Derry Township near Hershey in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Meet the Mother Tree
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 18, 2021
1. Meet the Mother Tree Marker
In the early 1960s, a tree variety known as Cryptomeria japonica 'Lobbii' grew a "witches' broom," which is a shoot that is genetically different than the parent. Typically, the witches' broom is weak and undesirable and is therefore removed and destroyed. However, the growers recognized this particular witches' broom as highly unusual with prized characteristics including its own unique DNA signature. It was carefully cultivated and developed into a new variety.
Offspring from this single tree were propagated and Cryptomeria japonica 'Dense Jade' is now available in nurseries worldwide.
The "Mother Tree" in front of you was the original witches' broom that all 'Dense Jade' trees trace their DNA back to.
Botanical name: Cryptomeria japonica 'Dense Jade'
Family name: Taxodiaceae
Common name: Hybrid Japanese Cedar
Acquired: September 2006
Erected by Hershey Gardens.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical month for this entry is September 2006.
Location. 40° 17.951′ N, 76° 39.321′ W. Marker is near Hershey
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Original Hershey Rose Garden (a few steps from this marker); The Four Seasons Statues (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The M.S. Hershey Rose (about 400 feet away); Candy Cart (about 600 feet away); The Boy with the Leaking Boot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Harry Erdman (approx. 0.2 miles away); Derry Church (approx. 0.7 miles away); Wilt Chamberlain's Scoring Record (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hershey.
Also see . . . Hershey Gardens. (Submitted on August 27, 2021, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 18, 2021
2. Meet the Mother Tree & Marker
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 18, 2021
3. Meet the Mother Tree & Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2021, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 247 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on February 24, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 27, 2021, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
