New Trees

By John Grimshaw and Ross Bayton

New Trees is one of the most significant works on trees to be published in the last three decades. New Trees by John Grimshaw and Ross Bayton is the result of a project endorsed and supported by the International Dendrology Society.  Prior to New Trees fantastic references such as W. J. Bean’s Trees and Shrubs in the British Isles ; Gerd Krussmann’s Manual of Cultivated Broad-leaved Trees and Shrubs, as well as The Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs were a few of the “bibles” for finding out information on the lesser known trees and shrubs in cultivation.

New Trees represents 180 genera and 800 species which are new to cultivation since 1970.  This reference does not include ‘every’ new tree to cultivation, but covers the geographic scope including continental Europe; most of the United States, but not including the southern states south of North Carolina and any of the areas south of San Francisco.  Essentially, this book covers all temperate species with the inclusion of some sub-tropical species.

In the introduction many subjects are covered in detail including what makes a tree a tree; hardiness; global warming and climate change; nomenclature and synonyms.  There is a chapter dedicated to conservation.  There is a good explanation of the IUCN Red List categories which is the international body that designates plants that have threatened conservation status in the wild.

The body of this reference is an alphabetical list by genus starting with the firs, Abies and ending with Zelkova schneideriana.  For each species there is a technical botanical description and in many cases botanical line drawings, as well as, a color photograph.  In addition to the botanical description there is a detailed accounting of the history of each species; further horticultural descriptions; and notes on cultivation and pest and disease concerns.  In some instances botanical keys are included.

Flipping through the pages many new additions to the Scott Arboretum are revealed such as, Alangium chinense; Cathaya argyrophylla , an extremely rare member of the pine family; Corylus fargesii , a beautiful hazel we received from the Morris Arboretum with flaking, tawny bark; Nyssa ogeche, ogeeche lime is closely related to our native black gum, Nyssa sylvatica; and Wollemia nobilis, Wollemi pine, the rare Australian conifer.

For the horticulturist, botanist, and avid home gardener this is a reference to be coveted.  Not only is it beautiful, well written book, but it is full of exquisite line drawings, stunning photographs and seemingly endless useful information.

Hear John Grimshaw speak about his new book this Friday at the Woody Plant Conference. You also have an opportunity to purchase this great reference and have it signed by the author.