A series dedicated to educating our geofriends about some of the interesting trees and vines that can be seen along this section of the Spring Creek Greenway (SCG) trail. Reading the descriptions and searching for the containers BEFORE you read the hints is strongly encouraged! Please note that SCG trail hours are dawn to dusk, and replace all containers as you found them.
This series is dedicated to educating our geofriends about some of the interesting trees and vines that can be seen along this newest section of the Spring Creek Greenway (SCG) trail. When complete, the Spring Creek Greenway will encompass 12,000 acres and over 40 linear miles, from Highway 59 at the San Jacinto River to Spring Creek Park west of Tomball. This section of trail begins at Pundt Park and extends almost 6 miles to I-45 (no access at the end though!); and this now brings the completed SCG trail length to over 16 miles, from Highway 59 in Humble, through Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center , Carter Park, Pundt Park, Dennis Johnston Park, and all the way to I-45! Please note that SCG trail hours are dawn to dusk, and replace all containers as you found them.
Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata) is native to this area, but is not commonly seen. This is primarily because they are outcompeted for habitat by the much more common Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda); and Loblolly Pines are also slightly less picky about the habitat in which they are growing. The two are easily distinguished by the number and length of needles per 'bundle' (called a fascicle in plant-speak); Shortleaf Pines have two shorter needles per fascicle, while Loblolly Pines have three longer needles per fascicle. Look up and you can see the difference in the needle length very easily! Also, Shortleaf Pines have bark that is much smoother and less craggy than what you normally see on other pines in this area. Look around...you'll see the difference!
Surrounding this tree are several Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) trees. These are easily identified by the large, dark green, index-card thick leaves; and they can live over 200 years too! The huge, white, four-petaled blooms are a sight to see in springtime; and they are followed by neat pod-like fruit that are stuffed with bright red seeds...a wonderful food for wildlife!