Flora

Learn more about wild Canadian plants.

Cacti of Canada » The thought of a cactus might conjure up images of a desert in Mexico or perhaps a houseplant on a windowsill. But Canada has its own cacti that are both beautiful and suitable for many Canadian gardens.
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Aster »When summer flowers fade and the days grow shorter, asters take the stage, brightening the landscape with their array of blues, purples, and whites. A diverse group of hardy plants, asters grace most regions and habitats across Canada. Commonly seen in fields and on roadsides, some species prefer wetlands, woodlands, or even alpine areas. Pleasing to the eye and beneficial to wildlife, asters are a great addition to any garden.

Bearberry »I think it’s safe to say that Canadian gardeners appreciate plants that offer visual interest in more than one season. Pretty flowers in spring or summer followed by bright fruit in summer or fall are a satisfying combination. Add to that rich fall foliage and berries that can last through the winter, and you pretty much have a winner. Now, what if I told you that one such plant just happens to be native to most of Canada and is generally drought, wind, salt and heat resistant. What an exciting thought!

Bloodroot »When the snow starts melting and days grow longer, I am eager to go walking in the woods. The earth smells of spring, the birds are full of song and the forest floor is carpeted with spring flowers.

Blue Flag Iris »The iris has been admired for centuries. Mythologies of cultures from around the world refer to it.

Cacti of Canada »The thought of a cactus might conjure up images of a desert in Mexico or perhaps a houseplant on a windowsill. But Canada has its own cacti that are both beautiful and suitable for many Canadian gardens.

Canada Columbine »Columbines are popular perennials amongst gardeners thanks, in part, to their versatility and interesting flowers. Their availability in many colours is another winning attribute. If you are considering growing them on your property, why not try one of our native Canadian species. The stunning reds, yellows and blues of their flowers give a lift to one’s spirits as well as providing nourishment for hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Canada’s Cedars »Although I always loved nature, it wasn’t until I was in my early 20s that I started paying it more serious attention. In addition to birds and the flowering plants on the woodland floor, I tried my hand at identifying the trees around me, beginning with the ones I saw most often.

Common Bluet »I first became acquainted with bluets when touring the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s demonstration gardens one November morning, collecting seeds and View of the CWF demonstration garden, with bluets on left.noticing the few plants still in flower. Small yet compelling, the little blue-white flowers caught my eye and drew me in to admire their charm.

Dogwood - A Plant for all Seasons »No matter where you live in Canada, chances are there is a dogwood for you. Visually appealing and magnets for wildlife, these plants are bound to please both the gardener and naturalist in you.

Ferns »While the allure of flowering plants is captivating, there is much to be said for the lush look of a fern. Used as accents to flowers or centre stage themselves, ferns have a unique appearance that deserves a second look.

Fir Trees of Canada »I enjoy so many plants — some for their smells, which hold me transfixed in delight or bring to mind happy memories, some for their colourful blooms or foliage, and some for their elegant or whimsical forms. When it comes to fir trees, I love to feel their soft needles, contemplate their magnificent contrast to surrounding colours, and put my nose up against the trunk to take a deep whiff of the richly fragrant resin.

Foamflower »Canadian woodlands boast a variety of wildflowers that light up the ground with their pretty blooms. Some are like little gems that are best appreciated close up while others, such as trilliums, form a brilliant carpet across the forest floor that can take your breath away from a distance. Tiarellas are pretty woodland plants that have inspired gardeners to grow them at home, for their blooms and for their ability to provide good ground cover.

Harebells »Here at the CWF demonstration gardens, tucked in between large rocks, native anemones and wild ginger, grows a dainty little plant that could easily be overlooked, except for its profusion of flowers.

High Bush Cranberry »For the native plant enthusiast with enough space for a shrub, the high bush cranberry may be the perfect choice. Like other Viburnums, it can be striking. The Viburnum trilobum has pretty white blossoms that adorn the plant in the late spring and are followed by large clusters of bright red berries by the end of summer. Later, the foliage puts on a show with plenty of fall colour. This species of high bush cranberry can grow to from two to four metres tall, unlike the Eurasian variety, which is typically shorter.

Liatris »Canada is home to many beautiful native plants that are suitable for growing in a variety of gardens. One such plant is Liatris, also known as blazing star or gayfeather. With

Native Sunflowers - Joy in a Flower »If flowers can evoke different emotions, then I think sunflowers take care of bringing on cheer. They reach up high and produce large, bright flowers that resemble the sun, hence their genus name of Helianthus — Greek for “sun” (helios) and “flower” (anthos).

Northern Bush Honeysuckle »CWF’s wildlife-friendly demonstration garden showcases several of Canada’s native plants. While some are showstoppers with gorgeous blooms, we have many that quietly grace the gardens with their attractive foliage or fall colours. One such plant, the northern bush honeysuckle, grows in our drought bed.

Pasque Flower »In the spring, it is fun to walk through our gardens here at CWF and see the first blooms of the year. They brighten the garden when leaves are still curled tightly in their buds and the ground is bare. One such plant is Anemone (or, sometimes, Pulsatilla) patens var. multifida.

Pearly Everlasting »If you’re looking to grow more drought-tolerant plants and you want something a little different, consider Anaphalis margaritacea. Native to every province in Canada as well as the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, its unique look and tolerance for poor soil could make it the perfect choice for your garden.

Serviceberries »With its springtime blooms and summer fruit, serviceberries have much to offer Canadian birds and beneficial insects. And it just so happens that they look good, too.

Spruce Trees of Canada »The Canadian landscape wouldn’t be the same without the spruce tree, with its evergreen and bushy boughs. The backbone of many northern forests, spruce trees grow all across Canada with the exception of only a few regions, like the northernmost reaches of Nunavut.

The Canadian Holly »Many people are familiar with the English holly with its bright red berries and glossy, prickly leaves. It is often associated with Christmas, partly due to its cheery decorative qualities that brighten the spirit in the dark winter months and partly because of its historical lore, first with Celtic mythology and later with Christian symbolism.

The Christmas fern »It’s winter in Canada and there’s a light layer of snow on the ground. You go for a walk in the woods and notice with surprise a vibrant green leaf peeping through. Depending on where you live, it could very well be the Christmas fern, or Polystichum acrostichoides.

The Staghorn Sumac and Its Canadian Cousin »When I see a staghorn sumac, I often think how exotic it looks. And that’s no wonder considering that sumacs are found all over the world, including the Middle East, Asia and southern Africa!

Trout Lily »We all have signs that tell us spring is here. For some, it is the red-winged blackbird calling or the sweet smell of the thawing earth. The sight of trout lilies poking through last autumn’s leaves is surely a sign for others.

Virginia Creeper »The charm of many old houses is often accentuated by their surrounding gardens and the vines that adorn their walls. Of course, vines aren’t limited to old houses. Owners of newer buildings often purposefully add them, as we did to the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s gardens.

Wild Roses »They inspire poetry, are a favorite flower to give as an expression of love and for many, roses are a must have in a garden. There are all sorts to choose from with varying colours, fragrances and shapes. When selecting roses for your garden, keep in mind that Canada is home to many native species. While their look is different from that of the classic rose, they are equally beautiful and fragrant. And when faced with our Canadian climate, wild roses are typically more hardy, pest-resistant and beneficial to wildlife than their cultivated kin.

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