Laurel oak is a species that has been of interest in Pennsylvania for quite a few years now and can be found primarily on university campuses and in arboretums. In our current climate, Quercus laurifolia is a deciduous tree, meaning it drops its leaves. However, in southern states, the leaves are retained most of the winter, making it a broadleaf semi-evergreen species.
As we look to the future of our forests, we must reconcile that some endemic species may not survive in a warmer climate. Therefore, it's important for us to consider growing and planting unconventional species to fill ecological and cultural niches left empty by species that may die out.
This infographic series was inspired in part by a presentation given by Jehane Samaha at the 2024 Canopy Conference at Haverford College, where she explored tree species that we may see more of in Pennsylvania as the climate warms. For the two range maps, we utilized data from the Community Climate System Model, version 4.0.
To view the second page, mouse over the infographic and click the arrows in the bottom left corner.
Sources:
Franklin & Marshall College. (n.d.). Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia). Franklin & Marshall College. https://www.fandm.edu/arboretum/complete-tree-species-listing/laurel-oak-quercus-laurifolia.html
North Carolina State University Extension. (n.d.). Quercus laurifolia. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/quercus-laurifolia/
United States Forest Service. (n.d.). laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia). Climate Change Atlas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/nrs/atlas/tree/820
Created by Faryn Steckiel, Urban Forestry Fellow
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