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  • ID on tree holding onto its leaves for Thanksgiving?

    Question

    This tree is on the western side of the pond at Frohring Meadows. It’s certainly holding on to its leaves, as of Thanksgiving Week. What is the name of this tree? Are the branches with the red berries part of the same tree or off a different tree that has grown into it? Thank you.

    Naturalist's Response

    This appears to us to be some sort of ornamental crabapple (Malus species), a common pioneering tree found in meadows that provides good food for winter birds. In fact it was not likely planted by the Park District, but more likely planted by a flying bird who ate some crabapple fruit, then dispersed the seeds after they traveled through the birds digestive system.

    Good question!

    -Chief Naturalist John & Park Biologist Paul Pira