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Post by Jason on Oct 17, 2007 12:32:36 GMT -5
Hey there, new to the site but think it is great. I recently found out that Port Dalhousie is home to the only stand of Cherry Birch in Canada and was thinking of going on a hunt to find the rare Canadian trees (not so rare in the US). Anyone interested in coming along? Perhaps on a Sat or Sunday morning. If we go soon we can enjoy the fall colours as we hunt. A little info on the Cherry (or Sweet) Birch:
Rarest native tree in Ontario and maybe Canada (less than 12 tallied) Original source of wintergreen oil and Birch beer (now wintergreen manufactured synthetically)
Jason
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Post by Dan on Oct 17, 2007 19:01:43 GMT -5
I'll be there Friday around 11 and Sat but just passing through. I'll have to look cherry birch up before I go. Any idea where about they are?
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rotii
New Member
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Post by rotii on Oct 18, 2007 16:22:52 GMT -5
My book says they are on private land at Fifeteen Mile pond and some further up Fifeteen mile creek. Some were on the cliff above Lake Ontario but may have been victims of erosion.
Jason
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Post by Melissa Hellwig on Dec 24, 2007 10:54:18 GMT -5
Hi,
I know nothing about Canadian flora but this sounds very intriguing. Do you have plans to collect seed and propagate these trees? I would like to hear more. I see distribution of these plants through conventional nurseries as a special project to have their genetic material retained in Canada. And what is wintergreen oil used for?
Melissa Hellwig NOTL Sustainability Network
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Post by Dan on Dec 27, 2007 23:25:30 GMT -5
(http://www.buyaromatherapy.com/store/wintergreen_oil.html)
History: Wintergreen and Sweet Birch oil, both nearly identical in chemical composition and aroma are both traditional folk remedies. This tradition has led to the discovery of Methyl Salicylate, its main ingredient, as a pain reliever. Methyl Salicylate is now commercially produced and known under the name Aspirin et. al. However, the use of both Wintergreen and Birch is potentially toxic, and recommended for professional use only. Because of the familiar, candy-like aroma there have been cases of children ingesting this oil. Commonly used in chewing gum, toothpaste, root beer, coca-cola and candy.
Melissa I think this was just a treasure hunt. I wanted to buy or grow a cucumber tree but was told by David Beamer (Niagara Restoration Council) that if I can't pollinate the few rare trees here in Niagara I am taking a risk of causing genetic pollution by shipping trees in.
If you know of where I can buy a cucumber tree grown from local seed I would love to donate one to my Town.
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rotii
New Member
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Post by rotii on Dec 30, 2007 16:11:28 GMT -5
Yes Melissa, I was just interested in going looking for the rare trees as I like that sort of thing. If there is seed there I sometimes try and grow the trees myself and see what happens. As it is winter now, I won't be hunting but hope to look for the stand come spring/summer.
Dan - I know of a guy who has grown some cucumber trees from local seed. Don't know if he has any left or if he is willing to give any away but could find out more info if you like.
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Post by Dan on Dec 30, 2007 21:00:41 GMT -5
These wouldn't be considered a give away if they're publicly donated but if there is a cost I am willing to fund raise.
Did you know there was Paw Paw trees on Navy Island? According to Anne Yagi there is. The only place I knew they existed was Woodend and behind the Pendale Plaza.
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Post by chrisk on Jan 9, 2008 3:10:56 GMT -5
Dan,
Where approx are the Paw Paw, behind the Pendale plaza?
Chris
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Post by Dan on Jan 9, 2008 23:11:02 GMT -5
I've only seen the ones at Woodend where the "tour guide" explained the only others he'd seen were behind the Pendale.
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rotii
New Member
Posts: 10
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Post by rotii on Jan 17, 2008 20:00:03 GMT -5
I have just found out that the Niagara Restoration Council is planting some Cherry Birch this year down in Port Dalhousie. Apparently one of the stands there was lost to erosion of the cliffs but the landowner got some seed first. The seeds were sent to Guelph U who grew them into small trees and they are coming back this year to be put in the ground.
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