Winter Buds!
Sadie Campbell, Horticultural Intern
Winter can feel like a very long season in Canada. Once leaves drop in the fall and perennials turn brown and dormant, it seems like a long time before there will be any colour and life in the landscape. While there are no leaves on our deciduous woody plants right now, if you’re willing to look closer you may find that there is still some life and colour to be found in their buds.
  
The buds of American Beech (Fagus grandifolia), Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis) and Cucumber Magnolia (Magnolia acuminata). Photos by Michelle Beltran.
Plants in Canada have adapted to the seasonal changes in our climate. Herbaceous plants have a few different responses to winter. Annuals sprout, flower, produce seed, and die all before winter. The seeds that scatter in the fall will become new plants in the next year. Perennials enter dormancy and die off above the ground and either keep their buds below the ground or shelter them underneath fallen leaves and snow to protect them from the harshest winter weather. Deciduous woody plants, like trees, shrubs, and some vines, also go dormant in winter, but maintain their structure and life above ground. With their growth points much more exposed to winter winds and harsher conditions than those of herbaceous plants, they must protect them by encasing the undifferentiated cells at the tips of their twigs – called apical meristems - in a modified outer leaf. This process begins in summer when growth stops, but the plants are still able to photosynthesize and produce the large amounts of energy needed to form buds. These buds contain the materials needed for growth in the next year. If you pick a bud and cut it open, you can actually find a tiny leaf and sometimes flower structures, so it is essential that deciduous plants adequately protect them during winter.
Though buds generally all perform the same function, their appearance and method of protection are unique to each species. Some species have “naked” buds, which are only enclosed by modified thick outer leaves. These buds are often hairy and can be recessed into the twig, or protected by parts of the leaf or stipule that persist on the plant through winter. Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) and Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) are both examples of native species with naked buds.
  Left: The bud of this Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is naked, and some venation on the protective outer leaf is visible. Photo by Michelle Beltran. Right: The bud of this Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) is also naked and protected by dense hairs. Photo by Michelle Beltran.
More commonly, deciduous plants in our climate encase their buds with additional layers of protection, called scales. Bud scales are modified stipules that cover the bud. The number and arrangement of bud scales varies between species. Some only have one or two scales while others can have dozens. Scales can be formed in pairs opposite each other on the bud, or overlap like shingles on a roof. This American Basswood (Tilia americana) has scales opposite each other, while the scales on this Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) circle the bud in layers.
 
Left: This American Basswood (Tilia americana) has only a few scales that are opposite to each other. Photo by Michelle Beltran. Right: This Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) has far more bud scales that overlap each other like shingles. Photo by Michelle Beltran.
Buds on the branches of woody plants can develop leaves, inflorescence (whole flower heads), or both. The bud on the end of a twig is called the terminal bud. These usually develop into vegetative shoots and will become the new extension of the branch. Buds along the sides of a twig are called lateral or axillary buds and these can develop into vegetative shoots or inflorescence. Though they may look slightly different on a plant, lateral and terminal buds are generally morphologically similar in most species. If the terminal bud is lost or damaged, usually the closest lateral bud will take its place. Some species do not have terminal buds at all, instead one or more of the lateral buds become the new extension of the twig. In many species, there are smaller buds located above or below lateral buds. These are called accessory buds and can support lateral buds by replacing them if they are damaged.
The bud at the end of this Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) twig is the terminal bud, which will become the new shoot extensions. The buds below the terminal bud are lateral buds. Photo by Michelle Beltran.
Some species have separate buds for flowers and vegetative growth, while others contain both in the same bud, like Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo). This is why you’ll see some trees flowering before their leaves break like Red Maple (Acer rubrum), or well after, while some emerge at the same time. Buds that produce flowers tend to look different than vegetative buds. They are usually larger and plumper, especially in early-flowering species where the flower structure tends to be more fully formed within the bud.
 
Left: The winter buds of Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo) contain both leaves and inflorescence for spring. Photo by Michelle Beltran. Right: Red Maples (Acer rubrum) flower before they leaf out in spring. Photo by Michelle Beltran.
As the days begin to grow longer and warmer, woody plants prepare to break dormancy. In early spring, woody plants start to direct sap from the roots to the buds, causing them to swell. Buds will then shed their protective scales, and the growth of new leaves, flowers, and shoots can begin. While it may feel like new leaves are a long way off, pay attention to the buds around you in the coming weeks to see if you can catch this early sign of spring. If you would like to learn more about identifying woody plants by bud and twig, we will soon be offering a new Biodiversity Sheet about native tree buds. In the meantime, take a closer look at the buds around you on your next walk at The Arboretum. Their unique colours, textures, and form might give you a fresh appreciation for our deciduous woody plants in this cold season.
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Up Coming Workshops!
 Virtual Composting for Gardeners- Vermicomposting
The course will introduce you to the equipment needed including some inexpensive DIY options. It will help you select the right kind of worms and show you how to maintain them to keep them healthy. We’ll review ways of harvesting the vermicasts – the worm poop – and explain how it should be treated for best results in the garden. March 8th.
 Virtual Composting for Gardeners- Bokashi Composting
Bokashi composting is a simple way of treating kitchen waste right in your home. There is almost no odor and it’s simple to do. This workshop will provide you with all of the knowledge you need to be successful with this technique. March 15th.
 Virtual Bird Songs
Whether you are new to learning bird sounds or you want a good refresher, this course is for you. Join Chris Earley, Arboretum Interpretive Biologist and author of 5 bird field guides, for a series of eight virtual noon-hour lectures that cover over 150 bird species! We will focus on songs and some common, distinctive calls and will apply different methods to remember them. Starts March 20th.
 Virtual Propagating Plants From Cuttings
Cuttings are a great way to propagate all kinds of plants including perennials, trees, shrubs and houseplants. This workshop will look at different ways to propagate cuttings and compare them to using seeds. Most of the time will be spent on techniques that use media other than water. March 22nd.
 Virtual Constellation Workshop
Learning the night sky is like getting to know a new neighbourhood. At first, it may seem big and confusing, but as you strike out and become more and more familiar with prominent landmarks, the day comes when you realize that the neighbourhood is no longer new. It’s home. March 23rd.
 In- Person Terrific Turtles
We have 8 different amazing species of turtles in Ontario, but a frightening fact is that all 8 of these species are listed as ‘at risk’ in our province. Come and take advantage of the opportunity to meet live specimens of many of these species and learn about their individual habits and skills for surviving in nature. April 1st.
 In- Person Sensational Snakes
Snakes are often misunderstood and maligned. We would love to change the negative perception of these animals by teaching the truth about them. Please join us at this workshop and learn to identify and understand our native Ontario species of snakes with live specimens. We will cover their habits, ranges and habitats. April 15th.
 In-person Constellation Observation
We’ll look at a few of the objects that were discussed over the virtual winter sessions making use of a large telescope and Night Vision hardware that can be used to make very faint objects appear much brighter. The observing event is very much weather dependent so there will be a rain date (or two…). April 11th.
 Animal Rehabilitation Day 1- What to do if you find a baby rabbit
Join us over the lunch hour for a session on how to handle finding a baby wild rabbit. Learn how to detect if they need your help. We will go through their natural history, what a healthy versus unhealthy baby looks like, and case studies! No prior wildlife knowledge required. April 19th.
 Animal Rehabilitation Day 2- What to do if you find a baby songbird
Learn how to detect if baby songbirds need your help (is it just a fledgling learning to fly or is it a hatchling or nestling in need?) We will go through their natural history, what a healthy versus unhealthy baby looks like, and how you can help! No prior wildlife knowledge required. April 26th.
 Virtual Wonderful Spring Wildflowers
This session will introduce you to the beautiful world of wildflowers. We’ll cover identification features of spring ephemerals, along with taking a closer look at species that are common to the Guelph area. We’ll also touch on spring ephemeral natural history, lore, and helpful resources. April 28th.
Visit our website to check out even more great upcoming workshops!
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Winter Loving
Michelle Beltran, Naturalist Intern
As someone who admittedly is a wimp when it comes to handling the cold, I'm constantly amazed by animals that brave our winter. But for some species winter isn't only a season of harsh survival, it's also their breeding season. If you thought winter was a dull season, buckle up because there's lots of interesting animal activity!
 When it comes to raising baby Great Horned Owls, I can only imagine how difficult it must be for the parents to hunt enough prey to keep their 1-4 owlets well-fed. By breeding early in the year, January- February, Great Horned Owls can begin raising their young before migrating raptors return to Southern Ontario and compete for food. Of course, there are several challenges to breeding this early in the year. After mating, the female Great Horned Owl is principally tasked with incubating the eggs. While ambient temperatures may still be quite low, the female owl needs to ensure her eggs are kept warm. Female Great Horned Owls develop brood patches, a bald patch on their abdomen that allows for skin-to-egg contact which helps warm the eggs. The female will incubate the eggs for about a month, throughout that time she infrequently leaves the nest and relies on the male to bring her food. After the eggs hatch it will take a combined hunting effort from both parents to feed and raise the owlets.
Foxes are well adapted for our cold climate. They grow thick, insulating fur that will keep them warm. Even more impressive is the counter-current mechanism that foxes use to keep their feet warm. While standing on cold surfaces, the blood in a fox's feet will cool. To avoid expending a lot of energy warming the cold blood that circulates up from their feet and to their heart, the veins and arteries in a fox's foot are located very close to one another. The warm blood being brought down to the feet will warm the cold blood circulating away from their feet. These adaptions allow foxes to largely go unaffected by the cold weather and devote energy towards breeding behaviors.
 Just like Great Horned Owls, Red Foxes also breed early in the year. For several weeks ahead of mating male and female foxes often seen together. The male fox will closely guard and follow his mate to ensure he doesn't miss her coming into heat. After mating, the female will begin looking for and digging out possible den sites for her pups. Pups are typically born between mid-March to May. Both parents work together to hunt prey for their pups and eventually teach them how to hunt.
Throughout most of the winter, you'd be hard-pressed to find a skunk. Skunks largely spend their winter dormant, in a sort of light hibernation called torpor. While in torpor skunks decrease their metabolic activity and rely on fat stores. But, through warm periods male skunks will venture out of their den in search of a mate. Other than when they’re mating, adult skunks aren’t very social. After mating the pair will go their separate ways; the male will continue his search for more females to mate with and the female will eventually give birth to and raise the young alone. During warm spells, you may notice an increase in the pungent smell of skunk spray in the air. That may actually be a sign of a failed mating attempt. Male skunks will aim to breed with as many females as they can find. If he attempts to breed with an unreceptive female, she’ll fight him off, sometimes even spraying him.
 Due to their nocturnal lifestyle even when skunks are active they can be hard to see. Instead, look out for skunk tracks in the snow! Skunk tracks typically show distinctive differences between their front and hind paws. Their front paws are equipped with longer nails, perfect for digging in soil for invertebrates.
In the coming weeks we'll slowly ease into spring, and with that will come the arrival of new life! From baby animals to new plant growth we have so much to look forward to!
Top: Einstein, a non-releasable ambassador Great Horned Owl for Wild Ontario, with her brood patch visible while held in restraint for a health check-up. Photo by Sally Cheung. Middle: A Red Fox laying down beside a recently dug-out den site. Photo by Michelle Beltran, Bottom: Skunk tracks in the snow. Photo by Chris Earley.
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Donations and Dedications
  Donor-funded horticulturist and naturalist internships in The Arboretum provide unique experiential training opportunities for recent graduates and bring so much to our Arboretum and community. Interns gain experience through on-the-job training, such as all-season improvisational nature interpretation on Wednesday walks and planning and implementing activities such as the Rosaceae collection upgrades. We aim to build skills by supporting training – from seed collection to first aid to chainsaw certification – and offering opportunities to learn by sitting in on various courses, field trips, and working alongside Arboretum staff. This program is only possible through gifts from donors. If you would like to learn more about supporting this program, contact our Director Justine Richardson at justine.richardson@uoguelph.ca.
Left: Sadie standing by newly installed posts in the Rose Collection. Photo by Justine Richardson. Right: Michelle leading a Wednesday Noon Walk in Wild Goose Woods. Photo by Donald McCarthy.
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Director's Note
Each season in the Arboretum brings its own unique joys and activities. In winter the grounds and trails offer changing beauty through snow or ice or mud, and plants offer winter habitat and food for wildlife. Our Hilton Centre horticulture team members handle important tree work during the dormancy phase, closing trails as needed. We plan for gardens and order plants and materials we’ll need in the summer. Arboretum naturalists hold virtual workshops and owl prowls, and plan for spring school visits and summer camps. Our unique Arboretum Centre space serves campus and community members for winter meetings and team retreats, meaningful celebrations of life, and an occasional winter wedding.
Expanding Student Engagement: Over the past year we have been working with Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots U of G Chapter and many students and affiliated clubs to bring an Arboretum Student Engagement Fee referendum to a vote. More than 2,000 students signed a petition, and students will vote during the Central Student Association elections March 6-10. Learn more at https://arboretum.uoguelph.ca/arboretum-student-engagement-fee-referendum.
Rare Woody Plants of Ontario: Our horticulture and research team has been focusing with partners on endangered Red mulberry (Morus rubra) stewardship. Reports and information on this program will be coming out this spring. In the meantime, you can learn more about Red mulberry in this new video from Pine Grove Nature Shorts featuring former Arboretum curator John Ambrose: https://vimeo.com/774046841
Partnerships toward Indigenous Land-based Learning: We are continuing our partnership with Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and will be hosting species at risk biologist Theodore Flamand this spring for our second annual research studio, and hosting youth in a land-based learning exchange in May.
We hope you can take some time to enjoy the Arboretum – virtually or in person – through this changing season.
Warmly, Justine
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Wednesday Noon Walks
Nature is known to be unpredictable and unexpected, so what awaits us today? Michelle, The Arboretum's Naturalist Intern, will be leading free 1 hour long walks on Wednesdays. Walks start at The Arboretum campus entrance at 12:15pm. For more information contact Michelle at beltranm@uoguelph.ca or ext. 53615. Please note that the hike may be cancelled if there is inclement weather. Cancellations are posted on our social media pages.
We kindly ask that walk participants follow the current University safety protocols, found here.
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What To See
To learn more about what is happening or what to look out for at The Arboretum please follow us on social media. We are on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. @ uogarboretum. [Click on the photos below to see the posts and more on Instagram.]
 Every year we hope northern birds will come down to The Arboretum in search of food. Luckily for these Bohemian Waxwings our grounds have lots of Eastern Red Cedar cones for them to eat!
 Icy days make for stunning landscapes! Be sure to come out and enjoy the winter wonderland on The Arboretum grounds.
 Is there anything better than hand feeding chickadees? |
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Weddings at The Arboretum
A couple walking down The Arboretum promenade. Photo by Brian Limoyo Wedding Photography.
Did you know weddings take place at The Arboretum year-round? Every season presents a contrasting natural landscape with scenic views of formal gardens, trees, and trails unique to our world-class, newly renovated indoor reception space with barrier-free access. Take advantage of our off-peak booking rates from November to April.
To learn more, contact Dawn Ann Webster at dawnann@uoguelph.ca.
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Merchandise
 Stay warm with Arboretum's custom designed neck gaiters. These UPF 50 and moisture wicking Buffs are made from CoolNet UV+® technology and 95% recycled materials. Each design features the leaves of 5 different tree species, and the logos of The Arboretum and UofG.
Our building is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Come on by to purchase merchandise in person. Or shop online and have items shipped right to your doorstep! Visit our Merchandise shop to order today or to check out our other cool products and educational materials.
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