What is Native Prairie
Native prairie ecosystems have been shaped by climate, soils, grazing and fire. Low moisture, frequent winds and extreme temperatures create an environment suited to grasses and other low-growing plants. Trees and shrubs persist only where micro-climates offer additional water, such as along rivers or on north-facing coulee slopes.
The Grassland Natural Region
Native prairie ecosystems are found in the Grassland Natural Region of Alberta. While native prairie often refers to grasslands, there are other important pieces of the prairie ecosystem, such as badlands, wetlands, streams, ponds, coulees and river valleys.
The Grassland Natural Region is further divided into four sub-regions based on climate, soil and vegetation – Dry Mixed Grassland, Mixed Grassland, Foothills Fescue and Northern Fescue.
Alberta Environment and Parks provides information on each of these sub-regions.
To find out more about native prairie, visit the Prairie Conservation Forum’s website.
Identifying Prairie Plants
There are numerous resources available to help with identifying native prairie plants:
Common Coulee Plants – Click to download
Common Plants of the Western Rangelands:
Volume 1 – Grasses and Grass-like Species
Volume 2 – Forbs
Available from:
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
7000-113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 5T6
1-800-292-5697 or 780-427-0391
A Field Guide to Common Riparian Plants of Alberta
Available from Cows and Fish
Lethbridge, Alberta
403-381-5723
riparian@cowsandfish.org
www.cowsandfish.org – click here to download your free copy online
Dotted Blazingstar
June Grass
Thorny Buffaloberry
