The tutor reflects on summers past as he discusses his latest identification.

I recall, growing up in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, a tree with deeply furrowed, dark grey bark, and compound leaves whose leaflets were rounded, not pointed. It comes to mind now because this is the time of year the Valley is abloom.

This morning I searched my guides for that type of tree. I recall people mentioning ash, but the guides suggest black locust. Though its native range doesn’t extend to Nova Scotia, one guide points out that it has been widely planted elsewhere. Could it dwell in the beloved Annapolis Valley?

Yes indeed, according to HistoricPlaces.ca.

Source:

Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Trees. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1980.

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.