Redbud Non-Native to Canada
I noticed that Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is listed as a native species in Ontario (I’m currently in Mississuaga); however, the plant is not academically, historically (not even in the fossil records), or otherwise recognized as a native plant, and has been recently migrated by people (with great zeal by the nursery industry that loves to capitalize off of its pretty flowers and smaller form). The biggest concern, other than inaccuracy, is that redbud, like most Fabaceae, has a strong tendency to spread with its abundant and viable seed production. It has been identified in many locations, spreading aggressively and displacing native and endangered plants. For the purpose of eco-responsibility, I would ask to see that changed to accurately reflect its range. Thank you!
Log in to comment and vote
Comments2
Jesse Feral Foraging
Jul 22
Hey, thanks for this review! We’d note that the native status of a plant within a region is something difficult to pin down and is not exactly black and white in many cases, but rather, in flux, especially with changing climate conditions. From what we can see, Southern Ontario is at least within 300-500 km of the reported native range of Cercis canadensis, which doesn’t give us much confidence for changing its status as native in that area. Species like garlic mustard, privet, and honeysuckle are so much greater of a concern for aggressively taking over the native ecosystems of Ontario than a nearby native plant like redbud. Hope you can understand our position on this!
IMbirdieful
Aug 28
RIP. I hold some issue with your reasoning for not changing its status being that its actual native range is 300-500km away from where the app claims it is. I understand the migratory reality of many of these species due to climate change, but I don’t see an issue in recognizing its non-native status to the province for educational purposes, especially for highlighting the need to document its behaviours as it integrates (inevitably) into the province’s landscape — especially if it continues to become an issue with displacing vulnerable native communities. The existence of ‘worse’ trans-continental invasive plants, is not, as I believe, substantial reason to undervalue the fact that Redbud has been aggressively introduced to Ontario in the past century. Perhaps a ‘near-native’ or ‘migratatory’ identifier would be more suitable?