Native trees in Toronto are trees that are naturally growing in Toronto and were not later introduced by humans. The area that presently comprise Toronto is a part of the Carolinian forest, although agricultural and urban developments destroyed significant portions of that life zone. In addition, many of Toronto's native trees have been displaced by non-native plants and trees introduced by settlers from Europe and Asia from the 18th century to the present. Most of the native trees are found in the Toronto ravine system, parks, and along the Toronto waterway system.

The type of trees growing across the city varies based on the soil condition in the area. Tree cover in the city prior to European settlement started from the shore line back. Settlement resulted in trees being cut for use in building homes and ships and for heating by early residents. The current tree cover (or canopy) in Toronto is estimated to be between 26.6 and 28% and many trees are not native to the city. The city's Urban Forestry Services plants these trees on city property and encourages others in the city to do the same.

Native trees in Toronto

A partial list of native trees in Toronto:

Native trees in Toronto

Ash

Black ash

Green ash

White ash

Aspen

Balsam poplar

Large-tooth aspen

Trembling aspen

Basswood

American basswood

Birch

White birch

Yellow birch

Beech

North American beech

Cedar

Northern white cedar

Chestnut

American chestnut

Dogwoods

Alternate-leaved dogwood

Elm

White elm

Hackberry

Northern hackberry

Hawthorns

Hickory

Bittnut hickory

Shagbark hickory

Hemlock

Eastern hemlock

Hop-hornbeam

Ironwood

Hornbeam

Blue-beech

Larch

Tamarack

Maple

Red maple

Silver maple

Striped maple

Sugar maple

Mountain-ash

American mountain-ash

Mulberry

Red mulberry

Oak

Bur oak

Eastern black oak

Northern red oak

Pin oak

Swamp white oak

White oak

Pine

Eastern white pine

Sycamores

Buttonwood

Prunus

Black cherry

Chokecherry

Pin cherry

Sassafras

White sassafras

Serviceberries

Walnut

Butternut

Black walnut

Willow

Black willow

Peachleaf willow

See also

Fauna of Toronto

Oak Ridges Moraine

References

External links

Tree Planting

About Leaf

Trees of Ontario

Environment of Toronto

Native trees in Toronto