A Serious and Contemplative Look at Our Native Foliage

It's April. The streets glisten with gray water, the suffocated lawns burn under an unforgiving sun, and the air carries the final exhale of another dying winter. Yet, in this great atmosphere of death, there is rebirth. Cutting through the pestilential ooze of another Winnipeg spring, we can always rely on one ancient form to resurrect the beauty of this rustic province.

I am speaking, of course, about the tree. Often called "the shrub's taller, uglier cousin," trees tend to be nature's forgotten children. We write essays and draw doodles on them. We even wipe our posteriors with them. So, in recognition of their quiet and abominable plight, here is a profile of some of Manitoba's foliage. Ladies and gentleman, I give you...TREES!

The Jack Pine, Height: 15 m, Beauty: Immeasurable

 




The Jack Pine, or Pinus Banksiana as it's known colloquially, is a common tree found in the northern and eastern parts of the province. Although it may appear gangly and dull at first glance, the Jack Pine makes a wonderful home for a plethora of forest critters, and burns well in a bonfire. It's a cone bearing tree, and therefore is perfect if you enjoy pine cones.












Manitoba Maple (Box Elder), Height: 17 m, Beauty: Seraphic

The Manitoba Maple has the word Manitoba in it. It can be found throughout the southern part of the province, and grows as far north as the top of Lake Winnipeg, where it begins to wither and die because it's weak. It is known amongst children as "that tree that I am definitely going to climb."











Hop-Hornbeam (Ironwood), Height: 12 m, Beauty: Visionary

Known best for having the most badass tree name in Manitoba, the Hop-Hornbeam is a rare tree that can only be found in the southernmost part of the province. It prefers to grow in moist areas because that's just how it rolls. In its spare time the Hop-Hornbeam drives motorcycles and smokes cigarettes.