This poplar was born in the light of day this summer. Here in June on the street Brésoles in Old Montreal there was no greenery. We do not see this tree but still grounded already writing its embryonic contours. One morning he appeared quietly in silence. Humans have continued their daily tasks, perhaps some have they noticed this phenomenon?
poplar or cottonwood of Canada is the biggest tree in Montreal. It also has another feature of its own. Indeed, it is one that retains its leaves later in the fall among our native trees.
In addition he is the pioneer tree of choice in southern Quebec. It is present everywhere where conditions are conducive to its growth . A wasteland no poplar is rare. The slightest crack in the concrete it is a breeding ground. Here this little square of earth's found with a large quantity of seeds of Populus deltoids.
Also this piece of land was favorable to the implantation of settlers from France in 1642. It's near here that Ville-Marie was born. A plaque next to our little tree indicates that the first hospital was erected. There was then a trail in the forest and the first streets were taking shape.
Despite the obstacles the settlers cleared the land and there are perpetuated.
What will happen to our tree newly born? The plows are they going to tear it from its early roots? His life is precarious. It is the sole representative of the plant world in this environment reinforced asphalt and concrete.
This tree is already part of history in the early history of things seem trivial but which has much to teach us. If for some reason Montreal were to desert the poplars would prevail for some time, they become the pillars of a new forest to come. Our little
Poplar Street Brésoles would be a de Maisonneuve in the virgin land in green .
(drawing the first hospital in Montreal at the same location where the poplar grows in question)
