Trees Of New Brunswick

New Brunswick is home to a wide variety of trees, with approximately 85% of the province's land being productive forest. The region's vegetation combines eastern hardwood forests with northern boreal forests, resulting in a diverse range of forest communities and tree species. The Acadian Forest, a mix of red spruce, balsam fir, yellow birch, white birch, and maples, is known for its brilliant autumn colours. In addition to these, other tree species found in New Brunswick include oak, elm, hickory, chestnut, crabapple, fir, and dogwood. The province also supports a thriving fruit tree culture, with apple, pear, plum, peach, fig, cherry, nectarine, apricot, mulberry, and lemon trees being popular choices for gardeners.

Oak trees

There are 13 species of oak (Quercus) trees native to Canada. These deciduous trees produce acorns that are a favourite food of squirrels, raccoons, geese and deer. Most of these species are native to the southernmost provinces of Canada, which border the United States.

The burr oak (Quercus macrocarpa), also known as the mossy-cup oak, can be found in southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well as Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. It is often found in dry woodlands and its large acorns are protected by a frilly cap. The English oak (Quercus robur) has also established itself across New Brunswick, after escaping cultivation.

The northern red oak (Quercus rubra) is native to a wide swath of southeastern Canada, from Ontario's Lake of the Woods, all the way to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. This species can also be found in New Brunswick.

The Acadian forest in New Brunswick is home to 32 different species of trees, including softwood specimens such as white pine and red spruce, and hardwood species such as northern red oak and white ash.

Maple trees

There are several types of maple trees that can be grown in New Brunswick. These include the Douglas maple (Acer Glabrum), also known as the Rocky Mountain maple, which is native to Oregon, British Columbia, Utah, and Washington. It is a shade-tolerant tree that tends to thrive in protected, moist areas along streams. Another type is the Bigleaf maple (Acer Macrophyllum), native to Texas, Mexico, southern Idaho, and parts of Utah's mountainous regions. Also known as the Canyon maple, this tree is an ideal landscape specimen as it tolerates most climate and soil conditions. The Vine maple (Acer Circinatum) is another variety that can be grown in New Brunswick. Found growing in British Columbia, northern California, and Alaska, this deciduous specimen is one of the most popular native shrubs, growing in moist to wet places under the shade of taller trees.

Fruit trees

New Brunswick is mostly considered Hardiness Zone 5, with the rest of the province falling into zones 3 and 4. This means that the province has a short but sweet growing season, with fruit availability varying depending on the climate of a particular year.

Apple trees are a great option for New Brunswick, as they thrive in the province's cold spring and cooler fall months. They are also one of the easiest fruits to grow, requiring little maintenance and being able to be planted in any type of soil. Pears are another good option for the province, as they are cold-hardy and do well in droughts, high heat, and humidity.

For those in the southern part of the province, heat-loving fruits like peaches, plums, and cherries are a good choice. Peaches, in particular, thrive in the hot and humid summers of southern New Brunswick, and they grow well in small spaces. Nectarines, cousins of the peach tree, also love the heat and grow well in small spaces. However, both types of trees struggle with cold weather.

Apricot trees are another option for those in the southern part of the province, as they thrive in the heat and humidity and are great for small yards. However, they do poorly in the cold and are susceptible to insects and disease.

New Brunswick also has tons of wild berry bushes, and berries like blueberries and raspberries are a great option for those looking to grow fruit. Haskap berries, which look like elongated blueberries or purple grapes and taste like a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry, have been modified by the University of Saskatchewan berry researchers to survive the cold and snow of New Brunswick.

Coniferous trees

One of the most prominent coniferous trees in New Brunswick is the balsam fir (Abies balsamea), which is native to the region and has various cultural and economic uses. The balsam fir is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree with soft, short needles and a cone-shaped profile. It is often used as a Christmas tree and plays a significant role in the lumber industry, particularly in the production of high-quality paper. Additionally, the balsam fir has cultural significance in Indigenous traditional medicine and food, as well as being used for varnish and sealant.

The balsam fir is highly adaptable and winter-hardy, capable of surviving temperatures as low as -45 degrees Celsius. It can grow in a variety of terrains, from swamps to slopes to mountain tops. This tree is also beneficial to the ecosystem, providing food and shelter for many of New Brunswick's native wildlife species. The foliage feeds caterpillars, grouse, and mammals like moose and red squirrels, while the seeds are a food source for small mammals and birds.

Another coniferous tree that is commonly found in New Brunswick is the white pine. This tree is part of the Acadian forest, which is known for its unique mix of softwoods and hardwoods. The Acadian forest covers a diverse range of elevations, resulting in a wide variety of forest communities and tree species. The white pine, in particular, is valued for its softwood and has been historically used for various industrial purposes.

In addition to the balsam fir and white pine, other coniferous trees that grow in New Brunswick include red spruce and northern white cedar. These trees are also part of the Acadian forest ecosystem and have been historically important for the province's economy and industry. Overall, coniferous trees play a crucial role in shaping New Brunswick's environment, supporting its wildlife, and driving its economic development.

Deciduous trees

One of the most well-known deciduous trees in New Brunswick is the maple tree. With its stunning fall colours, the maple tree is a beloved feature of the province's landscape. There are several varieties of maple trees that thrive in New Brunswick, each with its own unique characteristics. The Douglas Maple (Acer Glabrum), native to the western regions of North America, is a shade-tolerant tree that favours moist areas along streams. Its fall foliage displays hues of red, yellow, and muted red. Another variety, the Bigleaf Maple (Acer Macrophyllum), is native to the southern regions of the United States and parts of Mexico. It is a shrubby tree that can tolerate a wide range of climate and soil conditions, making it a popular choice for landscaping. Its fall foliage showcases bright red to orange-red colours. The Vine Maple (Acer Circinatum), found in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, is a smaller deciduous tree that grows to about 21 feet tall and has a lifespan of around 80 to 90 years. It is often found in moist areas under the shade of taller trees, but can also thrive in sunny pastures. The summer foliage of the Vine Maple is a favourite food source for deer and elk.

In addition to maple trees, New Brunswick is also home to other deciduous varieties such as the white birch. The white birch is easily recognised by its thin, white bark that peels off in large sheets. It is a medium-sized tree, averaging 16 metres in height, and is one of the first species to regenerate after a forest disturbance. Another deciduous tree found in the province is the American mountain ash, which takes the form of a small tree or shrub and is distinguished by its white flowers or red berries, depending on the season. American mountain ash trees average about 10 metres in height and are a preferred food source for moose, birds, and small mammals.

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