The Stewardship Series NATURESCAPE Caring for Wildlife Habitat at Home

Native Plant and Booklet, Coast and Mountains

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For More information, call 1-800-387-9853 National Library of Cataloguing in Publication Data Main entry under title: Naturescape British Columbia. Native plant and animal booklet, coast & mountains. – [Stewardship series]

Consists of 2 v. in 1. Title on v. [2]: Naturescape British Columbia. Resource booklet, coast & mountains. Vol. [2] compiled by Saila Hull. Also available on the Internet. ISBN 0-7726-5179-5

1. - British Columbia. 2. Plants - British Columbia. 3. Biotic communities - British Columbia. 4. Coastal ecology - British Columbia. 5. Nature conservation - Bibliography. 6. Nature conservation - British Columbia – Information resources. 7. Pacific Coast (B.C.) – Environmental conditions. I. MacDonald, Andrew, 1965- II. Hull, Saila. III. Naturescape British Columbia. IV. Title: Naturescape British Columbia. Resource booklet, coast & mountains.

QH77.C3 N37 2004 578’.097111 C2004-960069-9

Notice: The information contained in the Naturescape British Columbia Guide and booklets is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All recommendations are made without any guarantees on the part of the authors and Naturescape British Columbia sponsors. Because the means, materials and procedures followed by home- owners are beyond our control, the authors and Naturescape British Columbia disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this information.

Naturescape British Columbia publications are copyright© 1995 by the Government of British Columbia. All rights reserved. Except for use in review, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying, and recording, and in any information storage and retrieval system is forbidden without the written permission of Naturescape British Columbia and Havitat Conservation Trust Foundation Photo credits: Front Cover Mount Moresby Kimiko von Boetticher

Back Cover Tow Hill Wm Merilees Wildlife Tree Aaron Bremner Mushroom Aaron Bremner Boy with Back Pack Aaron Bremner Naturescape British Columbia Swallowfail Tammy Keetch Havitat Conservation Trust Foundation Red Columbine Tammy Keetch Suite 107 19 Dallas Road Victoria BC Common Meganser Tammy Keetch V8V 5A6 www.naturescapebc.ca NAT U R E S C A P E BR I T I S H CO L U M B I A Native Plant and Animal Booklet, Coast & Mountains

W r itten and compiled by Andrew MacDonald (Project Leader) Shane Ford Matt Fairbarn s C r is Guppy Liz Crocke r Dennis Demarchi

G r aphic Design and Electronic A s s e m bly Bobolo Design Group

I l l u s t r a t o r Andrew MacDonald About Naturescape British Columbia

ABOUT NATURESCAPE BRITISH COLUMBIA Naturescape British Columbia promotes caring for wildlife habitat at home.

It is funded by W i l d l i fe Habitat Canada, E nvironment Canada (Canadian W i l d l i fe Serv i c e ) , B r itish Columbia Wa t e r, Land and Air Protection, the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, and the Real Estate Foundation of BC and the participants who register in the Naturescape Progra m . The support and assistance of the Federation of B r itish Columbia Natura l i s t s , B r itish Columbia Nurs e r y Trades A s s o c i a t i o n , B r itish Columbia Society of Landscape A r c h i t e c t s , and the Urban W i l d l i fe Committee (Va n c o u ver) is greatly appreciated. H O N O U R A RY PAT R O N The Honoura ble John A . F r a s e r, P. C . , O. C . , O. B . C . , Q. C. , L L . B .

N ATURESCAPE A DV I S O RY SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBU TO R S C O M M I T T E E AND REVIEWERS Pa t r icia Banning-Love r, Ve r non C. B r i n k , Va n c o u ver WBT Wild Bird Trust of B. C . , West Va n c o u ve r Dennis Demarchi,V i c t o r i a Ve r non C. B r i n k , Va n c o u ver Natural History Society,Va n c o u ve r Susan Campbell,Va n c o u ve r Susan Campbell, G r i f fin Wo r k s , Va n c o u ve r Neil Dawe, Qualicum Beach Gretchen Harl ow, Angela Deeri n g , V i c t o r i a Canadian W i l d l i fe Serv i c e , D e l t a L a u r a Fri i s , V i c t o r i a Theresa Duynstee, Greater Va n c o u ver Regional Distri c t Liz Stanlake,V i c t o r i a Linda Georg e ,Va n c o u ve r Linda Kingston, F e d e r ation of B. C . N a t u r alists and Va n c o u ver Natural History Society, B u r n a by

Pa t r icia Leslie,Va n c o u ve r Willie MacGillivray, Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary,V i c t o r i a B a r b a r a Stevenson Nield,Va n c o u ve r

Sylvia Pincott, F e d e r ation of B. C . N a t u r a l i s t s , Pender Island Rod Silve r, C h a i r, Naturescape A d v i s o r y Committee,V i c t o r i a Paulus V r i j m o e d , B. C . N u r s e r y Trades A s s o c i a t i o n , L a n g l e y Ta ble of Contents

TA B L E O F CO N T E N T S

I n t r o d u c t i o n ...... 2

Ecosystems and Ecosystem Dive r s i t y ...... 2 H ow Ecosystems are Classified in British Columbia ...... 5 The Southern Alaska Mountains Ecoprov i n c e ...... 6 The Coast & Mountains Ecoprov i n c e ...... 7 Putting It All Together In Your Ya r d ...... 1 6 S u m m a r y of Plant and Animal Ta bl e s , Coast & Mountains

Ta ble 1: Native Plants ...... 1 9 Ta ble 2: Non-native Plants ...... 3 9

Ta ble 3: B u t t e r f l i e s , Moths and Other ...... 4 2

Ta ble 4: Amphibians and Reptiles ...... 5 0

Ta ble 5: B i r d s ...... 5 3

Ta ble 6: M a m m a l s ...... 6 3

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 1 I n t r o d u c t i o n

I N T RO D U C T I O N This Native Plant and Animal Booklet explains the The Provincial Guide has give n broader natural environment within which you live, you the basic how - t o and allows you to determine the general types of i n fo r mation for creating wildlife habitat in yo u r w i l d l i fe habitats you might consider when planning ya r d . The next step is to consider the type of N a t u re s c ap e p r o j e c t s . It includes a listing of habitat appropriate to your location in the Coast plants and examples of their uses by wildlife, a n d & Mountains. What plants should you consider? listings of wildlife species with notes on their And what animals can you expect to attract? n a t u r al history.

To answer these questions, l e t ’s fi r st venture into E C O S YSTEMS AND ECOSYS T E M the surroundings beyond your home. L e t ’s explore D I V E R S I T Y the concept of ecosystems and the physical area of Ecosystem Defined the Coast & Mountains to take a look at where An ecosystem is a concept. The term applies to a your property sits in this larger scheme of things. set of living organisms and non-living elements, a n d Then we can return to your outdoor space and their interaction with each other in both obv i o u s begin to answer your questions. and subtle way s . To get a better sense of our sustaining You can think of an ecosystem as being any e nv i r o n m e n t , we need a different pers p e c t i ve – segment of the wo r ld that includes all the one that looks beyond the neighbourhoods and o r ganisms and the environment within which they t own sites. While it is still possible in Bri t i s h o c c u r. The entire system must have a pri m a r y Columbia to look over mountains and plateaus e n e r gy source, which is genera l ly the sun. P l a n t s and see large expanses of natural ecosystems, t h e use the sun’s energy for their growth and, in turn , valley bottoms in many areas have been ra d i c a l ly s e r ve as food and shelter for animals. The cycle c h a n g e d . M a ny of us live and wo r k in the warm e r c o n t i nue s with the animals.Their fo r aging activities v a l l e y s , and much of the natural habitats there m ay, for example, p l ay a role in pollination, s e e d h ave given way to urban development and d i s p e r s a l , or opening up the plant community so a g r i c u l t u r e . What are the different species of that other species may become establ i s h e d . w i l d l i fe found in these areas? How do they live in this natural wo r ld? In the past, what animals, The science of ecology, which studies the my ri a d p l a n t s , and soils would have been where yo u r relationships and processes in ecosystems, has only nearest town now sits? begun to scratch the surface in recognizing, d e s c r ibing and understanding all the processes that Just as we define our neighbourhoods and occur in different ecosystems. There is still mu c h c o m mu n i t i e s , so too the natural wo r ld can be we don’t know or fully unders t a n d . d e fined by natural commu n i t i e s . You can think of these divisions of the natural landscape as Ecosystems can be defined at different scales from n a t u r e ’s neighbourhoods. In essence then, yo u the ve r y small to the ve r y larg e . A decaying log in h ave two addresses – your urban address, a n d the fo r e s t , with its many plant and animal your address within the natural environment of o r ganisms and associated non-living elements such the Coast and Mountains as water, fo r ms a small ecosystem within a mu c h l a r ger forest ecosystem.

2 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Ecosystems and Ecosystem Diversity

Just as within a neighbourhood each person has an address, so within an ecosystem each org a n i s m DEVELOPMENT OF ECOSYSTEM DIVERSITY has an address or habitat. D i f ferences in habitat An ecosystem will change over time, and each organism within are quite clear; g r assland animals such as the system has its own life cycle. Nothing remains static in Columbian ground squirrels and Long-billed nature. In the Coast and Mountains, some of the greatest C u r lews do not live in the same neighbourhood natural diversity can be found in Old-growth Forests. Different as subalpine forest animals such as snow s h o e plant species succeed others in the development and hares or Brown Creepers . But animals not only evolution of a forest, thus creating habitat for different wildlife l i ve in different habitats, they have diffe r e n t species over time.The structural diversity created by old trees fo r aging and life history stra t e g i e s . You could think falling and opening holes in the forest canopy allows for a of these as their wo r k addresses, where yo u myriad of plants and wildlife to take advantage of a new, forest would find snowshoe hares and Brown Creepers edge. As dead wood, the falling tree becomes part of doing ve r y different things. approximately one-fifth of an old-growth temperate Since eve r y species has its own niche, or job, t h e rainforest’s biomass. Homes for woodpeckers, salamanders, loss of a species in any ecosystem has a ri p p l e squirrels, bats and countless insects, these snags and logs can e f fect on the entire system.That is one of the be more ‘alive’ than a living tree.The interaction of disturbance, m a ny reasons why biodive r sity is so import a n t . natural succession and the life cycles of each organism On another scale, the loss of habitat dive r sity leads contribute to the development and complexity of an to a lessening of species dive r sity and richness in ecosystem’s diversity. our natural wo rl d . Te m p e r atures along the open coast are modera t e d by the massive waters of the Pa c i fic Ocean, ra r e ly D i v e r sity of Ecosystems dipping below freezing in winter and ra r e ly Ecosystems vary from one place to another due to exceeding 25°C in summer. Sites east of the coast a my riad of factors , including climate, t e r ra i n , ranges are cut off from the moderating influence d i s t u r b a n c e , soil fo r ming processes and age. of the ocean and annual temperatures there can Because British Columbia shows tremendous fluctuate widely. v a r iation in all these factors , it has an incredibl e d i ve r sity of ecosystems. In fact, this province is the In the Coast and Mountains Ecoprov i n c e , t h e most natura l ly dive r se in all of Canada. major climatic processes invo l ve the arrival of frontal systems from the Pa c i fic Ocean and the subsequent lifting of those systems over the C l i m a t e coastal mountains. In winter, oceanic low - p r e s s u r e The climate in British Columbia is as dive r se as its systems dominate the area and pump moist, m i l d e c o s y s t e m s . The combination of high mountain air onto the south and central coast, resulting in ra n g e s , deep valleys and we s t e r ly winds off a larg e some of the greatest rainfall amounts recorded in ocean produce some of the ra i n i e s t , s n ow i e s t , C a n a d a . In summer, high-pressure systems occur d r i e s t , h o t t e s t , coldest and windiest climates in over the North Pa c i fic Ocean and frontal systems C a n a d a . Each winter the coast is inundated with become less frequent, tending to stri ke the coast the heaviest rainfalls in North A m e r i c a . T h i s f a r ther nort h . H ow the weather impacts winter rain turns to snow as you climb the e c o s y s t e m s , and the species that live in them, m o u n t a i n s , so the Coast and Columbia mountain depends on the frequency of arriving fronts, t h e ranges record some of the greatest snow depths height of the mountains, ra i n s h a d ow effe c t s , a n d in the wo r l d . Other locations in the Centra l the frequency of Arctic air outbreaks. I n t e r ior nestled in the lee of the , r e c e i ve so little precipitation they can almost be considered desert s .

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 3 Ecosystems and Ecosystem Divers i t y

To p o g ra p h y Due to, in most part , a ve r y wet climate, t h e The topogra p hy of an area – its mountains, v a l l e y s e ve r g r e e n - d o m i n a t e d , t e m p e r a t e , ra i n f orests of the and plateaus – affects the dive r sity of ecosystems Coast and Mountains are not shaped by the fi r e s within that area. Species of plants and animals more commonly associated with the dry interi o r that favour the sheltered or leeward side of of BC. L a n d s l i d e s , wind eve n t s , i n s e c t s , f u n g a l mountains may differ from those that thri ve on pathogens and, i n c r e a s i n g ly, human disturbance, a r e the unsheltered or windward side. F u r t h e r m o r e , more often the cause of disturbance. Impacts to the slope of the terrain and angle to the sun will the stru c t u r al dive r sity of the coastal ra i n fo r e s t s limit the kinds of plants that can grow and the can result in significant increases in dive r s i t y. animals associated with them. If you look at a Disturbances as small as the death of a single tree mountain valley, you see a richness in ve g e t a t i o n can allow new plant seedlings to gain purchase and wildlife species. whereas the steep, r o c k y, where conditions of light, moisture and soil upper slopes of the mountains on either side are become favo u r a bl e . W i l d l i fe, t o o, can find the often spars e l y vegetated and contain different and homes and resources they need to complete their fe wer animal species. l i fe - c y c l e . B i o d i ve r s i t y, while initially increasing after l o g g i n g , will decrease in the eve n - a g e d , dense and d a r k forests that fo l l ow, b e f ore rising again to a D i s t u r b a n c e peak in an old-growth ecosystem. Disturbance and the frequency of that disturbance a f fec ts the relative evolution of an ecosystem. Some types of disturbance may recur over time, N a t u r al disturbances, such as landslides, f l a s h but cause relative ly local disturbance to a system. f l o o d s , forest fi r e s , wind storms and tidal wave s , High winds cause trees to topple and create alter or change existing ecosystems on both a local v a r i o u s - s i zed clearings in the fo r e s t , but they and regional leve l . g e n e r a l ly do not signifi c a n t l y alter the fo r e s t . Other types of disturbance may change the o r iginal ecosystem fo r e ve r. An area of we t l a n d , The more frequent the disturbance, the less like ly filled in with boulders and other rock debris from the ecosystem will be able to evo l ve to the a landslide, is not like ly to return again to a degree of complexity it could exhibit. Av a l a n c h e wetland ecosystem. s l o p e s , b r ight green swathes of alder in the dark green spru c e - fir fo r e s t s , exist because annu a l Disturbances are not alw ays natura l . One of the avalanches perm a n e n t ly inhibit the growth of larg e most detrimental types of disturbance is trees in their path. u r b a n i z a t i o n , which irr e vo c a bly alters the l a n d s c a p e , r e m ove s areas of natural habitat and causes barri e r s to the movement of plant and animal species between remaining habitats. R o u g h ly a quarter to a third of any urbanize d land surface is covered by pave m e n t , and much of the remainder contains bu i l d i n g s , h o u s e s , a n d other stru c t u r e s . Logging roads and recreational off-road vehicle tracks cause further erosion of the natural habitat.

4 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Coast & Mountains Ecoprovince

The introduction of non-native species such as The Ecoregion System divides the landscape into Scotch Broom, P u r ple Loosestri fe, A m e r i c a n ecosystems at various spatial scales. Because the bu l l f r o g s , outdoor house cats, S t a r l i n g s , H i m a l aya n N a t u r e s c ap e p r o g r am is ecologically - b a s e d , i t B l a c k b e r ry and predatory game fish has damaged m a kes use of the ten ecoprovinces that make up B r itish Columbia’s coastal ecosystems and B r itish Columbia: a d ve r s e ly affected the species that rely on them. • e c o p r ovi nces define areas with consistent M a ny of these species may be increasing their c l i m a t e , r e l i e f , and geological structures such d i s t r i but ion in the Coast and Mountains as the Coast and Mountains Ecoprov i n c e E c o p r ov i n c e .These plants and other non-native s m ay aggressive ly out-compete native species in • ecoregions occur within ecoprovinces and ecosystems that have evo l ved without natura l c over areas with major phy s i o g r aphic and controls on the newcomer. In addition to the major climatic vari a t i o n , such as the Coastal p r o blems associated with exotics, is the impact of Gap Ecoregion. species native to BC introduced to areas outside • Ecosections occur within ecoregions and their natural ra n g e . Raccoons and Columbia bl a c k - d e fine areas with minor phy s i o g r aphic and tailed deer introduced to the Queen Charl o t t e climatic vari a t i o n , such as the Hecate Islands have negative ly impacted the incredibl e L owland Ecosection. b i o d i ve r sity of Canada’s ‘ G a l a p a g o s ’ I s l a n d s . B a c k yard stewardship can be the fi r st step tow a r d s E c o p r ov i n c e s , e c o r e g i o n s , and ecosections each limiting new introductions and halting the advances d e s c r i b e , albeit at different scales, areas of similar of established inv a d e r s . c l i m a t e , p hy s i o g r a p hy, vegetation and wildlife p o t e n t i a l . H OW ECOSYSTEMS ARE CLASSIFIED IN Think of the Ecoregion System as a way of BRITISH COLUMBIA (BY DENNIS DEMARCHI) d e t e r mining your address in the broader, n a t u r a l c o m m unity of the Coast and Mountains beyo n d your neighbourhood and mu n i c i p a l i t y. In this case ECOPROVINCES, ECOREGIONS, your address becomes one of the eleve n AND ECOSECTIONS e c o r e g i o n s , or ultimately twenty-three ecosections, British Columbia’s 10 ecoprovinces are divided into 47 within the Coast and Mountains Ecoprov i n c e . terrestrial and marine ecoregions; these are further divided into 116 local scale ecosections. The fo l l owing pages will describe the ecoregions and ecosections of the Coast and Mountains - allow i n g you to understand the ecosystem you live in.

Scientists have developed a number of diffe r e n t As we l l , a brief description of the Southern A l a s k a ecosystem classification schemes over the ye a r s . Mountains Ecoprov i n c e , which bounds the Coast Each scheme makes use of a combination of one and Mountains, is also included for those who live or more of three main factors : c l i m a t e , in or near this area. p hy s i o g r a p hy, and ve g e t a t i o n . One system used by the B. C . M i n i s t r y of E nvironment and other agencies invo l ved in resource and environmental management is know n as the Ecoregion System. This classification is based on the interaction between climatic p r o c e s s e s , such as seasonal rainfall pattern , a n d p hy s i o g r a p hy or topogra p hy.

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 5 S o u t h e r n Alaska Mountains Ecoprov i n c e

SOUTHERN ALASKA MOUNTA I N S W h i t e - t a i l e d , Rock and W i l l ow ptarmigan occur in E C O P ROV I N C E the alpine and subalpine zo n e s . P r ince W i l l i a m Sound supports many waterbirds in the winter.

SOUTHERN ALASKA MOUNTAINS D o l ly Varden char are resident fi s h , and Pink, ECOPROVINCE C h u m , S o c ke ye and Spring salmon enter the 1 Chugach Mountains and Icefields Ecoregion streams and ri ve r s to spaw n . Alsek Ranges Ecosection Chugach Mountains and Icefields Ecoreg i o n is a rugged mountain area (seve ral ve r y high Location – This Ecoprovince is located on the m o u n t a i n s , such as Fairwe a t h e r, S t . E l i a s , a n d n o r th side of the Gulf of A l a s k a . It extends from L o g a n , occur here).There are large icefi e l d s , Lynn Canal in the east, across the A l s e k , S t . E l i a s , including Fisher, M a l a s p i n a , S e w a r d , B e r i n g , a n d W r a n g e l l , and Chugach Mountains to the Kenai Yahtse glaciers , and the Bagley Icefi e l d . Ve g e t a t i o n Mountains in the we s t , it also includes Kodiak Island. is restricted to low coastal areas and the A l s e k Climate – The climate is cold mari t i m e , c a u s e d R i ver floodplain. by moist air in the Gulf of Alaska rising over the high mountains. Intense precipitation in the fo r m of s n ow occurs on the upper slopes and summits. 1 The Alsek Ranges Ecosection Cold temperatures are the result of latitude and long winters with a short growing season. is an area of isolated, ve r y rugged ice-capped mountains that lie in the curve of the Gulf of Ve getation – The Coastal We s t e r n Hemlock Alaska and are readily affected by moist, Pa c i fic air. zone is reduced to a narr ow band near sea leve l , Except for the Alsek River valley, the Bri t i s h the subalpine or Mountain Hemlock zone is Columbia segment is mainly upper slopes and s i m i l a r ly a narr ow belt on the lower slopes. A n d mountain summits; the valleys and lower slopes lie while the Alpine Tu n d r a zone is extensive most of p r i m a r i ly to the south in A l a s k a . This Ecosection is that is snow or icefi e l d s , the ve g e t a t i ve alpine belt almost all in protected areas: in British Columbia it is quite narr ow and low. is part of the Tatshenshini – Alsek Pa r k , in the Yu kon it is all part of the Kluane National Pa r k , i n Fauna – Mountain goats occur in the alpine and A l a s k a , south of the Alsek River it is Glacier Bay subalpine vegetation belts, Sitka black-tailed deer National Pa rk , and nor th of Yukatat Bay it is in the occur in the ri p a r ian habitat and along the coast, W r angell – St. Elias National Pa rk . and moose occur mainly in the ri p a r ian habitat. black bears , including the rare Glacier bear, a n d g r i z z ly bears occur throughout the vegetated areas; the large Kodiak bear occurs only on Kodiak Island.

Sea otters once ve r y abundant have been a d ve r s e ly affected by the large oil spill in Pri n c e William Sound; n o r t h e r n sea lions, and harbour seals occur nearshore and on haul-outs, w h i l e O r c a , and humpback whales occur in the many sounds and Gulf of A l a s k a .

6 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Coast & Mountains Ecoprov i n c e

C OAST AND MOUNTA I N S Location – The Coast and Mountains E C O P ROV I N C E E c o p r ovi nce extends from southeastern Alaska to the nort h e r n Cascade Mountains in Wa s h i n g t o n . In British Columbia it includes the windward side COAST AND MOUNTAINS ECOPROVINCE of the Coast Mountains and Va n c o u ver Island, all of 1 Ecoregion the Queen Charlotte Islands, and the Continental Central Boundary Ranges Ecosection Shelf including Dixon Entra n c e , Hecate Stra i t , Northern Boundary Ranges Ecosection Queen Charlotte Strait and the Va n c o u ver Island Southern Boundary Ranges Ecosection S h e l f . The Coast and Mountains Ecoprov i n c e 2 Coastal Gap Ecoregion consists of the large coastal mountains, a broad Hecate Lowland Ecosection coastal trough and the associated low l a n d s , i s l a n d s Kimsquit Mountains Ecosection and continental shelf, as well as the insular Ecosection mountains on Va n c o u ver Island and the Queen C h a r lotte Islands archipelago. 3 Hecate Shelf Ecoregion Queen Charlotte Strait Ecosection Climate - The major climate processes invo l ve the arrival of frontal systems from the Pa c i fi c 4 Nass Basin Ecoregion Ocean and the subsequent lifting of those systems Nass Basin Ecosection over the coastal mountains. In winter, oceanic low 5 Nass Mountains Ecosection pressure systems dominate the area and pump Cranberry Upland Ecosection m o i s t , mild air onto the south and central coast. I n Meziadin Mountains Ecosection s u m m e r, high pressure systems occur over the n o r th Pa c i fic Ocean and frontal systems become 6 Pacific Ranges Ecoregion less frequent in the south and tend to stri ke the Eastern Pacific Ranges Ecosection coast further nort h . Northern Cascade Ranges Ecosection Northwestern Pacific Ranges Ecosection Outer Fiordland Ecosection Southern Pacific Ranges Ecosection

7 Queen Charlotte Islands Ecoregion Queen Charlotte Lowland Ecosection Skidegate Plateau Ecosection Queen Charlotte Mountains Ecosection

8 Western Ecoregion Nahwitti Lowland Ecosection Northern Island Mountains Ecosection Windward Island Mountains Ecosection

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 7 Coast & Mountains Ecoprov i n c e

O c e a n og r ap hy - There is a strong estuari n e The sandy intertidal areas provide spaw n i n g g r adient across this Ecoprov i n c e , from the habitat for the Pa c i fic sand lance and Pa c i fi c freshwater discharges into fjords, across the h e r ri n g , which are important prey species fo r protected continental shelf to the outer a l c i d s , g u l l s , c o r m o r a n t s , O r c a , harbour seal, a n d continental shelf. Fjord zones are ve r y common; Pa c i fic salmon. Much of the constantly washed area n e a r ly all large ri ve r s empty into fjords, ra t h e r of the rocky intertidal zone is occupied by mu s s e l s , than directly onto the continental shelf.The Outer which provide an excellent food source for many Continental Shelf, west of Va n c o u ver Island, h a s waterbird species.The inter-island channels and the greatest salinity of any shelf area in the sounds provide protected habitat for many birds. p r ov i n c e , being exposed to the open Pa c i fi c Most of that shoreline is rocky and steep but with O c e a n . Extreme wind and wave exposure occurs the influx of nu t r ients from ri ve r s and streams it is on the west coast of Va n c o u v er Island and the ideal habitat for mu s s e l s . The steep-sided fjords are Queen Charlotte Islands, whereas more protected u s u a l ly quite barr e n . A shelf at their mouths, coasts occur in the Dixon Entra n c e , Hecate Stra i t , pushed up by glaciers , inhibits circulation and Queen Charlotte Strait and inshore areas. e n c o u r ages the fo r mation of a thick layer of fresh U p welling from the adjacent continental slope water on the surface. O n ly in the estuaries at the enhances the productivity of the nu t r ients and heads of the inlets does the freshwater create p l a n k t o n . The inner continental shelf in the Hecate habitat for a wide variety of species. With the Depression is a semi-enclosed estuari n e exception of the Nass and Skeena ri ve r s and the e nv i r o n m e n t . Fresh water from ri ver and stream Skidegate Inlet, most estuaries in the Ecoprov i n c e d i s c h a r ge is poorly mixed and the surface layer is are medium to small in size. E s t u a r ies provide 3 m e r e ly bra c k i s h . The area is rich in nu t r i e n t s , basic habitats: mu d f l a t s , m a r s h e s , and eelgrass beds. p r oviding an abundance of prey species for diving All 3 contain inve r t e b r ates that are exposed at birds and large fi s h . A nearshore zone surr o u n d s l ow tides and attract flocks of migrant and all the islets, islands and mainland, with a strong w i n t e r ing waterfowl and shorebirds; when cove r e d i n t e r tidal zone as the dominant interface betwe e n by the rising tides those same inve r t e b r ates are an land and sea. The nearshore zo n e , is the point i m p o r tant food source for both young and mature where waves begin to break, has a variety of Pa c i fic salmon. m i c r o h a b i t a t s . Perhaps the most important is the i n t e r tidal zone - that area between the highest Ve getation - Vegetation is dominated by the and lowest tides.The exposed parts of the Coastal We s t e r n Hemlock and Mountain Hemlock beaches are the least used nearshore habitat; t h e zo n e s , Alpine Tu n d r a Zone and glaciers occur on pounding surf is too harsh for most birds. the mountain summits, I n t e r ior Cedar - Hemlock o c c u r s in the Nass Basin, and transitional Interi o r D o u g l a s - fi r, Engelmann Spruce - Subalpine Fir, Boreal White and Black Spruce and Sub-Boreal S p r uce occur along some of the eastern - m o s t v a l l e y s . The subalpine zone is a narr ow belt on the summits or upper slopes, and is composed of ye l l ow-c edar and mountain hemlock, w i t h bl u e b e r ries and dense moss. Wet meadows are f r e q u e n t ly found as part of the subalpine mosaic. The alpine vegetation zone is ra r e , with heaths fo r med by mountain-heathers .

8 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Coast & Mountains Ecoprov i n c e

Three lowland habitats that may be used by The Coast and Mountains Ecoprovince holds the m a r ine birds are of special interest. Rocky islets second highest number of birds in Bri t i s h and shoreline cliffs, u s u a l ly with herbaceous or C o l u m b i a , s u p p o r ting 79% of all species known to s h r u b by ve g e t a t i ve cover are important bird occur in the province and 57% of those species nesting and roosting habitats. E s t u a r ine habitats, k n own to breed. Waterbirds make extensive use with tufted hairg r a s s , s e d g e s , ru s h e s , g l a s s wo r t , a n d of the coastal wetlands as well as nearshore and s i l ve r weed are found at the mouths of the many offshore habitats, including islands, i s l e t s , and cliffs. ri ve r s and streams. L ow relief areas on the coastal The colonial breeding seabirds are of note, a n d plains and lowlands contain extensive areas of m a n y of those species breed nowhere else in wetland ve g e t a t i o n . Those wetlands range from C a n a d a . Offshore habitats provide feeding sites open bogs to scru b by mu s keg forests of shore for pelagic birds like the Black-footed A l b a t r o s s , p i n e , We s t e r n redcedar, and ye l l ow - c e d a r.There is Sooty Shearwater, j a e g e r s , N o r t h e r n Fulmar, g u l l s , u s u a l ly extensive development of sedges, L a b r a d o r and some shorebirds. Breeding Red-throated t e a , c r ow b e r ry, and thick mats of sphagnu m . Loons and Spotted Owls are mostly restricted to this Ecoprov i n c e . Some resident species, i n c l u d i n g Fauna – The Columbia and Sitka black-tailed deer the Bald Eagle, Pe r e g r ine Falcon, and Black are the only common large terr e s t r ial ungulates to O y s t e r c a t c h e r, contain significant portions of their occur throughout this Ecoprov i n c e . M o u n t a i n wo r ld populations here. In winter, the estuari e s goats are widespread but restricted to ru g g e d and shores support most of the wo r l d ’s areas in the Coast Mountains. Moose occur mainly population of Trumpeter Swans and Barr ow ’s in the eastern valleys, and elk are only an G o l d e n e y e s . The coast is also an import a n t occasional visitor to a few of those eastern valleys. c o r ridor for millions of migrating birds, e s p e c i a l l y Black bears occur throughout this Ecoprov i n c e , shorebirds and waterfow l . The Tow n s e n d ’s wo l ves are absent from the Queen Charl o t t e Wa r bler is a high-density breeder on Va n c o u ve r I s l a n d s ; c o u g a r s are absent from the Boundary Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands. T h e Ranges and Queen Charlotte Islands, while gri z z ly We s t e r n Flycatcher is a high-density breeder on b e a r s occur only on the mainland except in the the Queen Charlotte Islands. south where they have been extirp a t e d . The sea otter was once one of the most abundant shellfi s h The centre of abundance of the Nort h we s t e r n p r e d a t o r s , and the ri ver otter is still numerous and g a r ter snake occurs here. The rough-skinned ve r y widespread. N o r t h e r n sea lions and harbour n e w t , N o r t h we s t e r n salamander, We s t e r n red- seals occur along the coastal areas and the killer b a c k ed salamander, e n s a t i n a , w a n d e r i n g whale is a common inhabitant. s a l a m a n d e r, and red-legged frog are amphibians whose range is mostly restricted to the Coast and C h a r a c t e r istic small terr e s t r ial mammals include Mountains Ecoprov i n c e . the Keen’s myo t i s , and mink.There are many distinct island races of Tow n s e n d ’s vole and white- This Ecoprovince supports a wide variety of fi s h , footed mouse. from purely oceanic species such as rockfi s h , s o l e , Pa c i fic herri n g , Pa c i fic halibut and spiny dogfi s h , t o fish that spawn in freshwater, but live as adults in m a r ine waters , such as the Pa c i fic salmon, s t e e l h e a d , coastal cutthroat trout and eulachon, through to the species that only live in fresh water, such as Coastrange and torrent sculpin.

In addition to fi s h , the marine env i r o n m e n t s u p p o r ts a wide variety of clams, b a r n a c l e s , s h r i m p, c r a b s , s t a r fish and jelly fi s h .

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 9 E c o p r ovince Subdivisions

E C O P ROVINCE SUBDIVISIONS The Southern Boundary Ranges Ecosection The Coast and Mountains Ecoprovince is is an area of wet rugged mountains that are divided into 8 Ecoregions containing 21 capped with small ice-fields and glaciers . S e ve r a l t e r r e s t r ial Ecosections. ri ve r s dissect these mountains. Most of this Ecosection occurs in A l a s k a . The communities of S t e w a r t and Kincolith occur near the southern 1 The Boundary Ranges Ecoregion b o u n d a r y ; the highway to Stewart connects with the Cassiar Highway. Misty Fjords National is located in nort h we s t e r n British Columbia. It is a M o num ent occurs to the west in A l a s k a . ru g g e d , l a r g e l y ice-capped mountain range that rises abru p t ly from the coast in southeastern A l a s k a . Forested vegetation consists of the Coastal 2 The Coastal Gap Ecoreg i o n We s t e r n Hemlock zone on the valley bottoms where Sitka spruce becomes codominant with consists of somewhat rounded mountains with We s t e r n hemlock and amabilis fir is not fo u n d ; a n d l ower relief than mountain ranges to either the the subalpine or Mountain Hemlock zone on the n o r th or south. Valley sides are rugged and steep. l ower valley slopes; a large Alpine Tu n d r a zo n e Because of their lower relief, they allow m a i n ly of large icefi e l d s , g l a c i e r s and barren rock c o n s i d e r a ble moisture to enter the interior of the dominates the landscape above the fo r e s t s . I n p r ovince and cold Arctic air to breakout onto this B r itish Columbia it consists of 3 Ecosections. segment of the coast.The lower or Coastal We s t e r n Hemlock zone is dominated by We s t e r n hemlock and amabilis fi r, except in low relief The Central Boundary Ranges Ecosection landscapes where mu s keg-type forests become is a rugged mountain area capped by large ice- c o m m o n . In inland valleys that accumulate cold air, fi e l d s . This area is dissected by the large Stikine and subalpine fir may grow with the hemlock on valley Iskut ri ver valleys which allow moist Pa c i fic air to b o t t o m s . Other common trees include We s t e r n pass through to the interi o r. r e d c e d a r, lodgepole pine, red alder, and ye l l ow - c e d a r. U n d e r s t o r ies are shru b - d o m i n a t e d , w i t h bl u e b e r ri e s , false azalea, s a l a l , and devil’s club. The Nort h e r n Boundary Ranges Ecosection Floodplains have dense shrub cover of red-osier is a large block of ru g g e d , i c e - c a p p e d , g r a n i t i c d o g wo o d , red elderberry, s a l m o n b e r ry, h o r s e t a i l s , mountains that are dissected by seve ral major and fe r n s . ri ver valleys. The capital of A l a s k a , J u n e a u , a n d The subalpine or Mountain Hemlock zone is small communities of Skagway, and Haines are all dominated by forests of mountain hemlock, in the Alaskan portion of this Ecosection. T h e amabilis fir (coastal), and subalpine fir (inland). Haines Highway up the Chilkat River and the Common plants include red alder, ye l l o w - c e d a r, S k a g w ay Highway up Sheep Creek are the only bl u e b e r ri e s , and dense mosses. In mountainous roads in this Ecosection.The large Llewe l ly n a r e a s , avalanche chutes with Sitka alder are Glacier is in Atlin Pa r k . c o m m o n . At higher elevations, forests open up, a n d become stunted and interm i xed with heath. The Alpine Tu n d r a zone is rock and ice dominated, with pockets of drier alpine ve g e t a t i o n . S m a l l g l a c i e r s occur on the north sides of some mountain summits.

1 0 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S E c o p r ovince Subdivisions

The Ecoregion consists of 3 Ecosections. 3 Hecate Shelf Ecoreg i o n

The Hecate Lowland Ecosection is the shallow continental shelf area offshore of the Hecate Low l a n d s , south of the A l a s k a is an area of low relief, consisting of islands, Panhandle and nor th of Va n c o u ver Island. M u c h c h a n n e l s , rocky uplands and boggy low l a n d s of this shelf lies leeward of the Queen Charl o t t e adjacent to Hecate Strait and Queen Charl o t t e I s l a n d s . There is only one Ecosection that has a S o u n d . The port city of Prince Rupert , and the t e r r e s t r ial component. c o m munities of Po r t Simpson, Bella Bella and Campbell Island occur here. Clearcut logging has o c c u r red in the accessible upland fo r e s t s . T h e N o r th Coast Ferry Route passes through the Queen Charlotte Strait Ecosection is a shallow marine area that is inters p e r sed with length of this Ecosection from Cape Caution to m a ny islands and reefs, located between nort h e r n P r ince Rupert . Hakai Pa r k is the larg e s t Va n c o u ver Island and the Hecate Low l a n d . T h e r e protected area. are strong currents mixing the oceanic and f r e s h w a t e r s . The only commu n i t i e s , A l e r t Bay and The Kimsquit Mountains Ecosection S o i n t u l a , occur on Corm o r ant and Malcolm islands, r e s p e c t i ve ly ; G o d ’s Po c k et Marine Pa rk is the only is a ra i n s h a d ow area with a mild tra n s i t i o n a l protected area. climate that occurs on the eastern portions of the E c o r e g i o n . Bella Coola and Hagensborg are the o n ly towns here; the Chilcotin Highway from Williams Lake services these commu n i t i e s . C l e a r c u t 4 The Nass Basin Ecoregion logging has occurred in the Kimsquit, Dean and is a low relief basin located within the Coast Bella Coola ri ver valleys.This Ecosection is M o u n t a i n s , h owe ver its climate is tra n s i t i o n a l represented by the eastern portion of Kitlope b e t ween the wet mild coast, and cold, d r y interi o r. H e r itage Conservancy and the we s t e r n portion of The cold, Arctic air that invades this basin allows a n o r t h e r n Twe e d s muir Pa rk . more interior forest type, the Interior Cedar – Hemlock zo n e , with subalpine fir and We s t e r n h e m l o c k , to grow on the valley floor.T h i s The Kitimat Ranges Ecosection Ecoregion consists of only one Ecosection. is an area of subdued, yet steep-sided mountains. S e ve r al fjords dissect the mountains. Kitimat is the o n ly town here. Clearcut logging has occurred in The Nass Basin Ecosection all the accessible valleys, such as the Kitimat and is an area of low relief.The forests are S keena ri ver valleys.This Ecosection is represented p r e d o m i n a n t l y Interior Cedar – Hemlock, a l t h o u g h by Khutze y m a t e e n , Gitnadoix Rive r, and Fiordland a subalpine of Engelmann Spruce – Subalpine Fir p a r k s , and the we s t e r n part of Kitlope Heri t a g e o c c u r s on the higher hills and ri d g e s . The Cassiar C o n s e r v a n c y. H i g h w a y passes through on the west side; c l e a r c u t logging has been extensive and occurs throughout. Swan Lake / K i s p i ox River Pa rk is the larg e s t protected area.

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 1 1 E c o p r ovince Subdivisions

5 The Nass Ranges Ecoregion 6 The Pacific Ranges Ecoregion

is a transitional area with smooth rounded is the southern-most mountain range of the Coast mountains in areas with a strong ra i n s h a d ow effe c t Mountains in British Columbia. It includes the and rugged mountains on the windward slopes. coastal islands, channels and fjords east of Queen Vegetation consists of Coastal We s t e r n Hemlock C h a r lotte Sound, otherwise it lies east of the and Mountain Hemlock on the windward slopes G e o r gia Depression Ecoprov i n c e .The mountains and Interior Cedar – Hemlock and Engelmann are chara c t e r i s t i c a l ly high and ru g g e d . T h r e e S p r uce – Subalpine Fir on the leeward slopes. I t vegetation zones occur. The lower or Coastal consists of 3 ecosections. We s t e r n Hemlock zone is dominated by We s t e r n h e m l o c k . In southern areas, D o u g l a s - fir is the common seral species, with dense, s h r u b - The Cra n b e r ry Upland Ecosection dominated unders t o r ies of salal, f a l s e b ox , f a l s e is in a strong ra i n s h a d ow, the mountains and ri d g e s a z a l e a , h u c k l e b e r ry, s word fe r n , and dense mosses. are subdued. Arctic fronts bring cold tempera t u r e s In either higher elevations or more nort h e r n areas, and deep snow. There are seve ral logging-based amabilis fir is the common codominant climax c o m mu n i t i e s , such as Te r ra c e , K i t w a n g a , H a z e l t o n , species with We s t e r n hemlock. We s t e r n redcedar New Haze l t o n , and South Haze l t o n ; t h e ( l ower elevations) and ye l l ow- cedar (higher Ye l l owhe ad Highway passes through up the Ske e n a elevations) are common seral species, with red R i ver from Prince Rupert to the interior of Bri t i s h alder pioneering on heav i ly disturbed sites. C o l u m b i a . Clearcut logging has been extensive in U n d e r s t o r ies are dense with salal, h u c k l e b e r ri e s , the lower fo r e s t s . The community of Kitwanga is d e v i l ’s club, fe r n s , and a thick moss laye r. the start of the Cassiar Highway. Floodplains may have Sitka spru c e , bl a c k c o t t o n wo o d , bigleaf maple, red alder, and a lush s h r ub cover of red-osier dogwo o d , s a l m o n b e r ry, The Meziadin Mountains Ecosection and fe r n s . Avalanche chutes are densely cove r e d is a rugged mountain area, with a strong rainshadow, with Sitka alder and moisture-loving herbs. the mountain summits have small icefields or The subalpine or Mountain Hemlock zone is glaciers.The highway to Stewart, a former port d e n s e ly forested with mountain hemlock and community, starts here at Meziadin Junction. amabilis fi r, often with ye l l ow - c e d a r. Subalpine fi r becomes common in eastern areas. U n d e r s t o r i e s include white-flowered rhododendron, false azalea, The Nass Mountains Ecosection bl u e b e r ri e s , and a thick moss laye r. Forests become is a rugged mountainous area west of the Kitimat d i s c o n t i n uous at upper elevations and are R a n g e s . Its climate is somewhat tra n s i t i o n a l i n t e r m i xed with wet meadow ve g e t a t i o n . Soils are b e t wee n coastal and interior regimes. C l e a r c u t s t r o n g l y weathered and acidic. logging has been intensive in the large valleys such as the Kitimat and Kitsumkalum ri ver valleys.The The Alpine Tu n d r a zone is dominated by rock and Nass Highway connects New A i yansh and the g l a c i e r s , with only scattered pockets of mountain- Nisga’a First Nation with Te r race via the heather or meadow vegetation at lower elevations Kitsumkalum valley; Nisga’a Bed Memori a l within this zo n e . Pa rk was established on the extensive lava beds.

1 2 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S E c o p r o vince Subdivisions

It consists of 5 Ecosections. The Outer Fiordland Ecosection is an area of ru g g e d , l ow relief, consisting of inlets, The Eastern Pacific Ranges Ecosection s o u n d s , islands and peninsulas, east of Johnstone is a rugged inland area that has tra n s i t i o n a l , we t S t r ait and Discove r y Pa s s a g e . Redonda Island Pa rk mild coast and dry cold interior climates including is on the south end and Broughton A r c h i p e l a g o some ra i n s h a d ow s . The mountains build in height M a r ine Pa r k is on the north end. from south to nort h , the nort h e r n summits have l a r ge icefi e l d s . S e ve r al towns and communities have been established here, such as W h i s t l e r, The Southern Pacific Ranges Ecosection Pe m b e r t o n , Mount Curri e ,Yale and Hope.The fi r s t is an area of bold, rugged mountains that rise three are connected to the Lower Mainland by the abruptly above the Fraser Valley and Sunshine Sea-to-Sky Highway, and the last two are Coast. Harrison, Stave, Pitt, and Coquitlam lakes connected by the Trans Canada Highway. occur in the eastern portion above the Fraser Pe m b e r ton Meadow is the most productive Valley; in the middle portion fjords such as Indian a g r i c u l t u r al area in the entire Coast and Mountains Arm, Howe Sound, and Jervis Inlet empty into the E c o p r ov i n c e . Protected areas include most of Strait of Georgia; while Powell Lake occurs in the G a r ibaldi Pa rk , the Skagit Valley Pa r k , and Randy northern portion above the Sunshine Coast. Except Stoltman W i l d e r ness A r e a . in the several parks, intensive clearcut logging has occurred on all the valleys and lower slopes. Squamish and several small communities, such as The Nort h w e s t e r n Cascade Ranges Lions Bay, Brackendale and Harrison Lake occur Ecosection here. Several large parks, including Golden Ears, is a rugged block of mountains that extend Pinecone – Burke, Indian Arm, , the n o r thward from Wa s h i n g t o n , where they include Pitt River portion of Garibaldi,Tetrahedron have s e ve r al large vo l c a n o e s . O n ly a small shoulder of been established in this Ecosection. these mountains enter into British Columbia. Cultus Lake Pa rk has been established along the n o r t h e r n boundary. 7 The Queen Charlotte Islands Ecoregion

is an isolated group of islands, that range from The Nort h e r n Pacific Ranges Ecosection l owland mu s keg to rugged upland subalpine. I t is an area of steep, ru g g e d , often ice-capped, consists of two larger islands and many smaller mountains dissected by seve ral deep, n a r r ow ri ve r i s l a n d s , islets and reefs.This Ecoregion has three valleys and fjords. It extends from Toba Inlet in the vegetation zo n e s . The lower or Coastal We s t e r n south to Burke Channel in the nort h . C l e a r c u t Hemlock zone has forests of We s t e r n hemlock, logging has occurred in the accessible valleys and Sitka spru c e , and We s t e r n redcedar wheneve r l ower slopes, although much of this Ecosection is relief allows adequate dra i n a g e . Common plants in rugged and inaccessibl e.The – these forests include red alder, shore pine, Ta t l ayo ko Pa rk has been established in the nort h - bl u e b e r ri e s , false azalea, s a l a l , fe r n s , and mosses. I n c e n t r al portion of the Ecoregion. the lower areas, with low relief, poor dra i n a g e results in extensive open to forested bogs and fe n s . Swamps are also common, with We s t e rn r e d c e d a r, skunk cabb a g e , and a continuous moss c ove r. Floodplains are dominated by Sitka spru c e and red alder.

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 1 3 E c o p r ovince Subdivisions

The subalpine or Mountain Hemlock zone is The Queen Charlotte Mountains Ecosection u n c o m m o n , and is composed of ye l l o w-cedar and is the ve r y we t , rugged we s t e r n side of the mountain hemlock, with bl u e b e r ries and dense Queen Charlotte archipelago. It extends the m o s s . Wet meadows are frequently found as part length of the Queen Charlotte Islands from Cape of the subalpine mosaic.The Alpine Tu n d r a zone is S t . James in the south to Langara Island in the ra r e , with heaths fo r med by mountain-heathers . n o r t h . Clearcut logging has occurred in the a c c e s s i ble valleys and islands. E v e r ything south of Tasu Sound has been placed into the Gwaii There are 3 Ecosections in this Ecoregion. Haanas National Pa rk Reserve.

The Queen Charlotte Lowland Ecosection is an area of low relief, poor drainage and 8 The We s t e r n Vancouver Island Ecoreg i o n e x t e n s i ve mu s keg s and wetlands in the includes the we s t e r n low l a n d s , islands and n o r t h e a s t e r n part of the Queen Charlotte Islands. mountains of Va n c o u ver Island.The lowest or Masset Inlet and Naden Harbour separate the Coastal We s t e r n Hemlock zone is dominated by uplands into 3 units. The community of Po r t we s t e r n hemlock. Except in the drier Nimpkish Clements was built at the south end of Masset Va l l e y, where Douglas-fir is a common sera l I n l e t , and the communities of Masset and Haida s p e c i e s , amabilis fir is also common. Sitka spru c e (Old Masset) were established at the mouth of forests grow in a narr ow belt adjacent to the Masset Sound. N a i koon Pa rk has been establ i s h e d o c e a n . Other trees include We s t e r n redcedar on the mu s keg and sandy beaches on the ( l ower elevations), ye l l o w-cedar (higher elevations), n o r t h e a s t e r n portion of this Ecosection. C l e a r c u t shore pine and red alder. U n d e r s t o r ies are logging has occurred throughout on the non- dominated by woody shrubs such as bl u e b e r ri e s , mu s keg uplands. s a l a l , h u c k l e b e r ri e s , and false azalea, w i t h bu n c h b e r ry, deer fe rn , s word fe r n , and a carpet of m o s s e s . Floodplains are composed of Sitka spru c e , The Skidegate Plateau Ecosection red alder, s a l m o n b e r ry, and fe r n s . is a plateau in the lee of the Queen Charl o t t e M o u n t a i n s . Precipitation is somewhat reduced The subalpine or Mountain Hemlock zone has a h e r e .This plateau is greatly dissected by Masset, m i xed climax of mountain hemlock and amabilis fi r, S k i d e g a t e , C u m s h e w a , and Selwyn inlets, a n d with seral ye l l ow- cedar on richer sites. A dense Darwin Sound. Clearcut logging has been intensive s h r ub layer occurs . Common plants include in this Ecosection. Skidegate and Queen Charl o t t e bl u e b e r ri e s , false azalea, c o p p e r bu s h , w h i t e - City are the main commu n i t i e s ; the southern m o s t f l owered rhododendron, and dense mosses. A t p o r tion of this Ecosection has been placed into higher elevations, the forest cover becomes the Gwaii Haanas National Pa r k Reserve. d i s c o n t i n uous and may be mixed with meadow s . The Alpine Tu n d r a zone is limited to a fe w mountain tops, but where it does occur it is usually dominated by rock outcropping or mountain- h e a t h e r s and small wet meadow s .

It consists of 3 Ecosections.

1 4 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S E c o p r o vince Subdivisions

The 10 ecoprovinces of British Columbia

T H E C OAST & M O U N TA I N S

The Coast & Mountains Ecoprovince

The Nahwitti Lowland Ecosection The Wi n d ward Island Mountains Ecosection is an area of low to rolling topogra p hy, with high is the area of low l a n d s , i s l a n d s , and mountains on precipitation located at the north end of the we s t e r n margin of Va n c o u ver Island. It extends Va n c o u ver Island. Clearcut logging of the uplands from Jordan River in the south to Quatsino Sound has been extensive.The Island Highway serv i c e s in the nort h . Clearcut logging has occurred in Po r t McNeill and terminates at Po r t Hardy; t h e r e m a ny accessible valleys and lower slopes. S e ve r a l are many industrial haul roads that lead to Coal t o wns and communities have been established to H a r b o u r, H o l b e r g and Cape Scott Pa rk . s e r vice resource extra c t i o n , such as Alice A r m , Z e b a l l o s , Ta h s i s , To fi n o, U c l u e l e t , B a m fi e l d , Po r t R e n f r e w, and River Jordan. A wide variety of The Nort h e r n Island Mountains Ecosection protected areas have been established in this is a partial ra i n s h a d ow of wide valleys and E c o s e c t i o n : Pa c i fic Rim National Pa r k (including mountains located in the nort h e r n portion of Long Beach, B r o ken Group and West Coast Tra i l Va n c o u v er Island.The Island Highway passes u n i t s ) , Juan De Fuca Marine Tra i l , C a r manah – through Woss and Nimpkish, while the Gold Rive r Wa l b ra n , C l ayq uot A r m and Clayquot Plateau, H i g h w a y services Gold Rive r. Clearcut logging in Flores Island, Hesquiat Pe n i n s u l a , the southwe s t e r n the valley bottoms and lower slopes has been p o r tion of Stra t h c o n a , Bligh Island, Tahsish – Kwo i s i n t e n s i v e. S e ve r al parks have been established in and Brooks Peninsula park s . this Ecosection, including the upper Elk and Ucona ri ve r s portions of Strathcona Pa r k , a n d Schoen Lake, Woss Lake, Robson Bight, a n d Nimpkish Lake park s .

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 1 5 Putting It All Together In Your Ya r d

C R E ATING AN URBAN Then as you move aw ay from your house, a l l ow N ATURESCAPE GARDEN the landscape to become increasingly more wild The size and shape of your outdoor space may and natura l . This way you will create a living space limit the extent of native plant and wildlife habitat that is both aesthetically pleasing to you and which that you can deve l o p.A p a r tment dwe l l e r s with complements the surrounding landscape. balconies could focus on creating small flowe r gardens to attract hummingbirds and bu t t e r f l i e s . Townhouse patio yards may offer enough space to Designing your space - p r ovi de a few shrubs and small trees that produce When designing your outdoor living space, t r y to b e r ries or seeds that are attra c t i ve to birds. If yo u r retain existing landscape features such as snags, patio area is large enough, perhaps a small b r ush piles and rock piles.These provide valuabl e w i l d f l ower meadow or shru bby section of fo r e s t habitat for many wildlife species.You can also could be created. Small yards have potential fo r create brush piles and rock piles by fo l l owing the some larger trees or forest edge or open fo r e s t i n s t r uctions in the Provincial Guide. Also consider h a b i t a t . A pond for amphibians could also be retaining as many native plants as possibl e . If there c o n s i d e r e d . Nest boxes for birds and bats (see the are some plants you do not want in your garden, P r ovi ncial Guide) are a valuable addition to any t r y moving them to another place on yo u r b a c k ya r d . You will be most successful in attra c t i n g p r o p e r t y, rather than destroying them. these animals, h owe ve r, if you also have trees and s h r ubs that provide cover and fo r aging habitat, a n d Plan to use water effi c i e n t ly throughout yo u r if your wildlife habitat is somewhat undisturbed by n a t u r e s c a p e .This will probably mean planting human activities. ve g e t a ble gardens or non-native flowe ring plants close to your house, since this is usually where your water source is located. CONNECTING YOUR RURAL LIVING S PACE WITH THE NAT U R A L N a t i ve plants will ra r e l y need to be watered once L A N D S C A P E they become establ i s h e d . Group these together Living in a ru r al community provides you with a with other plants that do not need supplemental wonderful opportunity to create a living space that w a t e r i n g . This way you will only have to water blends natura l l y into the surrounding wild those areas of your garden that really need it. l a n d s c a p e .This can be as simple as letting the Traditional lawns need water to remain green all c l e a r ings around your buildings develop “ f u z z y ” s u m m e r.Try to use lawns only where they are edges that lead gently into the surr o u n d i n g needed (e. g . , sitting or play areas), keep them g r asslands or fo r e s t s . This may take some pra c t i c e , s m a l l , and place them close to other areas that t h o u g h . M a n y of us were raised to believe that the need water. If you are living in a dry area, t r y w i l d e r ness needed to be brought under control, xe r iscape landscaping (see the Provincial Guide) and that untidy garden spaces were a sign of bad using the drought-tolerant plants listed in the plant m o r al chara c t e r. t a ble s in this booklet. B e l i e ve it or not, you can remain an upstanding member of society and still create a beautiful, p r actical living space that harm o n i zes with the s u r rounding wild landscape.You can do this merely by placing manicured areas and flower gardens closest to your home where you will have the greatest opportunity to gaze upon them.

1 6 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Connecting Living Space with the Natural Landscape

Creating your space – P r oviding wildlife travel corri d o r s – Remember to proceed slow l y with your project. M a n y wild animals avoid travelling across larg e The creation of a naturescape is not something open areas because this makes them vulnera ble to that should be hurri e d . You are well advised to p r e d a t o r s . Interconnected corri d o r s of protective spend the fi r st year taking stock, letting things vegetation fo r m important travel routes for many g r ow, and revising your plans gra d u a l ly. a n i m a l s . You may be able to create or enhance w i l d l i f e travel corri d o r s on and around yo u r You may need to start your project by cleaning up p r o p e r t y. For example, if you plant a windbreak of some existing junk piles. Once this is done, t r e e s , consider adding some shrubs to prov i d e consider allowing these areas to reestablish on additional protective cover for smaller animals. O r their ow n . You may like what comes up.This will you could plant hedgerows of native shru b s . T h e also let you see what types of native plants grow hedge should be 4-5 metres wide, and should best in those spaces. If you are impatient, you can include a variety of shrubs that provide seeds and a lw ays plant these areas with species that self- b e r ri e s . After the shrubs become establ i s h e d , yo u propagate quickly, or seed them thickly with m ay wish to add some climbing vines. Do not species that easily become establ i s h e d . p r une your hedgerow s . T h i c ker growth usually If you are moving existing plants to new locations, p r o vides better cove r.You can also plant shrubs in do so early in the spri n g , and let them grow clumps throughout your propert y. As well as n a t u r a l ly. N a t i ve shrubs and trees do not need to p r o viding small islands of protective cover and be pru n e d . You can further reduce the fo r aging habitat, these shrub groupings can act as maintenance of your natural landscape by letting living screens for areas of your yard that you may plants self-seed.You only need to “ d e a d - h e a d ” not want to see. those plants you do not want to spread. Also try to leave branches and twigs, and bark and leaf litter on the ground.This type of debris can When you don’t want to share some of p r ovide valuable habitat for insects, amphibians and your space with wildlife - r e p t i l e s , and small mammals and fo r aging habitat If deer and moose are common visitors around for some bird species. And fi n a l ly, if you need to your home you will probably want to protect condition your soil to meet the needs of yo u r some of your garden by fencing it. P l a c i n g naturescape design, you can do so by fo l l owing the ve g e t a ble and flower gardens close together can i n s t r uctions provided in the Provincial Guide. reduce fencing costs and maintenance. A handsome and inexpensive fence can be made by obtaining scrap boards from local mills. Cut the Enhancing forest habitats near your home – boards into 1.5-2 metre lengths, and nail them Po c kets of woodland habitat in your outdoor ve r t i c a l ly to cross rails made from tree thinnings. space will provide continuity with nearby fo r e s t s . You will also need to place a top-rail 0.5 metres You can plant small woodland habitats around yo u r a b ove the top of the fe n c e .You may wish to plant p r o p e r t y, or you can plant smaller, s h a d e - t o l e r a n t n a t i v e shrubs and vines along your fences to s h r u b s , t r e e s , and groundcove rs along the fo r e s t camouflage them, or to create additional cover or border to create more forest edge habitat (see the fo r aging habitat for wild animals. P r ovincial Guide).The plant tables in this booklet will help you select plants that are most suitabl e for the type of woodland habitat you wish to c r e a t e , whether it is a deciduous, c o n i fe r o u s , o p e n , or deep shade wo o d l a n d .

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 1 7 Connecting Your Space With The Natural Landscape

Another type of fence can be made from rails and IN SUMMARY fish netting. Rails can be made from tree thinnings, Look beyond your yard and focus on the and netting can be obtained at no cost from net surrounding natural environment.You share this repair shops on the coast. Elevate the cross-ra i l s landscape with a community of native plants and 2.5 metres above the ground and drape the animals. Can you see how your home’s address now netting over the rail and down to the ground. becomes your location in the broader landscape of Weight the bottom of the netting with rocks or the Coast and Mountains Ecoprovince? b o a r d s . This type of fencing has the added As you dri ve through the towns and villages of this advantage of allowing you to see beyond yo u r r e g i o n , you may notice how different they are from p r o p e r ty to the surrounding wildern e s s . the surrounding ru r al or wilderness areas. U r b a n landscapes need not be so disconnected from the If rodents are a problem in your garden, you can n a t u r al landscape. A little creativity and a slightly keep them from damaging young trees by wra p p i n g d i f fer ent approach to landscape planning are all the base of the tree trunk with wire mesh, p l a s t i c that is needed to “ n a t u r a l i ze ” our urban centres. s p i r a l s , or PVC piping. D e t e r rent sprays (av a i l a bl e You will become an important part of this new from garden centres) and porcupine guards can p h i l o s o p hy by creating a naturescape garden. B y p r ovide added protection.Tramping down snow c a r ing for native plant and wildlife habitat around around the base of young trees will also discoura g e your home, you begin the process of creating a rodent damage to tree tru n k s . mosaic of native habitats that connect with the s u r rounding wildern e s s . E ve n t u a l ly, you may want If birds are raiding your ve g e t a ble or flowe r to move beyond your property line and promote g a r d e n , t r y planting native berry- and seed- the creation, r e s t o r a t i o n , e n h a n c e m e n t , o r producing plants around your propert y. Birds are maintenance of larger natural areas. Also think less like ly to eat your pri ze fruits and ve g e t a ble s if about the impact of human activity on your local there are plenty of native food sources nearby. n a t u r al landscape. Consider learning about how urban development and resource extraction affe c t s If mosquitoes and black flies are a problem around your local env i r o n m e n t . You may even want to get your home, keep trees, s h r u b s , and tall gra s s e s i nvo l ved in local area planning and decision-making. aw ay from outdoor sitting areas.Thinning existing W h a t e ver you do, you will soon see that yo u r vegetation slightly, or planting new areas so that naturescape is part of an ove rall commitment to there is good air movement amongst plants will maintaining the integrity and dive r sity of your local also help control populations of biting insects n a t u r al commu n i t y. around your home. As we l l , limit existing reservo i r s of standing water, such as old tires or bu c ke t s , a s these provide excellent mosquito breeding ground.

1 8 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S S u m m a r y Plant and Animal Ta bl e s , Coast & Mountains

TABLE 1:N ATIVE PLANTS The native plant table is arranged so that plants A number of cri t e r ia were used to choose the are found in broad habitat types.This should help plants included in this tabl e. Habitat value was you compare what you already have to what c o n s i d e r e d , as was the species hori zontal and would help create better habitat on your propert y. ve r tical habitat stru c t u r e . Aesthetics we r e Use these habitat groupings, plus the key for light i m p o r tant and those plants that are easier to care and moisture requirements, to create a list of the and maintain also made the cut. We avoided plants most suitable species for your setting.T h e that are poisonous and irritating (to the touch) P r o vincial Guide has suggestions for planning yo u r and sought out species with a wide distri bu t i o n habitat garden. E x p e r imentation and patience, a s across the ecoprov i n c e . Plants were chosen with you determine your local growing conditions, a r e hardiness and habitat value in mind. Consult the w a t c h wo r d s . Using regional plant guides, find in the resource guide for sources for the plants listed in wild some of the plants that sound good. O b s e r ve the tabl e. their growing conditions and try to see what w i l d l i f e uses them.This can help you decide if the Success rates for nu r s e r y - r aised native plants are plant will wo r k for you and your habitat. often much higher than those taken from the wild, e ven if the nu r s e r y has propagated plants from stock that is not local to your area. N u r s e r y - r a i s e d K E Y: plants will do best if they are protected with X Indicates species that are suitable for mulch for the fi r st winter, or until they become xe r iscape (water conservation) gardens. well establ i s h e d . If you are interested in growing a p a r ticular species that is not stocked by a nu r s e r y, Ava i l a b i l i t y : t r y collecting the plant or taking cuttings from ( * ) av a i l a ble at specialty and wholesale plants growing in areas that are already disturbed, nu r s e r i e s . Contact nu r s e r ies for or slated for development (e. g . , road building sites, i n fo r m a t i o n housing deve l o p m e n t s , logged areas or powe r- l i n e (**) av a i l a ble in retail nu r s e r ies outside the ri g h t - o f - w ay s ) . Do not disturb natural areas merely Coast and Mountains to create a similar natural space on your propert y. (***) av a i l a ble in local nu r s e r ies and garden Consult the resource guide for sources that can c e n t r e s g i ve you tips on propagation and tra n s p l a n t i n g . Yo u Sun Exposure: can also collect seeds from native plants, bu t ( S H ) p r e fe r s full shade collect no more than 10% of the entire seed crop, ( M ) p r e fe r s a mix of sun and shade and do not collect in park s , ecological reserves or ( S ) p r e fe r s full sun w i l d l i fe management areas. Moisture Prefe r e n c e : ( D ) p r e fe r s dry, we l l - d r ained soils ( M ) needs some moisture (W) p r e fe r s wet soils H e i g h t : The main height is the largest end of the spectru m . The heights listed next in the bra c ket s provide the l owe r ra n g e .

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 1 9 Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

FORESTS CANOPY TREES Western redcedar ** SH M, W Ht: 60 m (20-30) • Provides food in form of seed cones; Thuja plicata Fast growing, long-lived shade-tolerant seeds eaten by Pine Siskin, American conifer naturally occurring in the canopy Goldfinch, and Common Redpoll; deer and understorey of coniferous and browse on cedar in winter; food plant mixed forests across a broad variety of for the Rosner’s Hairstreak butterfly; sites. Found at low to mid elevations preferred nesting habitat for Rufous throughout the Coast and Mountains. Hummingbirds Grows over 30 m tall on favourable • Shade tolerant species that is fast sites. growing (zones 6-8); several commercial varieties available • Produces excessive litter that restricts planting options under its branches

Yellow-cedar ** SH M, W Ht: 50 m (20-40) • Provides food in form of light green Chamaecyparis Moderately fast growing, long-lived ‘berries maturing into small, brownish nootkatensis conifer occurring in the canopy of seed cones coniferous forests and scrub. Typically • Fully hardy (zones 5-8); some most abundant at mid to high elevations commercial varieties available but becoming abundant at low elevations in very wet climates. Often over 25 m tall on favourable sites.

Western hemlock * SH M, W Ht: 60 m (20-30) • Deer and elk browse on young Tsuga heterophylla Fast growing, shade-tolerant conifer hemlock shoots; numerous seed cones; naturally occurring in the canopy and seeds eaten by Pine Siskin, American understorey of coniferous and mixed Goldfinch, and Common Redpoll forests across a broad variety of sites. • Easy to grow and vigorous; provides Found at low to high elevations good vertical structure but is a large throughout the Coast and Mountains. landscape component (zones 6-8) Grows over 30 m tall on favourable sites. Often seeds prolifically on many natural sites.

Mountain hemlock * S, M W Ht: 40 m (8-15) • Mountain hemlock provides food in Tsuga mertensiana Fast growing, but not very shade- form of large, purplish-brown seed tolerant conifer naturally occurring in the cones; squirrels cache the seed cones canopy of coniferous forests. Typically which may be an important winter food found at high elevations, where it occurs source across a variety of soil moisture and • Provides poor cover because upward- fertility levels. Occurs as a secondary rising branches provide poor shelter species on wet forested sites of mid to from rain low elevations in very wet climates. May • Reasonably easy to grow and maintain exceed 30 m, but smaller on typical, high (zones 6-8) elevation sites.

Sitka spruce * S, M M, W Ht: 70 m (50-70 wet) (15-20 dry) • Provides food in form of large, brown Picea sitchensis Fast growing, long-lived, shade-tolerant seed cones; preferred nesting habitat conifer naturally occurring in the canopy for Rufous Hummingbirds and understorey of coniferous and • Very vigorous conifer that can be deciduous forests. Normally occurring planted in a variety of locations but can at low to mid elevations in the Coast quickly become difficult to control; and Mountains but found at higher good on exposed or poor sites; sharp elevations in the wettest climates. needles require some consideration in Favours rich sites but may be a landscaping; fully hardy (zones 7-8) secondary species on less fertile sites in very wet climates. Often over 30 m tall on favourable sites.

2 0 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

CANOPY TREES Amabilis or Pacific * SH M Ht: 55 m (15) • Provides food in form of large, deep silver fir Fast growing shade tolerant conifer purple seed cones that disintegrate; Abies amabilis naturally occurring in canopy and seeds are a favourite with squirrels understorey of coniferous forests. • Shade tolerant species but slow- Normally found at mid to high growing (zones 6-8); several elevations in the Coast and Mountains commercial varieties available but occurs at lower elevations in wettest climates. Often over 30 m tall on favourable sites.

Subalpine fir * S, M M Ht: 55 m (10-15) • Provides food in form of large, deep Abies lasiocarpa Moderately fast growing shade tolerant purple seed cones that disintegrate; conifer naturally occurring in canopy and seeds are a favourite with squirrels; understorey of coniferous forests. buds, twigs, and bark are winter food Typically found at higher elevations, snowshoe hare largely restricted to drier climatic areas • Sun to part shade tolerant species but within Coast and Mountains. May occur slow-growing (zones 4-7); several at lower elevations, especially where commercial varieties available cold, relatively dry air flows down valleys. Often over 25 m tall, especially at favourable mid elevation sites.

Douglas-fir ** S D, M Ht: 70 m (25) • Squirrels, mice, shrews, Winter Wren, Pseudotsuga Fast growing shade-intolerant conifer and crossbills eat the seeds; bears menziesii, var. occurring in the canopy of coniferous scrape off bark and eat the sap layer menziesii forests south of Bella Coola. Typically beneath; deer browse on young trees; found at low to middle elevations on thick, corky bark provides refuge for dry, rocky sites and scarce in wetter insects that are sought by Brown environments. Often over 40 m tall. Creepers and nuthatches; larval food for Pine White butterfly, Douglas-fir Tussock Moth, and the Ceanothus Silkmoth; preferred nesting habitat for Rufous Hummingbirds and Cedar Waxwings • Fairly easy to grow and maintain; fully hardy (zones 5-7); several commercial varieties available

Black cottonwood * S, M M, W Ht: 50 m (30) • Sticky gum on spring buds has strong Populus balsamifera Grows at low to middle elevations on balsam-like fragrance; bees collect sticky ssp. trichocarpa moist to wet sites; male and female resin on buds for their hives and seal catkins on separate trees appear before intruders in the resin to prevent decay the leaves in April. A fast-growing, but and protect the hive; food plant for the not shade-tolerant, deciduous tree larvae of several butterfly species; naturally occurring in the canopy of low vireos, warblers, and tanagers frequent to medium elevation deciduous forests. this species Scarce or absent from much of the • This is a fast-growing, aggressive species Coast and Mountains but forming that can quickly get overbearing in the extensive stands on floodplains along landscape; some do not enjoy the sticky major rivers, particularly in areas resin of this species or its seeds which transitional to drier interior climates. disperse in white fluffy hairs Grows over 30 m on favourable sites. • Fully hardy in zones 5-8; several other species and varieties are available commercially

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 2 1 Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

CANOPY TREES Red alder * S, M M, W Ht: 25 m • Seed cones remain on over the winter; Alnus rubra Fast growing shade-intolerant deciduous popular nesting tree for Great Blue tree usually found at low elevations. Heron; attracts chickadees and bushtits; Seeds in prolifically where mineral soil is deer browse on alder in fall; food plant exposed, often forming pure stands. for the Pale Swallowtail and Green Grows to over 20 m tall on favourable Comma butterflies sites but relatively short-lived and may • Increases nitrogen levels in soil creating present a safety hazard as stand ages favourable conditions for many (especially after 50 years) and trees understorey plants to establish and begin to shed limbs or fall down. Aging produce berries and seeds trees can be cut back to safe height to • This species is easy to grow and create snags. maintain but can become quite intrusive

Paper birch ** S, M M Ht: 20-40 m (30) • Important winter source of food for Betula papyrifera Moderately slow growing, rather shade- deer, porcupine, and beaver; Pine intolerant broadleaf tree occurring in Siskins, American Goldfinches, redpolls, pure stands or mixed forests. Restricted and chickadees eat the seeds; to a few areas in Coast and Mountains woodpeckers, sapsuckers, wrens, with a less maritime climate such as the creepers and vireos nest in this tree; . Typically found at larval food for butterflies including the low elevations on well-drained sites. Polyphemus moth, the Green Comma, Rarely more than 25 m tall. and admiral butterflies • Easy to grow but can spread rapidly by seed and/or sprouts from the base; fully hardy (zones 2-8)

UNDERSTOREY TREES AND TALL SHRUBS

Western yew * M, SH D, M Ht: 2-15 m • Blackbirds, waxwings, nuthatches and Taxus brevifolia A slow-growing, shade-loving other birds and small rodents eat the understorey tree occurring in coniferous fruit forests and scrub. Widespread at low • The red berries (arils) of the western elevations through the Coast and yew are toxic to humans and this fact Mountains. Favours fertile soils. should be carefully considered before Reproduces by seed (dispersed by birds) adding to habitat and may expand by vegetative growth – sprouting from cut stumps or rooting along branches in contact with soil. Typically under 10 m tall and often contorted.

Douglas maple * SH M, W Ht: 1-7 m • Small, greenish-yellow flowers are a Acer glabrum var. A shrub or small tree found at low to nectar source for insects; provides douglasii mid elevations throughout the Coast source of food in form of wing-shaped and Mountains except on the Queen seeds for grosbeaks; preferred nesting Charlotte Islands. Seeds are wind habitat for Cedar Waxwings dispersed and plant grows rapidly in clearings, where it assumes a dense, bushy form. Persists even as dense forest canopies develop, but takes a more spindly form under heavy shade. Will resprout from root crown if cut. Prefers dry to moist soils but will tolerate seepage or occasional flooding.

2 2 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

MEDIUM HEIGHT SHRUBS Black twinberry * SH M, W Ht: 0.5-3 m • Yellow, tubular flowers are a source of Lonicera involucrata An erect to straggly, medium-height, nectar for hummingbirds in late April deciduous shrub found at low to high through May; shiny black berries that elevation moist forests, thickets and occur in pairs in July and August are clearings throughout most of the Coast food for birds and mammals; provides and Mountains. Its seeds are dispersed good cover for small mammals and by birds, bears and small mammals and low-foraging birds; poor deer browse will resprout from root crowns. It can because of low nutritive value be propagated by stem cuttings.

False azalea * M M Ht: 3 m • Nectar source for hummingbirds; it Menziesia ferruginea An erect to spreading, medium height, provides ample, but nutritionally poor deciduous shrub found at low to high forage that may be browsed by deer elevations in moist coniferous forests during the summer, if more desirable and openings with peaty soils forage is exhausted; dense thickets throughout the Coast and Mountains. It provide excellent shelter and cover for is a strongly shade-tolerant shrub many small birds and mammals capable of surviving under dense • In autumn, its crimson-orange foliage canopies, but grows best in partial to full adds interest to the garden sun. Its seeds are dispersed by wind and plants fill openings by layering (branches root where they contact soil).

Devil’s club * S, M M, W Ht: 1-3 m • Bright red, flattened, shiny berries in Oplopanax horridus An erect, medium height, spiny, August and September are a favourite deciduous shrub found at low to fairly of bears; provides excellent hiding, high elevations in moist openings, escape and thermal cover for small thickets and woods throughout the mammals and low-foraging birds Coast and Mountains. It is moderately • Spiny foliage and stems require special shade tolerant but will not tolerate consideration when planning for drought. Seeds are dispersed by wildlife. landscaping; spiny stems and foliage will Seedlings grow slowly so most patches tear skin and clothes, but provide a expand by suckering or layering. natural landscaping barrier • Deciduous spreading shrub hardy (zones 6-10)

Oval-leaved * S, M D, M Ht: 4 m • Blue-black berries provide source of blueberry Medium-height, spreading deciduous food for birds, small mammals and Vaccinium ovalifolium shrubs favouring moist, rich coniferous bears; important year-round browse for and Alaska blueberry forests and openings at low to high deer; provides good cover for small Vaccinium alaskaense elevations throughout the Coast and mammals and low-foraging birds, Mountains. Spreads primarily by particularly when growing in dense suckering; colonizes new sites with seeds patches in openings; vacciniums are dispersed by birds and mammals. Slow larval food plants for several butterflies growing from seeds but rapidly including the Pink-edged Sulphur, regenerating from underground root Mariposa Copper, Spring Azure, system after disturbance. Northern Blue, and Freija Fritillary

Black huckleberry * S, M D, M Ht: 1.5 m • Purplish to reddish-black berries, eaten Vaccinium Medium-low, spreading deciduous shrub by birds, small mammals and bears; membranaceum that favours dry to moist coniferous vacciniums are larval food plants for forests and openings at mid to high several butterflies including the Pink- elevations. Absent from the Queen edged Sulphur, Mariposa Copper, Charlotte Islands and the coast north of Spring Azure, Northern Blue, and Freija Bella Coola. Spreads primarily by Fritillary; important year-round browse suckering; colonizes new sites with seeds for deer; provides good cover for small dispersed by birds and mammals. Slow mammals and low-foraging birds, growing from seeds but rapidly particularly when growing in dense regenerating from underground root patches in forest openings system after disturbance.

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 2 3 Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

MEDIUM HEIGHT SHRUBS Red huckleberry * S, M D, M Ht: 4 m • Bright red berries ripen in July and Vaccinium parvifolium Medium tall deciduous shrub that persist through the rest of the summer; favours rich coniferous forests and berries eaten by birds; nectar source for openings at low to mid elevations hummingbirds; vacciniums are larval throughout the Coast and Mountains. food plants for several butterflies Spreads both by suckering and by seeds including the Pink-edged Sulphur, (unlike many related species). Slow Mariposa Copper, Spring Azure, growing from seeds but rapidly Northern Blue, and Freija Fritillary; regenerating from underground root important year-round browse for deer; system after disturbance. Grows as a provides good cover for small and large straggling vine when young, and as a mammals and low-foraging birds, scraggly shrub under dense forest particularly when growing in dense canopies. patches in openings

Highbush-cranberry * S, M M Ht: 0.5-3.5 m • Red to orange fruit ripens in summer Viburnum edule Medium-height deciduous shrub of and remains through the winter, moist forests and thickets at low to mid providing a food source for over- elevations throughout the Coast and wintering birds; browsed by small Mountains. Shade-tolerant; prefers well- mammals and deer but not particularly drained alluvial soils. Produces abundant nutritious; berries are an important food berries that are dispersed by birds and source for small mammals and bears; mammals. Spreads by rooting where provides valuable cover for small branches rest on soil and by sprouting mammals and low-foraging birds from the rootstock but doesn’t sucker readily. Can be propagated from softwood cuttings, particularly if rooted in sand.

Salal ** M D, M, Ht: 5 m (1.5) • Deer browse on new leaves and W Medium to tall, erect to spreading berries; used as winter browse by deer evergreen shrub of coniferous forests as well despite relatively low nutritive and rocky bluffs at low to mid elevations value; food plant for the Western Elfin, throughout the Coast and Mountains. Brown Elfin and Grey Hairstreak Forms dense thickets in drier forest butterflies; nectar source for types. Flowering suppressed under hummingbirds; berries remain on the dense forest canopies. Spreads rapidly stem until mid winter, where they by suckering, sprouting from root provide valuable food for a wide variety crowns, and rooting where branches of birds and mammals rest on the soil. Does not spread • Fully hardy (zones 6-8); prefers more abundantly by seed in nature, but best acidic soil (normally under conifers) propagated by casting clean seed over suitable sites in winter or spring. Difficult to propagate from cuttings.

LOW SHRUBS AND FORBS

Bunchberry ** SH M Ht: 0.2 m • Bright red, fleshy berries are eaten by Cornus canadensis Low, evergreen subshrubs (woody at grouse; year-round forage for deer and Cornus the base) found at low to high elevation though it is most nutritious in summer unalaschensis forests, thickets, openings and wetlands • Forms extensive ground cover and throughout the Coast and Mountains. spreads by rhizomes; prefers acid soils; Moderately shade-tolerant. Seeds suitable in zones 2-7 dispersed by birds and small mammals that feed on berries, but germination, establishment and early growth is poor. Spreads vigorously by underground stems.

2 4 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

LOW SHRUBS AND FORBS Fringecup * S, M M Ht: 0.4-0.8 m • Species makes a good ground cover in Tellima grandiflora A medium-sized herb of low to mid cool, shaded woodland gardens; fully elevation moist forests, thickets and hardy (zones 4-8); commercial varieties openings throughout the Coast and available Mountains. Moderately shade-tolerant; • May be visited by hummingbirds does not handle drought well. Can be propagated by dividing clumps in spring or by sowing seeds on surface in late spring.

Foamflower ** S, M M Ht: 0.2-0.6 m • Forms a dense excellent ground cover Tiarella trifoliata A low herb of low to moderately high that spreads by runner; fully hardy elevation moist coniferous forests, thickets and openings throughout the Coast and Mountains. Shade-tolerant; does not handle drought well. Can be propagated by dividing clumps in fall or early spring, or by sowing seeds on surface in autumn.

Queen’s cup ** SH M Ht: 0.2 m • Dark blue berries are reportedly eaten Clintonia uniflora A low herb of low to high elevation by grouse forests and openings throughout most of • Spreading rhizomatous perennial the Coast and Mountains. Spreads by suitable for zones 4-8 producing shoots from underground • Difficult to transplant stems.

Hooker’s fairybell * SH M Ht: 1 m • Orange-red berries with seeds in Prosartes hookeri A low herb of low elevation forests autumn (formerly Disporum south of Bella Coola. Spreads by • A clump-forming perennial suitable for hookeri) underground stems. Can be propagated zones 4-9 by dividing clumps in spring before growth begins, or by sowing seeds in the autumn.

False lily-of-the- * SH M, W Ht: 0.1-0.4 m • Berries are eaten by birds valley A low herb of moist to wet woods and • Spreads rapidly by rhizome and can Maianthemum forests at low to mid elevations form an extensive and dominant dilatatum throughout the Coast and Mountains. ground cover Shade-tolerant but avoids drought- • Can be used to stabilize eroding sites prone sites. Low germination rates because of its rapid expansion despite the production of abundant fruit. Spreads by underground stems and can be quite invasive. Propagate from root- bearing tips of underground stems in autumn.

False Solomon’s- ** SH M Ht: 0.3-1 m • Loose clusters of red berries are seal A tall herb of moist, low to high produced in mid summer but is best Smilacina racemosa elevation forests and openings along the known for its foliage mainland coast south of Bella Coola. • Easy to propagate and transplant; Spreads by underground stems. Can be prefers acidic soil and is fully hardy propagated by dividing in late fall or (zones 4-9); commercial varieties early spring. available

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 2 5 Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

LOW SHRUBS AND FORBS Star-flowered false * SH M Ht: 0.2-0.6 m • Ripened berries are dark blue to Solomon’s-seal A medium height herb of low to reddish-black; berries are eaten by Maianthemum moderately high forests, thickets and birds, small mammals and bears; leaves stellatum (formerly openings south of Bella Coola. Seeds provide low-quality forage for bears Smilacina stellata) are dispersed by birds and small mammals which consume berries. Most growth occurs as underground stems spread and produce shoots.

Piggy-back plant * SH M Ht: 0.4-0.8 m • Produces a mat-forming dense ground Tolmiea menziesii A medium height herb of low to mid cover elevation moist forests throughout most • Hardy in zones 6-9; requires well- of the Coast and Mountains. Small buds drained acidic soil at base of leaves develop into ‘daughter’ plants. Spreads by underground stems which produce shoots.

Clasping twistedstalk SH M Ht: 0.4-1 m • Berries eaten by grouse Streptopus A tall, fairly shade-tolerant herb of low amplexifolius to high elevation moist forests, thickets and openings throughout the Coast and Mountains. Seeds are dispersed by birds and small mammals; tend to germinate slowly. Spreads by underground stems that produce shoots. Can be propagated by sowing seeds into cold frames during the summer, as soon as they ripen. More easily propagated by dividing established plants.

Rosy twistedstalk SH M Ht: 0.2-0.3 m Streptopus A medium-sized, shade-tolerant herb of lanceolatus var. low to high elevation moist forests, curvipes (formerly thickets and openings throughout the Streptopus roseus) Coast and Mountains. Seeds are dispersed by birds and small mammals and tend to germinate slowly. Spreads by underground stems that produce shoots. Can be propagated by sowing seeds into cold frames during the summer, as soon as they ripen. More easily propagated by dividing established plants.

** SH M,W Ht: 0.4 m • Each seed has a tiny, oil-rich appendage A medium-sized, shade-tolerant herb of attractive to ants, which haul them back low to middle elevation moist forests to their nests, eat the appendage or Western trillium and thickets on southern Vancouver feed it to their larvae, and then discard Trillium ovatum Island. Seeds are dispersed by ants as the seed, thereby contributing to seed they harvest fat bodies attached to dispersal seeds. Spreads by short underground • Very shade tolerant and fully hardy stems that produce shoots. Can be (zones 5-9) propagated by sowing seeds in autumn as soon as they ripen but they must not be allowed to dry out. Seedlings are favoured by slugs so they are best grown in pots until 4-5 years old. Do not flower until 5-7 years old. More easily propagated by dividing established plants.

2 6 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

LOW SHRUBS AND FORBS Spiny wood fern * SH M Ht: 1 m • Vigorous plant that can be divided; size Dryopteris expansa A tall, robust fern of moist or wet, low provides good cover and escape habitat to high elevation forests, thickets and for low-foraging birds and small openings throughout the Coast and mammals Mountains. Spreads by spores and short rhizomes. Easy to maintain.

Oak fern * SH M Ht: 0.4 m • Provides valuable cover for small Gymnocarpium A low fern of moist, low to high mammals and low-foraging birds, dryopteris elevation forests, thickets and openings particularly in winter when most herbs throughout the Coast and Mountains. have died back. Spreads readily by rhizomes. Easy to maintain.

Sword fern * SH M Ht: 1.5 m • Excellent cover plant that provides Polystichum munitum A tall, robust evergreen fern of moist or escape habitat for small- and medium- wet, low to mid elevation forests found sized mammals and birds throughout the Coast and Mountains; • Easily divided by dividing rootstock; most common south of Bella Bella. good for slope stability and soil Rhizomes play little role in its spread, but conservation on slopes spores rapidly build up populations. • Suitable for zones 5-8; other species and varieties of Polystichum ferns are available with similar ecological requirements but have different growth habits

Lady fern * SH M, W Ht: 2 m • Deciduous species that forms dense Athyrium filix-femina A tall, robust fern of moist or wet, low clumps that provide suitable cover for to high elevation forests, thickets and low-foraging birds and small mammals; openings found throughout the Coast mats of dead fronds provide winter and Mountains. Spreads by spores and cover and microhabitat for insects and by rhizomes. small mammals

Deer fern * SH M, W Ht: 0.2-0.8 m • Important source of winter food for Blechnum spicant A low evergreen fern of moist or wet, deer and elk in some areas; deer rub low to moderately high elevation forests their antler stubs on the leaves after and thickets throughout the Coast and their antlers fall off Mountains. Spreads by woody rhizomes • If this species cannot be found and spores. Drought-tolerant in shadier commercially, consider Blechnum situations capense (zones 2-8)

Five-leaved Bramble * SH M, W Ht: 0.02 m • Important berry source for birds and Rubus pedatus A low, shade-tolerant herb of low to small mammals; favoured forage of deer high elevation forests and woodlands found throughout the Coast and Mountains. Seeds are dispersed by birds and small mammals. Plants normally spread by stolons and runners and can form dense mats in ideal conditions. Can be propagated by seed, by cuttings taken in late summer or by layering in the fall and early spring.

Trailing yellow violet * SH M Ht: 0.8m • Some violet seeds have outgrowths Viola sempervirens A low, evergreen herb of low to mid called oil-bodies; ants carry away the elevation moist forests on Vancouver seeds to eat the oil-bodies, thus Island, the mainland coast south of Bella dispersing the seeds; violets are eaten Coola but absent from the Prince by fritillary butterflies and are a nectar Rupert area and the Queen Charlotte source for the Spring Azure Islands. Spreads by rhizomes.

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 2 7 Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

FOREST EDGES AND OPENINGS TREES Pacific crabapple * S, M M, W Ht: 2-12 m • Clusters of small, yellow to red apples Malus fusca A shade-intolerant small tree or shrub are a food source for birds, such as found in openings, thickets and finches, robins, waxwings and Varied woodlands on moist sites at low to mid Thrush from July through October; elevations throughout much of the nesting habitat for robins and House Coast and Mountains. Tolerant of soil Finches; fallen fruits a valuable food moisture and flooding. Usually grows to source to ground-foraging birds and 4 m, with a small, dense crown. Seeds small mammals during early winter; geminate easily in rich humus or cuttings fragrant pinkish-white blossoms appear may be taken from mature wood. in April and May • Fully hardy and tolerant of all but waterlogged soil • Trees are sometimes attacked by aphids, caterpillars, and red spider mite and are susceptible to fireblight and apple scab – should be considered in landscaping

Ht: 20-30 m Shore pine * S D, M, A low, shade-intolerant coniferous tree • Small mammals, such as voles, squirrels Pinus contorta var. W often with a stunted or straggly form. and porcupines feed on the inner bark contorta Occurs on open rocky knolls or in bogs, • Slow growing and suitable for windy, where other trees do not thrive. At low barren sites and tolerates waterlogged to mid elevations throughout the Coast roots; suitable in zones 6-8; commercial and Mountains. Grows rapidly after varieties available seeding in.

TALL SHRUBS Ht: 4 m Sitka mountain-ash ** S, M M A tall, relatively shade-intolerant shrub • Small white flowers in terminal clusters Sorbus sitchensis (to 4 m) of open forests, meadows and in early spring; red berries, which persist openings from mid to high elevations on the shrub well into winter, attract throughout the Coast and Mountains. grouse, grosbeaks, waxwings, American Reproduces from seeds dispersed by Robin, small mammals and bears; birds, but germination is slow unless the moderate quality browse for deer; seeds are removed from the fruit. provides excellent cover for birds foraging at mid-levels in the forest • High ornamental value due to attractive flowers and berries • Fully to frost hardy in well-drained but moist soil

Sitka alder * S, M M Ht: 1-5 m • Seeds in winged capsules are eaten by Alnus viridis ssp. A tall shrub or small tree (rarely over 4 birds. May be a good foraging site for sinuata m) of moist to wet thickets, meadows warblers and other insectivores; and openings from low to high provides little forage for deer but twigs elevations throughout the Coast and and leaves are eaten by muskrats and Mountains. Seeds are dispersed by beavers while the seeds and buds wind, water and blowing over snow. provide winter food for redpolls, siskins, Germinates readily from seed, but stem goldfinches, chickadees and grouse; cuttings rarely root. provides good cover for many birds and mammals but may grow thickly enough to impede movement by large mammals • A useful shrub for controlling erosion because it germinates readily, grows quickly, and improves soil fertility

2 8 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

TALL SHRUBS Bitter cherry * S, M M Ht: 2-15 m • Seeds contained in the bright red A tall shrub or small tree (sometimes cherries eagerly harvested by Evening over 10 m tall) of moist, fertile, open Grosbeaks in early autumn and fallen woods and thickets from low to mid fruit are eaten by small mammals elevations. Found throughout • The cherries of this species are too Vancouver Island and along the mainland bitter to be considered edible Coast north to Bella Bella. Seeds are • Valuable winter forage for deer dispersed by small mammals and birds. • Provides important cover for mammals Expands by the release of dormant and birds, particularly where it forms shoots on underground stems, dense thickets particularly after disturbance. Can be propagated by seed or from softwood cuttings. Initial colonizer on disturbed areas; small white or pinkish flowers in loose clusters occurring in April through May

Black hawthorn * S M Ht: 8 m • Small, apple-like fruit forms in summer Crataegus douglasii A thorny tall shrub or low of moist, and provides food for birds through the relatively fertile woodlands, thickets and winter; hawthorn thickets are good openings from low to mid elevations. nesting and roosting sites for small birds Found throughout most of the Coast and denning sites for mammals. and Mountains north to the tip of the • Thorny foliage avoided as forage but Alaska Panhandle. Most easily makes this a good “barrier” plant in the established using nursery transplants. garden Prefers full sun; produces small white • Fully hardy and can be grown under any flowers in clusters in May conditions but very wet soil

Red-osier dogwood ** S M, W Ht: 1-6 m • Late summer white and berry-like fruits Cornus stolonifera A fast-growing, shade- intolerant, tall and are favoured by thrushes and other many-stemmed shrub found at low to birds; deer and moose browse on mid elevations throughout the Coast dogwood year-round; larval food for and Mountains. Seeds are dispersed by butterflies songbirds and germinate in open sites, • Fully hardy (zones 2-8); commercial particularly on rich moist soils. Tolerant varieties available of frequent flooding and will often • Provides excellent cover for deer, expand to form dense thickets as stems hares, rodents and many birds often root where they touch the • Fruits remain on stems well into winter, ground. Will resprout from roots when providing a moderately nutritious food cut. Easy to establish from stem to many birds when other berries have cuttings. A valuable shrub for stabilizing disappeared moist banks and eroding areas because • Twigs and small branches provide it is easy to establish, grows rapidly, and valuable browse to deer and small its roots “knit- together” soils. Grows to mammals, particularly in winter 5 m tall on moist, fertile sites. • An attractive plant with showy clusters of white flowers (later berries) in the summer and fall; twigs and small branches turn an attractive red in autumn

Scouler’s willow * S, M M, W Ht: 2-12 m • Pollen is important food source to Salix scouleriana A tall shrub (often over 7 m) found in many insects; larval host plants for thickets, wet open forests and shorelines butterflies; buds eaten by grouse and at low to mid elevations throughout the heather voles (in winter) Coast and Mountains. Seeds wind- dispersed.

Evergreen * S D, M Ht: to 4 m • Purplish-black berries provide a source huckleberry Found along edges of coniferous forests of food for birds and berries. Vaccinium ovatum at low elevations; deep pink flowers

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 2 9 Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

TALL SHRUBS Sitka willow * S, M M, W Ht: 1-8 m • Pollen is important food source to Salix sitchensis A tall shrub (often over 5 m) found in many insects; larval host plants for thickets, openings and shorelines at low butterflies; buds eaten by grouse and to mid elevations throughout the Coast heather voles (in winter) and Mountains. Seeds wind-dispersed.

Red elderberry * S, M M, D Ht: 6 m • White to creamy flowers in clusters Sambucus racemosa A tall shrub (rarely over 5 m) of moist appear in April through May and are a ssp. pubens var. thickets and open forests at low to mid source of nectar for hummingbirds; arborescens elevations throughout the Coast and clusters of red berries ripen in mid-June Mountains. Seeds dispersed by birds through July and attract Band-tailed and mammals. Pigeons and other birds • Deciduous shrub hardy (zones 4-7); mature specimens produce several large dead persistent branches; other varieties commercially available

Pacific willow * S, M W Ht: 10 m • Pollen is important food source to Salix lucida var. Tall shrub or low tree found in very wet many insects; larval host plants for lasiandra thickets and along shores at low to mid butterflies; important browse for elevations throughout the Coast and moose; buds eaten by grouse and Mountains. Seeds wind-dispersed. heather voles (in winter)

Pacific ninebark * S M Ht: 4 m • Year-round, but preferred winter, Physocarpus A tall deciduous shrub of moist thickets, browse for elk; provides good cover capitatus meadows and open forests found at low and nesting for many animals when to mid elevations along much of the growing in dense thickets coast but absent from the Queen • White flower clusters add to Charlotte Islands. Can be grown from ornamental value in summer cuttings or seeds sown in the fall. • Fully hardy requiring sun and fertile soil that is tending toward acidic

Saskatoon *** S D, M Ht: 1-5 m • Provides winter browse for deer, Amelanchier alnifolia A medium to tall shrub of dry sites – moose, and elk and several small open areas, thickets and forests – from mammals; many bird species forage on low to mid elevations throughout almost purple-black berries that are present all of the Coast and Mountains. August to September and may persist on the shrub into the winter; provides protective cover for small mammals and low-foraging birds • Grows as a deciduous shrub that suckers and can form dense colonies • Commonly available at nurseries and is hardy (zones 5-9)

MEDIUM SHRUBS

Common juniper * S D Ht: 1 m • Pale green, ripening to bluish-black, Juniperus communis A low, spreading, evergreen, prickly berry-like fruit, sometimes eaten by shrub, mainly found on dry rocky areas many small mammals and birds; at low to high elevations throughout the provides good cover for small mammals Coast and Mountains. Dispersed by and ground-foraging birds gravity, water, birds and small mammals. • A popular ornamental plant Spreads by rooting where branches touch the ground.

3 0 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

MEDIUM SHRUBS Stink currant * M, SH M, W Ht: 3 m • Provides nectar for hummingbirds; Ribes bracteosum A medium height shrub of moist woods, berries eaten by birds and small thickets and openings at low to high mammals; Provides good cover for elevations throughout the Coast and small mammals and low-foraging birds Mountains. • This plant produces an unpleasant scent that may make it an unpopular choice for habitat structure

Black gooseberry * S, M D, M Ht: 0.5-2 m • Berries eaten by birds and small Ribes lacustre A medium height prickly shrub of mammals; provides good cover for forests, thickets and openings from low small mammals and low-foraging birds to high elevations throughout the Coast • This plant has dense spines that should and Mountains. be considered in landscaping

Trailing black currant * S, M M Ht: 1 m • Berries eaten by birds and small Ribes laxiflorum A low, trailing shrub of moist woods and mammals openings at low to mid elevations • Trailing branches along the ground with throughout the Coast and Mountains; fruit that have a disagreeable odour and greenish-white to reddish-purple flavour flowers; purplish-black berries

Nootka rose * S D, M Ht: 3 m • Large pink flowers from May through Rosa nutkana A prickly, moderately shade-tolerant June attract bees; purplish-red, round medium-height shrub of thickets and rosehips last through the winter and are openings at low to mid elevations eaten by a variety of mammals; young throughout the Coast and Mountains. foliage and stems are eaten by deer, Seeds are spread by birds and small etc.; provides very good escape and mammals. Expands by sprouting from nesting cover for many birds and small underground stems and may be invasive. mammals • Like many roses, thorns require consideration during landscaping

Thimbleberry * S D, M Ht: 0.5-3 m • Red raspberry-like fruit produced in Rubus parviflorus A moderately shade-tolerant, medium- June and July is eaten by birds and small height to tall, spreading shrub of woods, mammals; this shrub can grow and thickets and openings at low to mid spread into a dense thicket which elevations throughout the Coast and provides good shelter and protection Mountains. Seeds are dispersed by birds for ground gleaning birds and small mammals and colonize new areas. Most expansion occurs by sprouting from underground stems. May be propagated from dormant rhizome fragments. Can be invasive.

Common ** S, M D, M Ht: 0.5-2 m • Pink to white bell-shaped flowers occur snowberry A moderately shade-tolerant, medium- in May and June; bees feed on nectar; Symphoricarpos albus height, spreading shrub of dry to moist clusters of white berries persist through woodlands, thickets and openings at low the winter; American Robin and to mid elevations on the Queen Yellow-rumped Warbler may eat Charlotte Islands and the mainland berries in winter; host for Snowberry Coast and Mountains south of Bella Clearwing and Moth Bella. Seeds are dispersed by birds and • White fruit are attractive in the winter, small mammals, but germination rates when they remain on the shrub can be quite poor. Spreads primarily by • Vigorous deciduous shrub, easy to sprouting from underground stems. maintain (zones 4-7); some commercial varieties exist

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 3 1 Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

LOW SHRUBS AND HERBS Kinnikinnick ** S D Ht:0.2 m • Bright red berries are eaten by grouse Arctostaphylos uva- A low, trailing, relatively shade-intolerant and other birds, and are a favourite of ursi evergreen shrub of dry, rocky or sandy bears; larval food plant for the Brown forests and openings at low to high Elfin; nectar source for other butterflies; elevations throughout most of the Coast foliage provides moderate quality forage and Mountains. Seeds are spread by for deer; hummingbirds may be birds and small mammals but attracted to the flowers germination rates are usually low. • Low growing, prostrate shrub; fully Spreads vigorously by runners and can hardy (zones 2-8); several commercial be propagated by taking stem cuttings in varieties available the fall.

Stream violet * M, SH M, W Ht: 0.5 m • Violets are eaten by fritillary butterflies Viola glabella A low herb of moist woodlands and and are a nectar source for the Spring openings and along streams; yellow Azure flowers with purple lines; found from • Fully hardy in zones 4-8 low to high elevations throughout the Coast and Mountains.

Coast silverweed ** S M Ht: 0.4 m • Eaten by voles Potentilla egedii A medium-sized herb of moist beaches (formerly P. and coastal meadows at low elevations. anserine) Irregularly distributed throughout the Coast and Mountains.

Crowberry * S D, M, Ht: 0.2 m • Black berry-like fruits are a favourite Empetrum nigrum W A low, trailing, evergreen shrub of open food of bears and voles; crows also eat rocky areas and bogs from low to high the berries elevations throughout the Coast and • Low prostrate ground cover that forms Mountains. Seeds are dispersed by birds mats; can look unsightly as portions of and small mammals but viability is low. mat dies back Plant normally spreads by sprouting from underground stems or by rooting where trailing branches touch the ground. Can be propagated from stem cuttings.

Coastal strawberry * S D Ht: 0.2 m • Berries eaten by birds, small mammals Fragaria chiloensis A spreading herb of sandy or rocky and insects; larval food for Two-banded areas restricted to seashores throughout Skipper butterfly the Coast and Mountains. Seeds are dispersed by birds and mammals but most expansion occurs by sending out runners which root and form new plants. Runners tend to be shorter than in other strawberries and plants tend to form a more compact mat. Easily propagated by cutting runners and transplanting offsets in fall or early spring.

3 2 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

LOW SHRUBS AND HERBS Wood strawberry ** M, SH M, W Ht: 0.2 m • Berries are eaten by birds, small Fragaria vesca A spreading herb of dry woodlands and mammals, and insects: larval food for openings from low to mid elevations Two-banded Skipper butterfly south of Bella Coola. Seeds are dispersed by birds and mammals but most expansion occurs by sending out runners which root and form new plants. Runners tend to be shorter than in other strawberries and plants tend to form a more compact mat. Easily propagated by cutting runners and transplanting offsets in fall or early spring

Kneeling angelica * S, M, M, W Ht: 1-1.5 m • Small white to pinkish flowers arranged Angelica genuflexa SH A tall, stout herb found in moist in compact heads that form umbrella openings, thickets and woodlands at low shapes; attracts butterflies to mid elevations. It occurs in drier • Superficially resembles a poisonous climatic areas within the Coast and plant – Douglas’s Water Hemlock Mountains but is absent from the Queen (Cicuta douglasii) Charlotte Islands, Prince Rupert and the northern tip of Vancouver Island.

Sitka columbine * S, M M Ht: 1 m • Attractive red and yellow flowers, Aquilegia formosa A tall, sparse herb of moist woods, appearing in May through June, nectar thickets and openings from low to high attracts hummingbirds and butterflies elevations throughout the Coast and • May be susceptible to aphids Mountains. Reproduces from seeds, which are dispersed by wind and gravity. Propagated by sowing seed in autumn.

Goat’s-beard ** S M Ht: 1-2 m • Provides good habitat structure Aruncus dioicus A spreading tall herb of openings of low • A robust perennial that prefers full sun; (formerly Aruncus to mid elevations in various types of hardy in zones 3-9; commercial varieties sylvester) well-drained edge habitat throughout available the Coast and Mountains. Tiny white flowers on branching, elongate clusters bloom in late May and June. Normally spreads by seed and clumps expand slowly. Can be divided in autumn or early spring. Seeds geminate easily if sown in late winter or early spring.

Siberian miner’s * SH M Ht: 0.1-0.4 m • Small succulent that flowers prolifically lettuce Low, fleshy annual of moist forests, and is easy to maintain Claytonia sibirica thickets and openings at low to mid (formerly Montia elevations throughout the Coast and sibirica) Mountains. Tiny white to pink flowers in clusters appear from April through May

Few-flowered * S, M M, W Ht: 0.1-0.5 m • Pollen can be dislodged by sound shootingstar A small herb of moist open meadows at waves set up by buzzing of bumblebees; Dodecatheon low elevations throughout the Coast seeds are sometimes eaten by ground- pulchellum and Mountains. Seeds readily germinate foraging birds on moist soil in spring and will self-sow • Clump-forming perennial; fully hardy successfully on many sites. Magenta to (zones 5-7) lavender flowers, with petals swept back, that bloom March through May

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 3 3 Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

LOW SHRUBS AND HERBS Northern rice-root * S, M M, W Ht: 0.6 m • Pollinated by flies attracted to the Fritillaria A tall, robust herb of moist, open flowers by their colour and smell of camschatcensis meadows from low to high elevations rotting meat throughout the Coast and Mountains. • Like many lilies, patience is required as Seeds can be sown but takes several it takes several years before seeds years to develop into a flowering plant. produce flowers; suitable for zones 3-8 Bell-shaped, bronze to purple-brown flowers.

Rattlesnake-plantain * SH D, M Ht: 0.4 m Goodyera oblongifolia A low, evergreen herb of shady, mossy coniferous forests from low to mid elevations throughout the Coast and Mountains. Dull white to greenish flowers, clustered in a long spike, bloom during the summer

Cow-parsnip * S, M D Ht: 1-3 m • Small white flowers attract butterflies; Heracleum maximum A tall, stout, herb of moist openings, larval food plant for the Anise (formerly Heracleum thickets and woodlands from low to Swallowtail butterfly lanatum) high elevations throughout the Coast • This plant can cause skin damage and Mountains. Numerous small, white through contact especially in light- flowers in an umbrella-like cluster. sensitive people; this plant can provide substantial structure in gardens and has large, lush foliage

Large-leaved avens * S, M M Ht: 1 m • Bright yellow flowers attract bees Geum macrophyllum A medium-tall herb of openings, thickets and woodlands from low to mid elevations throughout the Coast and Mountains. Hooked seeds catch in the fur and feathers of animals, aiding dispersal. Germinates readily on moist mineral soils.

Smooth alumroot * S M Ht: 0.2-0.6 m • Forms large clumps and makes good Heuchera glabra Medium-sized herb of rocky, open areas ground cover ; fully frost hardy from low to high elevations throughout the Coast and Mountains. Small seeds dispersed by wind and gravity. Small white flowers in open clusters appear in May and June.

Roseroot * S D Ht: 0.2 m • Provides nectar for adult butterflies Sedum integrifolium Low, succulent herb of moist rocky • Attractive choice for plantings on stone and Oregon openings from low to high elevations. walls and in boulder crevices Stonecrop Roseroot is absent from Vancouver Sedum oreganum Island and lower elevations of the south- central coast while Oregon Stonecrop is absent from the Queen Charlotte Islands. Seeds dispersed by gravity and rain splashes. Dense prostrate succulent that blooms yellow

3 4 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

LOW SHRUBS, HERBS, GRASSES & PERENNIALS Blue wildrye * S, Ssh D, M 50-90 cm tall with a long narrow spike • Provides forage for bear, moose, rabbits Elymus glaucus inflorescence • Seeds eaten by birds • Seeds and leaves eaten by voles and ground squirrels • Used as nesting cover by ground- nesting birds

Fringe brome * S D, M Slender loosely tufted plant 60-100 cm tall • Provides cover and nesting material Bromus ciliatus Leaves are hairy, seeds are large and fuzzy for birds • Seeds eaten by birds • Seeds and leaves eaten by voles • Used as nesting cover by ground- nesting birds

Nodding onion * S D 50 cm tall leafless flowering stalks from • Hummingbirds and butterflies use nectar Allium cernuum oval bulbs found in grasslands; smells strongly of onion Pink flowers in nodding umbrella -shaped cluster Grass-like leaves

Jacob’s ladder * S D 5-35 cm tall • arval food for butterflies Seeds eaten Polemonium Terminal head-like cluster of long stalked by birds pulcherrimum bell-shaped flowers with yellow centers Tufted basal compound leaves

Yarrow * S D, M Aromatic perennial 10-100 cm tall with • Provides nectar for butterfli e s . Achillea millefolium fern-like dissected leaves and small white • Grazed by rabbits. flowers in a flat to round-topped cluster • Attracts beneficial insects

Red columbine * S, P M Ht: 1 m • Yellow to red flowers appear in May Aquilegia formosa Common from low to elevation to through June and attract hummingbirds timberline in a variety of habitats. and butterfli e s . Propagate by seed.

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 3 5 Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

LOW SHRUBS, HERBS, SEDGES & PERENNIALS Cooley’s hedge- * S, M M Ht: 0.7-1.5 m • Deep red-purple flowers in terminal nettle Tall herbs of moist openings and thickets clusters; the deep-throated flowers are Stachys chamissonis at low elevations. Cooley’s hedge-nettle attractive to hummingbirds var. cooleyae and occurs in the Queen Charlotte Islands. • Tolerant of poor soils Mexican hedge- Mexican hedge-nettle occurs along the nettle mainland Coast from Prince Rupert Stachys mexicana south and on Vancouver Island south of Zeballos.

WETLANDS AND WET MARGINS MEDIUM SHRUBS

Labrador tea * S, SH W Ht: 0.5-1.5 m • Requires wet, acidic soils; fully hardy Ledum groenlandicum Evergreen, bushy, medium-height shrub (zones 2-6) of moist boggy woods and openings at low to mid elevations throughout the Coast and Mountains. Small white flowers in clusters appear in June; seed capsules in drooping clusters.

Sweet gale * S W Ht: 1.5 m • Plants are aromatic and often occur in Myrica gale Bushy medium-height shrub of open, same wetlands as hardhack boggy wetlands at low elevations • May be difficult to find commercially throughout the Coast and Mountains. but provides dense shrubby habitat for Male and female catkin, waxy, appear on ground gleaning bird species of separate plants before the leaves; wetlands winged fruit occurs in cone-like structures

Hardhack * S M, W Ht: 2 m • Host plant for Lorquin’s Admiral Spiraea douglasii ssp. A medium-height shrub of thickets and butterfly; douglasii damp meadows from low to mid • Pink to deep rose flowers in long, elevations north to the Queen narrow clusters appear in June and July; Charlottes and Prince Rupert. attracts bees • Vigorous, deciduous, upright shrub suitable for zones 5-8

Western bog-laurel * S W Ht: 0.5 m • Grows on unproductive sites with acidic Kalmia microphylla A low evergreen shrub of boggy soils; fully hardy with attractive flowers ssp. occidentalis meadows and bogs from low to high • This species contains poisonous elevations throughout the Coast and glycosides and this should be Mountains. Rose-pink, saucer-shaped considered in landscape design flowers

LOW SHRUBS AND HERBS

Skunk cabbage * S, SH W Ht: 0.3-1.5 m • ‘Skunky ‘ odour when flowering attracts Lysichiton americanus A stout herb of wet depressions in pollinating insects; plant is a favourite meadows and forest openings at low to food of squirrel and deer mid elevations throughout the Coast • Vigorous perennial suitable for zones and Mountains. Greenish-yellow flowers 7-9 on a spike hooded by bright yellow bract; blooms in March through April.

3 6 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

LOW SHRUBS AND HERBS Springbank clover * M, S M, W Ht: • Red to purple flowers attract bees. Trifolium wormskjoldii Perennial herb with creeping rhizome. • Roots contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Prefers moist to wet, open places from • Long, fleshy white rhizomes were an low to middle elevations. Spreads by important food source for northwest underground rhizomes but can also be coast peoples. propagated by seed.

Lyngby’s sedge * SH, M M, W Ht: 20-100 cm • Prime forage for geese during spring Carex lyngbyei Most common shoreline sedge in BC. migration, and for trumpeter swans and Pioneer colonizer of mudflats, often the grizzly bears dominant species in tidal marshes, • Promotes rapid sedimentation when growing in dense stands. it grows, because eddies form around its stems

Wapato * S W Ht: 20 -90 cm Sagittaria latifolia Marsh or semi-aquatic perennial from • Starchy tubers eaten by ducks, beavers, tuber producing rhizomes. Leaves muskrats and people. arrowhead-shaped. White flowers from leafless stem. Propagation by seeds, tubers or rhizomes.

Nootka Lupine * S M Ht: to 1 m • Grizzly bears relish the roots and make Lupinus nootkatensis Perennial herb, dies back annually to a large feeding expeditions on north thick rhizome. Grows in a variety of coastal estuarine marshes. open habitats (seashore, streamside) • Flowers pollinated by bees. and disturbed areas from low to middle • Self sows freely and may become elevations. Plants can self seed invasive. proficiently under ideal conditions and • Seeds can be toxic to humans will form large, very colourful colonies. Can also be propagated by seed or root cuttings.

Bog cranberry * S, M W Ht: 10-40 cm • Seeds are dispersed by birds and Oxycoccus oxycoccus Low creeping, vinelike, dwarf shrub animals that eat bog cranberry fruits or Vaccinium found half buried in sphagnum • Were eaten and traded by coastal First oxycoccus hummocks of bogs at low to middle Peoples. elevations. Regenerates vegetatively by sprouting from rhizomes, by Layering and less successfully by seed.

Bog buckbean * S W Ht: 0.3 m • Showy flowers are rank smelling and Menyanthes trifoliata A coarse aquatic plant of shallow water are attractive to flies, beetles as well as at low to mid elevations throughout the nectar- and pollen-feeding bees Coast and Mountains. • Suitable for zones 5-8; becoming more commonly available at nurseries where water plants are available

Alaska violet S, M M, W Ht: 0.2 m • Bluish-violet flowers with dark pencilled Viola langsdorfii A low herb of meadows and bogs from lower petals; pencilling serves as honey low to high elevations throughout the guide to lure bumblebees or butterflies; Coast and Mountains. violets are eaten by fritillary butterflies and are a nectar source for the Spring Azure

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 3 7 Ta ble 1: Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Avail. Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

LOW SHRUBS AND HERBS Parsley fern * S, M D Ht: 0.2-0.3 m Cryptogramma A small, evergreen fern of rocky acrostichoides outcrops, ledges and talus areas from (formerly low to high elevations throughout the Cryptogramma Coast and Mountains. crispa)

Fragile fern * S, M D, M Ht: 0.3 m Cystopteris fragilis A small, delicate fern of rocky crevices and banks at low to high elevations throughout the Coast and Mountains.

S u p p l i e r s : The Native Plant Society of British Columbia has a good list of native plant stores and specialty nu r s e r ies in Va n c o u ve r, the south coast and islands region. h t t p : / / w w w. n p s b c . o r g / U s e / N u r s e r i e s . h t m .

The North A m e r ican Native Plant Society h t t p : / / w w w. n a n p s . o r g / a s s o c i a t i o n s / f r a m e . s h t m l

S a l a l Andrew MacDonald

3 8 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Ta ble 2: Non-Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

TABLE 2:N O N - N ATIVE PLANTS Sun Exposure: This table includes plants that are not native to the Coast and ( S H ) p r e fe r s full shade M o u n t a i n s , yet they are excellent at providing habitat for native ( M ) p r e fe r s a mix of sun and shade w i l d l i fe. In some cases, they may be the only altern a t i ve if yo u ( S ) p r e fe r s full sun can’t find commercial sources for native plants.They are hardy and mix well with natives while not being inv a s i ve.T h e Moisture Prefe r e n c e : ( D ) p r e fe r s dry, we l l - d r ained soils P r ovincial guide has some ideas for bu t t e r f ly and hummingbird ( M ) needs some moisture g a r d e n s . Check with your plant source for their hardiness in ( W ) p r e fe r s wet soils your area.

Ke y : X Indicates species that are suitable for xe r iscape (water conservation) gardens.

Name Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific History & Planning Notes

TREES Amur Maple S, M D, M Ht: 10 m • Provides good shelter and food for Acer ginnala A large deciduous tree suitable for well-drained insectivorous birds sites on neutral or acid soil • An easily grown tree that provides good landscape value (zones 6-8)

Juniper S, M D, M, Ht: varies • Numerous varieties are available and are a Juniperus spp. W Variable, shrubby conifer with gray-blue foliage; common fixture in urban and suburban has a form the can be from a prostrate mat- landscaping forming shrub to a conical tree • Provides shelter and produces berries in late summer

Crabapple S, M D, M Ht: 4-10 m • Birds prefer small fruits that can be readily Malus spp. Deciduous trees grown for their fruit and plucked and swallowed autumn colour. • Trees are sometimes attacked by aphids, caterpillars, and red spider mite and are susceptible to fireblight and apple scab – should be considered in landscaping • Numerous varieties are available; suitable for zones 5-8 (generally)

Spruce S, M D, M Ht: 10-20 m • Provides winter shelter and seeds for birds Picea spp. Genus of conifers with sharp needles; cones such as crossbills are pendulous and ripen in autumn; suitable for • Suitable for zones 3-8 depending on species a variety of habitats. or varieties; several commercial varieties available

Pine S, SH D, M, Ht: 5-20 m • Provides winter shelter and seeds Pinus spp. W Genus of conifers with needles arranged in • Suitable for zones 3-8 depending on species bundles; cones ripen over 2 years; suitable for a or varieties; several commercial varieties variety of habitats. available

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 3 9 Ta ble 2: Non-Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Sun Mois. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

TREES Cherry trees S, M D, M Ht: 4-6 m • Fruit in summer and fall attracts a wide variety Prunus spp. Genus of deciduous and evergreen shrubs of birds and trees grown for their prolific, fragrant • Cherry trees can be susceptible to attack by flowers, autumn colour, and fruit; suitable aphids and caterpillars and prone to fungal for a variety of light conditions and habitats infection such as silver leaf and ‘witches with the exception of waterlogged soils. brooms’ • Suitable for zones 3-8 depending on species or varieties; several commercial varieties available

Cedar S, M M Ht: 10-15 m • Provides winter shelter and seeds Thuja occidentalis Slow-growing conifer with orange-brown • Several commercial varieties available that bark and sprays of yellow-green leaves that range from dwarf ornamentals to medium- smell of apples when crushed; suitable for a sized ‘true species’ trees variety of habitats.

SHRUBS AND BUSHES

Flowering quince S, M D, M Ht: 1-2.5 m • Red flowers attract hummingbirds Chaenomeles spp. Genus of deciduous shrubs, normally • Several species and commercial varieties are bearing thorns, grown for their showy available and is fully hardy (zones 5-9) flowers and fragrant fruit; suitable for sunny, well-drained habitats.

Red-barked S, SH D, M Ht: 3 m • Fruit ripens summer to fall dogwood Vigorous deciduous spreading shrub with • Fully hardy (zones 2-8); several commercial Cornus alba white flowers in late spring, reddish to varieties are available orange leaves and white berries in the fall, and bright red shoots in the winter.

Hazelnut S, SH D, M Ht: 3 m • Nuts produced in late summer, eaten by Corylus spp. Genus of deciduous trees and shrubs grown grouse, jays and squirrels for their catkins, growth form, and often • Commercial species and varieties are edible nuts; prefers sun or semi-shade and available; suitable for zones 4-9; possibly well-drained soil susceptible to or fungal attack

Cotoneaster S, M D, M Ht: 1-3 m • Fruit attracts birds, especially thrushes Cotoneaster spp. Genus of deciduous to evergreen shrubs • Hardy in zones 5-8; fireblight is a common and trees grown mainly for their flowers problem and persistent, colourful orange fruit; suitable for sunny to semi-shade areas where the soils are well-drained.

Euonymus S, SH M Ht: 1- 4 m • Birds may eat fruit Euonymus spp. Evergreen or deciduous shrubs and trees • Several species and commercial varieties grown for their autumn cover and fruit; available; suitable for zones suitable for sunny or semi-shade spots with 4-9; may be susceptible to caterpillar attack well-drained soil but cannot tolerate dry soil however

Amur privet S, M D, M, Ht: 3 m • Good hedge that provides shelter when not Ligustrum amurense X Produces berry-like drupes in fall. sheared

4 0 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Ta ble 2: Non-Native Plants of the Coast & Mountains

Name Moi Wildlife Habitat Values, Natural Common, Scientific Sun s. Description and Cultivation History & Planning Notes

SHRUBS AND BUSHES Honeysuckle S, SH D, M Ht: 3 m • Cultivars with red flowers attract Lonicera tatarica hummingbirds; also has abundant red fruit

Photinia S, M D, M Ht: 6 m • White flowers followed by small red berries. Photinia serrulata

Firethorn S, M D,M Ht: 2 m Pyracantha coccinea Profuse berries persist into winter.

Multiflora rose S D, X Ht: 2 m • Shrub rose makes a good hedge that provides Rosa multiflora shelter and small red fruit

Silver buffalo berry S, SH D, M Ht: 5m • Excellent hedgerow plant Shepherdia argentea Needs both male and female flowers to produce red-orange berries in summer.

Nannyberry S, SH D, M Ht: 4 m Viburnum lentago Blue-black drupes persistent into winter.

Highbush cranberry S, M D,M Ht: 3 m Viburnum trilobum Red drupes persistent into winter but has edible fruit

Weigela S, M D, M Ht: 2 m • Flowers attract bees and hummingbirds Weigela florida

VINES

American S D, M Ht: 6 m bittersweet Need male and female plants to obtain orange- Celastrus scandens red berries

Honeysuckle S, M D,M Ht: 3 m • Attracts bees and hummingbirds “Dropmore Scarlet” Lonicera brownii

Virginia creeper or S, SH D, M Ht: 10 m • Provides cover and small dark fruit in winter Boston ivy Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Grape S, M M Ht: 10 m • Provides fruit and good nesting sites for some Vitis spp. birds

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 4 1 Ta ble 3: B u t t e r f l i e s , Moths and Other Insects

TABLE 3:BU T T E R F L I E S , M OTHS AND Food for Adult OTHER INSECTS Adult butterflies feed on the flower nectar of many plants, Although the fo l l owing list of butterflies and moths is including cotoneaster, bu d d l e i a , d a n d e l i o n , t h i s t l e s , l o b e l i a , c ow e x t e n s i ve, it cove r s only those most like ly to be seen in the p a r s n i p, d a i s i e s , a s t e r s , p e a r ly eve rl a s t i n g , ya r r ow, g o l d e n r o d , Coast and Mountains.There are a total of 96 bu t t e r f ly species mock ora n g e , c l o ve r, L a b r ador tea, bog laurel, s t o n e c r o p, in the Coast and Mountains ecoprovince of BC, but only those d a m e ’s rocke t , and lilac.They obtain both water and sugar l i ke ly to be seen in gardens are listed.There are about 800 from the nectar. Some butterflies also feed on sources of salts, species of moths and only some of the most noticeabl e amino acids, and proteins, such as dung, old bones, rotting fi s h , species are mentioned.The other insects mentioned compri s e u r i n e - s o a ked earth and swe a t . a short list of a few beneficial or commonly noticed species, o f the many tens of thousands of insect species in BC. D i s t r i b u t i o n The Coast and Mountains area has been ve r y poorly A b u n d a n c e i nve n t o r i e d , and hence the distri b utions are estimated No abundance estimates are given in the tabl e , because so rather than known with cert a i n t y. The Queen Charl o t t e little of the ecoprovince is accessibl e .The apparent abu n d a n c e Ranges is the only ecoregion in the Coast and Mountains of each species varies greatly, depending on the road or e c o p r ovince from which no butterflies are know n , and it c o m muni ty invo l ve d . Most are abundant in their appropri a t e m ay be the only ecoregion in BC in which no bu t t e r f l i e s h a b i t a t s , but some will be seldom or never seen by most h ave permanent populations. people because their habitats are seldom visited.

Food Plants for Caterpillars O n ly the most frequently eaten plants are listed, and in some cases only the genus is give n , because species use is poorly documented in BC. B u t t e r fly watchers should record fo o d plant records through photographs or pressed plant specimens.

Pine White on Douglas Fir Andrew MacDonald

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Name Food Plants for Caterpillars Habitat, Natural History and Distribution Common, Scientific

BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS SKIPPERS - FAMILY HESPERIIDAE Dreamy Duskywing Willow (Salix spp.); possibly poplar Dry valley bottoms and low elevation hillsides, mixed conifer/deciduous forest Erynnis icelus (Populus spp.). openings, roadsides; fly in May and June. Cascades and southern half of the Coast Range.

Persius Duskywing Milk-vetch (Astragulus spp.), lupine Dry valley bottoms and hillsides, forest openings, grasslands, roadsides; low Erynnis persius (Lupinus spp.). elevation to the subalpine; fly May to July. Cascades and southern half of the Coast Range.

Two-banded Cinquefoils (Potentilla spp.) and horkelias Dry valley bottoms and low elevation hillsides, forest openings, roadsides; flies Checkered-Skipper (Horkelia spp.) April to June. Cascades and southern half of the Coast Range. Pyrgus ruralis

Arctic Skipper Grasses, including reed grass Damp meadows, forest openings, roadside ditches; all elevations; flies April to Carterocephalus (Calamagrostis spp.). August (the later dates at higher elevations). The entire ecoprovince except palaemon northern (possible) and western Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands; from low elevation to alpine.

European Skipper Timothy (Phleum pratense). Roadside ditches, hay fields; low elevation; May to September. Introduced Thymelicus lineola European species that is a minor pest of Timothy hay. Known from Terrace area and Fraser Canyon in this ecoprovince, but probably actually more widespread.

Common Branded Grasses. Dry valley bottoms and low elevation hillsides, forest openings, roadsides, Skipper subalpine and alpine meadows and rock outcrops; flies May to September Hesperia comma (the later dates at higher elevations); from low elevation to alpine. The entire ecoprovince except the Queen Charlotte Islands and northern and western Vancouver Island.

Woodland Skipper Grasses. Low elevation forest openings, roadsides, gardens. The most common late Ochlodes sylvanoides summer skipper, flying from July to September. Lower Skeena River drainage, and southern half of the Coast Range and Cascades.

Dun Skipper Sedges Low elevation wet areas with sedges; flies May to July. Fraser Canyon, Euphyes vestris Pemberton.

Common Roadside- Grasses. Low to mid-elevation forest openings, roadsides; flies May to July. Cascades and Skipper southern half of the Coast Range. Amblyscirtes vialis

SWALLOWTAILS & APOLLOS - FAMILY PAPILIONIDAE

Clodius Apollo Bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa) and Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, from sea level to the Parnassius clodius probably Steer’s head (D. uniflora). subalpine; flies May to August (the later dates at higher elevations). Cascades and the southern half of the Coast Range; northern and western Vancouver Island.

Anise Swallowtail Many plants of the carrot family including Forest openings, moist meadows, along rivers and roadsides, from sea level to Papilio zelicaon cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum), the subalpine; fly April to September. The entire ecoprovince except Queen desert-parsley (Lomatium spp.). Charlotte Islands.

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 4 3 Ta ble 3: B u t t e r f l i e s , Moths and Other Insects

Name Food Plants for Caterpillars Habitat, Natural History and Distribution Common, Scientific

SWALLOWTAILS & APOLLOS - FAMILY PAPILIONIDAE Canadian Tiger Poplar (Populus spp.), birch (Betula spp.), Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, at low to mid-elevations; Swallowtail willow (Salix spp.). fly May to July. Frequently nectars on lilacs in gardens. The northern half of the Papilio canadensis Coast Range.

Western Tiger Cultivated apple, poplar (Populus spp.), Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, at low to mid-elevations; Swallowtail willows (Salix spp.), and other trees and fly April to July. Frequently nectars on lilacs in gardens. The southern quarter of Papilio rutulus shrubs. the Coast Range.

Pale Swallowtail Red alder (Alnus rubra), Oceanspray Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, at low to mid-elevations; Papilio eurymedon (Holodiscus discolor), and other trees and fly April to July. Frequently nectars on lilacs in gardens. The southern half of the shrubs. Coast Range.

WHITES, MARBLES & SULPHURS - FAMILY PIERIDAE

Pine White Needles of Douglas-fir (pseudotsuga Forest openings at low to mid-elevations; fly July to September. The southern Neophasia menapia menziesii), hemlock (Tsuga spp.) and pine half of the Coast Range. (Pinus spp.).

Western White Wild mustards. Forest openings and meadows, from sea level to the subalpine; fly April to Pontia occidentalis September, with several generations in the south. The Cascades and entire Coast Range.

Margined White Wild mustards. Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, from sea level to the Pieris marginalis subalpine; fly April to September with 2-3 generations each summer. The Cascades and entire Coast Range.

Cabbage White Garden varieties of the mustard family, An introduced European butterfly that is a pest on cole crops (cabbage, Pieris rapae such as cabbage and cauliflower, and cauliflower, broccoli, turnips, etc.) and nasturtiums. Usually near human introduced weeds. settlements, occasionally in natural habitats. Everywhere at low elevations near human settlements.

Large Marble Rock cress (Arabis spp.) and other wild Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, at low to mid-elevations; Euchloe ausonides mustards fly April to July. Entire Coast Range.

Pacific Orangetip Rock cress (Arabis spp.) and other wild Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, at low to mid-elevations, Anthocharis sara mustards. occasionally alpine; fly from early April to early May (later at high elevations). Entire Coast Range.

Clouded Sulphur Legumes, especially alfalfa, clover and Forest openings, meadows, alfalfa fields, along rivers and roadsides, low Colias philodice Hedysarum. elevation to the alpine; fly April to October. Entire Coast Range.

Orange Sulphur Legumes, especially alfalfa. Forest openings, meadows, alfalfa fields, roadsides, low elevation to the alpine; Colias eurytheme June to October. A breeding immigrant that does not over-winter in BC. Cascades.

Western Sulphur Legumes, with the species unknown in Forest openings, meadows, roadsides, low elevation to mid-elevation; fly May to Colias occidentalis BC, but Lathyrus spp. is likely. July. Cascades and very southern Coast Range.

Pink-edged Sulphur Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.). Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low elevation; fly June to Colias interior August. Central Coast Range.

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Name Food Plants for Caterpillars Habitat, Natural History and Distribution Common, Scientific

GOSSAMERWINGS - FAMILY LYCAENIDAE Purplish Copper Dock (Rumex spp.), knotweed Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation; fly Lycaena helloides (Polygonum spp.). May to September with two generations each summer. Southern Coast Range.

Mariposa Copper Ericaceae, including Vaccinium spp. and Forest openings, meadows, wetlands, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid- Lycaena mariposa Andromeda polifolia. elevation; fly June to August. Cascades, entire Coast Range, Queen Charlotte Island, Northern and Western Vancouver Island.

Sylvan Hairstreak Willow (Salix spp.) Along rivers and roadsides, low elevation; fly in June and July. Central and Satyrium sylvinus southern Coast Range, Cascades.

Thicket Hairstreak Mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.) on pine Low to mid-elevation, open pine and fir forests; fly May to July. Cascades. Loranthomitoura (Pinus spp.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga spinetorum (also menziesii). known as Callophrys spinetorum)

Rosner’s Hairstreak Western redcedar (Thuja plicata). Low to mid-elevation western redcedar forest; fly in May and June. Central and Mitoura rosnerii (also southern Coast Range, Cascades. known as Callophrys rosnerii)

Western Elfin Flowers, buds and seeds of salal Low to mid-elevation, open pine forests and wetlands; fly in April and May. Incisalia iroides (Gaultheria shalon), kinnikinnick Cascades. (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi); arbutus (), bog laurel (Kalmia microphylla), and Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum).

Western Pine Elfin Pine trees (Pinus spp.). Low to mid-elevation, open pine forests; fly April to June. Central Coast Range, Incisalia eryphon Cascades.

Grey Hairstreak Flowers of a wide variety of herbs and Fraser Canyon, forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low Strymon melinus shrubs, including strawberry (Fragaria elevation; fly April to August, with two generations each summer. Southern spp.), raspberry (Rubus), pearly everlasting Coast Range and Coast Range. (Anaphalis margaritacea), clover (Trifolium spp.), beans and salal (Gaultheria shallon).

Western Tailed-Blue Legumes such as peavine (Lathyrus spp.), Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation; Everes amyntula vetch (Vicia spp.), Astragalus spp. fly April to July. Entire Coast Range.

Spring Azure A wide variety of shrubs including red- Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation; Celastrina echo osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) and fly April to June. Cascades and southern Coast Range. blueberry (Vaccinium spp.).

Silvery Blue Legumes including milk-vetch (Astragalus Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to high elevation; Glaucopsyche spp.), vetch (Vicia spp.) and lupine fly April to July. Caterpillars are frequently attended by ants, which feed on lygdamus (Lupinus spp.). honeydew secreted by the caterpillars. Entire Coast Range, Cascades.

Northern Blue Vaccinium spp. Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low elevation to alpine; Lycaeides idas often congregate on wet patches of mud; fly May to August. Northern Coast Range.

Anna’s Blue A variety of legumes including lupine Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low elevation to alpine; Lycaeides anna (Lupinus spp.), vetch (Vicia spp.). fly May to August. Extreme southern Coast Range, Cascades.

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 4 5 Ta ble 3: B u t t e r f l i e s , Moths and Other Insects

Name Food Plants for Caterpillars Habitat, Natural History and Distribution Common, Scientific

GOSSAMERWINGS - FAMILY LYCAENIDAE Boisduval’s Blue Lupine (Lupinus spp.). Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation; Icaricia icarioides fly May to July. Southern Coast Range, Cascades.

Greenish Blue Clover (Trifolium spp.). Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation; Plebejus saepiolus fly June and July. Entire Coast Range, Cascades.

BRUSHFOOTS - FAMILY Satyr Comma Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation; fly Polygonia satyrus March to October. Adults hibernate over the winter. Entire Coast Range, Cascades, Western Vancouver Island.

Green Comma Birch (Betula spp.), alder (Alnus spp.) and Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation; fly Polygonia faunus willow (Salix spp.). March to October. Adults hibernate over the winter. Entire Coast Range, Cascades, Northern and Western Vancouver Island.

Zephyr Comma Gooseberry and currant (Ribes spp.), Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation; fly Polygonia zephyrus white rhododendron (Rhododendron March to October. Adults hibernate over the winter. Middle and southern albiflorum). Coast Range, Cascades.

Oreas Comma Gooseberry (Ribes spp.). Wet forest openings, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation; fly March Polygonia oreas to October. Adults hibernate over the winter. Southern Coast Range, Cascades.

Compton Birch (Betula spp.), possibly willow (Salix Deciduous or mixed forest openings, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid- Tortoiseshell spp.) and poplar (Populus tremuloides). elevation; fly March to October. Adults hibernate over the winter. Southern Roddia l-album two-thirds of the Coast Range, Cascades. (= Nymphalis vaualbum)

California Ceanothus spp., usually C. sanguineus. Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation; Tortoiseshell fly March to October. Adults hibernate over the winter. Southern half of the Nymphalis californica Coast Range, Cascades.

Mourning Cloak Willow (Salix spp.), poplars (Populus Deciduous or mixed forest openings, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid- Nymphalis antiopa spp.), and ornamental elm. elevation, occasionally alpine; fly March to October. Adults hibernate over the winter. Entire Coast Range, Cascades, western Vancouver Island, Queen Charlotte Islands.

Milbert’s Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). Deciduous or mixed forest openings, along rivers and roadsides, low elevation Tortoiseshell to alpine; fly March to October. Adults hibernate over the winter. Entire Coast Nymphalis milberti Range, Cascades, Queen Charlotte Islands.

Painted Lady Thistles ( spp.) are used most Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low elevation to alpine; Vanessa cardui commonly, also a wide variety of other fly April to October. A breeding immigrant that is common in some years, plants. absent in others, and normally does not successfully over-winter in BC. Entire Coast Range, Cascades, western Vancouver Island, Queen Charlotte Islands.

Red Admiral Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low elevation to alpine; Vanessa atalanta fly May to October. A breeding immigrant that is common in some years, absent in others, and normally does not successfully over-winter in BC.

Hydaspe Fritillary Violets (Viola spp.). Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to high elevation; fly Speyeria hydaspe June to August. Southern half of the Coast Range, Cascades, northern Vancouver Island.

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Name Food Plants for Caterpillars Habitat, Natural History and Distribution Common, Scientific

BRUSHFOOTS - FAMILY NYMPHALIDAE Pacific Fritillary Violets (Viola spp.). Forest openings, meadows, mid- to high elevation; fly May to July. Entire Coast Boloria epithore Range, Cascades.

Arctic Fritillary Willow (Salix spp.) and Polygonum spp. Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to high elevation; Boloria chariclea fly in July and August. Entire Coast Range, Cascades.

Pearl Crescent Asters (Aster spp.). Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation; tharos fly June to August. Southern half of the Coast Range, Cascades.

Field Crescent Asters (Aster spp.). Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to high elevation; Phyciodes pratensis fly May to July. Southern half of the Coast Range, Cascades.

Mylitta Crescent Asters (Aster spp.). Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low elevation; fly May to Phyciodes mylitta August, with 2 generations each summer. Cascades.

Northern Asters (Aster spp.). Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation; Checkerspot fly May to July. Cascades. Charidryas palla

White Admiral Birch (Betula spp.), willow (Salix spp.), Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation; Limenitis arthemis poplars (Populus spp.). fly in June and July. Mid-Coast Range.

Lorquin’s Admiral Leaves of Spirea (Spiraea spp.), willow Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation. Limenitis lorquini (Salix spp.), poplar (Populus spp.), birch Fly in June and July, and sometimes a partial second generation in September (Betula spp.), bitter cherry (Prunus and October. Southern Coast Range, northern and western Vancouver Island. emarginata), apple, cotoneaster, and Saskatoon bush (Amelanchier spp.).

California Ringlet Grasses. Grasslands and forest openings, low to mid-elevation; fly May to July. Cascades. Coenonympha california

Common Wood- Grasses. Grasslands and forest openings, low to mid-elevation; fly June to August. Nymph Cascades. Cercyonis pegala

Small Wood- Grasses. Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation; Nymph fly June to August. Cascades. Cercyonis oetus

Common Alpine Grasses. Forest openings, meadows, along rivers and roadsides, low to mid-elevation. Erebia epipsodea Northern Coast Range, Cascades.

Great Arctic Grasses Forest openings, open hilltops and ridgelines, from low elevation to the alpine; Oeneis nevadensis fly May to August. Southern Coast Range, northern and western Vancouver Island.

Chryxus Arctic Grasses and sedges. Forest openings and meadows from low to mid-elevation to alpine; fly May to Oeneis chryxus August. Entire Coast Range, Cascades.

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Name Food Plants for Caterpillars Habitat, Natural History and Distribution Common, Scientific

BRUSHFOOTS - FAMILY NYMPHALIDAE Monarch Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa). Low elevation meadows and roadsides, gardens; fly June to August. A breeding Danaus plexippus immigrant that is uncommon in some years, entirely absent in others, and never over-winters in BC. Adults hibernate in southern California. Cascades.

HAWKMOTHS (= SPHINX MOTHS; HUMMINGBIRD MOTHS) - FAMILY

Elegant Sphinx Snowberry (Symphoricarpos spp.). Wings coloured in shades of grey. Sphinx perelegans

Twin-spotted Sphinx Willow (Salix spp.), birch (Betula spp.), Similar to the Eyed Sphinx, but smaller and with the blue eyespot divided in Smerinthus wild cherry (Prunus spp.). two. jamaicensis

Eyed Sphinx Willow (Salix spp.), poplar (Populus spp.), The Sphinx Moth most commonly attracted to lights. Smerinthus cerisyi apple (Malus spp.).

Bedstraw Sphinx Fireweed (Epilobium spp.), bedstraw Also commonly called the “Hummingbird Moth”, as with the White-lined Hyles gallii (Galium spp.). Sphinx.

White-lined Sphinx Fireweed (Epilobium spp.), fuschia. Also commonly called the “Hummingbird Moth”, because it hovers in front of Hyles lineata flowers at dusk to sip nectar much like a hummingbird.

Modest Sphinx Willow, (Salix spp.) poplar (Populus spp.). The largest Sphinx Moth. Pachysphinx modesta

Snowberry Snowberry (Symphoricarpos spp.). Also known as the “bee hawk”, because it flies in the daylight much like a Clearwing bumblebee. Hemaris diffinis

SILKMOTHS - FAMILY SATURNIIDAE

Polyphemus Moth Birch (Betula spp.), willow (Salix spp.), Frequently attracted to lights in riparian areas; flies in May and June. Southern Antheraea poplar (Populus spp.), cherry (Prunus Coast Range, Cascades. polyphemus spp.), others.

Ceanothus Silkmoth Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Fly May to June. Southern Coast Range, Cascades, Northern Vancouver Island. Hyalophora euryalis Ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.).

OTHER MOTHS

Fall Webworm Willow (Salix spp.), alder (Alnus spp.), A widespread web-building pest species; adult moths are pure white. Southern Hyphantria cunea hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), apple (Malus Coast Range, Cascades. spp.), many others.

Western Tent Almost all deciduous trees and shrubs. A widespread tent building pest species. Southern Coast Range, Cascades, Caterpillar northern Vancouver Island. Malacosoma californicum

Garden Tiger Moth Herbaceous plants. Fly in June and July. Southern Coast Range, Cascades. Arctia caja

Alfalfa Looper Deciduous shrubs and herbaceous plants. Fly May to August. Southern Coast Range, Cascades. Autographa californica

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Name Food Plants for Caterpillars Habitat, Natural History and Distribution Common, Scientific

OTHER MOTHS White Underwing Birch (Betula spp.). Fly in August and September. Southern Coast Range, Cascades. Catocala relicta

Codling Moth Apple (Malus spp.)and hawthorn Fly June to August. Southern Coast Range, Cascades. Cydia pomonella (Crataegus spp.-fruit).

Silver-spotted Tiger Fly in June and July. Southern Coast Range, Cascades. Lothocampa Hemlock (Tsuga spp.) and other conifers. argentata

Douglas-fir Tussock Fly in July and August. Southern Coast Range, Cascades, northern Vancouver Moth Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Island. Orgyia pseudotsugata

OTHER INSECTS Leafcutter Bees Metallic, dark green bees that cut circular holes in leaves; use leaf cuttings to line burrows underground, or in rotting logs; are Family Megachilidae important pollinator insects.

Orchard Mason Shiny black bees about 2/3 the size of honey bees; are primarily solitary, and are usually found on flowering shrubs and trees; Bees nest in small holes in trees or in specially designed bee boxes (see Griffen 1993 in the Reference section of the Resource Osmia species Booklet).

Ground Beetle Medium to large, flattish, shiny beetles that actively prey on other insects; usually found under rocks or other objects. Family Carabidae

Ladybird Beetle Both adults and larvae are major predators of aphids; look for bristly, spindle-shaped, black and orange larvae near aphid Family Coccinellidae colonies.

Dragonflies & Beneficial predators; adults prey on flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects; eggs are laid in water bodies of almost any size Damselflies ranging from small backyard ponds and water troughs to large wetlands; larvae prey on aquatic insects. Order Odonata

Hover Flies Wasp and bee-mimicking flies that characteristically hover motionless for a time, then buzz off; important pollinators of many Family Syrphidae flower species, especially those in the daisy family; larvae prey on aphids and scale insects.

Water Striders Long-legged insects that skitter across the surface of small ponds, wetlands, and slow -moving streams; pursue insect prey on Family Gerridae the water surface.

Ichneumon Wasp Fairly large, elongate wasps with very long ovipositors (“tails”); lay eggs on larvae of beetles, butterflies, and moths; most do not Family sting humans. Ichneumonidae

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 4 9 Ta ble 4: Amphibians & Reptiles

TABLE 4:AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES Most amphibians need cool, shady retreats near water. If yo u do not have natural wetlands or ponds on your propert y, t h e H ow to Use this Ta bl e : Naturescape Provincial Guide provides tips on creating wildlife p o n d s . This table lists the amphibians and reptiles that are the most common and widely distri but ed in the Coast and Mountains Most reptiles need the protective cover of rock piles, walls or E c o p r ov i n c e . c o a r se woody debris within their general habitat types to D i s t r i b u t i o n : withstand daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations. C h e c k Lists the ecoregions where the species is commonly fo u n d ; ‘ A l l ’ out the Naturescape Provincial Guide for tips on creating rock s i g n i fies that the species is widely distri but ed in the Coast and piles that may help you attract the reptiles found in the Coast M o u n t a i n s . Please refer to the ecoregion map and table as we l l and Mountains. as suggested sources of further info rmation in the resource Definitions & Notes: g u i d e . For some species, our knowledge of range and habits Coarse woody debris is the term given to fallen trees, can be increased by your observ a t i o n s . Consult the resource rotting logs and broken tree branches and twigs that are ly i n g guide for ways you can contri but e to the knowledge and on the ground. For many of our smaller animals, it is cri t i c a l protection of amphibians and reptiles. e s c a p e , breeding and feeding habitat.

H ow to A t t ra c t : N o t e : It is best to avoid handling amphibians. They may have • General Habitat: Lists the general habitat types where the t oxic skin secretions that are tra n s f e r red to our hands or species is fo u n d . Compare the type(s) of habitat on and the next species you handle. In turn , they may absorb from s u r rounding your propert y, or the types you wish to create, u s , through their perm e a ble skin, chemicals from sunscreens, with those used by the individual species to determine which soap or bug repellants that are harmful to them. H a n d l i n g amphibians and/or reptiles you may be able to attract to yo u r amphibians can also increase the risk of desiccation, o r w i l d l i fe habitat. d r ying out, as well as breaking their tiny bones as they • Key Habitat Components:These are specific habitat fe a t u r e s s t r uggle to get aw ay. within the general habitat types that are important to the s p e c i e s ’ s u r v i v a l . These can include features such as breeding p o n d s , or structures that provide protective cover from p r e d a t o r s or the elements.You will have greater success at a t t r acting amphibians and reptiles to your habitat if yo u p r ovi de these types of features within the general habitat t y p e s . For example, you may have the appropriate habitat type for Rough-skinned Newts, but without breeding ponds n e a r by, they are unlike ly to be present.

Long Toed Salamander Andrew MacDonald

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Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

AMPHIBIANS FROGS & TOADS Coastal Tailed Cascade Ranges; Coastal populations Steep slopes and Only cool, swift, Tadpoles feed on algae in Frog Pacific Ranges; considered alpine meadows permanently water; adults forage in Ascaphus truei Coastal Gap; Nass vulnerable flowing streams mountain streams; feeds on (Blue-listed) Ranges; Nass Basin (breeding) aquatic and terrestrial insects eggs laid in clumps on underside of rocks in stream

Western Toad All (only amphibian Forests Coarse woody Primarily terrestrial, but Bufo boreas native to Queen Meadows debris breeds in permanent Charlotte Islands) Wetlands Rock piles (cover) water; also uses mammal Ponds burrows for cover; less (breeding) commonly, digs its own burrows in loose substrates; adults eat insects; tadpoles eat algae and bottom detritus

Pacific Treefrog Cascade Ranges; Common Forests Ponds Breeds in shallow permanent (Pseudacris regilla) Pacific Ranges; Meadows (breeding) water; adults eat Western Wetlands insects; tadpoles eat algae Vancouver Island; and other plant Queen Charlotte matter Island ecoregions (introduced)

Red-legged Frog Cascade Ranges; Forests Ponds (breeding) Tadpoles feed on algae; Rana aurora Pacific Ranges; Riparian habitat adults prey on insects and Western terrestrial invertebrates; Vancouver Island forages in forested areas along stream banks and around ponds

SALAMANDERS Rough-skinned Cascade Ranges; Forests – mixed Ponds & swamps Feeds on soft-bodied Newt Pacific Ranges; Forest – open invertebrates (slugs & Taricha granulosa Western Riparian habitat worms), aquatic invertebrates Vancouver Island; and tadpoles Coastal Gap

Long-toed All except Queen Forests - edges Coarse woody Often found near water or Salamander Charlotte Islands Riparian habitat debris areas with moisture; breeding Ambystoma ecoregions Rock piles (cover) ponds can be small, but macrodactylum Ponds must have permanent water (breeding) and considerable aquatic vegetation; eats snails, small invertebrates and insects

Northwestern Cascade Ranges; Forest – edges Coarse woody Preys on worms, insects, and Salamander Pacific Ranges; Riparian habitat debris small invertebrates, such as Ambystoma gracile Western slugs; spends much of its time Vancouver Island; underground in burrows; Coastal Gap requires permanent or semi- permanent ponds near forests for breeding

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 5 1 Ta ble 4: Amphibians & Reptiles

Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

SALAMANDERS Western Red- Cascade Ranges; Common Terrestrial habitats Moist habitat: leaf Preys on terrestrial backed Pacific Ranges; Riparian habitat litter, moss, rocks, invertebrates – mostly Salamander Western Coarse woody termites, springtails, and Plethodon Vancouver Island debris other ground-dwelling vehiculum ; retreats under decaying logs; eggs are laid on the sides or roof of moist hollows or crevices

Ensatina Cascade Ranges; Forests Moist, mixed Preys on terrestrial Ensatina Pacific Ranges woodlands invertebrates; eggs are laid in eschscholtzi Coarse, woody clusters under logs or bark debris Leaf litter

Wandering Pacific Ranges; Forests Douglas-fir forests Preys on ants, mites, beetles, Salamander Western Coarse woody spiders, centipedes, and Aneides vagrans Vancouver Island debris termites; generally forages at night in rotting logs and underneath bark and moss on dead stumps and trees; eggs are often laid in rotting Douglas-fir logs

REPTILES SNAKES

Common Garter Subspecies Wide variety of Rock piles Found in most habitats, Snake pickeringi: Western habitats (cover & sunning) especially near water; dens Thamnophis Vancouver Island & communally in large rock sirtalis Pacific Ranges piles during winter; eats Subspecies fitchi: earthworms, slugs, small fish, Coastal Gap; Nass amphibians, small mammals, Basin and nestling birds

Northwestern Western Often most Forests – edges Thick grasses and Preys heavily on slugs and Garter Snake Vancouver Island; common snake Open areas undergrowth worms Thamnophis Pacific Ranges within its range Coastal areas Rock piles ordinoides (cover & sunning)

Western Western Riparian habitat Estuaries Dens communally in large Terrestrial Vancouver Island; Fresh & salt water numbers in large rock piles Garter Snake Pacific Ranges during winter; eats wide Thamnophis variety of prey elegans vagrans

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TABLE 5:B I R D S H ow to Use this Ta b l e : The fo l l owing list of birds includes the species you are most l i ke ly to attract or encourage to fo r age or nest in yo u r The Coast and Mountains Ecoprovince holds the second b a c k yard habitat.There are many more species you may see highest number of birds in British Columbia, s u p p o r t i n g and almost as many resources for you to consult to try and a p p r ox i m a t e l y 79% of all species known to occur in the figure out who is who. Check the resource guide fo r p r ovince and 57% of those species known to breed within the s u g g e s t i o n s . p r ov i n c e .The Naturescape Provincial Guide gives you the details of what you can do to attract birds.The fo l l owi ng tabl e D i s t r i b u t i o n : will introduce you to some of the species you can attract in This column lists the ecoregions where the species is most the Coast and Mountains by providing wildlife habitat at home. c o m m o n ly fo u n d . Ranges expand and birds have a way of B e fore we look at the species, l e t ’s review some of the basics choosing where they want to be. A lw ays believe the bird! ‘ A l l ’ of providing habitat. s i g n i fies that the species is widely distri bu t e d . Please refer to the ecoregion map and table to see what species you may be Habitat is the right combination of fo o d , w a t e r, shelter and lucky to attra c t . space for a species to surv i ve. We can maintain, create or p r ovide habitat in many way s . H ow to A t t ra c t : • G e n e r al Habitat:This column lists the general habitat types F o o d : Food can come in the fo r m of berry-producing shru b s where the species is fo u n d . Compare the type(s) of habitat for waxwings and thru s h e s , or as nectar for hummingbirds. on and surrounding your propert y, or the types you wish to Seeds in a feeder will attract the fi n c h e s , while suet is the best c r e a t e , with those used by the individual species to for many of the wo o d p e c ke r s . P r oviding food can be one of d e t e r mine which birds you may be able to attract to yo u r the easiest ways to bring birds into your ya r d . w i l d l i f e habitat. Wa t e r : Ponds with running water and bird-baths are magnets • Key Habitat Components:These are the specific habitat for birds. Species that are not attracted to fe e d e r s will features within the general habitat type that are import a n t approach sites where you can observe them if you prov i d e to the species’ s u r v i v a l . These genera l l y include features that w a t e r. Maintaining and restoring sources already existing on p r ovide suitable nesting, feeding or roosting sites.You will your property are great ways to keep what you have and h ave a greater chance of attracting birds to your property if a t t r act more. you retain, c r e a t e , or provide these components within the g e n e r al habitat types. S h e l t e r : Shelter can come in the fo r m of a nest box or a planting of fe rns around a decaying log salvaged from a Definitions & Notes: c o n s t r uction site. A pile of windfall branches around a stump Coarse woody debris is made up of sound and rotting logs, in a corner of the yard can create the coarse woody debris a stumps and broken branches that litter the forest floor. Winter Wren needs for nesting. Watching birds using shelter in R i p a r i a n r e fe r s to the area adjacent to streams, l a kes and the wild can give you ideas for your habitat at home. wetlands that is wet enough or inundated frequently enough S p a c e : This is the safe space needed for birds to breed and to develop and support natural ve g e t a t i ve cover distinct from s u r v i ve. It can mean a thicket of shrubs dense enough for a the vegetation in neighbouri n g , f r e e ly - d r a i n e d , upland sites. Song Sparr ow to have a nest in, or a snag that becomes the R i p a r ian ecosystems, or ‘ zo n e s ’ , act as a transition between the f avo u r ite perch of a Red-tailed Haw k . Escape cover near a aquatic environment and the drier upland. Plant cover changes garden feeder can protect ground-feeding sparr ows from as moisture decreases, p r oviding important edge habitat and p r e d a t o r s , while a mixed canopy of trees can be perfe c t increased biodive r s i t y. fo r aging and breeding habitat for a warbl e r. A s n ag, or w i l d l i fe tre e, is any standing or fallen, dead or live Nature is the best guide. Spend some time in natural habitat in tree with special chara c t e r istics that provide valuable habitat your area while you consult this guide. E x p e r iment and tra c k for the conservation or enhancement of wildlife.They play an your results. A variety of birds can be one of the most visibl e i n t e g r al role in forest ecosystems by contri but ing to and and rewarding fruits of your labour. maintaining the biological dive rsity in British Columbia’s fo r e s t .

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 5 3 Ta ble 5: B i r d s

Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

CHICKADEES, CREEPERS, AND NUTHATCHES Chestnut-backed All Fairly common to Forests Conifers & Excavates own cavities in soft Chickadee common deciduous trees or rotting wood, or uses Poecile rufescens Snags woodpecker holes; also uses Tree cavities nest boxes; gleans insects (nesting) from trees and bushes; will also come to seed and suet feeders.

Brown Creeper All Rare to uncommon Forests Conifers Nests primarily under loose Certhia americana Snags tree bark; occasionally in tree Tree cavities cavities; will use special nest (nesting) boxes that mimic loose bark slabs; often seen gleaning insects off tree trunks by moving in upward circles around the trunk; will also come to suet feeders

Red-breasted All Rare to locally fairly Forests Deciduous trees Excavates own cavities in soft Nuthatch common Snags or rotting wood, or uses Sitta canadensis Tree cavities woodpecker holes; also uses (nesting) nest boxes, but not as often as chickadees; gleans insects off tree trunks by moving head-down along the trunk; will also come to seed and suet feeders.

DIPPERS

American Dipper All Uncommon Riparian habitat Fast flowing stream Nests on streamside rock Cinclus mexicanus & rivers faces among ferns and moss, behind waterfalls and under bridges; eats aquatic invertebrates and fish eggs

DUCKS & GEESE

Mallard All Common Fresh and salt Wetlands Found in a variety of habitats Anas water Ponds > 10 metres from ponds and riparian platyrhynchos Riparian habitat in diameter woodlands to city parks and Suburban parks surrounded by golf courses; nests usually abundant built on the ground and well vegetation concealed by vegetation; (nesting) occasionally nests are built amongst emergent vegetation; will use nest platforms

American All Common to locally Fresh and salt Sheltered water: In the Coast and Mountains, Wigeon abundant water estuaries, mudflats, a spring migrant and Anus americana Riparian habitat lagoons wintering bird Suburban areas Agricultural fields Golf courses & parks

Common All Resident on coast Forests – edges Tree cavities Nests on ground or in tree Merganser Riparian habitat (nesting) cavities along forested Mergus merganser Wetlands shorelines; will use nest Ponds & Lakes boxes; eats fish

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Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

DUCKS & GEESE Hooded All Locally rare to fairly Forests - edges Tree cavities Nests in woodlands Merganser common Riparian habitat (nesting) surrounding wetlands; eats Lophodytes throughout Wetlands small fish and aquatic cucullatus Ecoprovince Ponds & Lakes invertebrates; will use nest boxes

Canada Goose All Common Riparian habitat Wetlands Nests in a variety of habitats Branta canadensis Suburban areas Ponds & Lakes close to permanent water; nests on ground, on muskrat and beaver lodges, in raptor nests, and on nest platforms; often forages in agricultural fields

FINCHES

Red Crossbill All Fairly common to Forests Coniferous trees Usually builds nest up high Loxia curvirostra very common (nesting) and well out on a tree resident branch; eats conifer seeds (Abundance and insects; movements of fluctuates with flocks often dependent on cone crops) abundance of cone crops; is attracted to bird baths and small ponds

Pine Grosbeak All Uncommon Forests – edges Coniferous trees Eats seeds and berries; Pinicola enucleator resident Forests - open (nesting) attracted to berry- producing (Population plants fluctuates with cone crops)

Pine Siskin All Fluctuates with Forests Coniferous trees Nests are usually built on Carduelis pinus cone crops Suburban areas (nesting) tree branches and are well concealed by foliage; forages for small seeds of trees such as alder, cedar and birch; common at seed feeders year-round, especially those offering niger “thistle” seeds or black oil sunflower seeds

FLYCATCHERS Hammond’s All Uncommon to Forests - dense Conifers Feeds exclusively on insects; Flycatcher fairly common Mixed woodlands nests on horizontal limbs of Empidonax (except on Queen Snags (perching) tall coniferous trees and hammondii Charlotte Islands – occasionally deciduous trees; very rare) maintain snags for hunting perches

Pacific-slope All Uncommon to Forests Conifers Feeds mostly on insects, but Flycatcher fairly common Riparian habitat Mixed woodlands also some berries and seeds; Empidonax Deciduous trees nests in deciduous trees, difficilis (nesting) roots of upturned trees, in stream banks, rock cliffs, and on ground

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Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

GREBES Pied-billed Grebe Pacific Ranges; Uncommon Ponds & Lakes Wetlands Builds nests on water and Podilymbus Western Emergent usually attaches them to podiceps Vancouver Island vegetation (nesting) stems of emergent vegetation; eats aquatic insects and fish

GROUSE

Blue Grouse All Uncommon to Forests – open Conifers Feeds on seeds, berries and Dendragapus common resident Mixed woodlands other fruit, insects, and green obscurus Bushes / shrubs vegetation; nests on the Alpine slopes ground under branches of fallen trees, beside logs, or under shrubs

Ruffed Grouse All except Queen Fairly common to Forests Deciduous trees Feeds mostly on seeds, buds, Bonasa umbellus Charlotte Islands common Mixed woodlands leaves, flowers, and fruit; eats ecoregions Bushes / shrubs insects, spiders, snails and small vertebrates; nests on the ground near base of tree, under branches of fallen trees, and against logs

HERONS Great Blue Heron All Common to fairly Riparian habitat Mature trees Nests in colonies in mature Ardea herodias common (nesting) forests; eats fish, amphibians (Blue List) (declining) Wetlands & and small mammals; sensitive Estuaries (feeding) to human disturbance at nest sites

HUMMINGBIRDS Rufous All Common Forests – edges Bushes / shrubs Nests in shrubs and trees; Hummingbird Forests – open Nectar-producing attracted to gardens by Selasphorus rufus Suburban areas plants nectar plants and Perches hummingbird feeders; also eats insects; attracted to sap and insects in wells created by Red-breasted Sapsuckers

JAYS, CROWS & RAVENS

Gray Jay Western Uncommon Forests Coniferous trees Nests mainly in coniferous Perisoreus Vancouver Island; (nesting) trees on the forest edge; canadensis Cascade Ranges; frequents sites where human Pacific Ranges food is discarded; will use seed and suet feeders

Steller’s Jay All Uncommon to Forests Coniferous trees Found in coniferous and Cyanocitta stelleri fairly common (nesting) mixed forests, usually at lower elevations than the Gray Jay; common at seed and suet feeders

Northwestern All Fairly common to Feeds on marine Forages in coastal tidelands Crow very common invertebrates, and forest edges near Corvus caurinus insects, bird eggs coniferous forests; nests in and nestlings, fruits, coniferous trees and to lesser and some seeds extent in deciduous trees and tall shrubs, often in cities

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Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

JAYS, CROWS & RAVENS Common Raven All Uncommon to Variety of habitats Cliffs (nesting) Feeds on small vertebrates, Corvus corax fairly common Conifers (nesting) bird eggs and nestlings, Deciduous trees insects and other (occasional nesting) invertebrates, seeds, fruits, and carrion

KINGFISHERS

Belted Kingfisher All Uncommon Riparian habitat Rivers/streams Excavates its own burrows in Ceryle alcyon migrant and Wetlands sand or clay banks; catches summer visitant Soil banks (nesting) small fish by diving from throughout the Shrubs/Trees/ the air or from elevated province. In winter, Snags near water perches near water uncommon along (perching) the coast.

LOONS Red-throated All Uncommon to Riparian habitat Sheltered, inshore On coast, breeding areas are Loon common Coastal areas water: bays, small freshwater lakes Gavia stellata (winter) estuaries, inlets, surrounded by forest, in close harbours and proximity to the sea, where it lagoons (feeding) feeds.

Common Loon All Uncommon to Riparian habitat Fish-bearing lakes Will use nest platforms built Gavia immer common Coastal areas (feeding) for their use; nesting often (winter) Emergent disturbed by recreational use vegetation (nesting) of lakes.

OSPREYS, EAGLES, HAWKS, AND FALCONS Osprey Western Uncommon to Riparian habitat Rivers/lakes Will use nest platforms Pandion haliaetus Vancouver Island, fairly common Snags/poles specifically designed for Pacific Ranges, (nesting) Ospreys; eats fish Coastal Gap

Red-tailed Hawk All Uncommon Forests – edges Mature trees Nests in large coniferous or Buteo jamaicensis resident Forests – open (nesting) deciduous trees; small and medium-sized mammals, insects and birds

Bald Eagle All Common Forests Mature trees, Needs large trees or snags to Haliaeetus Coastal areas Snags (nesting) support its large; stick nests; leucocephalus Riparian habitat eats fish and medium-sized mammals; carrion

Peregrine Falcon All Uncommon Forests Coastal cliffs Preys predominantly on birds, Falco peregrinus resident Coastal habitats (nesting) but will also feed on small mammals; nests in hollows on inaccessible cliff ledges and rarely in abandoned tree nests or cavity nests

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Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

OWLS Great Horned All – casual in Uncommon Forests Snags Also nests in abandoned Owl Queen Charlotte resident Wide variety of Tree cavities crow or hawk nests; eats Bubo virginianus Islands ecoregions feeding habitats (nesting) small and medium-sized mammals, and birds; will use nest platforms

Northern All Rare to uncommon Forests Tree cavities Will use nest boxes; eats Saw-whet Owl (nesting) insects and small mammals Aegolius acadicus

PIGEONS Band-tailed All Uncommon to Forests - edges Mixed woodlands Feeds on nuts, especially Pigeon locally abundant Forests - open Conifers (nesting) acorns; also eats grain and Patagioenas resident on South mixed other seeds; attracted fasciata Coast, becoming to bird feeders; in winter eats uncommon to berries remaining on trees locally abundant and shrubs transient on North Coast

SHOREBIRDS Killdeer All Fairly common to Coastal areas Beaches & Nest sites may or may not be Charadrius locally abundant Riparian habitat estuaries near water; nests on ground vociferus Agricultural fields often in areas with bare soil or gravelly substrates; eats insects

Spotted All Uncommon to Riparian habitat Semi open Nests on the ground in open Sandpiper locally fairly vegetation near areas on the edge of water Actitis macularius common migrant water from sea- bodies; nests usually partially and summer visitor; level to alpine concealed by overhanging in winter, rare on vegetation; forages along the southwest shorelines for insects, worms, coast fish, crustaceans, mollusks and carrion

Black All except Nass Fairly common to Coastal areas Rocky shorelines Feeds mainly on marine Oystercatcher Ranges, Nass Basin, very common invertebrates; eats some fish; Haematopus Northern Coastal resident nests on the ground along bachmani Mountains rocky or gravelly coastline and on offshore islets

SPARROWS AND JUNCOS

Spotted Towhee Western Uncommon to Forests - edges Bushes / shrubs Feeds on insects, small Pipilo maculatus Vancouver Island, fairly common Forests - open invertebrates, seeds, nuts, and Cascade Ranges, Riparian habitat forages for berries by Pacific Ranges scratching on the ground; nests close to ground in dense brush and on the ground in excavated depressions

Song Sparrow All Uncommon to Forests - edges Bushes / shrubs Nests on ground, usually Melospiza melodia fairly common Riparian habitat under overhanging resident vegetation, or in shrubs or trees; eats insects, seeds, and berries; sometimes forages under seed feeders

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Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

SPARROWS AND JUNCOS Fox Sparrow All Uncommon Forests – edges Bushes / shrubs Feeds on insects, spiders, Passerella iliaca resident Riparian habitat millipedes, buds, seeds and berries; nests on the ground and low in shrubs

Savannah All Very rare to fairly Coastal beaches Tall, dense grass Nests on ground, usually Sparrow common Riparian habitat (nesting) under some overhanging Passerculus Wetlands vegetation; uses shrubs, trees, sandwichensis Meadows and fences for singing posts; eats insects and seeds

Dark-eyed Junco All Fairly common to Forests - edges Nests on or near ground Junco hyemalis locally common Forests - open usually under overhanging Suburban areas vegetation; eats seeds and insects; in winter, commonly forages under seed feeders for spilled millet and other seeds

SWALLOWS Barn Swallow All Uncommon to Suburban areas Buildings (nesting) Builds bowl-shaped mud Hirundo rustica locally common Riparian habitat Estuaries (feeding) nests under eaves of Wetlands (feeding) buildings; sometimes nests in small colonies; will use nest platforms placed under the eaves of buildings; eats insects

Northern Rough- All (casual in Uncommon to Riparian habitat Cliffs Nests in burrows created by winged Swallow Queen Charlotte common Suburban areas Soil banks (nesting) other birds; small colonies Stelgidopteryx Islands Ecoregions) can be found in cliffs and in serripennis cutbanks along streams, roads, and gravel pits; forages over fields, meadows, and cliffs for insects

Tree Swallow All Complex - Riparian habitat Snags (nesting) Readily uses nest boxes, also Tachycineta bicolor Uncommon to Suburban areas nests in posts, poles, and abundant buildings; eats insects

Violet-green All Complex - Suburban areas Buildings Breeds commonly around Swallow Uncommon to Riparian habitat Snags (nesting) human- associated habitats; Tachycineta abundant. Very will use nest boxes; eats thalassina rare transient on insects Queen Charlotte Islands

TANAGERS

Western Tanager All Rare to fairly Forests Conifers (nesting) Usually builds nests well out Piranga common Gardens on a tree branch; eats insects ludoviciana and berries

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Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

THRUSHES AND KINGLETS American Robin All Uncommon to Forests – edges Bushes / shrubs Also nests on nest platforms Turdus migratorius locally abundant Forests – open Buildings placed under building eaves; Suburban areas Trees (nesting) eats insects and earthworms in spring and summer; also eats fruit and berries in fall; is attracted to a variety of berry-producing plants including native red elderberry, black hawthorn, Sitka mountain ash, and saskatoon

Swainson’s All Uncommon to Forests Dense Bushes / Also nests in trees; eats Thrush fairly common Riparian habitat shrubs insects and berries; is Catharus ustulatus Snags (nesting) attracted to berry-producing plants; has been called the ‘Salmonberry bird’ as it often arrives in spring when the berries of this shrub are ripe

Varied Thrush All Fairly common Forests Bushes / shrubs Nests most often in Ixoreus naevius resident Trees (nesting) coniferous trees; feeds on ground, sometimes on the “fall-out” from seed and suet feeders; also eats insects, seeds, berries and apple orchard windfall

Hermit Thrush All Uncommon to Coniferous & Dense Bushes / Feeds mostly on insects, such Catharus guttatus common Mixed Forests – shrubs as ants, termites, beetles, Open & edges Conifers (nesting) weevils, moths, and flies; also Deciduous trees eats fruits, and berries, (nesting) caterpillars, sowbugs, spiders, Ground & cut tiny amphibians, snails and banks (nesting) seeds

Golden-crowned All Uncommon to Forests Mature conifers Feeds on insects, spiders, Kinglet fairly common Bushes / shrubs some fruits, seeds, and tree Regulus satrapa sap; nests in hanging pouches built in coniferous trees

WARBLERS Orange-crowned All Uncommon to Forests Bushes / shrubs Nests on, or near the ground, Warbler fairly common (nesting) often in dense willow Vermivora celata thickets; eats insects

Wilson’s Warbler All Uncommon Forests Bushes / shrubs Nests on, or near the ground Wilsonia pusilla Riparian habitat (nesting) at the base of a shrub or tree, or in a grassy tussock; eats insects

Yellow Warbler All Rare to fairly Forests Bushes / shrubs Builds nest amongst the Dendroica common Gardens (nesting) branches of shrubs or riparian petechia habitat trees, often in a twig fork; eats insects

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Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

WARBLERS Yellow-rumped All Very rare to fairly Forests - edges Coniferous trees Nests amongst tree branches, Warbler common Forests - open (nesting) usually in coniferous trees; Dendroica eats insects coronata

Townsend’s All Fairly common Forests - canopy Conifers Feeds mostly on insects and Warbler Forests - edges Deciduous trees some fleshy fruits; forages in Dendroica coniferous forests with open townsendi to dense canopy closure, along forest edges, and in shrubby thickets; nests in deciduous and coniferous trees from near ground to upper parts of canopy

WAXWINGS Cedar Waxwing All Very rare to Forests – edges Bushes / shrubs Forages in flocks amongst Bombycilla common Gardens Deciduous trees berry-producing plants such cedrorum Riparian habitat (nesting) as red elderberry, black hawthorn, Sitka mountain ash, and saskatoon; also eats insects.

WOODPECKERS Northern Flicker All Fairly common to Forests Coniferous trees Found in variety of habitats Colaptes auratus uncommon Deciduous trees including mixed and riparian (nesting) woodlands, and gardens; will Snags (wildlife use nest boxes; eats insects, trees) berries and fruit; will come to seed and suet feeders.

Red-breasted All Uncommon Forests Deciduous trees Excavates cavities most often Sapsucker resident Forests - edges (feeding, nesting) in dead deciduous trees; Sphyrapicus ruber Snags (nesting) often nests near edge of Western redcedar coniferous or deciduous forests; attracted to fruit trees.

Downy All except very Rare to locally fairly Forests Deciduous trees Found in deciduous and Woodpecker rare in Northern common Forests - edges Snags (nesting) mixed woodlands, and edges Picoides Coastal Mountains Suburban areas of coniferous forests; pubescens excavates nest cavities most often in dead deciduous trees; eats insects, berries, seeds, and sap from sapsucker wells; is attracted to suet feeders

Hairy All except very Uncommon Forests Coniferous trees Found in deciduous and Woodpecker rare in Northern resident Forests - edges Deciduous trees mixed woodlands, and edges Picoides villosus Coastal Mountains Snags (nesting) of coniferous forests; Usually larger excavates nest cavities most diameter trees than often in deciduous trees; eats the smaller Downy insects, berries, seeds, and Woodpecker sap from sapsucker wells; is attracted to suet feeders

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 6 1 Ta ble 5: B i r d s

Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

WOODPECKERS Pileated Western Uncommon to rare Forests Coniferous trees Excavates nest cavities most Woodpecker Vancouver Island, resident Deciduous trees often in large, living, Dryocopus pileatus Pacific Ranges, Snags (feeding, deciduous trees; also Coastal Gap, nesting) excavates large, rectangular Cascade Ranges holes while foraging for carpenter ants and other wood-boring insects in dead and down trees; will also eat berries in summer and fall; is attracted to suet feeders

WRENS Winter Wren All Uncommon to Forests - dense Bushes / shrubs Feeds predominantly on Troglodytes common Suburban areas insects and spiders, troglodytes Riparian habitat supplemented by a few seeds and berries; nests in dense brush on or near the ground, under stumps, and amid roots of windthrown trees

INTRODUCED SPECIES Starlings and House Sparrows were introduced from Eurasia. They have become most common around urban centres, but can also be found in agricultural areas. Starlings also frequent coastal habitats. Both are considered pest species by most bird watchers and wildlife specialists. Starlings and House Sparrows are aggressive bullies around backyard feeders and nest boxes. Both species nest in cavities and often drive native cavity-nesters away, or evict them from their nest sites. Declines in populations of some species of native cavity-nesting birds have been attributed to this kind of competition with Starlings and House Sparrows. Both of these species can be discouraged from using backyard nest boxes by using appropriate entrance hole shapes and sizes (see Provincial Guide).

Chest-nut Backed Chickadee Andrew MacDonald

6 2 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Ta ble 6: Mammals

TABLE 6: M A M M A L S • Key Habitat Components:These are the specific habitat There is an amazing dive r sity and, in some cases, a bundance of features within the general habitat type that are import a n t mammals that live in the Coast and Mountains.The probl e m to the species’ s u r v i v a l . It includes wildlife trees and coars e for wildlife watchers is that many of their life-cycles are woody debris that provide cover from predators and the s e c r e t i ve or nocturn a l . For ve r y good reasons, mammals are e l e m e n t s . You will have a greater chance of attra c t i n g often wary of humans and their habitats. L e a r ning about mammals to your property if you retain, c r e a t e , or prov i d e mammal habits and providing components of their habitat can these components within the general habitat types. be both fascinating and rewarding.You can find tips in the P r ovincial Guide for attracting desira ble species while ke e p i n g Definitions & Notes: u n d e s i r a ble ones at bay. R i p a r i a n r e fe r s to the area adjacent to streams, l a kes and wetlands that is wet enough or inundated frequently enough to develop and support natural ve g e t a t i ve cover distinct from H ow to Use this Ta bl e : the vegetation in neighbouri n g , f r e e ly - d r a i n e d , upland sites. We have included the mammals that you are most like ly to R i p a r ian ecosystems, or ‘ zo n e s ’ , act as a transition between the a t t r act and/or see in most of the Coast and Mountains. aquatic environment and the drier upland. Plant cover changes Consult our resource guide for more info rmation about as moisture decreases, p r oviding important edge habitat and p a r ticular species. increased biodive r s i t y. A s n ag, or w i l d l i fe tre e, is any standing or fallen, dead or live D i s t r i b u t i o n : tree with special chara c t e r istics that provide valuable habitat Lists the ecoregions where the species is commonly fo u n d ; ‘ A l l ’ for the conservation or enhancement of wildlife.They play an s i g n i fies that the species is widely distri but ed in the Coast and i n t e g r al role in forest ecosystems by contri but ing to and M o u n t a i n s . Please refer to the ecoregion map and table as we l l maintaining the biological dive rsity in British Columbia’s fo r e s t . as suggested sources of further info rmation in the resource N o t e : Some of the species included in this table are not safe g u i d e . For some species, our knowledge of range and habits to be around. Consult our resource guide or local contacts can be increased by your observ a t i o n s . Consult the resource for opportunities to be invo l ved in Bear Aware and wildlife guide for ways you can contri but e to the knowledge and s a fety progra m s . These are a great way to get the details yo u protection of mammals in BC. need about living safe ly with wildlife while maintaining, r e s t o r ing and providing habitat at home. If possibl e , c o n s u l t H ow to A t t ra c t : e x p e r ts before you handle any wild animal, l i ve or dead, t h a t has entered your home. • G e n e r al Habitat:This column lists the general habitat types where the species is fo u n d . Compare the type(s) of habitat on and surrounding your propert y, or the types you wish to c r e a t e , with those used by the individual species to d e t e r mine which birds you may be able to attract to yo u r w i l d l i fe ha bitat.

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 6 3 Ta ble 6: M a m m a l s

Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

SHREWS Common Shrew Cascade Ranges, Abundant Forests - open Standing water Food includes: insect larvae, Sorex cinereus Pacific Ranges, (dependent on Forests - dense Disturbed sites ants, beetles, crickets, Coastal Gap, Nass habitat type) Meadows grasshoppers, spiders, Basin & Ranges Avalanche slopes centipedes, slugs, snails and Riparian habitat fungi; may be important predator of forest ‘pests’

Dusky Shrew All terrestrial Common Coastal forests Disturbed sites Little study has been done on Sorex monticolus ecoregions the feeding habits in BC – small, hard-bodied invertebrates are suspected prey

BATS California Myotis Western Common Forests Streams & Lakes Feeds on flies, moths; Myotis californicus Vancouver Island, Riparian habitat Buildings maintain snags or wildlife Cascade Ranges, Tree cavities trees Pacific Ranges, Coastal Gap, Queen Charlotte Ranges & Lowlands

Western Long- Pacific Ranges; Uncommon Forests – open Buildings Also inhabits high mountain eared Myotis Others (Full extent Grasslands Caves forests; forages in riparian Myotis evotis of range is Rock crevices Trees (roosting areas; catches insects in the currently not Rivers/streams under bark) air or gleans them off known) vegetation or off the ground

Keen’s Long- Western Rare Coastal forests Trees (roosting) Probably feeds on moths and eared Myotis Vancouver Island, (May be common Rock Crevices other insects; near Hot Myotis keeni Cascade Ranges, – little is known Caves Spring Island, Queen (Red List) Pacific Ranges, about this bat and Charlotte Islands, observed Coastal Gap, its behaviour) foraging over hot spring Queen Charlotte pools and clearings above Ranges & Lowlands salal

Little Brown All terrestrial Common Forests Buildings Occupies a wide range of Myotis ecoregions Suburban areas Caves habitat; hunts over open Myotis lucifugus Riparian habitat Rock crevices areas, forests, rock bluffs, and Lakes & streams water; captures most insects Trees (roosting) in the air and eats them while flying; will use bat boxes

Long-legged Western Uncommon Cliffs Buildings Occupies a wide range of Myotis Vancouver Island, Forests Rock crevices habitat; hunts over water, in Myotis volans Cascade Ranges, Riparian habitat Trees (roosting) forest openings and above Pacific Ranges forest canopy; about 75% of diet is moths

Yuma Myotis Western Common Forests - open Rivers / streams Is the most common bat to Myotis yumanensis Vancouver Island, Riparian habitat Buildings hunt over water; maternal Cascade Ranges, Caves colonies may include Pacific Ranges, Rock crevices hundreds of individuals; will Coastal Gap Trees (roosting) use bat boxes

6 4 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Ta ble 6: Mammals

Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

BATS Silver-haired Bat Western Common Forests Trees (roosting) Roosts alone or in small Lasionycteris Vancouver Island, Riparian habitat Open water numbers under bark and in noctivagans Cascade Ranges, crevices and cavities of trees; Pacific Ranges, diet is flexible; retention of Coastal Gap, snags is critical Queen Charlotte Ranges & Lowlands

Big Brown Bat Western Common Forests Buildings Forages over water, forests, Eptesicus fuscus Vancouver Island, Suburban areas Rock crevices along roads, and under street Cascade Ranges, Trees (roosting) lamps; eats insects - Pacific Ranges, beetles form a large part of possibly further diet; will use bat boxes north on coast

Townsend’s Big- Western Uncommon Cliffs Buildings Usually forages alone; very eared Bat Vancouver Island, Forests - open Caves & mines sensitive to human Corynorhinus Pacific Ranges, Rock crevices disturbance townsendii Cascade Ranges Trees (roosting) (Blue List)

HARES Snowshoe Hare Cascade Ranges, Uncommon Forests - open Bushes / shrubs Feeds on ferns, new shoots Lepus americanus Pacific Ranges, Riparian habitat Riparian thickets of woody plants, conifer Coastal Gap Forest edges seedlings, twigs, bark, and evergreen leaves; nests in shallow ground depressions beneath logs or stump roots, or under dense shrub cover

RODENTS Southern Red- Cascade Ranges, Rare Forests Coarse woody Omnivorous – feeds on backed Vole Pacific Ranges, debris berries, new shoots, seeds, Clethrionomys Northern Coastal Snags lichens, fungi and insects gapperi Mountains Fallen logs

Muskrat All terrestrial Common Riparian habitat Wetlands Feeds on aquatic plants such Ondatra zibethicus ecoregions Open freshwater Ponds as cattails and bulrushes; (introduced to Marshes nests in burrow system in Queen Charlotte Streams and Lakes stream bank; nests have Islands and underwater exit holes Vancouver Island)

Beaver All terrestrial Common Riparian habitat Shrubs Feeds on riparian, deciduous Castor canadensis ecoregions Trees (cover, food) trees and aquatic plant life; (introduced to critical habitat creator for a Queen Charlotte myriad of other species Islands)

SQUIRRELS Northern Flying Cascade Ranges, Common Forests Snags (nesting) Omnivorous and feeds on Squirrel Pacific Ranges, Mature, coniferous lichens, fungi, buds, fruits, Glaucomy sabrinus Coastal Gap and mixed forests seeds, mosses, insects, nestling birds and eggs; will use nest boxes

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 6 5 Ta ble 6: M a m m a l s

Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

SQUIRRELS Douglas’ Squirrel Cascade Ranges, Common Forests Conifers Feeds on new shoots of Tamiasciurus Pacific Ranges conifers, green vegetation, douglassii acorns, nuts, fungi, berries, and seed cones, especially those of Douglas-fir; nests in tree cavities or on branches with nests made of twigs, needles, bark mosses, and lichens; also uses abandoned bird nests

Red Squirrel All terrestrial Common Forests Conifers Feeds on conifer seeds, Tamiasciurus ecoregions especially those of Douglas- hudsonicus (Introduced to fir; also eats fungi, berries, Queen Charlotte insects, and small vertebrates; Islands) nests in natural tree cavities, in twig, leaf and bark nests on branches, or in underground burrows

CARNIVORES LARGE CARNIVORES Black Bear All terrestrial Common Forests Caves Eats plant matter (fruit, Ursus americanus ecoregions Rivers/streams Coarse woody berries, roots, grasses, and Wetlands debris sedges), insects, carrion, and Tree stumps and mammals; can become cavities (denning) habituated to feeding at garbage dumps or areas where garbage is improperly disposed; keep food wastes secured or indoors if possible; clean up windfalls from fruit orchards

Grizzly Bear Pacific Ranges, Rare Riparian habitat Conifers Feeds on horsetails, grasses, Ursus arctos Coastal Gap, Nass Forests - coastal Valley bottoms bulbs, berries, insects, (Blue List) Basin & Ranges Estuaries mammals, fish, deer, and (absent from Salmon streams carrion; attracted to garbage; coastal islands) potentially dangerous to pets and humans

Cougar Western Uncommon Forests Bushes / shrubs Feeds mainly on deer but Puma concolor Vancouver Island, Rocky slopes Coarse woody also eats other large Cascade Ranges, debris mammals, beavers, hares, Pacific Ranges, Rock piles mice, and birds; will also take Coastal Gap (denning) household pets – can be dangerous to humans

Coyote Cascade Ranges, Uncommon Forests Bushes / shrubs Found in a variety of habitats; Canis latrans Pacific Ranges Coarse woody feeds mainly on small (Range is debris mammals, but also eats birds, expanding) Rock piles insects, carrion, vegetation (denning) and larger mammals; will also take household pets

6 6 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S Ta ble 6: Mammals

Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

LARGE CARNIVORES Gray Wolf Pacific Ranges, Uncommon Forests Coarse woody Found in a variety of habitats; Canis lupus Coastal Gap, Nass Coastal areas debris feeds primarily on ungulates, Basin & Ranges Caves but also eats small mammals, Rock piles birds, fish and insects Tree stumps (denning)

OTHER CARNIVORES River Otter All ecoregions Common Coastal areas Wetlands Captures most of its food Lontra canadensis Riparian habitat Streams underwater; includes Coarse woody crustaceans, fish, insects and debris amphibians Tree stumps LARGE CARNIVORES (denning)

Marten All terrestrial Common Forests Coarse woody Prefers mature coniferous or Martes americana ecoregions debris mixed forest; also dens in Rock piles squirrel nests; feeds primarily Snags (denning) on voles and mice, but also eats squirrels, hares, birds, plant matter; insects and LARGE CARNIVORES carrion

Ermine All terrestrial Common Forests Coarse woody Often usurps burrows of Mustela erminea ecoregions Forests - edges debris other mammals; feeds Coastal areas Rock piles primarily on small mammals Riparian habitat Underground but also eats birds, insects, LARGE CARNIVORES burrows (denning) plant matter and amphibians

Mink Western Common Coastal areas Intertidal zone Feeds on fish, crabs, small Mustela vison Vancouver Island, Riparian habitat Estuaries crustaceans, amphibians, Cascade Ranges, Forest – edges Stream edges mice, young birds and bird Pacific Ranges, eggs; nests in abandoned Coastal Gap, Nass burrows along river banks, Basin & Ranges, rock piles, and in stumps Northern Coastal and hollow logs LARGE CARNIVORES Ranges

Raccoon Cascade Ranges, Common Forests Coniferous forests Omnivorous – feeds on Procyon lotor Pacific Ranges, Riparian habitat Mixed forests crabs, crayfish, birds, small Western Suburban areas Deciduous mammals, fish, amphibians, Vancouver Island, forests bird eggs, seeds, berries, nuts, Queen Charlotte Intertidal zone and seeds; nocturnal; dens in Islands Ranges & tree cavities, hollow Lowlands logs, or ground burrows, (introduced) close to water; Introduction to Queen Charlotte Islands in 1940’s responsible for serious negative impact on ground nesting seabirds

P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S • N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a 6 7 Ta ble 6: M a m m a l s

Name Distribution Abundance General Habitat Key Habitat Habitat, Behaviour Common, Scientific Components and How to Attract

UNGULATES Roosevelt Elk Western Uncommon Forests Dense vegetation Feeds on grasses and a Cervus elaphus Vancouver Island variety of plants; forages in roosevelti (small populations forested river valleys in (Blue List) introduced back to winter and at higher historic range in elevations in summer months Pacific Ranges)

Columbia Black- Western Common Wide range of Dense forests Excellent swimmers; eat a tailed Deer Vancouver Island, habitats Forest edges variety of plant foods Odocoileus Cascade Ranges, Open areas depending on season and hemionus Pacific Ranges Riparian habitat availability; for Columbia columbianus Suburban areas Black-tailed Deer, Douglas-fir, Bracken Fern, Fireweed, Pearly Everlasting, Deer Fern, Salmonberry and lichens are important food sources

Sitka Black-tailed Coastal Gap, Nass Common Wide range of Dense forests Excellent swimmers; eat a Deer Basin & Ranges, habitats Forest edges variety of plant foods Odocoileus Northern Coastal Open areas depending on season and hemionus sitkensis Mountains, Queen Riparian habitat availability, Sitka Black-tails Charlotte Ranges & tend to be smaller and darker Lowlands than Columbia. They feed on (introduced) Douglas-fir, western redcedar, red huckleberry, salal, deer fern and lichens that grow on trees as well as grasses, blackberry, fireweed, pearly everlasting and other herbaceous plants

Red Alder Andrew MacDonald

6 8 N a t u r e s c a p e B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a • P L A N T A N D A N I M A L B O O K L E T , C O A S T & M O U N T A I N S The Stewardship Series NATURESCAPE BRITISH COLUMBIA Caring for Wildlife Habitat at Home

Native Plant and Animal Booklet, Coast and Mountains

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For More information, call 1-800-387-9853 National Library of Canada Cataloguing in Publication Data Main entry under title: Naturescape British Columbia. Native plant and animal booklet, coast & mountains. – [Stewardship series]

Consists of 2 v. in 1. Title on v. [2]: Naturescape British Columbia. Resource booklet, coast & mountains. Vol. [2] compiled by Saila Hull. Also available on the Internet. ISBN 0-7726-5179-5

1. Animals - British Columbia. 2. Plants - British Columbia. 3. Biotic communities - British Columbia. 4. Coastal ecology - British Columbia. 5. Nature conservation - Bibliography. 6. Nature conservation - British Columbia – Information resources. 7. Pacific Coast (B.C.) – Environmental conditions. I. MacDonald, Andrew, 1965- II. Hull, Saila. III. Naturescape British Columbia. IV. Title: Naturescape British Columbia. Resource booklet, coast & mountains.

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