KNOW WHEN TO HOLD 'EM / KNOW WHEN TO FOLD 'EM

December 26, 2015

Things are not always as they seem to be.

Evergreen conifers thrive in northern climates and are exceptionally beautiful with snow laden boughs. The thick needles are superbly acclimated to survive cold weather.

Christmas trees are probably the most easily recognized evergreen with needle-like foliage - Spruce, Fir, Pine and Cedar. Frazer Fir is a consistent favorite for the holidays. All produce cones, which qualifies them as conifers (cone-bearing plants).

Because of the strong connection of conifers with Christmas trees, for many years I mistakenly thought all conifers were evergreen. To my surprise, as I learned in the horticulture program at Gwinnett Tech, there are a few deciduous conifers - they loose their foliage every winter and flush back in Spring.

Apparently, I'm not the only one mistaken about deciduous conifers. While responding to calls at the Extension Service I once was asked to check some trees at a local estate. Because the needles had turned brown, the landscaper thought they were dying. Fortunately, he called before cutting. The "dying" trees were actually Dawn Redwood trees going into winter dormancy. The soft thin pliable needles turn brown before turning loose in the Fall. Unlike evergreen conifers, they are regenerative - if cut down, they will grow new leaders.

Two deciduous conifers that look almost identical are Bald Cypress and Dawn Redwood. Fossils of Dawn Redwood have been found from prehistoric times. Once thought to be extinct, it was discovered in China in 1941 and brought into cultivation.

The difference between Bald Cypress and Dawn Redwood can be difficult to distinguish. If you must identify the difference, you need to get up close and personal. Bald Cypress leaf and shoot arrangement are alternate (offset);Dawn Redwood is opposite (lined up). The cones are also slightly different.

Bald Cypress is more tolerant of wet conditions and more cold hardy than Dawn Redwood. Dawn Redwood presents better Fall color - yellow and orange. To my delight last weekend, I spotted a Dawn Redwood behind the City Cafe in Fayetteville still holding its needles.

Before giving up on a woody plant with brown foliage or needles, an easy way to check for life is to lightly scrape a few branches with a pocket knife or other sharp object. If alive, you will see green tissue under the brown bark. If not, it might be time for the ax. "Know when to hold 'em / Know when to fold 'em / Know when to walk away."

[Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners and The Newnan Times Herald]