Natural Vegetation
The Boreal Shield has a very large diversity
of trees and vegetation. The southern part meets the Mixedwood Plains and the
vegetation is deciduous, while the northern part is coniferous forest. Most of
the shield is covered with white and black spruce and balsam fir, which are
the most adaptable types of trees, especially to the harsh conditions on the
Shield. Rivers and creeks are lined
with willows, birch and alder trees. Wetlands are common and can be home to many
species of plants and animals; they are considered to be the most diverse
habitat in Canada. Fires are common in this area, due to the dry and hot
summers. The heavy forests, both in the north and south of the ecozone are cut
for the very large logging industry in the area.
of trees and vegetation. The southern part meets the Mixedwood Plains and the
vegetation is deciduous, while the northern part is coniferous forest. Most of
the shield is covered with white and black spruce and balsam fir, which are
the most adaptable types of trees, especially to the harsh conditions on the
Shield. Rivers and creeks are lined
with willows, birch and alder trees. Wetlands are common and can be home to many
species of plants and animals; they are considered to be the most diverse
habitat in Canada. Fires are common in this area, due to the dry and hot
summers. The heavy forests, both in the north and south of the ecozone are cut
for the very large logging industry in the area.
Cool temperatures, a short growing season, frequent forest fires, and acidic soils challenge plant life in the ecozone. In spite of this, almost 88% of the area is forested by a few highly
adaptable trees, such as Black Spruce, White Spruce, Jack Pine and Balsam Fir.
Black Spruce, the most common species, yields high-quality wood pulp and is a
prime species for Canada's large paper industry.
Throughout the boreal shield, these forests are mixed with innumerable bogs marshes and other wetlands.Covering nearly 20% of the ecozone, these wetlands are among its most diverse and biologically productive ecosystems.
adaptable trees, such as Black Spruce, White Spruce, Jack Pine and Balsam Fir.
Black Spruce, the most common species, yields high-quality wood pulp and is a
prime species for Canada's large paper industry.
Throughout the boreal shield, these forests are mixed with innumerable bogs marshes and other wetlands.Covering nearly 20% of the ecozone, these wetlands are among its most diverse and biologically productive ecosystems.