Get Inspired: Learn About Carolinian Species
Living in Toronto means that we live in an area with the most frost free days in the province. It doesn’t always feel that way in January, February, or even March… but it becomes more evident when you start to learn more about Carolinian Species. The types of plants that are usually found in North or South Carolina are also found here in the southern parts of Ontario surrounded by Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. Use this as a guide to assist you in finding the best places to spot Carolinian species and learn a little bit more about what they are! To provide the best advice we approached Shawn who is the Senior Horticulturist at Humber Nurseries to learn more about Carolinian Plants.
What are Carolinian species anyways?
This is what makes these species so special to Ontario. Shawn further explains that, “it’s called the Carolinian Zone because these plants and animals are associated with North and South Carolina so very reminiscent of the vegetation that grows there. While considered native to Canada within the country these plants are only found in Southern Ontario making them worthy of conservation.” Looking at the image of Ontario provided this shows the Carolinian life zone within Canada.
What plants are Carolinian?
There are many different types of Carolinian plants, the most common are Sassafras, Tulip Tree, Spice Bush, Kentucky Coffee Tree, Cucumber Tree Magnolia, Paw Paw, and Chinquapin Oak. If you want to find out more about different types of plants and wildlife in the zone it’s best to use Trees of the Carolinian Forest by Gerry Waldron as a go-to resource.
Where to walk to see these plants?
There is just enough time to leave the city limits and go searching for the tallest tulip tree or that Paw Paw that bears a banana like fruit. A few places Shawn suggests are The Carolinian Trail found in Pinery Provincial Park, Turkey Point Provincial Park, Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Rondeau Provincial Park and, Long Point Provincial Park.
If I want to plant some in my backyard, what do you suggest?
Shawn has a few suggestions of Carolinian Species you might want to try planting yourself! But it’s always best to visit the nursery and chat with a friendly horticulturist yourself to make sure you’re making the right decision.
A few trees to look out for:
- Sycamore, great shade tree
- Eastern Flowering Dogwood, a small ornamental tree
- Native Cucumber Tree Magnolia, shade tree with curious flowers
- Big Bluestream and Indian Grass, work well in sunny and sandy areas
- Spice Bush and Buttonbush, good for soggy yards, attract butterflies!
Benefits of Carolinian Species
- Creating a biodiversity: the more variety in what we grow the better. If one plant in a garden full of biodiversity is to get diseased it likely won’t harm everything since there are numerous types of plants planted. In a monoculture where only one type of plant is planted, it will be at higher risk if any of the plants are to get diseased.
- Supporting our native species: planting Carolinian species means you are helping out native Ontario species! This is great since these species are less likely to be invasive and will grow the best in Ontario. It’s always a good feeling when you know you are supporting your local ecosystem!
- You’re planting for the future: climate change does alter what plants we are able to grow, and Carolinian species plants would be a great alternative when there’s an increase in temperature.
Thanks to Shawn who helped us complete this piece! If you require any assistance in gardening, Humber Nurseries is a great place to start or email Shawn directly: shawn@gardencentre.com
Shawn’s photo was taken by Elle Patille
Resources:
Ontario outline map, Modified from: St. Catharines Downtown [computer file]. (Nov.2, 2015). St. Catharines, Ontario: Brock University Map, Data & GIS Library. Available: Brock University Map, Data & GIS Library Controlled Access http://www.brocku.ca/maplibrary/maps/outline/local/stcathDT.jpg (Accessed April 27, 2010)
Plant Photos: Courtesy of Shawn from Humber Nurseries
Waldron, Gerry, Trees of the Carolinian Forest, 2003
