Flora of Canada facts for kids

The Canadian bunchberry is found in montane ecosystems and boreal forests, where it grows along the margins of moist woods.

The flora of Canada refers to all the different types of plants found across the country. Canada is home to a huge variety of plants! This is because it has many different environments. From the warm, leafy forests in southern Ontario to the icy Arctic plains in the north, and from the wet rainforests on the west coast to dry deserts and tundras, Canada's plant life is incredibly diverse.

Experts at Environment Canada say there are about 17,000 identified species of plants. These include trees, flowers, herbs, ferns, and mosses. Around 4,100 of these plant species are native to Canada. This means they naturally grew there before people introduced new species. About 1,200 other species are non-native. These plants were brought to Canada and now grow wild outside of farms or gardens.

Canada's Amazing Plant Life

Canada's vast size and varied landscapes create perfect homes for many plant species. You can find plants suited for almost any climate here. This includes very cold places, very hot places, very wet places, and very dry places. Each region has its own special set of plants that thrive there.

Different Plant Types

Plants in Canada can be grouped into different types. Each group has unique features. Here are some of the main categories of plants you can find:

• Conifers: These are trees and shrubs that usually have needles and cones. Think of pine trees and spruce trees. They stay green all year round.
• Bryophytes: These are small, simple plants like mosses and liverworts. They don't have true roots, stems, or leaves. They often grow in damp, shady places.
• Trees: Canada has many different kinds of trees. Some lose their leaves in the fall, like maple and oak trees. Others, like conifers, keep their needles all year. Trees are very important for Canada's forests and wildlife.