Native plants for Northwest Territories
28 native plants grow wild in Northwest Territories, each shown in historical botanical art or a photograph. They bloom from May through October, and 25 have documented pollinator visitors. Gardens across the province fall roughly in Canadian hardiness zones 0a–2a. Choosing plants native to Northwest Territories means they are adapted to the local climate and soils and support the region's bees, butterflies, and birds.
- Native species featured
- 28
- Canadian hardiness
- Zones 0a–2a
- Bloom season
- May–October
- Light
- 23 sun · 17 part shade · 11 shade
- Soil moisture
- 16 dry · 15 moist · 5 wet
- Habitats
- woodland (14) · wetland (7) · prairie (6)
- Documented pollinator plants
- 25 (up to 447 visitor species each)
Explore the plants
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Why plant natives
Native plants evolved with the local insects, birds, and soils, so once established they need little water, no fertilizer, and no coddling, while providing the nectar, pollen, seeds, and host foliage that non-native ornamentals cannot. A native bed is lower-maintenance and higher-value for wildlife than a conventional one.
Starting a native garden in Northwest Territories
Start by matching plant to place: note how much sun each spot gets and whether the soil runs dry, moist, or wet, then choose species whose needs match; the filters above sort by exactly these. In Northwest Territories (roughly Canadian zones 0a–2a), fall and early spring are the prime planting windows. Buy nursery-propagated, local-genotype plants rather than wild-collected stock, plant in groups of three or more so pollinators can find them, and mulch lightly the first year while roots establish.
Keep it blooming
The species here bloom from May through October. Pick at least one plant for each part of that window (spring, summer, and fall) so something is always in flower and pollinators always have forage.
Frequently asked
- How many native plants are native to Northwest Territories?
- This guide features 28 native plants documented as native to Northwest Territories, including wildflowers, ferns, and shrubs. Many hundreds more native species also grow wild in the province.
- What hardiness zone is Northwest Territories in?
- Northwest Territories spans roughly Canadian hardiness zones 0a–2a. Check your exact zone before buying, since the province covers more than one.
- When do Northwest Territories wildflowers bloom?
- Across these species, bloom runs from May through October. Planting a mix of spring, summer, and fall bloomers keeps color and pollinator forage going all season.
- What are the best native plants for pollinators in Northwest Territories?
- 25 of these Northwest Territories natives have documented bee, butterfly, or hummingbird visitors. Use the "For pollinators" filter above to rank them by pollinator value.
- Where can I buy native plants in Northwest Territories?
- Look for a nursery that sells nursery-propagated (not wild-collected) local-genotype plants. Your state native plant society and regional native-plant sales are the best starting points; see Resources below.