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Keteleeria - Rare Relict
Not all conifers are evergreen, and not all evergreens are conifers. People tend to assign the words “pine tree” to any evergreen conifer, but the pine family, Pinaceae, consists of 11 genera and about 220 different species of conifers. Firs, spruces, hemlocks, and real obscurities like our newest addition, the Keteleeria davidiana, all belong to the pine family but are very different trees, occupying diverse habitats across the northern temperate region. The confusion in identifying evergreen conifers is understandable, even taxonomists often place and then re-place species into different genera as more genetic details come to light. In the case of the Keteleeria, it was originally placed in Picea (spruce), then Abies (probably because the cones mature upright, just like firs), before garnering its own genus.
Male pollen cones
Many of the trees we have in our collection have ancient histories and are the only thing connecting worlds across time. In the case of Keteleeria davidiana, we have a direct line to the Tertiary Period (comprised of the Paleogene and the Neogene), which span some 65 million to 2 million years ago. This period had a tumultuous beginning; a mass extinction of land-based dinosaurs which led to the eventual domination of mammals. It was hot and humid, but ultimately ended in an ice age. We still have several relict species of this era, and the Keteleeria is one, ironically frozen in time because it migrated south enough to avoid the glaciers. Relict species are species that have survived from another time, often in small, isolated populations, with an indication of having once been much more widespread.
The Keteleeria genus has survived the last few million years by hiding out in the nooks and crannies of rough and rugged mountain lands, but it is succumbing to the loss of habitat like so many others. There are many plants that do not make it into the horticultural trade due to difficulty in propagation and the Keteleeria is one; cuttings don’t root easily, and seedlings are slow to grow, so sourcing a specimen this mature is very special.
Keteleeria davidiana in front of the Upper Carriage House
What can a million of years old relict do for us in today’s world? In areas where firs and spruces can’t grow due to excess humidity (like the Southeast and increasingly, the Northeast), the Keteleeria might be a replacement. It does resemble a fir in its youth, then grows into a unique, irregular habit at maturity. Naturally found in humid continental to subtropical climates, it can tolerant higher temperatures while still being resilient to the cold. In addition to replicating the textural aesthetics of our native firs and spruces, it retains a consistent needle color throughout the seasons, and the cones are especially beautiful.
Keteleeria davidiana foliage
Keteleeria davidiana female cones - American Conifer Society
We decided on the location of this tree due to the cultural conditions the Keteleeria requires, lots of sun and good drainage, and the Upper Carriage House was just the spot. Nearby, we also have the Cathaya agrophylla, another rare Chinese evergreen tree, a relict of the same time. In fact, the first Cathaya was discovered and misidentified as a Keteleeria by a Chinese expedition team in the 1950s, proving once again how difficult it can be to tell species apart, but how important it is to identify each one individually to fully appreciate the diversity among us. These trees have a historic bond that goes back millions of years. We are continuing that relationship today and displaying the importance of institutions like Bayard Cutting Arboretum in the conservation and the preservation of rare and endangered tree species.
-Jessica O'Callahan, Horticultural Coordinator
News from the Farm
The Arboretum undertook a major farm project this winter – refurbishing of the chicken coop. Long a favored destination for young and old alike, the coop, like any other structure, has suffered wear and tear over the years. When the CSA season finished at the end of October, we retired the flock, cleaned out the coop, and got to work. Wooden floorboards were pulled up and a concrete floor was poured that will be easy to clean and, more importantly, prevent access by rodents looking for a free meal of chicken feed. Exterior siding that had rotted was replaced, as well as trim around windows and doors. Metal sheeting was installed along the interior walls, which can be hosed down to clean. They have new, clean, roosting bars, and a large, airy space. Outside, in the pasture area, we will plant a meadow over time that will provide interesting and fun forage for the flock.
We picked up our new birds on the first Friday in March, a flock of mixed heritage breeds, including Plymouth Barred Rocks (black and white striped), Rhode Island Reds (reddish brown), and Black Australorps (black iridescent feathers). We also have Easter Eggers, not properly a breed, but rather a mix of the blue egg-laying Araucana with a brown egg layer. Heritage birds are genetically pure and descend from breeds known a century or two ago. They are slower growing than hybrid birds that are bred for egg or meat production, and they live longer, healthier lives. Our birds were about 17 weeks old when we received them, and they should be laying by early May, at which time egg sales will resume at the Manor House.
The chicken flock at the Arboretum has long been a visitor favorite
On your next visit to the Arboretum, stop by the coop to welcome the new ladies, revel in their beautiful colors and variety, and admire their renovated home!
-Lisa Chalif, CSA Farm Manager
Introducing our Education Coordinator
My name is K.T. Williamson and I am honored to say that I will be following in Liz Herrick’s footsteps as BCA’s Education Coordinator. Some of you may remember me from my previous time working at the Arboretum from 2018-2022. During that time, I created a community building event called “Farm-for-All Fridays” in which we shared tea, laughs and plenty of weed-pulling at the CSA Farm. I also had the chance to work closely with the NYS Parks Environmental Stewards as we cleaned up the Friendship Garden.
Rainbow over the CSA Farm
During my hiatus from the Arboretum I completed my degree in Occupational Therapy where I learned the importance of meaningful activity for people of all ages and abilities. As the Art & Nature Program Director for Think Wellness NY, I had the opportunity to create and teach classes all across Long Island. I am absolutely excited to bring this experience to everyone at Bayard Cutting Arboretum.
We have created a brief Educational Interest Survey to help guide our decision making process for future educational programs here at the Arboretum. Additionally, I’d like to invite you to join us for Meet and Greet the Teacher Day on Saturday, April 27th. Come by anytime between 10AM-12PM to the CSA Farm where I will have a table set-up with information on our programming, light refreshments, and a craft for families with young children.
Looking forward to a great season,
-K.T. Williamson, Education Coordinator
Staff Photo of the Month
Red Maple
Flowers of red maple (Acer rubrum). One of the first native trees to bloom on Long Island in spring.
Michael Voss, Horticulturalist.
Upcoming Events
Spotlight Grounds Tour: Bulbs of BCA

  • Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - 10:30AM to 11:30AM
  • Saturday, April 6, 2024 - 10:30AM to 11:30AM

Docents will spotlight specific, seasonally appropriate areas of the Arboretum in a one-hour grounds tour. Available only on the first Wednesday and first Saturday of each month. $5.00 per person. Call (631) 581-1002 for availability, required registration, and more details.
Forest Bathing Walk
Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection, on a walk to reconnect with the natural world around us.

Saturday, April 6, 2024 - 10:30AM to 12:30PM
Fee: $40 per person.
Please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and warm clothing for walking outdoors. Register here!
Watercolor Workshops with Teresa Cromwell
Have fun with watercolors and go home with a finished picture ready to frame!
Fee: $50 per Student
Upcoming dates:

  • Thursday, April 11, 2024 - 11AM to 1PM
  • Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - 11AM to 1PM
  • Sunday, May 5, 2024 - 11AM to 1PM
  • Thursday, May 23, 2024 - 11AM to 1PM

All materials are provided by the instructor. Feel free to bring your own paints and brushes to class. Registration, additional dates, and more information can be found on our website.
Annex Art Exhibit
Rooted in Humanity

Dates: April 4 - April 28, 2024
Exhibit Hours: Thursdays – Sundays, 11AM – 4PM
Artist Reception: Sunday, April 7 from 1PM – 4PM
Artist Talk: Sunday, April 21 at 1PM
Location: Annex Art Gallery
BCA Horticultural Society: 50th Anniversary Celebration
The Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary on Saturday, April 13 at the Snapper Inn located in Oakdale, NY. Information and required registration can be found here.
House and Grounds Tours
Manor House Tours are offered Thursdays thru Sundays at 1PM. Ground Tours are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:30AM. Call (631) 581-1002 for availability, costs, required registration, and more details.
2024 Annual Fundraiser
Saturday, June 15, 2024 - 6:30PM to 8:30PM
Join us in celebrating the grand opening of the new Visitor Center. Click here for registration and more information.
Home School Programming
We welcome you and your children to explore our program. Tours are available on Tuesdays at 9:30 am. Reservations are required and payment must be made in advance. For more information, please contact Carolann Gaites, Volunteer Coordinator, at 631-581-1002, ext. 105.
Help Support Bayard Cutting Arboretum
Tax deductible donations can also be made by check payable to
Natural Heritage Trust and mailed to
Bayard Cutting Arboretum, PO Box 907, Great River, NY 11739