Plant life is one of the most important components in ensuring the success of our Kirtland’s Warbler habitat restoration site. The Kirtland’s Warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii) is a notoriously picky bird. They only nest in pine trees between about 5-15 years of age. Anything younger is too small, anything older is too large. Historically, we thought that they only nested in Jack Pines. Recent research indicates that they will also nest in Red Pines, a species which is more widely distributed throughout Ontario. This is particularly interesting for scientists as Red Pines do not depend on fire to germinate their cones to the same extent that Jack Pines do. Both these species grow in dry, sandy soils. This is characteristic of Kirtland’s Warbler breeding habitat throughout the Great Lakes region.
Research indicates that the presence of native shrubs and wildflowers is extremely important in the suitability of nesting habitat for Kirtland’s Warbler. Working closely with outside consultants and volunteer seed collectors, the Oak Ridges Moraine is seeding a number of native plant species. Some of these, like the Kirtland’s Warbler itself, habitat specialists. They depend on the sandy soils of oak savannahs and prairie habitats. Sundial Lupine (Lupinus perennis) is one such example. These gorgeous blue wildflowers occur in sandy prairie habitats, blooming in May. Others, like Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) are generalists, occurring in a variety of habitats.
A few botanical highlights of the Kirtland’s Warbler restoration site include:
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
This native grass is a characteristic species of tallgrass prairie and oak savannah habitats. Sometimes called “Turkeyfoot” because of the distinctive shape of its raceme (flower head). It can grow to a height of 3 metres, and its root system can reach the same length! It ranges from the prairies of Canada and the US south to Mexico.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
This wildflower is widely distributed across Ontario, growing in open habitats like forest edges, meadows, and fields. It’s a popular garden plant and a favourite of hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators. The bright purple flowers bloom in July. Wild Bergamot is a host plant for the caterpillars of several moth species.
Field Pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta)
This small, woolly wildflower is named for its resemblance to a cat’s paw! It’s found in every province in mainland Canada. This species is a host plant for the American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) butterfly. They can grow up to 25 cm and contain multiple flower heads (as many as eight).
Photo by Superior National Forest, shared under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en, unmodified.
Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila)
This species is found throughout the US and Canada, where it ranges from New Brunswick to Saskatchewan. Sand Cherry is a shrub that reaches about 1.8 metres in height. As their name suggests, they grow well in dry, sandy soils. Sand Cherry is often found along beaches and dunes. Their fruit ripens in the early summer. They’re eaten by a variety of birds and mammals. They can safely be consumed by humans.
New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)
This shrub is a member of the buckthorn family. They’re found in sandy soils in places like forest clearings and shorelines. In Ontario they’re strongly associated with oak savannahs. Several butterflies feed on their leaves, including the Spring Azure, Summer Azure, Dreamy Duskywing, and Mottled Duskywing. They produce showy white flowers throughout the summer months.
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