Tree Committee

names fifth Heritage Tree

     The Village of Gowanda Tree Committee has identified Heritage Tree #5 in the village. It is a Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa), located at 234 West Main St. The name catalpa comes from the name given this tree by Native Americans, Catawba. Other names for this tree are: candle tree, cigartree, Indian cigartree, and western catalpa.

     This specific tree was selected to be a Heritage Tree due to its species, distinctive size and shape. It has been reviewed by Erie County Urban Forrester Dave Paradowski.

     The Northern Catalpa is native to Eastern Asia, eastern North America and the West Indies. It is a deciduous tree that typically grows to 40-70 feet tall with an irregular open-rounded to narrow-oval crown. The catalpa bears showy, perfect flowers in early summer, just after the leaves. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are the pollinators. Light seeds are borne in long cigar-shaped capsules that mature in late fall.

     The wood, considered a minor forest product, was formerly valued for fence posts, as the wood is decay resistant. The tree is used mostly as an ornamental.

     Heritage Trees are so designated based on any of several criteria: a) distinctive size or species, b) exceptional beauty, c) functional relationship to a natural resource, d) documented association with a historical figure, property, or significant historical event, or e) an exemplary representation of species’ characteristics.

     Several other trees, already nominated, will be designated shortly. Plans are also being developed for a Gowanda Heritage Tree Walking Tour.

     Anyone can nominate a tree to be designated as a Heritage Tree. Contact the Tree Committee by leaving a message at the village office. Selections will be determined by the Tree Committee.