3 rare tree species can be spotted in Mississauga, city says | 24CA News

Mississauga is encouraging its residents to see if they will discover uncommon bushes once they go for walks in native parks and neighbourhoods.

In a news launch on Monday, town mentioned Mississauga is house to about 2.1 million bushes and a few of them are uncommon. It mentioned three uncommon species, Sassafras, Elms and Shagback Hickory, may be discovered on sure streets, particularly neighbourhoods and in groves in particular parks.

“Trees range from coniferous, deciduous, flowering and fruit trees. You may have heard of oak and maple trees, but Mississauga is also home to some rare tree species too,” town mentioned within the launch.

“While walking around in Mississauga’s parks and neighbourhoods, see if you can spot one of these rare trees.”

Sassafras

Sassafras bushes are native to the Carolinian forests of southern Ontario. This tree has three distinctive leaf shapes. Its flowers are small and yellow and the fruit, which is darkish blue on a pink stalk, is a supply of meals for birds.

“All parts of the plant have a spicy odour when bruised,” town mentioned within the launch.

Residents can discover Sassafras bushes in Mississauga’s south finish in Hancock Woodlands.

Elms 

Siberian Elms are discovered all through Mississauga. While thought-about to be an invasive species, the Park Royal Elms had been developed specifically for the realm and are believed to be the one remaining ones within the metropolis.

Mississauga has 20 giant “siberian elm cultivars” on this neighbourhood. Many of the bushes are greater than 24 metres tall and have lengthy and straight trunks.

“In more than 50 years, these large trees have grown to be very impressive in size, despite difficult growing conditions,” town mentioned within the launch. 

Residents can discover the Park Royal Elms on the next streets: Padstow Crescent, Bonner Road and Lewisham Drive.

Shagbark Hickory

Shagbark hickories are a much less frequent species in southern Ontario. This tree bought its title from its greyish bark, which “shags” off in vertical strips and peels away from the trunk on one or each ends because the tree ages. 

“It has a sweet-tasting hickory nut that squirrels, chipmunks and birds eat,” town mentioned within the launch.

Residents can discover Shagbark Hickory bushes in a number of groves all through Mississauga at Bidwell Trail Common, Deer Run, Dr. Martin L. Dobkin Community Park, Erin Woods and Windrush Woods.

The metropolis, as a information to residents, has a tree map that residents can seek the advice of to lookup bushes owned by town on road boulevards and in parks. It accommodates details about particular person bushes, their diameter and species, with a photograph of  their leaves.