Tree Starting Kits

About Kentucky Coffeetree

 

 

Kentucky Coffee-tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) – a species at risk plant – is rare throughout its range as it is scattered throughout southwest Ontario (only 20 locations in 2000). 

 

Kentucky Coffee-tree can grow up to 25 metres high and is fairly short-live – about 100 to 150 years if healthy. Kentucky Coffee-tree has the largest leaf of any native tree (up to 90 cm long) and is doubly pinnately compound with small and oval leaflets (70 leaflets). The name “Gymnocladus” is the Greek name for “naked branch,” as it leafs out very late in the spring and falls early during the autumn. Their thick brown pods are large, 12 to 20 cm long, and remain on the trees through the winter. The bark is dark gray, with thin, scaly ridges curling outward along their edges.

 

 

About Eastern White Cedar

Eastern white cedars (Thuja occidentalis) are conical trees that remain green throughout the year, bringing vibrancy to your yard even during the winter months.

White cedars can grow up to 15 meters high and are also one of the best tree species for protecting soil from erosion and stabilizing stream banks and lake shores. Its slender trunks feature peeling red-brown bark concealed by flat, scale-like foliage (4-5 mm) that emits a lively scent when touched. During spring, small cone-like flowers emerge, maturing into brown cones by fall. The term “White Cedar” in Latin translates to “tree of life,” attributed to the perceived healing qualities found in its sap, bark, and twigs.

 

 

Photo Credit: Government of Ontario

About Burr Oak Trees

 

Burr Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is part of the white oak category and is most commonly found in Canada. It can range from southeastern Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec and east to New Brunswick. It is more commonly found in the Deciduous Forest Region and in scattered groupings throughout the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Forest Region. 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Kansas Forest Service

 

 

 

The burr oak is medium-sized that grows up to 30 meters in height. Its bark is rough, with irregular scaly plates, becoming regularly furrowed with age. Leaves are 15 – 30 cm (6″ – 12″) long with variable irregular lobes. Most leaves are broadest in the upper half and taper to a narrow base. In the fall, leaves turn yellow-green or yellow-brown and may remain on the tree into winter. The acorn cup is rough, shaggily fringed near its rim and almost envelopes the acorn like a burr. It can survive forest fires because it has very thick bark. It can also tolerate drought because its roots grow deep into the ground.

Photo Credit: Arborilogical

About Chinquapin Oak Trees

 

Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muehllenbergii) is a Carolinian species, common throughout the eastern United States but only found in southern parts of Ontario. It can be referred to as Yellow Chestnut Oak as it is one of the ‘chestnut oaks’ in the white oak group. 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Wilson Landscape and Tree Nursery

 

 

 

The chinquapin oak can grow up to 30 meters in height and 60 cm in diameter. When mature, its bark becomes pale gray with thin, narrow scales. Leaves are long, alternate, blades, with 8-15 sharp, pointed, and bristled teeth per side. Chinquapin oak leaves are glossy, coarsely toothed, yellow-green leaves that are smaller than most oaks and resemble chestnut leaves. Its acorns are edible and sweet – about ¾” long and ovoid in shape when mature. 

 

Photo Credit: Vojtech Zavadil

About Swamp White Oak Trees

 

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) is a member of the white oak group – which includes bur oak and white oak. This native rugged tree is uncommon, but can be found in moist bottomlands in southwestern Ontario, in the Niagara Region and an isolated stand at the eastern edge of Ontario-Quebec.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Plant It Wild

 

 

 

 

Swamp White Oak grows up to 22 meters tall and 21 meters wide with some specimens living up to 300 years old. Young swamp white oaks have an attractive peeling bark which becomes deeply ridged and dark brown. Its leaves are lobed with a two-tone appearance – dark green on top with a silvery-white underside. The acorns have a long stalk and the scales on the acorn cap are recurved and pointed.

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Purdue University Fort Wayne