What Does The Tree Call Itself?

by Bethany Parnell

I am beginning to encounter trees as living beings more than before. The big tree in my sit spot catches my attention and I think “I don’t even know it’s name”. I began to think about our human naming process for trees and then wondered “what does the tree call itself?” When they send signals through mycelium to the other trees in the yard, what do they call themselves? I am amazed by the hidden language of plants, so essential to our life and yet we can never know it fully. Beauty in mystery.

I don’t even know your name. What should I call you?

What do you call yourself?

A mystery so ancient I could never know. What do you say to the Oak?

The Maple?

But again...that’s not what you call them. Who are your heralds?

Who delivers your news?

A painting of what I’m calling Queen Tree…

What Does The Tree Call Itself? is a growth ring from the Growth Ring Project created by Bethany Parnell, FTS Certified Forest Therapy Guide, July 2023 cohort.