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 Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library (OWSL) 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 to be native to Ontario.
Full sun:
More than 6 hours of direct sunlight a day
Part shade:
3 to 6 hours of direct sunlight a day
Full shade:
Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight a day
Dry:
Water runs through after rainfall
Medium:
Water is retained but not soggy
Wet:
Stays damp all year
Beginner Friendly:
Suitable for novice gardeners
Does not spread
Easy to Germinate:
Indicates if the plant is easy to germinate from seeds
Hedge:
Can be used as a hedge
Suitable for rock garden
Suitable for wetland garden
Suitable for school garden
Suitable for ground cover
Suitable for woodland garden
Butterfly Host:
Attracts butterflies
Bee Host:
Attracts bees
Hummingbird Friendly:
Attracts hummingbirds
Pollinator Garden:
Attracts pollinators
Nitrogen Fixer:
Improves soil fertility
Keystone Species:
Plays a critical role in the ecosystem
Drought Tolerant:
Can survive with minimal water
Salt Tolerant:
Can withstand salt exposure
Deer Tolerant:
Can withstand deer browsing
Rabbit Tolerant:
Can withstand rabbit browsing
Limestone Tolerant:
Can thrive in limestone soil conditions
Acidic Soil Tolerant:
Can thrive in acidic soil conditions
Boulevard Garden Tolerant:
Can thrive in boulevard garden conditions
Juglone Tolerant:
Can tolerate juglone, a compound found in black walnut trees
Transplantation Tolerant:
Can tolerate transplantation