Published in The Edmonton Sun - June 2011
While
the international community might recognize the maple leaf as a
national Canadian symbol, the individual provinces and territories all
maintain a floral emblem. Since our provinces and territories of Canada
stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, and extend from
temperate climates to the northern Arctic habitats it leaves behind a
rich diversity of plant life in their paths.
Alberta
School
children selected the Wild Rose as the symbolic flower of Alberta in
1930. Native inhabitants once used the plant to treat a variety of
ailments, ranging from colds to blindness. The fruit, known as the rose
hip, is known for its high vitamin C content and is widely used in teas
and nutritional supplements.
British Columbia
Adopted
in 1956, the Pacific Dogwood is the official flower of British
Columbia. Current laws in the province prohibit cutting down or digging
up the trees. The white flowers, renowned for their beauty, are actually
composed of clustered white leaves surrounding 30 to 40 very small
green flowers.
Manitoba
Local
school children selected the Prairie Crocus as the flower of Manitoba
in 1906. The plant and its relatives are highly toxic. Some native
inhabitants used extracts of the plant to terminate pregnancies or
induce childbirth. Extracts are still used to treat minor ailments
related to reproductive health.
New Brunswick
Upon
the suggestion of The New Brunswick Women’s Institute, the Purple
Violet was adopted as the provincial flower in 1936. This small flower
grows in wetland areas and forests west to Ontario and as far south as
the state of Georgia in the United States.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The
official flower of Newfoundland and Labrador is the Pitcher Plant. It
was adopted in 1954. Pitcher Plants obtain nutrients from insects that
become trapped in the "pitcher" created by the leaves of the plant. The
insects drown in the moisture and rainwater that has collected at the
base of the pitcher.
Nova Scotia
Adopted
in 1901, the Mayflower serves as the provincial flower of Nova Scotia.
The Mayflower is named after the famous ship that carried settlers to
the New World. It is also one of the first flowers to appear in the
spring. These fragrant flowers are primarily found growing in woodland
areas.
Ontario
The
White Trillium was adopted as the representative flower of Ontario in
1937. The odorless plant is comprised of only three petals and three
leaves. Due to its commercial popularity, the plant has been harvested
from the wild, leading to conservation concerns.
Prince Edward Island
The
emblematic flower of Prince Edward Island is the Pink Lady's Slipper.
Adopted in 1947, this beautiful orchid is often found growing beneath
pine and spruce trees. It is endangered in many areas.
Quebec
Selected
in 1999 to replace the White Lily, the Blue Flag serves as the floral
emblem of Quebec. This native iris is found growing in the wetland areas
of Quebec and is considered poisonous to humans and animals.
Saskatchewan
The
Western Red Lily was adopted as the symbolic flower of Saskatchewan in
1941. This plant prefers wooded thickets and moist lowlands. The
stunning orange-red flowers bloom between June and August.
Northwest Territories
The
official flower of the Northwest Territories is the Mountain Avens,
adopted in 1957. This hardy flowering plant can grow on rocky grounds at
high altitudes. The rooting branches are horizontal, allowing the plant
to grow along the face of rocky terrain.
Nunavut Territory
Adopted
in 2000, the Purple Saxifraga serves as the flower of the Nunavut
Territory. This small purple flower can be found growing in a mat-like
formation over gravel and rocky terrain. The petals of this plant are
edible and have a semi-sweet flavor.
Yukon Territory
The
Fireweed was adopted in 1957 as the representative flower of the Yukon
Territory. This relatively tall plant grows in natural clearings and
alongside roadways. The plant earned its name because it is the first
plant to grow in an area after a fire.
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