The Maple Tree
Trees have played a meaningful role in the
historical development of Canada and continue to be of commercial,
environmental and aesthetic importance to all Canadians. Maples
contribute valuable wood products, sustain the maple sugar
industry and help to beautify the landscape. Maple wood, which
varies in hardness, toughness and other properties, is in
demand for flooring, furniture, interior woodwork, veneer,
small woodenware, and supports several flourishing industries
in eastern Canada. Maple is also highly prized in furniture
building and cabinet-making.
Since 1965, the maple leaf has been the centerpiece
of the National Flag of Canada and the maple tree bears the
leaves that have become the most prominent Canadian symbol,
nationally and internationally. Maple leaf pins and badges
are proudly worn by Canadians abroad, and are recognized around
the world.
Although the maple leaf is closely associated
with Canada, the maple tree was never officially recognized
as Canada's arboreal emblem until 1996.
Many Canadians in the forest sector have
long requested that the Government select the maple tree as
Canada's arboreal emblem. They now enjoy the use of the maple
tree as an official symbol when promoting Canada as a world
leader in sustainable forest management.
It is the generic maple species that is being
proclaimed as Canada's arboreal emblem. Of the 150 known species
of maple (genus Acer), only 13 are native to North America.
Ten of these grow in Canada: Sugar, Black, Silver, bigleaf,
Red, Mountain, Striped, Douglas, Vine and the Manitoba. With
the exception of four species, native maples are large trees.
At least one of the ten species grows naturally in every province.
All provinces have established arboreal emblems
and this emblem is an important element within the family
of national symbols.
The maple tree was officially proclaimed
national arboreal emblem of Canada on April 25, 1996. It was
published in the Canada Gazette on May 15, 1996.
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