Delaware Native Trees

The First State, 'Liberty and Independence'

State Tree: American Holly

Delaware

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Native Trees of Delaware

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Delaware is only 96 miles long, 9

to 35 miles wide, and only has 3 counties, but

has plenty of history, a lot to explore, and many

famed beaches. Delaware was the first state to

sign the Declaration of Independence and the

US Constitution, helping to earn the nick-name,

The First State. The name of the state itself

also has a colorful, albeit somewhat dark,

history. Dating back to English nobility of the

mid 1500's, a man named William West was

stripped of his inherited titles and rank after

trying to poison an uncle. At one point West was also tried for treason against Queen Mary I.

However, during the Siege of St. Quinten in 1557, West served as a Captain and regained his

inherited nobility through reward of service. Later, on Feb. 5, 1570, he was knighted and

named Baron de la Warr, securing a title to be passed down to the next generations. After

coming to America, William's grandson Thomas West (3rd Baron de la Warr), was the

governor of the Jamestown Colony. It was after the 3rd Baron de la Warr that the river, the

bay, and eventually the state, were named. De la Warr is pronounced 'Delaware'.

With so much history, even in just the name, it is no wonder that Delaware has a State

History Trail. There is also an official Delaware Geocaching Trail, with 69 caches, that will

delight many geocachers as they discover Delaware and are taken through many of the

state's historic sites..

The beaches of Delaware are well known. Rohoboth and Bethany beaches are popular

destinations for the weekend getaway, and in Fenwick Park, Fisher's Popcorn is an absolute

must for many. Delaware has 3 bays: Delaware Bay, Indian River Bay, and Rohoboth Bay.

One of the 16 State Parks is Delaware Seashore State Park, located on the barrier island

between the Atlantic ocean and the Indian River and Rohoboth Bays. With just over 2800

acres, there is plenty of room for beach-goers and nature lovers. For those looking for a good

view, Fox Point State Park offers an outstanding view from any of its many lookouts. On a

clear day you can see all the way to Philadelphia!

A lesser known fact about Delaware is that it is one of two states (the other being Utah) with

an official state star. Called the Delaware Diamond, it is the first star on the International Star

Registry to be registered to a state and was done so on June 30, 2000. Delaware is also

home to the worlds fastest 1-mile oval racetrack- the Dover International Speedway.

• Delaware Native Trees A to Z

• Delaware Tree Facts

• Delaware Tree Families and Species

• Endangered/Threatened Species

• Tree Nurseries in Delaware

As with many things in Delaware, American

holly trees have a long history within the state. This particular native

tree species is found in abundance throughout, both in nature and in

landscaping. A handsome evergreen tree, American Holly was first

utilized in the late 1800's in the production of wreaths for Christmas.

An extremely religious area and era, soon the town of Milton was

prospering on holly exports and became known as the Land of Holly.

By the 1930's, Delaware was the leading producer of holly products

which were exported all over the world.

Sometimes called evergreen or Christmas holly, Ilex opaca is

typical of members of the Holly genus. The leaves are thick, deep

green, and leathery with sharp thorns along the margins, or edges.

It can grow upwards up 100 feet but rarely grows more than 60 in

Delaware. The small round berries are green most of the year and

turn bright red when mature in the fall.

American holly is found from Texas to Maine, with the exception of

New Hampshire, Vermont, and most of the mid-west, but is currently

threatened in Pennsylvania.

American Holly, Ilex opaca

Photo courtesy: Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database /

USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species.

Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. See usage requirements.

Delaware Tree Facts

Forested acres: 340,568 (some sources say 375,000)
Percent of land forested: 30% (approximate)
Number of State Parks or Forests: 14 parks, 3 state forests
Number of National Forests: 0
Number of Tree city USA communities: 16
Number of invasive trees: 41 (see state list for noxious/invasive plants)
Damaging insects of high concern: Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Longhorned Beetle
Disease/Pathogen of concern: Sudden Oak Death
Number of tree families in our collection: 28
Number of endangered or threatened species in our collection: 0

References:
Delaware Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Statewide Forest Strategy.pdf
Delaware Resouce Fact Sheet, 2012
National Park Service, http://www.fs.usda.gov/
USDA, Forestry Service, FEIS
EDDMapS. 2013. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at http://www.eddmaps.org/; last accessed January 17, 2013.

Additional state resources:

State of Delaware Forest Service: State Forests
Delaware State Parks- Buy an annual pass!

Follow the links to view species native to Delaware. If the genus is not linked, species are listed on the family page.

Aceraceae, Maple
Anacardiaceae, Sumac
    Rhus, Sumac
Annonaceae, Custard-apple
Betulaceae, Birch
     Alnus, Alder
     Betula, Birch
     Carpinus, Hornbeam
     Corylus, Hazelnut
     Ostrya, Hophornbeam
Bignoniaceae, Trumpet Creeper
     Catalpa, Catalpa
     Chilopsis, Desert Willow
Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle
     Sambucus, Elderberry
     Viburnum, Viburnum
Cornaceae, Dogwood
     Cornus, Dogwood
     Nyssa, Tupelo

Delaware Tree Families and Genera

click to enlarge.

Useful information while browsing species:

• How to read a botanical name

• How to use our species boxes:

-Color denotes a tree that is rare or endangered

Please note: This is not a complete list of all native tree families and species found in Delaware. We are constantly working towards a more comprehensive list and will add families and their species as completed.

Additional Resources:

North American Native Tree Families
North American A to Z List by Scientific Name
North American A to Z List by Common Name

Fabaceae, Pea
Fagaceae, Beech
    Quercus, Oak
Hamaelidaceae, Witch-hazel
Juglandaceae, Walnut
     Carya, Hickory
    Juglans, Walnut
Lauraceae, Laurel
Magnoliaceae, Magnolia
Moraceae, Mulberry
    Morus, Mulberry
Myricaceae, Bayberry
Oleaceae, Olive Family
    Fraxinus, Ash

Platanaceae, Plane-tree
     Platanus, Sycamore
Rosaceae, Rose
    Crataegus, Hawthorn
    Malus, Crab-apple
    Prunus, Plum/Cherry
Rubiaceae, Madder
Rutaceae, Rue
Salicaceae, Willow
    Populus, Cottonwood
    Salix, Willow
Symplocaceae, Sweetleaf
Tiliaceae, Lindon
     Tilia, Basswood
Ulmaceae, Elm
    Celtis, Hackberry
    Ulmus, Elm

Ebenaceae, Ebony
Diospyros, Persimmon
Ericaceae, Heath

Delaware Endangered or Threatened Tree Species

This is not a comprehensive list but we are always working on adding more and will update accordingly.

There are currently no tree species listed as threatened or endangered in the state of Delaware.

Looking for a nursery near you?
Check out our nursery listing by county below!

Sorry, we do not currently have any tree nursery listings for this state. We do update these lists, so please check back.