A bit of Victorian Vancouver heritage
First Nations History
Directions
Go one block through the maples, cross over Broughton cross street, then at the corner of the next block you will come to a bit of Vancouver residential history – a heritage house built in 1893. The Roedee House Museum and its surrounding area is called Barclay Heritage Square. Explore this area by walking along the front of the house before entering the garden (or small park) to the side.
Walk to the back along the right hand side of the lawn before turning left passing the waterfall on your way. Even more serenity awaits! Follow the path to another more enclosed garden. Here you will find two huge evergreen trees and a bench on which to sit and enjoy them. Carry on along the path, keeping left and you will exit on Nicola Street under a big Horse Chestnut tree. Turn left here and at the next block, appearing on both sides of the street is our next featured tree – Hawthorn
The tree in front of Nicola at Nelson
Hawthorn
Proper Name: Hawthorn sp.
Common Name: Hawthorn, May-tree and many others!
Description: Hawthorn is a small tree that is part of the rose family, Rosaceae. As such it produces beautiful white flowers in May – hence it’s other common name. When these trees are in flower they are like floating clouds of spring – quite lovely. Hawthorn is the common name for Crataegus oxyacantha, named by Linneaus hundreds of years ago, but disputed as a distinct species by scientists today. So we are not really sure what Crataegus species has been planted here. But the flowers, leaves, and fruit (berries) are distinctly Hawthorn.
Defining Feature: If walking in May you will see the white flowers, if not, the shape of the leaf is the best identifier because it is unique to this tree. It is small, green and shiny with 3-5 lobes. If you are here in the fall the red shiny berries are further evidence. These fruits are known as Haws.
