
Common Trees of the Gulf Islands: Identification and Knowledge
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?
Douglas fir • Conifer • Cones not flowers • Evergreen • Single leader growth • Grows in drier sites than Western red cedar
Female Cones Male Cones
Western red cedar • Conifer • Cones not flowers • Evergreen • Single leader growth • Grows in wetter sites than Douglas fir
Female Cones Male Cones
Grand fir • Conifer • Cones not flowers • Evergreen • Single leader growth • Grows in wetter sites like Western red cedar
What’s the difference? Douglas fir grand fir
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?
Arbutus • Flowering plant • Flowers not cones • White flowers, red berries • Broadleaf evergreen • Multiple leader growth • Grows in dry sites
Big leaf maple • Flowering plant • Flowers not cones • Yellow flowers, helicopter seeds • Deciduous • Multiple leader growth • Grows in wetter sites or seepage areas
Red alder • Flowering plant • Flowers not cones • Deciduous • Multiple leader growth • Grows in wet sites • Access to atmospheric nitrogen • Can grow in poor soils
Male Cones Female Cones
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
This education resource was produced by the Mayne Island Conservancy Society thanks to the financial support of: