wintery mix fall outside my window, I think of those of us who long for spring
and sunshine. No need to become a snowbird though or to raid your
cabinets searching for Vitamin D supplements. The winter blues can be
something to look forward to, especially in the case of blue-green needled
conifers.
Two of my favorites
are Chamaecyparis nootkatensis
‘Pendula’ (Weeping Alaska-cedar) and Abies
concolor (Concolor or White Fir).
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ is an evergreen that
grows 20 to 35 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide. The Weeping Alaska-cedar is a standout
in any garden, large or small and a perfect specimen tree for an East Coast
garden. Your garden visitors will
certainly be asking you “What is that tree?”
I remember seeing it for the first time in a container outside the
conservatory at Longwood Gardens. I had
plant envy for sure. This Chamaecyparis
grows best in average, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. As a native tree to the Pacific Northwest, it’s
even fond of moisture and humidity! The
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society recognized Weeping Alaska-cedar as one of
its Gold Medal Plants for 2015, confirming its exceptional merit.
 |
| Weeping Alaska Cedar |
 |
| Concolor Fir |
Carol, Thanks for giving us a silver lining to our Pennsylvania winter. In my years in Minnesota I spent many weeks portaging up in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and always loved the occasional "lob pine" I would see, standing as a landmark and guide marker for the portage trail that led from one lake to another. These tall white pines were stripped of their lower hanging branches by the early voyagers and were easily visible from various points on the lake to aid in navigation. They were striking reminders of the long history of man's interaction with wilderness. Here is a URL to one picture of a "lob pine".
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR6BdUirOjllwCfUK1nLyYZPB9FT_h-FLaR5Y0-PjZe7RBetojlRA
I am sad to say that there are few left these days in the BWCA.
Thanks for sharing your story John and especially the picture. I'm sorry to hear that there aren't may lob pines left to guide visitors and remind them of our history. I think conifers are so striking in the landscape, particularly in the winter…perhaps more can be planted in Minnesota for the younger generations to appreciate!