- North of Bain Ave. on the west side of the third courtyard
- Photo: © Michael Pereira
Update: the tree for this stop was cut down in July because residents feared, perhaps unreasonably, that the tree would spread and damage the building's foundation.
At the end of the courtyard near the corner of the west building is staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), named for its distinctive branching pattern and stout woolly twigs that resemble a deer's antlers in velvet. Sumacs are native to the area and once grew on the sides of the nearby Don River bluffs. The bluffs are now gone, the sandy soil carted away over a century ago to be used for mortar and brick. Of note is the rubber tire around the tree's base. If not removed soon, it will eventually kill the tree. Trees transport nutrients and water from their roots to their leaves in small channels just under their bark. As this tree's trunk grows wider each year, the tire will eventually cut into the bark restricting the flow through these pipes. Staghorn sumacs have useful medicinal properties. The bright red fruit are a rich source of vitamin 'C' and make a refreshing juice mixed with mint and maple syrup. Though attractive, they are not the best choice for small urban gardens because they clone and spread quickly.
- Next stop: The Healthy House
- Previous stop: Towering Carolina poplar
- Return to map of: Bain Co-operative
Funding for the program is generously provided by:
