Looking for Trees Native to Edmonton? Here are the Top Picks!
When it comes to wanting to do better for the environment, then you might want to start by looking at trees native to Edmonton. From beautiful Lodgepole pines to the common lilac, there is a wide range of common tree species that are native to Edmonton. You might not even be aware that Alberta has an official provincial tree: the Lodgepole pine.
But if you’re looking for trees at your local garden centre that do well in Edmonton, it’s important to know what native trees in Edmonton are. That way, you can easily find them at your local tree nursery or garden centre. Planting native plants is a great way to diversify your yard and improve poor air quality in the city. There’s nothing like finding the perfect tree, especially when they’re trees native to Edmonton. Our Edmonton arborists have chosen the top trees that are common here in Edmonton; read on to find out what those are!
Top Trees Native to Edmonton: As Chosen by Our Experts
Lodgepole Pine
Also known by their Latin name, Pinus contorta, Lodgepole pines are hard pines. They’re incredibly common in Alberta, as pines account for 41% of all the coniferous trees that grow within the province, according to the Alberta government.
Typically, Lodgepole pines grow between 40 to 50 metres tall and can reach up to two metres in diameter. When it comes to the crown of a Lodgepole pine, it’s noted for its flat appearance. They’re also noteworthy for their twisted and bent appearance.
Additionally, they’re the provincial tree of Alberta and are popular for making a wide variety of household supplies, including furniture, doors, siding, panelling, and even mouldings. Plus, you’re likely to notice that much of Edmonton’s fence poles and even telephone poles are hewn from these widespread trees native to Edmonton.
Beaked Hazelnut
Beaked hazelnuts, otherwise known as Corylus cornuta, are a tree that features many branches. They’re also a flowering tree. Beaked hazelnuts provide small, fragrant flowers that have yellow male catkins and small, reddish female flowers that are located on the tips of their branches. Additionally, they also produce edible fruits in the form of nuts.
Typically, these trees grow anywhere between one to three metres in height. Often, they’re found in forests as they prefer shade, but not too much shade. Their green foliage is quite attractive.
Often, these trees native to Edmonton are used for food, medicine, and to make baskets.
American Elm Trees
These are deciduous trees that are common in Edmonton. They’re also known by the Latin name, Ulmus americana. As a tree native to Edmonton, they’re very fond of partial sun exposure with moist and deep soil to feed their long-reaching root systems. They’re excellent shade trees, as they create a dense canopy with their branches and beautiful green leaves. Once autumn hits, though, their leaves turn a beautiful yellow colour.
However, American elm trees are very prone to contracting Dutch Elm disease. However, the province of Alberta is home to some of the last healthy Elm stands.
They’re beautiful trees that are typically prized for their canopies and shade, making them quite popular for planting along streets and in community parks and recreational areas.
Jack Pines
Jack Pines, otherwise known as Pinus banksiana, are one of the most common trees native to Edmonton. They’ve got reddish-brown bark that’s got irregular, scaly ridges on it. They’re a coniferous tree that’s native to Edmonton and Canada at large. The leaves of Jack Pines are needles that grow in bunches of two, and they’re yellow-green in colour.
Typically, Jack Pines can grow from anywhere between 9 and 22 metres in height, when the conditions are right. However, these trees don’t usually grow straight, preferring rocky or sandy soil. They’re also reliant on forest fires to spread their seeds, as the hot temperatures force the cones open.
Among the common trees in Edmonton, Jack Pines are typically used for a variety of commercial purposes, including framing, scaffolding, sheathing, and other forms of interior woodwork.
Laurel Leaf Willows
These are deciduous trees that are among the trees native to Edmonton. It’s also known by the name Salix pentandra. They’re a quick-growing tree, especially if they have partial or full sun exposure. While they can withstand a certain amount of flooding, they don’t tolerate alkaline soils well.
Once they’ve reached full maturity, these willow trees can grow up to 13 metres in height, spreading just as wide as they are tall. As native trees in Edmonton, they provide a great deal of shade due to their dense canopy, but they’re also more resistant to pests and diseases compared to other trees native to Edmonton. They’re great for creating a shade screen if that’s what you’re looking for in native trees to Edmonton.
Willow trees can support a wide range of wildlife, but they’re also a source of a natural painkiller. Often, you’ll find willow bark used as a source of aspirin.
Balsam Fir
Balsam Fir, or Abies balsamea, are a coniferous tree that can grow between 14 and 20 metres in height. They’re one of the rarer trees native to Edmonton, as they account for only 3% of Alberta’s softwood. That being said, they’re still a frequent sight in the city.
They have flat, needle-like green leaves that grow anywhere between 15 to 30 mm in length. Usually, their cones drop and release their seeds once September has begun.
Often, their most common commercial use is as dimension lumber, or to make crates or boxes. They’re also commonly used for the production of paper. Plus, balsam oil is popular for aromatherapy, but also possesses antibacterial properties that make it a great all-natural household cleaner.
Ready to Learn More About Trees Native to Edmonton? Contact the Experts Today!
Hopefully, this has helped you learn a little more about the trees native to Edmonton. If you want to learn more about what common trees in Edmonton are, then contact the experts at Trusty Tree Services today! We can help with a wide range of tree and shrub services, including tree pruning and tree assessments.
Interested in learning more? Contact us today to get started!