List of Canadian plants by family N facts for kids
This page helps you learn about some amazing plant families found in Canada, specifically those whose names start with the letter 'N'. Plants are grouped into families based on how they are related, a bit like how your family has a last name!
You can explore more Canadian plant families by clicking on the letters below: Families: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I J K | L | M | N | O | P Q | R | S | T | U V W | X Y Z
Contents
Najadaceae
The Najadaceae family is often called the water-nymph family. These plants are usually found completely underwater. They are very flexible and can grow in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers.
What are Najadaceae plants like?
These plants have long, slender stems. Their leaves are narrow and often grow in groups. They are important food for many water animals.
- Najas flexilis — slender naiad
- Najas gracillima — threadlike naiad
- Najas guadalupensis — southern naiad
- Najas marina — holly-leaved naiad
Neckeraceae
The Neckeraceae family includes many types of mosses. Mosses are small, green plants that do not have flowers. They often grow in damp, shady places. You might see them on rocks, tree trunks, or the forest floor.
Where do Neckeraceae mosses grow?
These mosses often form flat mats or hanging strands. They like places with lots of moisture. They are very important for keeping soil healthy.
- Homalia trichomanoides — lime homalia
- Metaneckera menziesii
- Neckera complanata
- Neckera douglasii
- Neckera pennata
- Neomacounia nitida — Macoun's shining moss
Nelumbonaceae
The Nelumbonaceae family is known for the beautiful lotus plants. In Canada, we have one special type of lotus. These plants grow in water, but their leaves and flowers rise above the surface.
The American Lotus
- Nelumbo lutea — American lotus
The American lotus is a stunning water plant. It has large, round leaves that float or stand above the water. Its big, pale yellow flowers are very pretty. This plant is often found in shallow ponds and slow rivers. It is a symbol of purity in many cultures.
Notothyladaceae
The Notothyladaceae family contains plants called hornworts. Hornworts are small, simple plants. They look a bit like mosses, but they are different. Their name comes from their horn-shaped spore cases.
What makes hornworts special?
Hornworts are usually found in moist, shady spots. They are often very small and can be hard to spot. They play a role in their ecosystems, even if they are tiny.
- Notothylas orbicularis
- Phaeoceros carolinianus
Nyctaginaceae
The Nyctaginaceae family is often called the Four O'Clock family. This family includes plants like sand-verbena and the famous four-o'clock flowers. Many of these plants are found in drier areas.
Interesting facts about Nyctaginaceae
Some plants in this family, like the four-o'clock, have flowers that open in the late afternoon or evening. They stay open all night. This is why they are called "four-o'clock" flowers. They are often very colourful.
- Abronia latifolia — yellow sand-verbena
- Abronia umbellata — beach sand-verbena
- Mirabilis hirsuta — hairy four-o'clock
- Mirabilis linearis — narrow-leaved umbrellawort
- Mirabilis nyctaginea — wild four-o'clock
- Tripterocalyx micranthus — smallflower sand-verbena
Nymphaeaceae
The Nymphaeaceae family is the water-lily family. These are some of the most beautiful aquatic plants. They are known for their large, floating leaves and stunning flowers. You can often see them in calm waters.
Where do water-lilies grow?
Water-lilies grow in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. Their roots are in the mud at the bottom. Their leaves and flowers float on the surface. They provide shade and habitat for fish and other water creatures.
- Nuphar lutea — yellow pond-lily
- Nuphar rubrodisca
- Nymphaea leibergii — dwarf water-lily
- Nymphaea loriana
- Nymphaea odorata — American water-lily
- Nymphaea tetragona — pygmy water-lily
Nyssaceae
The Nyssaceae family includes trees like the tupelo. These trees are known for their strong wood and beautiful fall colours.
The Black Tupelo Tree
- Nyssa sylvatica — black tupelo
The black tupelo is a medium-sized tree. It often grows in wet areas, like swamps or along riverbanks. Its leaves turn bright red, orange, and purple in the autumn. This makes it a very striking tree in the landscape. Its small, dark fruits are a food source for birds.
