Completely Arbortrary

In our penultimate episode of Completely Arbortrary (as we know it), we discuss the wild whiskey cherry (Prunus serotina) and its many wooden accolades.Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex CrowsonSupport the pod and become a Treemium MemberFollow along on InstagramFind Arbortrary merch on our storeFind additional reading on our websiteCover art by Jillian BartholdMusic by Aves and The Mini-VandalsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alex is unexpectedly out this week so you get a bunch of ums and uhhs from Casey along with an audio essay about desert trees!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They explore the Siberian stone pine’s appearance, growth habit, needles and cones. Discussion covers its seed dispersal with the Eurasian nutcracker and historical uses as famine food. They unpack the Ringing Cedars books and the Anastasian movement’s beliefs and controversies. Brief segments touch on forest policy, conservation threats, and a playful tree-themed game.

They trace Casey's reversal from apple hater to admirer after discovering Malus hupenhensis. They dig into the tea crabapple's tiny fruit, floral scent, and distinctive bark clues. The conversation explores apple genetics, apomixis, diploid versus triploid populations, and why this species stands out to one of them.

Fog: the coast redwood's strongest ally through a process called folial uptake.Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex CrowsonSupport the pod and become a Treemium MemberFollow along on InstagramFind Arbortrary merch on our storeFind additional reading on our websiteCover art by Jillian BartholdMusic by Aves and The Mini-VandalsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Don't go reinventing the wheel tree (Trochodendron aralioides), it certainly isn't.Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex CrowsonSupport the pod and become a Treemium MemberFollow along on InstagramFind Arbortrary merch on our storeFind additional reading on our websiteCover art by Jillian BartholdMusic by Aves and The Mini-VandalsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’ve heard of old growth forest… but how about old growth woodland? For more info, ask the western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), a tree that is helping to redefine the meaning of old growth. Then, we play a brand new game!Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex CrowsonSupport the pod and become a Treemium MemberFollow along on InstagramFind Arbortrary merch on our storeFind additional reading on our websiteCover art by Jillian BartholdMusic by Aves and The Mini-VandalsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A deep dive into the superb schima’s identity, range, and surprising size. They describe its leathery evergreen leaves, creamy 'fried egg' flowers, and five‑part woody fruits. Conversation covers its urban role, fire resistance, and value in reforestation. The hosts share why this tea‑family tree is common in China yet little known elsewhere.

A deep dive into the celerytop-pine and its bizarre leaf and cone anatomy. A look at phylloclades, vestigial true leaves, and southern hemisphere leaf strategies. Discussion of podocarp reproductive structures and bird-dispersed fleshy cones. A broader conversation about taxonomy, category limits, and surprising exceptions to conifer stereotypes.

Dive into the remarkable survival story of the blue ash as it withstands the emerald ash borer invasion. Learn about its unique square stems and the chemistry behind its blue dye. Discover the evolutionary history of ash trees and why blue ash demonstrates resistance to pests. The hosts debate planting ashes post-invasion and explore the long-term evolutionary potential of this resilient species. With insights into tree defense strategies and biodiversity, it's a fascinating look into nature's surprises.