Recently, people have taken note of the trees that are blossoming on Keene State’s campus and the different smells that have come with them.
Joe Britton, facility manager for grounds services, shared some of his knowledge about the foliage on campus and the cause of the weird smells that they have been giving off in the Spring Semester.
“It is a part of their flowering. They’re called Bradfords, or Callery Pear,” Britton said. “The Latin name is Pyrus calleryana. They were a very popular landscape tree 20 to 30 years ago. They’re very popular for their spring colors, the early blooms. I think the college and the landscape architects plant a lot of them just because of the splash they provide around graduation time.”
Bradfords are a white flowering tree that can be found near Blake Street, Winchester Street, Appian Way and other parts of campus.
“They grow fast and have a nice color, but then people were starting to say, ‘Oh, they stink,’” Britton added.
Britton also shared some information about the other foliage to be found on campus and any danger they might pose to students.
“We try to control those [poisonous plants]. I would say along the riverbed, or any areas that aren’t mowed, there is a potential for poison ivy,” Britton said. “But usually, for everything on campus, we try to take care of that.”
“But then again, I had a former employee who had a nut allergy, so when the hickory trees bloom, she would have bad allergies,” Britton added. “Our biggest one [hickory tree] is on Main Street in front of Joslin [House]. I think that’s the only one, right in front of Joslin.”
Britton provided his opinion about the Bradfords and their spot on the Keene State campus.
“I love talking about trees,” Britton said. “I’m really not a big fan of the Bradfords. They’re a very weak tree. They stink, borderline invasive, but there are certain steps to removing and replacing them to find a better tree. I totally get why they plant them. They flower around graduation.”
Environmental Studies, Geography, and Sustainability Department Chair Sasha Davis, provided a campus map that included the placements of certain trees around campus.
The map allows people to find trees based on their common name, genus, species, Tree ID and who they’re dedicated to.
The Bradfords can be found around many parts of campus, and the smell they give off makes sure that they’ll be noticed. With commencement around the corner, they offer a bright backdrop for senior pictures.
Chloe Erno can be contacted at
cerno@kscequinox.com
