Seeds are eaten by birds and rodents. This tree also provides shelter and nesting sites.
sandy loam, loamy, silty, rich, prefers acidic
Balsam fir is native to most of eastern and central Canada, It has a fragrant resin. Balsam Fir trees can live for 150-200 yrs. Balsam Fir is not only an important part of our forest ecosystem but also to our cultural heritage.
2
Acer rubrum
Red Maple
Aceraceae
25 m
early spring
red
full sun, part shade
moist, well-drained sites but tolerates flooding
Yes
Buds, flowers and seeds eaten are eaten by birds and small mammals. Leaves are browsed by deer.
sandy loam, loamy, clay, slightly acidic
The leaves turn red in the fall. It does well in poorly drained, shallow or sandy soils. It produced small, red flowers in early spring before leaves emerge. It is monoecious, both male and female flowers on the same tree.
4
Acer saccharum
Sugar Maple
Aceraceae
25 m
early to mid spring
green
full sun to shade
drained
Yes
Attracts many insects which, in turn, attract birds that feed on them.
sandy loam, loamy, clay loam, fertile soil
Sugar Maples are famous for their sweet sap tapped in late winter, early spring. It takes ~40 litres of sap to make 1 litre of syrup! They are commonly found in southeastern Canada. They are monoecious, both male and female flowers on the same tree.
5
Acer sacharinum
Silver Maple
Aceraceae
25 m
early to mid spring
greenish-yellow
full sun, part shade
moist/wet
NO
Provides food and habitat for various wildlife including birds, squirrels and other small mammals.
Can tolerate a variety of soil types but prefers moist.
Commonly found along riverbanks, floodplains, wetlands. A fast-growing maple and popular choice for quick shade. It's leaves have a distinctive, deeply lobed leaf with a silvery underside. A versatile and resilient tree with a life span of 100 years.
6
Amelanchier laevis
Alleghany / Smooth Serviceberry
Rosaceae
10 m
early to mid spring
white
full sun, part shade, shade
drained
Yes, once established.
Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in early spring. The berries are highly favored by birds. Squirrels, raccoons, and other mammals eat the fruits. Larval host plant for viceroy, striped hairstreak, tiger moths.
sandy, loamy, silty, rich
Grows in full sun to part shade. It attracts pollinators in the spring and produces edible purplish-black berries that are very tasty to wildlife. Often found in well-drained soils and in thickets, open woods and sheltered slopes.
7
Asimina triloba
Pawpaw
Annonaceae
10 m
mid to late spring
purple
part shade
moist, moderate, well-drained
no
Flowers are pollinated by flies and beetles, they are attracted to the flower's unpleasant odor. This cross pollination by insects is essential for fruit production. Fruit is tasty to raccoons, foxes, opossums, squirrels, and birds.
sandy loam, loam, silty, clay loam, fertile, like moisture but not waterlogged
Natural range in Ontario is the Carolinian zone but it is hardy across southern Ont. Grows in the understory of hardwood forests. Edible fruit has a custard-like texture and tastes like a mango x pineapple. It is monoecious, can self-pollinate.
8
Betula alleghaniensis
Yellow Birch
Betulaceae
25 m
late spring
catkins
full sun, part shade
moist, drained
Yes
Larval host plant for several butterflies and moths, notable Mourning Cloak and Duskywing. Buds, twigs, catkins, and seeds are food for birds & mammals.
sandy loam, silty loam, loamy, fertile
Thrives in cool, moist, drained soils and found in mixed hardwood forests. Monoecious (a plant has both male and female flowers). Male flowers are catkins, they release pollen into the air which is carried to female flowers on same or nearby trees.
9
Betula papyrifera
White Birch
Betulaceae
25 m
mid to late spring
catkins
full sun
moist, well-drained, does well in floodplain soils and along stream banks
Yes, once established.
A larval host plant for numerous butterflies and moths. The seeds, buds, twigs, and catkins are food for birds & mammals.
sandy, loamy, clay, rich
Thrives in cool, moist, well-drained soils. Commonly found in mixed hardwood forests. Monoecious (self pollinating). The bark has been traditionally used by Indigenous Peoples for making canoes, baskets, and other items.
10
Carya cordiformis
Bitternut Hickory
Juglandaceae
25 m
mid to late spring
catkins
full sun, part shade
moist, moderate, well-drained
moderately, once established.
Nuts are a critical food source for many wildlife species, including squirrels, chipmunks, deer, and various birds. Certain species of moths and caterpillars feed on the leaves of hickory trees, including hickory tussock moths.
loamy, rich
Found in southern and eastern regions of Ontario in lowland areas, along streams and upland areas with rich soil. Produces catkins and is wind pollinated. The fruit is a small bitter nut encased in a green husk. Monoecious.
11
Carya ovata
Shagbark Hickory
Juglandaceae
25 m
mid to late spring
catkins
full sun, part shade
moist, well-drained
moderately, once established.
Larval food for Hairstreak butterflies. Nuts are eaten by mammals and larger birds.
rich, loamy
Has a distinctive shaggy bark. Produces catkins, monoecious, and wind pollinated. The fruit is edible. Nuts are highly valued by wildlife. Native to southern Ontario. Prefers moist, drained soils, found in upland areas, along riverbanks and in forests.
