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Native Plants in Saskatchewan

  • Writer: Anne Vien
    Anne Vien
  • Feb 9
  • 3 min read

This post is part of a series that explores the canola fields in Saskatchewan. The other posts are:  Sustainability vs. Economics and Canola Fields Forever.


Saskatchewan’s native plants are in trouble because big canola fields are taking over their space, and most people don’t even realize it.

First off, canola fields look super pretty, right? They’re like oceans of yellow stretching forever. But did you know that when farmers plant canola, they often have to clear out native plants to make space? And that’s where the problem starts. Our native plants are a big deal. They’ve been around forever and play a crucial role in Saskatchewan’s ecosystem. When they’re gone, it’s like removing a piece from a puzzle—things start to fall apart.

Here are some of the native plants we’re talking about:

  • Prairie Crocus: This one’s a classic. It’s the first flower to bloom in the spring, almost like it’s announcing, “Winter is over!” But with so much land being plowed for canola, these little flowers are disappearing. Sad, right? The Prairie Crocus is important because it provides early nectar for pollinators like bees, which are vital for the pollination of other plants and crops. Losing these flowers disrupts the ecosystem and affects wildlife that depend on them.

Photo credits: Oxana Lyashenko from Unsplash
Photo credits: Oxana Lyashenko from Unsplash

  • Big Bluestem Grass: It might just look like grass, but it’s super important. This grass is great at holding soil together and keeping it healthy. Without it, the soil can become dry and lose nutrients.

Photo credits: Wikipedia
Photo credits: Wikipedia

  • Western Red Lily: Fun fact: It’s Saskatchewan’s official flower! Losing this one would be like losing part of the province’s identity. It’s already rare, and canola fields aren’t helping. This flower is important because it provides habitat for pollinators and supports local biodiversity. Its striking blooms attract bees and other insects, which are crucial for pollinating many other plants in the area, helping maintain a healthy ecosystem.

Photo credits: Wikipedia
Photo credits: Wikipedia

So, why is this happening? Well, canola is a cash crop. Farmers grow it to make cooking oil, animal feed, and even biofuel. It’s a big moneymaker, but it also takes up a lot of space. To grow canola, farmers need flat, clear land, and that often means removing native plants.

The growth of canola farming in Saskatchewan has hurt bird populations by taking away their habitats. Birds like the Horned Lark and Savannah Sparrow depend on native prairies for nesting and finding food, but when these areas are turned into canola fields, they lose the space and resources they need. Research shows that during the spring planting season, birds often end up in these fields, which puts them at risk of pesticide exposure. On top of that, insecticides like neonicotinoids and organophosphates can harm songbirds, causing weight loss and messing with their migration. To protect these birds, it’s important to use sustainable farming methods, like controlling pests naturally, keeping patches of native plants, and fixing up damaged habitats.

So next time you’re driving past a canola field, take a moment to think about the native plants we’re losing. They might not be as bright and eye-catching as canola, but they’re just as important. Let’s make sure they get the attention they deserve!


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© 2024  by Anne Vien

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