Quercus imbricaria - Shingle Oak

Markus Niedermeier was born in Freising and, as such, has always enjoyed being on campus at the University of Applied Sciences. With their tree sponsorship, now another strong bond connects the couple with the HSWT. The two know the anniversary project primarily through the first of three ceremonial arboretum inspections. Markus Niedermeier is, in fact, the current president of the Lions Club Freising, which has also taken on a tree sponsorship. "The concept has convinced us very much. Applied research to adapt plantings in cities, forests and landscapes makes a concrete contribution to climate protection - we think that's great," says the 41-year-old. With their sponsored tree, the couple supports the search for measures and solutions for future livelihoods in the context of changing climatic conditions, says Markus Niedermeier. "We hope that, not only our daughter's generation, but many more, will benefit from this research work. That they can cope with climate change, and continue to experience beautiful landscapes." Her sponsor tree contribution is a shingle oak (Quercus imbricaria). "This beautiful oak originally comes from the USA and grows there in floodplains and along riverbanks. It has many uses: whether as a supplier of wood shingles or in its history as a remedy for fever and diarrhoea," Niedermeier explains the choice of tree. And his wife adds: "It has a long American history and perhaps a promising European future."

The fact that Beate and Markus Niedermeier chose a tree of American origin is perhaps also related to their personal history: They met during their studies in Munich. Both of them, he as a business student and she as a lawyer, had taken a course in business English at that time. Today, Markus Niedermeier works as a graduate in business administration for a large financial services provider and Beate Niedermeier as a lawyer. Privately, their little daughter has made their family's happiness perfect. In the future, they will take her on walks through the arboretum to see how the trees are developing. So, the couple will not only accompany the 2-year-old but also the sponsor tree as it grows. "We hope that decades from now, our daughter will still see the university gardens as beautiful and connecting places," says 39-year-old Beate Niedermeier. There will certainly be other pretty souvenir photos with the shingle oak on one occasion or another. And perhaps the arboretum will not only grow into the hearts of the family but also into their living room ...

Distribution: Northeast, eastern to central USA, in floodplains, riverbanks.

Size: 15 to 20 metres high

Leaves: glossy, narrow, 8 to 20 cm long, dermabrate, wavy margins, dark green on top, pale green-hairy underneath, yellow-brown autumn colours

Flower: greenish-yellow hanging catkins

Fruits: stalked acorns