Plant Profile Catalogue

Native Ontario wildflowers and plants in a natural setting, showcasing diverse species with various colors and growth forms. The lush vegetation demonstrates the beauty of local flora that can be found in the catalogue.

Welcome to our Plant Profile Collection

Explore our comprehensive database of plant profiles, curated to help you identify and understand various plant species. Each profile provides detailed information about growth characteristics, habitat, and ecological significance, landscape uses, and more.

Use the filters and search options to find specific plants or browse through our categories to discover new species.

Click on any plant profile to view detailed information, images, and ecological data.

The Seed Library uses VASCAN to determine the correct names of species. We only accept species native to Ontario, as determined by VASCAN. As a result, the catalogue only includes plants that are determined by VASCAN as native to Ontario.

Understanding Profile Icons

Plant Profile Icons Reference

Light Preferences

Indicates how much sunlight the plant needs to thrive.
Light Icon Full sun: More than 6 hours of direct sunlight a day
Light Icon Part shade: 3 to 6 hours of direct sunlight a day
Light Icon Full shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight a day

Soil Preferences

Indicates the type of soil the plant prefers.
Soil Icon Dry: Water runs through after rainfall
Soil Icon Medium: Water is retained but not soggy
Soil Icon Wet: Stays damp all year

Gardening Experience

Beginner Friendly Icon Beginner Friendly: Suitable for novice gardeners
Native to Ottawa Region Icon Does not spread
Easy to Germinate Icon Easy to Germinate: Indicates if the plant is easy to germinate from seeds

Landscaping Attributes

Rock Garden Icon Suitable for rock garden
Wetland Garden Icon Suitable for wetland garden
School Garden Icon Suitable for school garden
Ground Cover Icon Suitable for ground cover
Woodland Garden Icon Suitable for woodland garden

Ecological Benefits

Hummingbird Friendly Icon Hummingbird Friendly: Attracts hummingbirds
Pollinator Garden Icon Pollinator Garden: Attracts pollinators
Nitrogen Fixer Icon Nitrogen Fixer: Improves soil fertility
Hedge Icon Hedge: Can be used as a hedge
Keystone Species Icon Keystone Species: Plays a critical role in the ecosystem

Tolerates

Drought Tolerant Icon Drought Tolerant: Can survive with minimal water
Salt Tolerant Icon Salt Tolerant: Can withstand salt exposure
Deer Tolerant Icon Deer Tolerant: Can withstand deer browsing
Rabbit Tolerant Icon Rabbit Tolerant: Can withstand rabbit browsing
Limestone Tolerant Icon Limestone Tolerant: Can thrive in limestone soil conditions
Acidic Soil Tolerant Icon Acidic Soil Tolerant: Can thrive in acidic soil conditions
Boulevard Garden Tolerant Icon Boulevard Garden Tolerant: Can thrive in boulevard garden conditions
Juglone Tolerant Icon Juglone Tolerant: Can tolerate juglone, a compound found in black walnut trees
Transplantation Tolerant Icon Transplantation Tolerant: Can tolerate transplantation
Explore the Catalogue