TREES

Balm of Gilead

There are a number of trees that Knox could be referring to here. And of course we do not know if the trees we are calling the Balm of Gilead now, were even the ones they called the same back at that time. The three trees I am going to mention as possibilities for the Balm of Gilead are all used for medicinal purposes. Because the trees are so great to cure all discomforts, they are called the Balm of Gilead after the Balm of Gilead mentioned in the Psalms. There is a tree in the middle east that is said to be the very tree descended down from the one mentioned in the Psalms, but for Knox's purchases it is realistic to focus on the "American Balm of Gileads". The first is said to be the black poplar tree. Native Americans shared with some of the first settlers a salve made from the hand picked buds of this tree that would cure all discomforts. The second tree I will mention is the balsam poplar (populus candicans), whose resinous buds, which are aromatic and medicinal, are collected and dried in the winter. The last tree to mention is the Tacamahac (Populus Balsamifera) also known as the American Balm of Gilead. ¹

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

Planted along the entrance walkway from the parking lot to the museum currently, Knox purchased these same trees for likely the same purpose. They are ornamental trees commonly used in entranceways, for barriers or windbreaks, or for wildlife attraction or borders. They are also loved for their late winter or early spring flowering accents and that they have virtually no disease or pest problems. They have dark green leaves, that last into late fall when they turn a purplish color and drop. They are characterized by yellow flower clusters in early spring, and small red fruit in mid summer. ²

Fir Trees

Fir trees belong to the pine tree family, and can be distinguished from other members of that family by their leaves and cylindrical cones. Some varieties are commonly used as Christmas trees today, and others as decorative garden trees. ³

Horse Chestnut Tree

Horse Chestnut Trees come in many different varieties, but they are all grown for their ornamental beauty. The nuts are commonly used to feed farm animals because they are toxic for human consumption until they have been boiled. These trees are frequently used for medicinal purposes such as improving circulation and reducing fevers. The tree gets its name because of the horseshoe markings on its branches. They grow very fast into tall straight trees but are not used for lumber because the wood is very soft. ⁴

Locust Trees

It is unclear which variety of locust tree Knox purchased. There are two that are very common in North America. These are the honey locust and the black locust. The honey locust has strongly scented cream colored flowers that appear in late spring. It is commonly used as an ornamental tree, whose leaves turn yellow in the fall. The fruit of the tree is a flat pod that matures between September and October. The pulp on the inside is edible and sweet. The black locust has white flowers that are also very fragrant but on the black locust are considered edible and mature in May and June. Unlike the honey locust everything except the flowers are toxic, including the bark and pulp filled pod. The leaves on this locust are dark green but turn pale yellow in the fall. What is helpful about the black locust is that the wood is long lasting and resistant to rot. It is known to be one of the heaviest and hardiest woods and is used in fence pots and small watercrafts. It is also very good for firewood because it burns slowly and there is little visible smoke. ⁵

Lombardy Poplars

Lombardy poplar trees belong to the willow family. They are best known for their columnar figure and unusual branching structure. The branches stand close to the ground and parallel to the trunk. They grow fast and are good for privacy or windbreaks. The leaves in the fall are bright yellow. ⁶

Norway Pines

The Norway Pine is also called the Red Pine. It is a fast growing coniferous tree. It needs sun, but not a lot of water. ⁷

Poplar Trees

Poplar trees are deciduous trees with rounded branches. The flowers are dioecious, which means that the male and female flowers are on different plants of the same species. The fruit is a capsule containing seeds with basil hairs, this allows the seeds to be carried by the wind. There are many different species of poplar trees. We know that Knox purchased the Lombardy Poplar species. ⁸

Spanish Chestnut Tree

The Spanish Chestnut Tree, also known as the Sweet Chestnut, is known for its nuts which can be roasted or ground into flour. The tree requires a mild climate and is sensitive to late spring and early autumn frosts and is intolerant of lime. The wood is very durable, but not used to make large pieces because it splits and warps badly. The tree has both male and female flowers that appear on the tree in late June and July. The female develops into cupules that contain 3-7 brownish nuts that mature and shed for consumption in October. ⁹

Spruce Tree

Spruce Trees act as valuable cover for game and their foliage protects young oaks and elms. Their sweeping branches give it a conical outline and their leaves are dark green, stiff, curved, short and sharp pointed. Spruce wood is white, more elastic, lighter and less resinous than other trees. ¹⁰

Weeping Willow

The weeping willow is an ornamental trees planted primarily for shade. It is the product of the cross pollination of the Chinese Peking Willow and the European White Willow. Branches hang downward to create a thick canopy. Weeping Willows are usually planted along waterways because their thick roots help form a protective barrier against erosion caused my water. ¹¹