Looking for a specific tree

[Soaring Hawk]

Hi Everyone,

I know this isn't the right column to post this question is but I do know that it's read more often than others so I need all of your help.  I am looking for a specific
tree called the Ponderosa Pine.   It is native to western North America but I am sure that there could be some ornamental trees somewhere in Toronto.  I am in search of this species because I recently started weaving baskets out of pine needles and all of my research sources say that this specific tree type is the best for baskets because the needles are extremely long, much longer than the Eastern pines we have in the GTA.  

Anywhoo the needles I harvest would be already fallen on the ground from the tree so there is NO harm whatsoever to the trees.

If someone does in fact know where there is one of these trees around I would be so happy for your tips.

THANKS!

-James

P.S. I recently spotted a deer at Bayview and Steeles intersection in the bushes, just 50 feet from the road.  I believe it was either a young female or a first year kid.  I got a video of it.  It was so tame that it came within 15 feet of me and just stared at me as it ate the young shoots of bushes and leaves and such!

[bluejay55]

Hi James:  I did a little research on the Ponderosa pine.  I have never seen one in the Toronto area.  They are mainly in Western Canada.  Have you thought of going to an Arboretum. I am sure if you googled you might find one close to where you live.  I think there might be one in Hamilton.  Just a thought.

[Pat Hodgson]

According to my rather old info, there is one in Plot B of Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, which is at the Yonge St. entrance.  I have not physically verified this, but could do so.  Also there are many other even more unusual pines all over the cemetery that you might want to check out just by walking around.

[Soaring Hawk]

Thanks for your information Bluejay & Pat!

I will check out Mount Pleasant,  and perhaps the gardens at Lawrence and Leslie.....  I will be sure to let you know if I find one.


-James

P.S.  I just took the VIA RAIL train back from Sarnia today and I am 90 percent sure I saw an immature bald eagle in the country farmland / bushland near Kitchener..
It was my first sighting.

[Bluffs Birder]

Hi James,

I believe I've found some Ponderosa Pine trees for you.  Sorry I'm no tree expert but everything that I compared to the description given on the internet seems to fit Ponderosa Pine.  The needles are 10 1/2 inches (26 cm) in length and the cones are very pricklely.  There is a stand of 4 or 5 trees with lots of fallen needles on the ground.  If you would like directions to the trees (Birchmount/Danforth, south-west Scarborough) please send me a private message.

Walter

[egret]

Hi James

I sent you a PM
re Mt. Pleasant Cemetery
and Mr. Radicki



Egret

quite a while ago



Did u not receive it?