Trees of the University of Waterloo

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Trees at the University of Waterloo

William Van Hemessen

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Acknowledgements

i Trees @ UW

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Species Accounts 3

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Introduction

1 Trees @ UW

Trees @ UW 2

The Taxonomy of Trees

Taxonomy is the science of naming and classifying living organisms. In general, organisms are classified by the domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species under which they fall. Plants are somewhat different in that we use divisions instead of phyla and additional groups are occasionally added, such as tribes, sub-families, sub-genera and other unranked groups. Describing a full taxonomy of trees is challenging—after all, what is a tree? This question may be more difficult than it seems. An excellent book that answers this question, as well as giving a beautifully thorough exploration of the taxonomy of trees, is The Tree by Colin Tudge. The simple explanation begins this way: all trees are (obviously) plants, which means they fall into the kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, their classification gets fuzzy, but as far as the trees on campus are concerned, they are all embryophytes or “land plants” (although not every plant in this group grows on land). They are also tracheophytes, which means they are vascular plants, and spermatophytes, which means they are plants that produce seeds. Within the spermatophytes we find the first division between groups that contain trees. Some trees are angiosperms, which means they produce flowers, while the others are gymnosperms. The gymnosperms are the more ancient group of plants and is also the group that contains conifers. Gymnosperms on our campus fall into two divisions. The first is the pinophytes, which contain the conifers. Conifers fall into three families: Cupressaceae (cedars and junipers), Pinaceae (pines, spruces, firs, etc…) and Taxaceae (the yews). The other division is called ginkgophyta, and contains the ginkgo tree (p. ), which is considered a “living fossil”. Angiosperms are also called magnoliophytes and contain the vast majority of tree species. Within this group, the clade magnoliidae contains some of the most ancient flowering plants. Tulip tree (p. ) and saucer magnolia (p. ), both in the Magnoliaceae family, fall into this clade.

The next clade of angiosperms are the eudicots (eudicotidae), which contains most of the trees found on campus. The ancient order Proteales is represented here by the London plane tree (p. ) in the Platanaceae family. All of the remaining tree species on campus fall into an unranked group of eudicots called asteridae. The first order of asterids we encounter are the Cornales, which contain the families Cornaceae (dogwoods and tupelos) and Hydrangeaceae (hydrangeas). After the Cornales, we encounter the order Lamiales, named after the mints. Here we find the families Oleaceae (ashes and lilacs) and Bignoniaceae, represented by northern catalpa (p. ). The next order, Dipsacales, is represented by the viburnums in the family Adoxaceae. We then meet the Saxifragales, which contains three unique trees found on campus: witch hazel (p. ) and sweetgum (p. ), both in the Hamamelidaceae family, and katsura (p. ) in the Cercidiphyllaceae family. The next order, Celastrales, is represented on campus by two species of euonymus in the Celastraceae family. The order Malpighiales is one of the largest and most diverse orders of plants on Earth, but it is represented on campus by only a single family: Salicaceae, which contains the poplars and willows. The next order, Fabales, contains some well-known Carolinian tree species such as honey-locust (p. ) and Kentucky coffee-tree (p. ), both of which are in the Fabaceae family. The next two orders are the Rosales and Fagales, which contain a huge number of trees on campus. In the Rosales we find the families Rosaceae (cherries, apples, serviceberries, etc…), Elaeagnaceae (including Russian olive, p. ) and Rhamnaceae (represented by the invasive European buckthorn, p. ). In the Fagales we find many familiar trees, including the Betulaceae family (birches, hazelnuts, hornbeams, etc…), the Fagaceae family (oaks and beeches) and the Juglandaceae family (walnuts and hickories). The order Crossostomatales is represented on campus

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by a single species, American bladdernut (p. ) in the Staphyleaceae family. After the Crossostomatales we encounter the diverse Sapindales, which contain some familiar species. The Sapindaceae family, for example, contains the maples and horsechestnuts. The Rutaceae family contains two unique species: the Carolinian hop tree (p. ) and the Amur cork tree from East Asia (p. ). The Sapindales also contain the Anacardiaceae family, represented by staghorn sumac (p. ). We will wrap up our taxonomic tour of the trees on campus with basswood (p. ), which is the sole representative of the Malvaceae family and the order Malvales. I should note here that the classification of trees in this book is based on the most recent system approved by an organization called the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group, which is the authority on plant classification. There has always been confusion over the classification of certain plant species and taxonomy is constantly revised based on new genetic and morphological evidence. Basswood, for example, used to be placed in its own family, Tiliaceae, but is now classified in the Malvaceae family. An even more confusing species is black maple (p. ), which is either classified as its own species (Acer nigrum) or as a sub-species of sugar maple (p. ), depending on who you ask. In this book I treat it as a sub-species. It should also be noted that many of the trees on campus are actually cultivated varieties of naturally occurring species. Some, such as honey-locust, have been optimized by horticulturalists for use in landscaping: none of the honey-locusts found on campus represent the variety that grows naturally in Ontario. In general, I avoid distinguishing between cultivated varieties of the species listed in this book (one exception is Crimson King maple, p. ). Finally, I should mention that the 90 or so tree species found on the UW campus represent a tiny fraction of all of the tree species found worldwide. If exotic species are included, they represent less than a quarter of all the species found in Ontario. The diversity of trees worldwide contains no end of

beautiful, bizarre and rare species. I highly encourage exploration of trees beyond Waterloo!

Identifying Trees

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WHY IDENTIFY TREES? RESOURCES There are many resources you can use to learn how to identify trees. Some useful guides for our area are Trees in Canada by John Laird Farrar and Trees of Ontario by Linda Kershaw. The first of those is useful because it includes a good number of non-native species that are commonly planted in our area. There are, of course, many other field guides to trees and none are necessarily better than the others. There are also some useful websites and smart-phone apps you can use to identify trees. There is a more complete list of resources at the back of this book. IDENTIFICATION KEY In this guide I have included an identification key for the trees on campus. Identification keys similar to this one can be virtually every field guide you will use. However, I’ve tried to make it more intuitive than the keys found in Trees in Canada or other field guides, which are written for those with an existing understanding of botany. Keep in mind that this key is intended specifically to identify trees found on the University of Waterloo campus. Some of the characterizations are not necessarily applicable elsewhere: there are many other trees native to our province that aren’t found at UW and there are a great deal more that are not native but commonly planted.

Identification Key

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USING THE KEY Start by answering the basic questions, then narrow down the species further by looking through the characteristics given.

STARE HERE Is the tree coniferous (p. 3)or broad-leaved (p. 4)? CONIFEROUS

Are the leaves scale-like or needle-like?

SCALE-LIKE Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) … p. Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) … p.

NEEDLE-LIKE

Are the needles arranged in bundles or do they emerge singly along the stem? BUNDLES

a. Bundles of 10 or more Tamarack (Larix laricina) … p. a. Bundles of 5 Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) … p. a. Bundles of less than 5 Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana) … p. Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra) … p. Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) … p. Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) … p.

SINGLY

a. Trees with compound leaves (many needles arranged along a single stalk); trees are deciduous Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) … p. a. Needles arranged flat on either side of twig

b. Branching pattern always opposite Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) … p. b. Branching pattern opposite, sub-opposite or alternate Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

a. Needles arranged in a circular pattern around twig

b. Branching pattern almost always opposite

c. Branches with a distinct drooping or weeping appearance, cones >5cm long Norway Spruce (Picea abies) … p.

b. Branching pattern almost always opposite (cont.) c. Branches erect, growing horizontal to the ground, cones <5cm long White Spruce (Picea glauca) … p. Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) … p. Red Spruce (Picea rubens) … p.

b. Branching pattern opposite, sub-opposite or alternate Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) … p.

BROAD-LEAVES

Are the leaves arranged oppositely (p. ) or alternately (p. ) along the stem? LEAVES OPPOSITE

What shape are the leaves? Are they entire (p. ), lobed (p. ) or compound (p. )? LEAVES ENTIRE

a. Leaves heart or teardrop-shaped

b. Leaves >15cm long, fruits bean-like Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) … p. b. Leaves <15cm long, fruits berry-like Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) … p.

a. Leaves oval-shaped

b. Leaves not toothed, fruit a berry

c. Twigs distinctly red-colored, shrubs less than 5m tall Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) … p. c. Twigs gray-colored, shrubs more than 5m tall Eastern Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) … p. Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa) … p. Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa) … p.

b. Leaves toothed, fruit a 4-chambered capsule

c. Twigs smooth, fruit a conspicuous bright orange capsule with pink berries within European Euonymus (Euonymus europaeus) … p. c. Twigs with distinct “wings” Winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus) … p.

LEAVES LOBED

a. Fruit a berry Cranberry Viburnum (Viburnum trilobum) … p. a. Fruit a double-samara (i.e.: maple key)

b. Leaves with 3-5 lobes

c. Leaves mostly 3-lobed Black Maple (Acer saccharum ssp. nigrum) … p. Red Maple (Acer rubrum) … p.

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b. Leaves with 3-5 lobes (cont.) c. Leaves mostly 5-lobed Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) … p. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum ssp. saccharum) … p.

b. Leaves palmate, usually with more than 5 lobes

c. Lobes deeply divided, finely toothed, less than 5cm long Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) … p. c. Lobes shallowly divided, longer than 5cm Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) … p. Crimson King Maple (Acer platanoides “Crimson King”) … p.

LEAVES COMPOUND

a. Leaves palmately compound

b. Leaflets widest at the middle, finely toothed Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) … p. b. Leaflets widest above the middle, coarsely toothed Horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanea) … p.

a. Leaves pinnately compound

b. Leaves with 3-5 leaflets, fruit a double-samara (i.e.: maple key) Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo) … p. b. Leaves with more than 5 leaflets

c. Margins of leaflets not toothed, fruit a berry Amur Corktree (Phellodendron amurense) … p. c. Margins of leaflets finely toothed, fruit a samara

d. Twigs four-sided in cross-section Blue Ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata) … p. d. Twigs round in cross-section White Ash (Fraxinus americana) … p Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) … p.

c. Margins of leaflets distinctly toothed, fruit a berry, flowers in conspicuous white umbels or racemes Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) … p. Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) … p.

LEAVES ALTERNATE

What shape are the leaves? Are they entire (p. ), lobed (p. ) or compound (p. )? LEAVES ENTIRE

a. Leaves heart or teardrop-shaped

b. Leaf margins smooth Redbud (Cercis canadensis) … p.

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b. Leaf margins toothed

c. Leaves more than 10cm long, fruit berry-like Basswood (Tilia americana) … p. c. Leaves less than 10cm long, fruit a catkin

d. Bark peeling off in papery strips, seeds not wind-borne Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) … p. Gray Birch (Betula populifolia) … p. d. Bark deeply furrowed, chunky, cotton-like wind-borne seeds Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) … p. Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides) … p.

a. Leaves oval-shaped

b. Leaf margins smooth

c. Trees with large, conspicuous pink or white flowers that emerge before the leaves Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana) … p. c. Trees with small white flowers forming an umbel Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) … p. c. Trees with inconspicuous flowers

d. Leaves silvery-blue, dotted underneath, fruit an orange berry Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) … p. d. Leaves deep green, broadest above the middle, fruit a black berry Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) … p.

b. Leaf margins toothed or wavy

c. Fruit a spiny-shelled nut American Beech (Fagus americana) … p. European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) … p. c. Fruit a catkin or cluster of nuts

d. Leaves long and narrow, margins finely toothed Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) … p. Other Willows (Salix spp.) … p. d. Leaves only slightly longer than they are wide, margins coarsely toothed Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) … p. American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) … p. American Hazelnut (Corylus americana) … p. Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) … p.

c. Fruit a berry

d. Trees with conspicuous white flowers Serviceberries (Amelanchier spp.) … p. Dotted Hawthorn (Crataegus punctata) … p. Other Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) … p. Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) … p. Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana) … p.

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c. Fruit a berry (cont.)

d. Flowers inconspicuous European Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) … p.

a. Leaves any other shape

b. Leaves arrow-shaped, coarsely toothed Apples (Malus spp.) … p. b. Leaves rounded, fan-like

c. Shrubs with yellow flowers emerging in late fall after the leaves have fallen Witch –hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) … p. c. Trees with inconspicuous flowers emerging in late spring, leaf buds emerging directly from main branches, branches have a droopy appearance Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) … p.

LEAVES LOBED

a. Leaves with 2 lobes, fan-shaped with veins radiating from the base Gingko (Gingko biloba) … p. a. Leaves mostly 4-lobed, large conspicuous orange flowers emerging in late spring Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) … p. a. Leaves with 3-5 lobes, fruit a spikey spherical aggregate Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) … p. Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) … p. a. Leaves with more than 5 lobes

b. Leaves widest below the middle, fruit a berry English Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) … p. b. Leaves widest at or above the middle, fruit a nut (Oaks)

c. Lobes rounded at the tip (White Oak Group) White Oak (Quercus alba) … p. Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) … p. Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) … p. English Oak (Quercus robur) … p. c. Lobes sharp-tipped (Red Oak Group) Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea) … p. Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) … p. Red Oak (Quercus rubra) … p.

LEAVES COMPOUND

a. Leaves singly-coumpound with 3 leaflets

b. Fruit a 3-chambered capsule American Bladdernut (Staphylea trifoliata) b. Fruits with wings Common Hop Tree (Ptelea trifoliata) … p.

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a. Leaves singly-compound with 5 or more leaflets

b. Leaves with smooth margins, fruit a bean Black Locust (Robinia pseudo-acacia) … p. b. Leaves with toothed margins

c. Fruit a raceme (cluster) of fuzzy red berries Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) … p. c. Fruit a nut (Walnuts and Hickories)

d. Leaves with fewer than 9 leaflets (Hickories) Bitternut Hickory (Carya ordiformis) … p. Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) … p. d. Leaves with more than 9 leaflets (Walnuts) Butternut (Juglans cinerea) … p. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) … p.

a. Leaves doubly-coumpound

b. Leaflets less than 2cm long Honey-locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) … p. b. Leaflets more than 2cm long, corky bark often visible on youngest branches Kentucky Coffee-tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) … p.

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Campus Map

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[Map of trees on campus] Extend into next page….

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How to Use this Book

Species Accounts

Cypress Family (Cupressaceae)

Eastern Red Cedar (Red Juniper) Juniperus virginiana

Despite its name, eastern red cedar is not a cedar but a juniper native to eastern North America. LOCATIONS At the entrance to the Grad House.

STATUS IN CANADA: SECURE

STATUS IN ONTARIO: SECURE

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Dawn Redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides

A very attractive and exotic looking tree, the dawn redwood is a native of China. The only example that I know of on campus is on the south side of Biology 1. Although it is a conifer in the same family as cedar and juniper, dawn redwood is unique for its deciduous compound leaves. The only other conifers with deciduous leaves are the larches, one of which, the tamarack, can also be found on campus (p. ). LOCATIONS Left of the south entrance to Biology 1.

STATUS IN CANADA: EXOTIC

STATUS IN ONTARIO: EXOTIC

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Eastern White Cedar (American Arborvitae) Thuja occidentalis

One of our most familiar native conifers. Eastern white cedar, like eastern red cedar, is not a true cedar (true cedars are in the genus Cedrus). Instead, eastern white cedar is a in the genus Thuja, which contains five species found in North America and East Asia. It is also called “arbor vitae,” which means “tree of life.” LOCATIONS There are many locations on campus where eastern white cedar can be found.



ABOVE: Close-up of eastern white cedar showing the fractal-like patterns formed by the scales. BELOW: Close-up of the scales (leaves) themselves. LEFT:



Pine Family (Pinaceae)

Balsam Fir Abies balsamea

Balsam Fir is the only native fir in our region. “Balsam” refers to the scented oils in the tree’s resin, which smell similar to the “Balm of Gilead” produced by some species of poplar. Balsam fir and eastern hemlock are the only two conifers on campus with needles arranged flat on the branches (see right). LOCATIONS Between Environment 1 and the Arts Lecture Hall.



ABOVE: Balsam fir needles are always arranged flat on the twig (as opposed to around the twig like spruces and pines). BELOW: An example of this tree’s very symmetrical growth habit.





Tamarack (American Larch, Hackmatack) Larix laricina

Tamarack, like other species of larch (Larix), is unique in that it is a deciduous conifer, which means it loses its needles in the winter. The only other deciduous conifer on campus is dawn redwood (p. ). The names tamarack and hackmatack come from Algonquian words, which allegedly mean “wood for making snowshoes”. LOCATIONS Young trees can be found between the Accounting Building and the Tatham Centre.



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Norway Spruce Picea abies

Norway spruce is one of the largest and most familiar conifers on campus. It can be distinguished from the other spruces by its weeping branches and large cones (more than 3 inches long, compared to less than 3 inches for other spruces). As the name suggests, Norway spruce is introduced from northern Europe, but it is widely planted and more common than most other spruces in our region. LOCATIONS Text



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White Spruce Picea glauca

Text LOCATIONS Text



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Colorado Blue Spruce Picea pungens

Text LOCATIONS Text



ABOVE: Colorado blue spruce is unmistakable for its whitish-turquoise needles. BELOW: LEFT:



Red Spruce Picea rubens

Text LOCATIONS Text


STATUS IN ONTARIO: MAY BE AT RISK

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Jack Pine Pinus banksiana

Jack pine is not indigenous to the Waterloo area but it is common in Northern Ontario. It is a common tree in the southern Canadian Shield. Jack pine is notable for requiring fire in order to sustain its populations—the cones rarely open without being exposed to the extreme heat of a forest fire. LOCATIONS There are only a few small individuals I know of, both outside of Environment 1.



ABOVE: Close-up of a jack pine branch showing the short, densely clustered needles. BELOW: LEFT: A young jack pine planted outside Environment 1.




Austrian Pine (Black Pine) Pinus nigra

Austrian pine is the ubiquitous pine tree on campus: they can be found virtually everywhere. It is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean but was a popular landscaping tree in Ontario in the 20th century. The tree is highly susceptible to a disease called Sphaeropsis blight, which causes needles to die off. LOCATIONS Virtually everywhere on campus.



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White Pine Pinus strobus

White pine is the only pine indigenous to the Waterloo region. It is believed to have been one of the most common trees in southern Ontario before the arrival of European settlers. White pine is the only native pine with more than two needles in each bundle and their needles are considered “soft” compared to other conifers. LOCATIONS Text



ABOVE: Example of a white pine branch. BELOW: White pine always has five needles to a bundle. LEFT:




Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris

Text LOCATIONS Text



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Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii

Douglas fir is native to western Canada. It is rarely but occasionally planted as an ornamental tree in Ontario. In the west it can achieve huge sizes but most Ontario trees are quite small. LOCATIONS There is a large Douglas fir on a hillside between Hagey Hall and the Psychology building. Its unusual cones, however, often turn up elsewhere on campus.



ABOVE: The cones produced by Douglas fir are unmistakable for the tendril-like structures on their scales. BELOW: Douglas fir branches have a somewhat asymmetrical growth habit compared to other native conifers. LEFT: A mature Douglas fir (foreground) near Hagey Hall.





Eastern Hemlock Tsuga canadensis

One of our most beautiful native evergreens and the only eastern member of the genus Tsuga. Eastern hemlock is one of the most common conifers in our region, although there are only a few examples on campus. LOCATIONS All of the examples on campus are young. Several are adjacent to the Tatham Centre and at least two are between Environment 1 and the Arts Lecture Hall.



ABOVE: Eastern hemlock twigs have a distinctly asymmetrical growth habit. Note how the needles are arranged flat on the twig. BELOW: The cones of eastern hemlock are small and easily overlooked.




Yew Family (Taxaceae)

English Yew Taxus baccata

[Text] LOCATIONS [Text]



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Gingko Family (Gingkoaceae)

Gingko Gingko biloba

Ginkgo is an ancient and mysterious tree. It is a broad-leaved gymnosperm (meaning it does not produce flowers) that is more closely related to conifers than to other broad-leaved trees. Ginkgo species have existed since at least the Jurassic period, which makes it something of a “living fossil”. Even more mysteriously, no natural populations of this tree are known to exist—it appears to have been kept alive for centuries through cultivation by Chinese monks. LOCATIONS Text



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Magnolia Family (Magnoliaceae)

Tulip Tree (Tulip Poplar) Liriodendron tulipifera

One of our most recognizable native trees, the unmistakable leaves of the tulip tree are unlike any other species. They are an icon of the Carolinian forest, occurring naturally only in the southernmost parts of Ontario. They are also our tallest native broadleaf tree. Like ginkgo, tulip tree is one of the most ancient genera of plants still in existence, having evolved in the Cretaceous period. LOCATIONS There are a few places where you can find this tree. The largest individuals are to the southwest of South Campus Hall. Two were also recently planted between the Arts Lecture Hall and the new Accounting building. There is also one small individual at the far northeast corner of campus where the train tracks cross Columbia Street.



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Magnolia Family (Magnoliaceae)

Saucer Magnolia Magnolia x soulangiana

Text LOCATIONS Text



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Sycamore Family (Platanaceae)

Sycamore Platanus occidentalis

Text LOCATIONS Text



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Dogwood Family (Cornaceae)

Pagoda Dogwood (Alternate-leaf Dogwood) Cornus alternifolia

The name “pagoda dogwood” refers to this tree’s habit of growing somewhat evenly spaced “levels” of branches, which resemble an Asian pagoda. This tree is unique among dogwoods in that its leaves are not arranged oppositely, hence its other less exciting name, “alternate-leaf dogwood.” It also grows larger than most other dogwoods, reaching heights of over 6m and trunk diameters of more than 15cm. LOCATIONS There are some very large individuals in the conservation reserve north of campus.



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Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida

The showy “flowers” of flowering dogwood are actually clusters of small green flowers surrounded by large white bracts. This true was once relatively common in the Carolinian zone of Southern Ontario, but is in decline due to damage by dogwood anthracnose disease. LOCATIONS A small tree was recently planted outside the Accounting Building.

STATUS IN CANADA: ENDANGERED

STATUS IN ONTARIO: ENDANGERED

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Red-osier Dogwood Cornus sericea

Although it rarely achieves “tree” size, red-osier dogwood should be included to distinguish it from flowering dogwood and alternate-leaf dogwood, both of which also occur on campus. Red-osier dogwood is unmistakeable for its dark red stems that stick out especially well in winter. LOCATIONS All along Laurel Creek.



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Black Tupelo (Black Gum) Nyssa sylvatica

Black tupelo, also known as black gum, is a symbol of the Deep South, but it is also native to Ontario, albeit in only a few locations in the Carolinian zone. There is only one example that I know of on campus at the north end of “Alumni Lane” just south of Burt Matthews Hall. LOCATIONS South of Burt Matthews Hall.

STATUS IN CANADA: SENSITIVE

STATUS IN ONTARIO: SENSITIVE

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Hydrangea Family (Hydrangeaceae)

Oak-leaf Hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia

Text LOCATIONS Text



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Trumpet-creeper Family (Bignoniaceae)

Northern Catalpa Catalpa speciosa

The large, drooping leaves of catalpas resemble those of tropical trees. In reality, the native range of northern catalpa is limited to a small area at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Why their native range is so limited is a mystery given that these trees survive happily well beyond it, and their seeds germinate readily far away from the parent tree. LOCATIONS The best examples are on top of the hill occupied by the old Schweitzer farmhouse (the Grad House).



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Olive Family (Oleaceae)

White Ash Fraxinus americana

Text LOCATIONS Text



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Green Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Text LOCATIONS Text



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Blue Ash Fraxinus quadrangulata

Text LOCATIONS Text

STATUS IN CANADA: SPECIAL CONCERN

STATUS IN ONTARIO: SPECIAL CONCERN

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Lilac Syringa vulgaris

Text LOCATIONS Text



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Moschatel Family (Adoxaceae)

Cranberry Viburnum (Highbush Cranberry) Viburnum trilobum

Cranberry viburnum is in no way related to the cranberries we generally eat, although its fruits are also edible. True cranberries are in the same genus as blueberries (Vaccinium). There is disagreement over the taxonomy of cranberry viburnum. Some consider the American species to be a variety of the European species (Viburnum opulus). It is likely that many individuals of this species on campus are actually the European V. opulus. LOCATIONS

There are many locations on campus where this large shrub can be found. A few good examples grow along Laurel Creek.



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Katsura Family (Cercidiphyllaceae)

Katsura Cercidiphyllum japonicum

No other tree resembles the katsura. The heart-shaped leaves and drooping branches are a staple of Japanese gardens. LOCATIONS

On the south side of Ring Road near the Velocity residence.



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Witch Hazel Family (Hamamelidaceae)

Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana

Witch hazel is notable for being one of the last plants in our area to flower. Their four-petaled yellow flowers emerge in late October, often after the leaves have fallen. This tree was historically valued for having a large number of medicinal uses and its branches were once used for dowsing. LOCATIONS Text



ABOVE: The inconspicuous yellow flowers of witch hazel emerge in late October and November and are easily overlooked. BELOW: An example of this tree’s very symmetrical growth habit. LEFT: A young balsam fir planted underneath Austrian pines outside Environment 1.


Witch Hazel Family (Hamamelidaceae)

Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua

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Bittersweet Family (Celastraceae)

Winged Euonymus Euonymus alatus

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Bittersweet Family (Celastraceae)

European Euonymus Euonymus europaeus

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Willow Family (Salicaceae)

Eastern Cottonwood Populus deltoides

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Trembling Aspen (Quaking Aspen) Populus tremuloides

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Weeping Willow Salix babylonica

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Other Willows Salix spp.

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Bean Family (Fabaceae)

Redbud Cercis canadensis

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STATUS IN CANADA: EXTIRPATED

STATUS IN ONTARIO: EXTIRPATED

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Yellow-wood Cladrastis lutea

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Honey Locust Gleditsia triacanthos

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STATUS IN CANADA: MAY BE AT RISK


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Kentucky Coffee-tree Gymnocladus dioicus

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STATUS IN CANADA: THREATENED

STATUS IN ONTARIO: THREATENED

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Black Locust Robinia pseudo-acacia

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Oleaster Family (Elaeagnaceae)

Russian Olive Elaeagnus angustifolia

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Buckthorn Family (Rhamnaceae)

European Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica

Buckthorns are the bullies of the plant world. Originally native to Europe, this tree was introduced to Ontario by some of the first settlers here. Since then it has become very much in charge, invading woodlands and choking out native species everywhere. There is hardly anywhere in Southern Ontario where one cannot find R. cathartica and the UW campus is no exception. Fortunately, Plant Operations has taken steps to control this plant on campus and some large-scale buckthorn removal projects are currently underway. LOCATIONS

Very widespread. If you want to see a serious buckthorn invasion, check out the woodlot at the southwest corner of campus near VeloCity.



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Rose Family (Rosaceae)

Downy Serviceberry Amelanchier arborea

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Dotted Hawthorn Crataegus punctata

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Other Hawthorns Crataegus spp.

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Apples Malus spp.

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Black Cherry Prunus serotina

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Choke Cherry Prunus virginiana

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Birch Family (Betulaceae)

Yellow Birch Betula alleghaniensis

Yellow birch is the provincial tree of Quebec. LOCATIONS

The only location I know of is to the northeast of the Accounting building, where it is mixed with both gray and paper birch.



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Paper Birch (White Birch, Canoe Birch) Betula papyrifera

A familiar Canadian tree, paper birch is aptly named. The bark comes off in papery strips that have many uses (I used to turn them into mini-canoes and race them down fast-moving creeks). LOCATIONS

Some very nice examples of this tree are located to the left of the north entrance to Environment 1.



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Gray Birch Betula populifolia

Gray birch is rare in Ontario, occurring only in a few locations in the eastern part of the province. However, a few have been planted as ornamentals on the UW campus. The leaves can be distinguished from paper birch by their long tapering tip. LOCATIONS

The only individuals I am aware of are at the northeast corner of the new Accounting building.



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American Hornbeam (Blue Beech, Musclewood, Ironwood) Carpinus caroliniana

American hornbeam is one of at least three North American trees called “ironwood;” in fact, this species does have some of the hardest wood of any native tree. It is also called blue beech although it has no relation to true beech (Fagus). In the wild, the sinuous appearance of the mature trunks are behind this tree’s other common name, musclewood. LOCATIONS

Two small trees were recently planted next to the Accounting Building.



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Hop-hornbeam (Ironwood, Hardhack) Ostrya virginiana

Along with American hornbeam (p. ), hop-hornbeam is one of several North American trees commonly called “ironwood.” On the east coast, it is infrequently called “hardhack.” The name “hop-hornbeam” is a reference to the tree’s seeds, which resemble those of the hops plant used in brewing. True hops, however, are not closely related—they are in the cannabis family. In the wild, hop-hornbeam is easily recognized by its shaggy bark (although it should not be mistaken for shagbark hickory, p. ). LOCATIONS

Hop-hornbeam was probably one of the dominant trees in the forests that originally occupied the UW lands. Any of the forest fragments on campus, including the conservation reserve north of campus, contain large numbers of mature individuals.



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Beech Family (Fagaceae)

American Beech Fagus grandifolia

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European Beech (Copper Beech) Fagus sylvatica

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White Oak Quercus alba

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Swamp White Oak Quercus bicolor

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Scarlet Oak Quercus coccinea

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Bur Oak Quercus macrocarpa

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Pin Oak Quercus palustris

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English Oak Quercus robur

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Red Oak Quercus rubra

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Walnut Family (Juglandaceae)

Bitternut Hickory Carya cordiformis

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Shagbark Hickory Carya ovata

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Butternut Juglans cinerea

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STATUS IN CANADA: ENDANGERED

STATUS IN ONTARIO: ENDANGERED

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Black Walnut Juglans nigra

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Bladdernut Family (Staphyleaceae)

American Bladdernut Staphylea trifolia

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Cashew Family (Anacardiaceae)

Staghorn Sumac Rhus typhina

A native tree that is closely related to cashews, mangos and poison ivy. The hairy red fruit clusters are edible and can be used as a seasoning and to make a beverage similar to lemonade. There are five other species of sumac native to Ontario (although two of them are usually included in the genus Toxicodendron). Although the latter does not occur on the UW campus, I would generally recommend not confusing staghorn sumac with poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), which is one of our most poisonous native plants. LOCATIONS

The best examples are in the Dorney Garden outside Environment 1.



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Citrus Family (Rutaceae)

Amur Corktree Phellodendron amurense

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Citrus Family (Rutaceae)

Common Hop Tree Ptelea trifoliata

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STATUS IN CANADA: THREATENED

STATUS IN ONTARIO: THREATENED

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Soapberry Family (Sapindaceae)

Manitoba Maple (Boxelder, Elf Maple, Maple Ash) Acer negundo

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Japanese Maple Acer palmatum

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Norway Maple Acer platanoides

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Crimson King Maple Acer platanoides “Crimson King”

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Red Maple Acer rubrum

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Silver Maple Acer saccharinum

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Black Maple Acer saccharum ssp. nigrum

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Sugar Maple Acer saccharum ssp. saccharum

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Horsechestnut Family (Hippocastanaceae)

Ohio Buckeye Aesculus glabra

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STATUS IN CANADA: MAY BE AT RISK


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Horsechestnut Family (Hippocastanaceae)

Horsechestnut Aesculus hippocastanum

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Mallow Family (Malvaceae)

Basswood (American Linden) Tilia americana

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Glossary

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Bibliography

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Index

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Documents

Trees of the University of Waterloo