Wildflower Archive
Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)
Flower of YukonFireweed

Native plants for Yukon

26 native plants grow wild in Yukon, each shown in historical botanical art or a photograph. They bloom from April through August, and 23 have documented pollinator visitors. Gardens across the province fall roughly in Canadian hardiness zones 0a–3a. Choosing plants native to Yukon means they are adapted to the local climate and soils and support the region's bees, butterflies, and birds.

Native species featured
26
Canadian hardiness
Zones 0a–3a
Bloom season
April–August
Light
21 sun · 17 part shade · 12 shade
Soil moisture
15 dry · 15 moist · 4 wet
Habitats
woodland (16) · prairie (5) · wetland (4)
Documented pollinator plants
23 (up to 447 visitor species each)

Explore the plants

26 plants

Common yarrow complex1 of 2
Common yarrow complex Achillea millefolium
Saskatoon1 of 2
Saskatoon Amelanchier alnifolia
Common Snowberry1 of 2
Common Snowberry Symphoricarpos albus
Sea Thrift1 of 2
Sea Thrift Armeria maritima
Prickly Wild Rose1 of 2
Prickly Wild Rose Rosa acicularis
Wild sarsaparilla1 of 3
Wild sarsaparilla Aralia nudicaulis
Grey alder1 of 2
Grey alder Alnus incana
Wild Rosemary
Wild Rosemary Andromeda polifolia
Pearly everlasting1 of 3
Pearly everlasting Anaphalis margaritacea
Canadian buffalo-berry1 of 3
Canadian buffalo-berry Shepherdia canadensis
Silverberry1 of 2
Silverberry Elaeagnus commutata
Purple Saxifrage1 of 2
Purple Saxifrage Saxifraga oppositifolia
Spreading dogbane1 of 2
Spreading dogbane Apocynum androsaemifolium
Maidenhair spleenwort
Maidenhair spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes
Squashberry1 of 2
Squashberry Viburnum edule
Western columbine1 of 3
Western columbine Aquilegia formosa
Water birch1 of 2
Water birch Betula occidentalis
Giant red paintbrush1 of 3
Giant red paintbrush Castilleja miniata
Woolly cranesbill1 of 2
Woolly cranesbill Geranium erianthum
Narrowleaf Arnica1 of 3
Narrowleaf Arnica Arnica angustifolia
Naked bishop's cap1 of 2
Naked bishop's cap Mitella nuda
Siberian Aster1 of 2
Siberian Aster Eurybia sibirica
Eastern pasqueflower
Eastern pasqueflower Pulsatilla patens
Fireweed
Fireweed Chamerion angustifolium
Larkspurleaf Monkshood1 of 2
Larkspurleaf Monkshood Aconitum delphiniifolium
Mountain forget-me-not1 of 2
Mountain forget-me-not Myosotis asiatica

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 Yukon

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 Yukon (roughly Canadian zones 0a–3a), 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 April through August. 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 Yukon?
This guide features 26 native plants documented as native to Yukon, including wildflowers, ferns, and shrubs. Many hundreds more native species also grow wild in the province.
What hardiness zone is Yukon in?
Yukon spans roughly Canadian hardiness zones 0a–3a. Check your exact zone before buying, since the province covers more than one.
When do Yukon wildflowers bloom?
Across these species, bloom runs from April through August. 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 Yukon?
23 of these Yukon 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 Yukon?
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.

Resources