Does seed source matter?
Now that you have chosen a species that is adapted
to your site and that meets your needs, it is time to
ensure that the trees you order from the nursery will
be adapted to your climate. That is, make sure they
were grown from seed that came from an area with a climate
similar to the area where they will be planted.
Nurseries grow seedlings from seeds or from cuttings.
Although most tree species grow across large geographic
areas, over many generations local populations have
evolved to be specially adapted to local climatic conditions
and as a result, seedlings need to be planted in the
area from which their seed came. There are examples
where trees have flourished once moved to a different
area - but these situations must be viewed as lucky
experiments. In many cases moving trees from one climate
to another is an experiment that does not work out so
well - ecologically or economically!
| The map in Figure 2 shows the
different Tree Seed Zones for Ontario. Trees grown
from seed collected within one seed zone are genetically
adapted to the climate of that zone and can be
safely planted within the same zone.
It is important to ensure that your stock came
from the zone of your planting site. Ask about
it when you order the stock. For more information
on seed zones contact the FGCA (see Getting
More Information). |
|
Fig.
2. Tree seed zones of southern Ontario
(click for larger image) |
|
