OLD
CHERRY TREE IN MCDONOUGH
Donald
A. Windsor
These photos were snapped on 17 July 2016.
Could
this Black Cherry tree (Prunus serotina) be the oldest of its
species in Chenango County? If not, please tell me about a
competitor.
This
specimen is along the Finger Lakes Trail in the McDonough State
Forest, between Bliven-Sherman and Gale roads, about a stone's throw
to the southeast. It is not readily noticeable; you have to look for
it.
I
first encountered this specimen back around 1997 and first
photographed it for my article in The Evening Sun in 2002.
Unfortunately, that photo is no longer available for reproduction
here, but it does appear in the references below.
I
identify with this gnarled old tree, because we are growing old
together. Unfortunately, I suspect who will ultimately outlive whom.
References
cited:
Windsor, Donald A. A gnarled survivor. The
Evening Sun (Norwich, NY) 2002 April 15
Monday; 112(21): 17.
Windsor, Donald A. A gnarled survivor. In: Souvenirs
of Yesteryear. Exploring Chenango County, New York.
Norwich, NY: Self published. 2008 December 5. Pages 12-13.
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