Planting for
the Planet
Native Plants and Wildlife
Several plant species attract a diverse range of organisms from the smallest insects to the largest mammals!
Canada Tick Trefoil
Desmodium canadense
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This species contains nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root system. This is beneficial because they turn the nitrogen into a usable form increasing the amount of nutrients in the soil! Birds and small mammals feed on its seeds and it attracts pollinators!
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(“Showy Tick Trefoil”, 2018)
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Mature size: 3-6ft height
Sun exposure: full sun
Soil type: sand/loam, dry-moist
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(“Canada Tick Trefoil,” n.d.)
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Buy here:
https://northernwildflowers.ca/products/canada-tick-trefoil?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=5f0264ef8&pr_rec_pid=4679650836585&pr_ref_pid=6693695619177&pr_seq=uniform
Photo Retrieved From: Northern Wild Flowers
Black Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
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This species supports diverse organisms including white-tailed deer, songbirds bees, wild turkeys and butterflies. Make everyone happy and add this beautiful flower to your garden.
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("Natural Resources Conservation", 2019)
Mature size: 1-3ft height
Sun exposure: full sun-light shade
Soil type: sand to clay, drought tolerant
Indigenous Value: Traditional medicine is used for colds, flu, infections, and swellings
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Buy here:
http://onplants.ca/shop/rudbeckia-hirta/
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Photo Retrieved From: Eco Blossom Nursery
Rose Mallow
Hibiscus moscheutos
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This is the perfect flower to add to your pond or waterfront garden. Listed as vulnerable in Ontario, it is extra important to restore their numbers. This species supports 5/8 Ontario turtle species and several snakes.
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("Species at Risk Act", 2012)
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Mature size: 3-8ft height
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil type: Evenly moist, humus-rich
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(Balogh, n.d.)
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Buy here:
https://bambooplants.ca/product/red-rose-mallow-hibiscus-red-wine-tahi61/
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Photo Retrieved From: Ontario Native Plants
Pin/Fire Cherry
Prunus pensylvanica
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The fruit is enjoyed by more than 25 species of birds and several mammals. White-tail deer feed on the twigs and leaves of this species. Humans can also enjoy the fruit by making it into jelly!
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Mature size: 40ft height
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil type: moist, well-drained
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Buy here:
https://bambooplants.ca/product/pin-cherry-prunus-pensylvanica/
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Photo Retrieved From: Beautiful Field Farm and Fruit Trees
Woodland Strawberry
Fragaria vesca
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Who doesn’t love strawberries? This species supports a diverse range of wildlife including butterflies, bees, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, turtles and more!
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Mature size: 0.5 feet
Sun exposure: Full-partial sun
Soil type: Clay/Sand/Loam, medium-wet
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(“Woodland Strawberry", n.d.)
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Buy here:
https://onplants.ca/shop/fragaria-vesca/
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Photo Retrieved From: Ontario Wildflowers
Winterberry Holly
Ilex verticillata
The berries on this bush provide food for more than 48 species of birds, small mammals including cotton-tail rabbits and large mammals including white-tailed deer. Although delicious to a wide variety of wildlife, it is not editable for humans.
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Mature size: 10ft height
Sun exposure: full-partial sun
Soil type: clay, medium-wet
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(Plant Fact Sheet: Common Winterberry, n.d.)
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Buy here:
http://onplants.ca/shop/ilex-verticillata/#:~:text=Winterberry%20–%20Ontario%20Native%20Plants
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Photo Retried From: Proven Winners
