Manitoba Maple - Acer negundo - Érable negundo

So the most recent tree to go into full bloom here in Montreal is Acer negundo (Manitoba maple). The long, pendulous male flowers are quite eye-catching at the moment.

Acer negundo staminate inflorescences

Like Acer saccharinum, A. negundo is wind-pollinated. Unlike A. saccharinum, A. negundo is dioecious [1,2,3], which means that each tree is either male or female. As with A. saccharinum (and other wind-pollinated species), the flowers are not perfumed or showy, as there is no point in investing energy in characteristics which are used exclusively to attract pollinators. Instead, wind-pollinated plants invest energy in producing a huge amount of pollen to make up for the tremendous inaccuracy of wind-pollination.

Acer negundo staminate inflorescence

A. negundo is introduced in this region, being native to places in the U.S. and in central Canada [native range map here]. This tree is a popular choice for landscaping, and because of this has been spread globally. This species takes very well to disturbed habitats and so has a tendency to spread in human-occupied land. A. negundo also prospers in riparian areas (transition zone from land to river). The species spreads easily and is naturalized in southern Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and various parts of the United States [3].

A. negundo staminate inflorescence

There is some variation in the timing of emergence of flowers and leaves in A. negundo, depending on geographical (climate) factors [3]. In some places, the flowers appear first, and then the flowers. As can be seen in the photos I have, at least here in Montreal, the flowers and leaves appear simultaneously; this is likely related to the shorter growing season here compared to more balmy southern climes.

A. negundo staminate inflorescence

Unlike most maples, A. negundo has distinctive compound leaves. Image of leaves here.

Genus Acer - Fall Colours

Went walking with E. along the Eardley Escarpment over the weekend. The fall colours are particularly spectacular this year and just getting started. The maples (genus Acer) tend to start changing colours first.

Surprisingly little poplar (genus Populus) on our walk, so none of the early yellows that they provide are shown here. Sorry about that. They're more common a bit further North than the Eardley Escarpment, which is basically the Southernmost tip of the boreal forest (and Canadian Shield).

Looking East along the Eardley Escarpment

There are some great walking trails in Gatineau Park, one of which meanders along the top of the escarpment, providing a number of opportunities to look out to the South.

Acer rubrum - red maple - just starting to turn

Acer saccharum - sugar maple - in peak colour

The maples set the hills ablaze, brilliant and transient against the smooth blue sky.