Common Trees of the Gulf Islands: Identification and Knowledge

1. Common Trees of the Gulf Islands: Identification and Knowledge

2. What are the six most common tree species on Mayne Island? • Douglas fir • Western red cedar • grand fir • Arbutus • red alder • Big leaf maple Which three species are conifer trees?

3. Douglas fir • Conifer • Cones not flowers • Evergreen • Single leader growth • Grows in drier sites than Western red cedar

4. Female Cones Male Cones

6. Western red cedar • Conifer • Cones not flowers • Evergreen • Single leader growth • Grows in wetter sites than Douglas fir

7. Female Cones Male Cones

8. Grand fir • Conifer • Cones not flowers • Evergreen • Single leader growth • Grows in wetter sites like Western red cedar

9. Notched tips

10. What’s the difference? Douglas fir grand fir

11. What are the six most common tree species on Mayne Island? • Douglas fir • Western red cedar • grand fir • Arbutus • red alder • Big leaf maple Which three species are broad-leaf trees?

12. Arbutus • Flowering plant • Flowers not cones • White flowers, red berries • Broadleaf evergreen • Multiple leader growth • Grows in dry sites

14. Big leaf maple • Flowering plant • Flowers not cones • Yellow flowers, helicopter seeds • Deciduous • Multiple leader growth • Grows in wetter sites or seepage areas

16. Red alder • Flowering plant • Flowers not cones • Deciduous • Multiple leader growth • Grows in wet sites • Access to atmospheric nitrogen • Can grow in poor soils

17. Male Cones Female Cones

18. Activity: Measuring Tree Diameter 1. Measure the circumference of the tree 1.3m from the ground and record the measurement 2. Divide the circumference by π (3.14) circumference ÷ 3.14 = diameter

19. This education resource was produced by the Mayne Island Conservancy Society thanks to the financial support of: