.
Florida Yew
Taxus floridana
The Florida Yew is a small evergreen species found only in the Southeastern United States. It's among the rarest trees in the country. Traditionally, yews from the Taxus genus were valued for their strong and flexible wood, making them suitable for crafting bows and various tools.
With its slow growth, trouble regenerating naturally, and vulnerability to diseases, this special tree is hanging on by a thread. Add in overharvesting for many years prior and habitat loss from development, it's no surprise that the species is pushed to the brink of extinction. Today, the remaining trees survive on a restricted area of about ten square miles in Florida's Panhandle.
Coast Redwood
Sequoia sempervirens
The Coast Redwood, more commonly known as Sequoia, is the most recognizable tree on this list along with the Fraser Fir. This gigantic evergreen tree species is native to the coastal fog belt of Northern California and Oregon. Hyperion, the tallest tree recorded towers over the other majestic sequoia with a staggering height of over 370 feet.
It's hard to imagine that a species this tall and proud is among the endangered trees today. While there are a considerable number of sequoias remaining in their natural habitat, they are under threat in their native range. Wildfires in California are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change and pose a significant danger to the species, potentially destroying entire groves.
Fraser Fir
Abies fraseri
The Frase Fir is commonly recognized as a Christmas tree with its dense, symmetrical shape and fragrant needles. This tree is native to the Appalachian Mountains, mainly in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. While there are plenty of Fraser Firs, they are likely from a tree farm—the species is actually endangered in its natural habitat.
Climate change is a major threat to the Fraser Fir, as rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns affect its habitat. But what decimated its population, by the millions at over 80 percent, is the balsam woolly adelgid, an aphid-like insect native to Europe. Once a tree gets infested with this insect, it becomes weakened and may eventually die from starvation or other causes.
Photo by ArtHouse Studio via Pexels
American Chestnut
Castanea dentata
The American Chestnut was once a dominant tree species on the eastern side of North America and had provided food and shelter to various wildlife. But the chestnut blight, a fungal disease introduced from Asia in the late 19th century, decimated the species.
Although efforts are underway to develop blight-resistant chestnut trees, the species remains "functionally extinct" in its natural habitat. There is still a significant number of American Chestnuts that continue to exist today, but they are unable to reproduce enough to sustain their numbers.
Maple-Leaf Oak
Quercus acerfolia
The Maple-Lead Oak is a rare deciduous tree found in just a handful of locations within the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. While an oak tree species, its leaves resemble those of a maple tree, hence its name.
Habitat loss due to deforestation, development, and livestock grazing is the primary threat to the Maple-Leaf Oak. On the brighter side, conservation efforts are also underway, focusing on protecting the remaining population and promoting natural regeneration.
Longleaf Pine
Pinus palustris
The Longleaf Pine, a native tree of the southeastern United States, once dominated vast tracts of forestland. This species is characterized by its long, slender needles and tall, straight trunk.
Overgrazing, logging, and conversion of forests to agricultural land have led to a significant decline in Longleaf Pines. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect and restore its population by using prescribed burns to manage invasive species and by replanting. But it remains at risk.
Florida Torreya
Torreya taxifolia
The Florida Torreya is a small, slow-growing evergreen tree native to the Apalachicola River Valley in Florida and Georgia. It has dark green, needle-shaped leaves, along with reddish-brown bark. Although it's classified as a conifer, it's not a type of pine and has distinct features, including small, fleshy fruits that set it apart from pine trees.
It's difficult to determine the exact number of Florida Torreyas due to their scattered distribution. But they're incredibly rare and their population continues to decline due to several factors, including habitat loss.
Virginia Round Leaf Birch
Betula uber
The Virginia Round-Leaf Birch is a rare tree species in the Birch family. It's believed to be endemic to the mountains of West Virginia, distinguishable by its smooth, shiny bark and rounded leaves.
At one point, the Virginia Round Leaf Birch was believed to be extinct until a couple of dozen trees were found in 1975. Its current natural habitat is limited to a single location in Smyth County, Virginia. Although conservation efforts are ongoing, with some success from growing seedlings in greenhouses, the species is still on the endangered list. It hasn't been observed to be reproducing naturally multiple times.
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Knowing more about endangered trees is a way of reminding ourselves of the delicate balance between our human needs and the preservation of our planet's natural resources. The decline of these majestic species can impact future generations, sometimes in subtle ways that may be difficult to foresee.
As consumers, we have a powerful role to play in protecting endangered tree species. For example, when choosing furniture and other wood products, it's important to prioritize sustainable options. Look for certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which help ensure the material comes from responsibly managed forests.
Consider supporting local businesses that source wood from sustainably managed forests or use reclaimed or recycled wood. By making informed choices and learning more about sustainable practices, we can contribute to the conservation of endangered trees and help create a better future for our planet.
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Featured Image by Mike Krejci from Pexels