Just south of Baltimore and bordering Chesapeake Bay, Anne Arundel County features dramatic landscapes with rivers, lakes, forests and grasslands full of trees and shrubs unique to the area. The mixed climate, humid subtropical to humid continental, has allowed many species of plants and trees to grow and thrive in the environment.
Maryland is home to a number of trees and shrubs including oaks, ash trees, maples, pines and sumac. Trees native to Anne Arundel County include the smooth alder, the green and white ash and the American beech. The smooth alder is a small tree with dark green leaves that is primarily found near the county's eastern border, near Chesapeake Bay and other shaded, wet areas. Known to grow in numerous types of soil, the green ash has bright green leaves and is found in all areas of the county. The white ash tree, which typically resides in the wetlands, stands out with light green and purple flowers. Resembling the American chestnut tree, the American beech is found in numerous parts of the county and contains edible nuts that hang from its zigzag-shaped twigs.
With varied shapes and sizes, Anne Arundel's native trees are a series of contrasts. While the green ash tree has been known to grow up to 50 feet tall, the white ash can grow up to 80 feet and is hailed for its long leaves that are typically 8 to 12 inches long. The smooth-barked American beech tree can be found all over the county and at maturity can reach up to 100 feet in height. Growing anywhere from 8 to 12 feet tall over 10 years, the smooth alder is known as both a small tree and a large shrub, depending on its size at maturity.
Although most trees and shrubs native to Anne Arundel County are primarily ornamental, they are also used for a variety of purposes. Similar to other beech trees and oaks, the American beech bark has the dubious distinction of being a favorite carving tree for names, gang symbols and other vandalism. Today, the white ash is used to make lobster traps, but just a few decades ago, it was often used to make the blades of ceiling fans.
