Welcome to Word of the Week! Stay tuned for a new word each Friday to amp up your nature vocabulary!
Efflorescence [ef-luh-RES-uh ns] (noun): The state or a period of flowering.
When the Cherry Blossoms trees begin to flower, humans are not the only animals that get excited! Although not originally from Canada, these trees are quite valuable to the resident wildlife and ecosystem of High Park.
The Cherry Blossom trees provide a living space for some of the park’s tinier creatures and their fruits are a source of food for small mammals, and many resident songbirds, like American Robins and Northern Cardinals. Speaking of birds, the Cherry Blossoms are also a great source of nectar for the beautiful, bright orange, Baltimore Orioles! Not too long after their migration back to High Park, in early May, they can often be seen feeding among the soft pink flowers.
The beloved Cherry Blossom trees also increase the canopy cover of the park, and just like any other tree, their presence in our cities can help reduce our carbon footprint by storing carbon and creating more oxygen for us to breathe. They also clean the air, soil and water by absorbing pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
During your Cherry Blossom visit, keep a careful eye out for wildlife and respect the blooming trees!
