Chittamwood (Bumelia lanuginosa)

 

In our previous post on the fallen chittamwood, we described the remaining stump. Now we have made the decision to remove it. Stumps are unsightly and take up valuable real estate in the landscape. They can provide a hazard to foot traffic and mowers. In spite of these downsides, not all stumps need to be removed. Those existing in low-visibility spots or out-of-the-way locations may be allowed to rot away naturally. The main reason to avoid removing stumps is the labor involved in doing so. Unless you have specialized equipment, this is often a difficult task.

Removing this chittamwood stump required cutting six lateral roots. After all but two of these had been severed, the stump could be lifted by prying it up with a shovel. In that elevated position, chopping and sawing the last two roots was much easier. Unfortunately we broke an axe handle taking this stump out. Be very careful when taking on such strenuous work, so that in your exhausted state you do not injure yourself. Thankfully this chittamwood did not have a tap root; the area directly beneath the stump was simply dirt.

After the stump has been removed, we have only a disturbed area of dirt that will quickly be colonized by grass and forbs. There will be some settling, so if we do not add a replacement specimen to this location, some fill dirt will be needed after weather settles the earth.

Tree Removal: Chittamwood (Bumelia lanuginosa)

 

During the last week of April, we lost a mature chittamwood (Bumelia lanuginosa), approximately 28 years of age. Falling over, the tree uprooted itself and obstructed a concrete walkway. Perhaps stormy, windy weather contributed to its unfortunate end; however, we must note that this chittamwood lacked a straight, upward habit―there was a significant lean in its trunk, and it fell in the direction that it was leaning. You can see older pictures of this individual here.

The chittamwood stump and its sign remain. You can find the stump on the southern edge of the arboretum, near the Fitness Center, at the bottom of a gradual slope. At times this can be a very wet location. Interestingly, this chittamwood was one of a pair donated by Jack Price, collected from his property near Blanchard. The two trees were planted on opposite sides of the sidewalk. Six years ago, the first tree fell over and was removed.

When the second chittamwood fell over, it uprooted, raising the ground. After most of the weight was removed from the trunk, the earth fell back into place, leaving a raised mound.

The tree stump measures more than a foot across. Stop by to examine the texture and irregular tree ring pattern.

Tree of the Week: Chittamwood (Bumelia lanuginosa)

Our litterbug tree of the week is the chittamwood (Bumelia lanuginosa). The fruits of this individual are littering the sidewalk this week.

 

There are two chittamwood trees in the arboretum catalogue, but only one grows next to a sidewalk. You can see summer-time photos of this tree and read about its history on a previous blog post, found here. This specimen is located near the Fitness Center, growing diagonally from another litterbug, a Nuttall oak, which is also dropping its fruits this week. Two peas in a pod, I suppose; at least they can compete with each other.

The small, round, black fruits are numerous this year. When squashed, they temporarily stain the sidewalk. Some might find this to be a nuisance.

 

The diameter of each fruit is more than a quarter of an inch. This measurement differs significantly from the description found in the Texas A&M horticulture catalogue. According to Texas A&M, the chittamwood trees in Texas produce "one-inch-long, oval, blue-black berries" (Aggie Horticulture).

There are still plenty of fruits on the branches! The online literature claims that wildlife (squirrels) enjoy these fruits. This helps explain the volunteer seedlings found throughout the arboretum.

 

 

Tree of the Week: Chittamwood (Bumelia lanuginosa)

It's officially summer today, the longest day of the year. And we have pretty, fragrant summer flowers to appreciate. The chittamwood (Bumelia lanuginosa) is flowering. These are not like the big, showy magnolia flowers. Chittamwood flowers are very, very small, and they are hidden by the leaves of the tree. You must go looking for them.

There are two chittamwood trees in the arboretum, one near the Student Union Building and one near the Fitness Center. The photos below are of the tree located near the Fitness Center. This is a Caddo parish specimen. It was found growing on Jack Price's property near Blanchard. In the spring of 1995, Mr. Price donated the tree to the collection, and it was planted on October 16, 1996. This individual is over 23 years old.

Walking up the hill toward Cline Hall, the chittamwood is on the right. To the left of the sidewalk is a large Nuttall oak (Quercus texana). The Nuttall oak is a year younger and significantly taller than the chittamwood.

The chittamwood is pictured center. From this angle, the tree appears to have a straight trunk.

Photos can be deceiving. From another angle, with the Fitness Center in the background, we can see more of the tree's form. The trunk is noticeably curved and splits at about eye-level.

On the first day of summer we have chittamwood flowers. The tiny, cream-colored flowers appear in pom-pom clusters along the branches. The flowers have a honey-fragrance.

Each pom-pom is less than an inch wide.

This cluster has mostly unopened buds with two opening flowers.

Late morning, a large butterfly was found appreciating the flowers. The butterfly is a red-spotted purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax). You can find more information about the red-spotted purple here.

Another pollinator was also photographed.

The flowers are inconspicuous, hidden by the leaves.

Along the branchlet leaves appear in clusters.

Some leaves appear singly rather than in a cluster.

Leaves measure under 6 inches in length. They are simple and narrow with an elliptic-shape and smooth edges. The top surface is glossy and dark green.

Underneath, the leaves are light-green and feel fuzzy.

Twigs are fuzzy, too. And here we have a good picture of the leaves alternating along the twig.

This specimen has rough, dark, fissured bark. The ridges appear in a crisscross pattern.

You can see additional pictures of the arboretum's chittamwoods here.

For more information about this species consult the following:
United States Department of Agriculture (Bumelia lanuginosa is a synonym of Sideroxylon lanuginosum.)
University of Florida (IFAS Extension)
Texas A&M (Aggie Horticulture)

Bumelia lanuginosa

New spring growth of Bumelia lanuginosa (syn: Sideroxylon lanuginosum), or "chittamwood."