KITSAP HERITAGE TREES
Sun | Home & Garden
Editor's Note: This is an occasional column by Kitsap tree expert Jim Trainer on the area's numerous heritage trees, which are protected because of their historic nature.
The pictured tree is located in Harper (South Kitsap) on private property. It's age is estimated at 110.
This tree will be entered into the American Forests National Register of Big Trees 2006, making this tree the largest in our country and our first National Champion Tree in Kitsap County. The circumference of the tree is 5 feet, 4 inches, with a crown is 41 feet and height of 55 feet.
This tree will do well in full sun or shade in dry to moist sites. Seeds are called Samaras or Helicopter seeds.
This trees grows to 40 feet tall — occasionally larger — with multiple stems. It's bark is thin, smooth and greenish. It is often covered with moss and lichens. Leaves green in the spring and are red in the fall.
Historically the vine maple was used by the Native Americans for bows, frames for fishing nets, cradles, and cooking tools. The bark was boiled to make tea for colds.
This tree is forage for deer, elk and small mammals. The flowers attract butterflies and birds nest in this tree. Squirrels and chipmunks eat the seeds.
Jim Trainer, Treez Inc.