My Tree: The Majestic Tree

The Majestic Tree

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The common name of the tree is Honey locust and is situated in the yard near the Spaulding Gym, the Thorne Gallery, and the Media Arts Center at Keene State College. Its’ scientific name is Gleditsia triacanthos. It is a mature tree, 26 inches in diameter and 30 ft. tall.  It is one of the largest trees that I have seen on campus. Its’ branches are large, and the trunk is huge. Next to the tree, is a lamp and a memorial bench is under it.

There is a beautiful narrow path near the tree where I walk every day. Whenever I walk by, it greets me with fresh air, and beauty. The same path sometimes leads me to the Spaulding Gym (whenever I am not lazy).

Honey locust is considered to be a street tree. It blooms in the spring from May to June. In the summertime, it bears the hot sun and provides shade for people and other creatures. When it is autumn, its’ yellowish green leaves change colors and makes the tree more beautiful, and unique. After several weeks, the leaves fall to the ground and cover the path; it feels like walking on a colorful carpet. It is also a playground and a home for squirrels and birds.

Next, when the cold winds of winter arrive, the tree has no leaves. Also, I do not see the squirrels playing with the nuts on its’ branches, nor do I hear the chirping of birds. Its’ leaves are gone, and its’ branches are dry. But still, it is beautiful in a different way. When it snows, it lands on its branches and rests for weeks, turning a brown dry tree to a white and lively. The snowflakes all over the branches resemble white flowers blooming in the spring.

Honey locust is a great inspiration to me. It always stands tall and rooted, no matter what the season is. It never complains about the weather, or the season, the human being, or the running squirrels. It endures different elements; heat, cold, wind and rain. Thus, it inspires me to stay rooted in my values and goals. Moreover, it inspires me to endure the difficulties in life in the same way it is enduring the cold winter and waiting for the spring to bloom again. I am very thankful for the beauty, magnificence, and uniqueness of nature’s gifts.

References for information:

“Gleditsia Triacanthos - Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden. Web. 29 Jan. 2018.

“Tree Details for Honeylocust – Common (Tree ID 307).” ArborScope. BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS. Web. 29 Jan. 2018.