Tree Identification Across Campus

Mercer University is home to a variety of different trees and shrubs. Macon's mild climate allows many different types of tree to thrive. As a class, we toured campus identifying different trees and shrubs. It was not until we started the tour that I realized how many different types of trees Mercer had. By the end of the lab, the whole class was exhausted from all the writing and photographs we had to take. However, I enjoyed learning another unique thing about Mercer and now I can impress my friends by identifying different types of trees while walking around campus.

In front of MEP, there are many different trees. One of the most unique is the Weeping Mulberry. The Weeping Mulberry is easy to spot, because the leaves and branches grow downward. The branches grow up and out, bending towards the ground eventually creating shade. Weeping Mulberries should not be planted near homes or sidewalks, because the roots can lift and cause the concrete to crack and damage the property. These trees can be found in North America and Asia. This type of tree is food for silk worms. The Weeping Mulberry can be found in several places at Mercer. It is outside of MEP, Plunkett, and outside some of the building on the Quad.

Outside of MEP there is also a large Southern Magnolia Tree (Magnolia Grandiflora). The Southern Magnolia can be identified by its large evergreen leaves and large white flowers. This type of tree can only be found in the Southeastern United States (Virginia- Central Florida-Oklahoma). During the spring and summer, the flowers from the tree release a pleasant odor, resembling lemons. Just like the Weeping Mulberry, Mercer has many Souther Magnolia trees. They can be found outside of Penfield and MEP.

Crepe Myrtles are common to see on Mercer's campus. Crepe Myrtles have been nicknamed the lilac of the south. These trees can grow from 10-30 feet tall. During the summer, they bloom flowers that can be red, lavender, white, or pink. Crepe Myrtles are drought tolerant, which makes them ideal for Georgia weather. They need to be planted somewhere with full sunlight and good air circulation. In addition, the flowers on the tree collect pollen during the spring months, often times preventing flowers from blooming.