[CANUFNET] Ohio Buckeye, Aesculus glabra, Tree to be used on Public Property and if so how? Fruit toxicityissue

[Les Misch]

Hello,

I am uncertain of the toxicity of the fruit, however, those using Ohio
Buckeye may want to be mindful of the following. In addition to toxicity to
the public, there may be concerns regarding its toxicity on the biological
functions of aquatic or semi-aquatic organisms (plants, invertebrates,
amphibians, fish, etc.). If the toxins from the fruit (which can be leached
during decomposition) are entering water bodies, particularly sensitive
ones, via stormwater runoff is and are in a high enough concentration or
particularly toxic, could have long-term effects on aquatic organisms. If
the trees are being planted adjacent to a water body or other natural area
with sufficient water supply or soil moisture to allow mobility of the
toxins. There are a number of plant-derived toxic chemicals that can
adversely effect organisms if allowed to enter an organisms body (e.g.
ingestion, absorption, etc.).

Also offered for future consideration. I checked the Weediness score in the
Floristic Quality Assessment publication (MNR 1995) for Ohio Buckeye
(Aesculus glabra). The Weediness score is a rating system (assigned by a
panel of leading botanical experts in Ontario) to indicate a non-native
plants level of invasiveness. The Weediness score ranges from -1 (least
invasive) to -3 (most invasive). Ohio Buckeye has a score of "-1" which is
for non-native plants that have little or no impact on other vegetated
areas. Understanding that in many instances non-native plants have a greater
tolerance and resilience to growing conditions in built environments (i.e.
paved streetscapes, parking lots, etc.), it should at least be a primary
goal for those using non-native plants to avoid those that have a Weediness
score of "-2" or "-3".


Les Misch
Principal/Senior Ecologist



AET Group Inc.
531 Wellington Street North

Kitchener, ON  N2H 5L6
T  519.576.9723
F  519.570.9589

lmisch at aet-group.com

www.aet-group.com


  -----Original Message-----
  From: canufnet-bounces at list.web.net
[mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net]On Behalf Of Payne, Mark
  Sent: January 19, 2010 9:04 AM
  To: Canadian Urban Forest Network
  Subject: Re: [CANUFNET] Ohio Buckeye, Aesculus glabra,Tree to be used on
Public Property and if so how? Fruit toxicityissue


  Peter,

  Please provide more information on the toxicity of the fruit.  Your link
didn't come through.

  Mark Payne, MSc. QPRA
  Environmental Research and Policy Analyst
  Environmental Health Team
  Public Health
  York Region
  465 Davis Drive, Suite 240
  Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P1
  (905) 895 4511 x4511
  toll free 1 (877) 464-9675 x4511
  fax (905) 836-8315

  This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged
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----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
  From: canufnet-bounces at list.web.net [mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net]
On Behalf Of pwynnyczuk at richmondhill.ca
  Sent: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 7:35 AM
  To: Canadian Urban Forest Network
  Subject: [CANUFNET] Ohio Buckeye, Aesculus glabra, Tree to be used on
Public Property and if so how? Fruit toxicity issue


  A concern was brought my attention respecting the use of this non-native
tree as a  street tree. Attached is the link associated with the information
presented.

  1) Is this tree currently part of your inventory and if so, have you had
to address the issue and how?

  2) If using this species, have any of the Nurseries you purchased  from
advised you of this fruit toxicity issue?

  Our situation is we have recently introduced this tree in our pallette of
street trees and now need some further research on how to reasonably address
the issue.
  Please advise on this matter as it may have implications beyond the
purchase and planting of the trees, as it  could affect Growers and
Nurseries.
  Regards,
  Peter Wynnyczuk

  Urban Forestry Supervisor
  Town of Richmond Hill
  Parks, Recreation and Culture Department
  Telephone:  905 780-2930
  Fax:  905 884-0935
  Internet: pwynnyczuk at richmondhill.ca
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