The mythical Black Oak of Creek 53

One tree at Creek 53 captured our collective interest many years ago. It exists in a forest patch with other oaks – mostly red oaks, but this one individual always seemed special. It is not overly tall (yet) but its bark more furrowed than expected, and the way it reaches the canopy is a little different than its neighbours. Its leaves are a little different too. Preliminary work on identifications suggested it was a Black Oak, but this couldn’t be so!  Black Oaks are extremely rare in Quebec – and while they do exist as planted trees in some parts of southern Quebec, the wild lands of Creek 53 seemed too far away from their main range. Could it be one of the only individuals of the species to exist in natural forests of Quebec?

Over the years the trustees of Creek 53 returned to this one tree to stand beside it, a hand on its tough bark, looking up with wonder and awe.  And now the mystery is solved: we recently had confirmation and we are thrilled to announce that the magical tree is indeed a Black Oak. This species is a common tree in many parts of North America, providing habitat, food, and shelter for wildlife. It is a shade-intolerant species, meaning it struggles to survive if it cannot access the sun. It is also quite fire tolerant, and when it grows, it shoots down a long, deep tap root. There is strength in the species. But Quebec is at the northern edge of its range, and this one individual has found a home here in Hudson.

Is your curiosity piqued? Creek 53 is not accessible given its preservation status – it is protected land, for nature first. However, if you join to be a Friend of Creek 53 (details here), you can join a guided walk of the Territory and enjoy the splendour of the mythical Black Oak.