With regards to Canadian plants and trees, there is a plethora of variety. From tropic-like plants in the north, to more regional plants with surprisingly bold appearances, here are 15 outlandish —and fascinating —sorts of plants you'll discover in Canada.
1. Fairy Slipper (Calypso Bulbosa)
With their splendid fuchsia-pink blossoms and unmistakable shoe like petal, Fairy Slippers are a shocking and extraordinary looking orchid that can be found in numerous Canadian lowlands, coniferous timberlands, forests and bogs.
2. Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema Atrorubens)
With its unusual, hood-like overhanging leaf, the Jack-in-the-Pulpit plant appears to be foreign, however it's actually local to Canada. Plentiful in forest environments (especially in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia), Jack-in-the-Pulpit plants get their abnormal name from their similar appearance to minister standing in a pulpit.
3. Palm Tree (Arecaceae)
The quintessential tropical tree, palm trees are bold beings that can be found, and survive in, hotter Canadian areas, but also have a well-established association with the country in general. Because of a 65-million-year-old fossil, specialists discovered that Alberta was at one time the regular home of these palm trees.
4. Pawpaw Tree (Asimina Triloba)
One of the most uncommon plant species found in Canada - the pawpaw tree has a strange and unique appearance. Only found in Ontario's Carolinian Forest district, the pawpaw is an amazing component in any landscape.
5. Yellow Lady's Slippers (Cypripedium Parviflorum)
Particularly shaped and radiant in tone, Yellow Lady's Slippers are so striking to look at, that you may initially think they're foreign, although they're actually a local plant of Canada. What makes these orchids so unusual looking? Yellow Lady's Slippers have a pocket like labellum that convey their shoe like appearance.
6. Garry Oak Tree (Quercus Garryana)
A typical type of oak tree in the Pacific Northwest, the Garry oak, with its thick and scored bark, has a name witha truly Canadian association. The tree was named after a prominent leader of the Hudson's Bay Company, Nicholas Garry.
7. Canada Columbine (Aquilegia Canadensis)
While it’s most blatant relation to Canada is in its name, the Canada Columbine is also exquisitely local to the country, producing blossoms in shades of red and yellow. Found in forested and rocky territories in eastern Canadian regions, the Canada Columbine is a butterfly-drawing top pick for many landscapers.
8. Golden Larch (Pseudolarix)
While needle bearing trees are common in Canada, the Golden Larch tree offers a once-a-year specialty that separates it from other types of pine trees. As a type of deciduous coniferous tree, the green needles of the Golden Larch turn a particular yellow-copper tone in the fall, providing a stunning display for passersby.
9. Cornelian Cherry (Cornus Mas)
Blossoming in pre-spring and adjusted to Canada's chilly temperatures, the Cornelian cherry, with its dynamic yellow blossoms, is a top pick for Canadian landscapes. In the late spring, these dogwoods bear an acidic, edible, red product that can be used for jams.
10. Arctic False Wildflower (Parrya Arctica)
When you see the lively amethyst-and lilac-tinted petals of the Arctic False Wildflower, you may think of it belonging in a hot, humid climate, however these long-lasting delights are really found in the stones, glades and tundra of the Canadian Arctic.
11. Barrens Willow (Salix Jejuna)
Another unmistakable northern Canadian plant, the Barrens Willow is an tundra plant that fills in the limestone barrens of the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland.
12. Limber Pine (Pinus Flexilis)
The Limber Pine, which is found in western Canada, is a long-living tree that features an extraordinary bent, hindered appearance. In fact, the Limber Pine is so long-living that the oldest recorded of these trees in Alberta is over 640-years-old.
13. Butternut (Juglans Cinerea)
Found in the southern and eastern woods of Ontario, the butternut tree is the only pecan tree local to Canada. Not to be confused with dark pecan trees, the cold-lenient butternuts produced by this tree offer tacky, interesting variations of nuts. The husks of these irregular trees also contain tannin that can be used for making ink.
14. Cucumber Tree (Magnolia Acuminata)
An uncommon tree in Canada, the deciduous cucumber tree is the only local magnolia tree in the country. Growing up to 30 meters tall, cucumber trees feature greenish-yellow blossoms and cucumber-shaped organic product.
15. False Rue-Anemone (Enemion Biternatum)
A local plant to southwestern Ontario, the False Rue-Anemone is a buttercup that produces sensitive, white blossoms in the spring.
The most dangerous Canadian plants
Not every Canadian plant is friendly, some can be quite deadly if proper care is not taken in their handling. One such plant is poison ivy, it is very common in most Canadian areas and although it is harmless to look at, it does have three green leaves which upon contact can severely irritate a person’s skin causing itching and blistering. Another plant is the Giant hogweed which is also present in Canada but it is a lot more dangerous than poison ivy, it contains a toxin sap which upon contact with skin and skin exposed to sunlight results in blisters or even temporary or permanent blindness. Wild parsnip is another plant that can be found in the Canadian wilderness and is not friendly, it has chemicals that mix with sunlight and cause red rashes. Being able to identify such plants and avoid them can be a lifesaver for people visiting unexplored Canadian wildlife.
Plants in Canada you need to know
Diversity in plants is evident in Canada since, as indicated earlier, the type of plant seen in Canada corresponds well with the geographical features of the region. For example, the low-growing Arctic Willow shrub, In northern regions, is highly resistant to the cold as it grows close to the surface which protects it from strong Arctic breezes. Similarly, Canada has the Eastern White Pine which is close to eastern Canadian forests; this particular tree is robust and yet tall, which depicts strength and persistence. Furthermore, the incredibly beautiful Sugar maple, which is one of the most famous Canadian trees, thrives in Canada’s eastern region and is popular for its beautiful coloration in autumn, but most expression is found in the sugar-making process. Without a healthy comprehension of the need and significance of these plants, one can never understand the vastness of Canada’s natural beauty.
The country of Canada can offer a multitude of bold and stunning plants. Varying in needs and popularity, each of these plants can be a magnificent part of any respective landscape.
