A PROUDLY CANADIAN OWNED AND OPERATED COMPANY 
Golden Acre’s FREE gardening webinars have returned for another season! This year, we’re excited to dive into gardening topics like seed saving, water saving, native plants, and even sensory gardens! Join our live stream every Saturday to interact with our resident horticulturist, Colin Hayles!
Native Plants in Alberta
Native plants are trending. Alberta is home to 6 ecoregions including Grassland, Parkland,. Foothills, Boreal Forest, Rocky Mountains and Canadian Shield. Each region is host to unique native plants that support ecosystems and create uniqueness.
What is a Native Plant?
Native plants naturally exist in a particular region. Meaning, they weren’t established in an area by humans. In Alberta, the Prairie Crocus is considered a Native Plant and delights our landscapes in spring. However, the dandelion, while resilient, was actually introduced to North America from Eurasia long ago. Native plants support our local wildlife by providing food and shelter. They also support our soil by preventing erosion. Plus, once established, they are low maintenance and drought tolerant. They’ve adapted over many many years to grow well here.
Can I Grow Native Plants at Home?
When we think of seeing native plants, we usually think we need to drive somewhere, like a provincial park. However, you can benefit from native plants in your very own garden!
Ecologic Horticulture
Golden Acre is partnering with Ecologic Horticulture, a leading supplier of native plants, seeds, green roof and specialty horticultural items here in Alberta. Their cultivation practices ensure a diverse range of native plants and seeds adapted to the local climate, supporting biodiversity and contributing to habitat creation, improved air quality, and enhanced ecosystem balance.
Some of the plants you’ll find at Golden Acre this spring:
CANADA BUFFALOBERRY – Shepherdia canadensis
A nitrogen-fixing plant found across the province, is a great option for eco-buffers and riparian edges. Its early blooms support pollinators, and while the berries are initially bitter, they can be made into a delicious “ice cream.” This resilient shrub tolerates various soil types and moisture levels, making it a valuable addition to any agro-ecosystem.
PRAIRIE CROCUS – Anemone patens
Scientifically known as Anemone patens, is a captivating perennial wildflower that holds significant cultural and ecological importance, particularly in the prairies of North America. Despite its common name, it is not a true crocus but belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and is also known as the prairie anemone, or windflower.
PRAIRIE JUNEGRASS – Koeleria macrantha
A cool-season, perennial bunchgrass native to much of North America featuring narrow, light to bluish-green leaves that form basal tufts.This grass is one of the first to green up in the spring, making it an important early forage source. Furthermore, it provides habitat and food for various wildlife, including birds and small mammals, and is utilized as forage for livestock. Native Americans historically used its seeds for flour and its leaves for crafting tools.
SEE ONLINEEstablishing Native Plants At Home
Once established, native plants are low maintenance and drought resistant. Establishing these perennials and shrubs are much like any other perennial plant in the first couple years. Make sure your new addition has access to moisture and kept free of pests and disease so it can develop strong root systems.
Sleeper, Creeper, Leaper
Sleeper | Within the first year of planting, you new addition will be settling in kind of like when you move into a new home. You’re just getting comfortable in a new space. You won’t see much happening, but you’ll want to make sure it’s hydrated often.
Creeper | The next couple years will bring more growth and root development which will see your plant creeping to new heights!
Leaper | From here on out, your plant will continue to grow to support wildlife, enhance soil stability, and add unique interest to your landscape.