Typical conifers of this Area

WHITE & RED PINES

Pines have longer needles, a less conical shape than some conifers and moderately deep roots. White pine grows to 30m (100 ft). White pine saplings are moderately shade-tolerant, meaning that they will survive in the shadow of their parents for as much as 20 years. White Pine is the the provincial tree of Ontario.

Huge stands of white pine were logged and floated down rivers in the Ottawa River valley. Much of this wood was used to build ships for the British Royal Navy.

Red pine is intolerant of shade. It does best where soil fertility is low. It grows up to 25m (80 ft) in height and is commonly used in plantations.

JACK PINE

Jack pine grows to 20m (65 ft). It thrives on poorer soils and in rocky locations. It is adapted to survive forest fires; fire:

opens its seed cones
prepares the seed bed AND
removes the competition

An endangered species of bird, Kirtland's Warbler, requires young Jack pine stands up to 6m (20 ft) high and at least 30 hectares, which limits this bird to north-central Michigan. This habitat is maintained by regular controlled burns.

BALSAM FIR

This tree is commonly used for Christmas trees because it keeps its needles after cutting and has a classic evergreen fragrance. It is adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions and can grow as high as 25m (80 ft).

BLACK & WHITE SPRUCES

Spruces are found throughout Canada up to the far north. Black spruce is found predominantly in wetlands. It often reproduces by "layering" where a branch of an existing tree takes root. It is the provincial tree of Newfoundland.

While Black spruce is usually less than 20m (65 ft), White spruce grows to 25m (80 ft). White spruce is the provincial tree of Manitoba.

Other Significant Trees

TREMBLING ASPEN: A poplar; one of the most widely distributed species in North America. Found throughout Canada. Shallow roots. Fast growing, often clones from its roots. Not shade-tolerant, so often displaced by other species. Likes sheltered sites. Primary food and building material for beavers.
WHITE BIRCH: Found on edges and lake shores. Tends to be a pioneer species which colonizes burnt-out areas first. Fast growing. Not shade tolerant. Paper-like bark has been used to make canoes. Provincial tree of Saskatchewan.