Introduction
The information found on the Tree Identification page is from the government of British Columbia publication called the Tree Book: Learning to Recognize Trees of British Columbia. This book states that there are about 40 trees native to the province.
However, the Electronic Atlas of The Flora of British Columbia states: "there are more than fifty species of native trees, and several subspecies and varieties, found in British Columbia. In addition, there are several naturalized species (cultivated species that are spreading in the wild)."
Of the 50+ species of native trees that grow in BC, 40 are listed in the Tree Book. Of those 40, about half grow on Vancouver Island.
The biggest tree species is Western red cedar, followed by Douglas fir, and Sitka spruce. Sizeable Grand fir, Bigleaf maple, and Garry oak can be found on the island.
The Tree Book is an excellent free resource that contains interesting, basic tree information:
"For each tree, you will find key identifying features such as bark, fruit or cones, and needles or leaves, along with photographs and descriptions. Be sure to check the distribution map to find out if the tree grows in your area.
The Biogeoclimatic map of British Columbia provides more information and maps for specific zones.
There is also information on the kind of environment in which each tree species likes to grow, the other trees and plants that usually grow with it, and some of the animals that consider it part of their habitat.
We have provided some information about present and past uses for each tree. At the end of the book, you will find some naturalists' notes to help you answer questions such as, What is an Ecosystem? Why do trees grow where they do? and Do ecosystems always stay the same?"
The Tree Book is available online and for download on the website found here.
I have included a few of the main tree species from the Tree Book that grow in the forests of Vancouver Island. Trees species are listed alphabetically by common names.
Note: click on the pages below to see a larger version.
- Amabalis fir
- Arbutus
- Black Cottonwood
- Douglas-fir
- Mountain hemlock
- Sitka spruce
- Western hemlock
- Western red-cedar
Amabalis fir
Arbutus
Black Cottonwood
Douglas fir
Mountain hemlock
Sitka spruce
Western hemlock
Wester red cedar
Hi. I saw a few evergreen trees in Francis King Park this Saturday that were tall, slender but had widely curving or coiling branches, almost as if the branches were coming alive and wrapping around the trunk (the stuff of kids' nightmares!). Any idea what these trees are? I have photos I can send you if helpful.
ReplyDeleteRed cedar often grow branches as you described.
Deletehello. There are some massive evergreens in Goldstream Campground that looked to me more like Spruce than Douglas Fir. The bark was scalier, and the trunks flared at the base. I went to my library to look for a book that identifies trees by their trunks but was not lucky.. any suggestions? thx
ReplyDeleteWere the branches resembling Spruce? Or perhaps Cedar?
DeleteSounds like western hemlock
ReplyDeleteDo white birch trees grow in victoria and where can they be found...
ReplyDeleteWhite birch are water-loving trees. Since Victoria has such dry summers, these trees don't grow here. They grow in the Vancouver area, and much of BC.
DeleteOur neighbour hacked down a beautiful red cedar... it is early September. If I gather a cone or two...could I grow a new tree? Would it be best to winter the cone in my fridge...leave it in nature so it could somehow get pollinated? or what? I'd really love to have a new one grow .thankyou.
ReplyDeleteI have never grown a cedar tree from seed. If I did, I would try just planting it in some soil, keeping it moist, and seeing what happens. Good luck.
DeleteWhere can I find a mainly Hemlock Forest on Southern Vancouver Island?
ReplyDeleteYou can find hemlock forests on the west coast of Vancouver Island at low to middle elevations. Other trees associated with hemlock are western red cedar, sitka spruce, and big leaf maple.
DeleteAs far as I know, large pure stands of Hemlock are not that common, even though they are the dominant tree in this zone.
On the south island I would go to the French Beach/China Beach area, Juan de Fuca Trail, and Port Renfrew.
I want to convert our 2 acre hay field to a mixed forest -- maple, fir, alder, maybe a few arbutus and garry oak. Any pointers?
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an awesome project. How you would go about it depends a lot on where your 2 acres is, and what its exposure is like. Without knowing details, it is hard to say the best way to proceed.
DeleteYou might try calling a local arborist, or someone is forestry. Good luck with your new forest.
Maple seeds are easy to come by.They are easily sprout.Put maples
Deletealong your edges of the field nearest you so you can enjoy the shade and wonderful colors in fall.When the leaves fall in fall you will be able to see your other trees.Plant alders scatter random because they make nitrogen for other trees.Douglas firs can be planted more in center of field.You can get small D.firs along side of many rural roads.Or buy them as seedlings.Space D.firs at about every 15 feet in all directions.Water them at first after planting and they need protection from deer.Have fun.
No need to dig a hole just shove you shovel into ground and wiggle it to make a space for roots.Easy to plant.
Are there any hardwood burls in British Columbia
ReplyDeleteYes.
Delete16 at last count
ReplyDeleteCan anyone tell me what tree i’m sitting under. It’s a huge old conifer with little clusters of blue needles , each cluster coming from little bumps on the spine. It has a rather haphazard habit. The cones are quite slender and long. I’m happy to post pictures. Just don’t know how. Thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteI would like a tree for my front garden that is not evergreen but a native. I have a Mountain Ash on the side of the house. Is this Native.
ReplyDeleteforest are cool, yes?, No?, Maybe so?
ReplyDeleteHi, what is the name of the trees lining Fiscard tree, in Victoria China Town. The leaves are green and there are white spaghetti like flowers....l have a pic but cannot figure out how to attach it. Thanks, Blanche
ReplyDeleteAnyone know what trees are on Pandora
ReplyDeleteWhere would one go to see Western White Pine trees, near the Comox Valley ?
ReplyDelete