Algonquin/Southern Laurentians is a mixed forest region situated on the Canadian Shield, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters, and major land use activities including forestry, mining, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and tourism.
Zone
Forest
Common Name
Algonquin/Southern Laurentians
CEC Level III Code
5.2.3
CEC Level II Code
5.2 Mixed Wood Shield
Overview
Region facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Aliases | Algonquin/Southern Laurentians, Algonquin Southern Laurentians, CEC 5.2.3 |
| Geographic Range | The Algonquin/Southern Laurentians region extends from the eastern shores of Lake Superior in Ontario eastwards to just west of Chicoutimi, Quebec, and generally flows southwards to the St. Lawrence River. |
| Climate Snapshot | The climate is characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters, with a mean annual temperature of approximately 2°C and mean annual precipitation ranging from 800 mm to 1,000 mm. |
| Terrain Profile | The region is situated on the Canadian Shield with outcroppings and morainal deposits, where relief commonly ranges from 300 to 600 masl, and scattered summits reach 900 to 1,200 masl. |
| Vegetation Cover | The mixed forest of the Algonquin/Southern Laurentians is characterized by stands of white spruce, balsam fir, paper birch, aspen, and trembling aspen, with black spruce and balsam fir on wet sites, tamarack on cold wet sites, and sugar/red maple, yellow birch, and various pines on warmer or drier terrains. |
| Wildlife Habitat | The Algonquin/Southern Laurentians region is home to mammals such as moose, black bear, lynx, and white-tailed deer, along with bird species like the American black duck, wood duck, and cardinal. |
Eco snapshot
The mixed forest of the Algonquin/Southern Laurentians is characterized by stands of white spruce, balsam fir, paper birch, aspen, and trembling aspen, with black spruce and balsam fir on wet sites, tamarack on cold wet sites, and sugar/red maple, yellow birch, and various pines on warmer or drier terrains.
The Algonquin/Southern Laurentians region is home to mammals such as moose, black bear, lynx, and white-tailed deer, along with bird species like the American black duck, wood duck, and cardinal.
Seasonal timing
Yearly needs
What pollinators need throughout the year, and what to do about it.
| Season | What pollinators need most | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Late winter / early spring | Early nectar/pollen; safe places to emerge | Leave some leaf litter and stems in place; plan for early-blooming natives in sunny spots |
| Spring | A steady ramp-up of blooms; nesting materials | Plant or protect spring flowers; keep some bare soil; avoid all pesticides |
| Summer | Continuous nectar/pollen; water during dry spells | Fill bloom gaps with mid-summer natives; add a shallow water dish with landing stones |
| Late summer / fall | High-energy nectar; seed/fruit resources; shelter prep | Plant late bloomers; avoid fall “over-cleaning”; leave seed heads and stems standing |
| Winter | Protected overwintering sites | Leave stems, logs, and leaf litter; avoid disturbing garden beds until spring warms |
Seed mix concept
Early bloomers for the first active pollinators (plus early-flowering shrubs where space allows).
Mid-season flowers that prevent a “hungry gap” during peak insect activity.
Late-season asters/goldenrods and other finishers that help pollinators fuel up before winter.
What You Can Do
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.
Native plants
Alders are fast-growing trees in the genus Alnus that are especially useful in damp spots and along edges where you want quick cover and early-season pollen for insects.
Asters are late-season wildflowers that bring a burst of daisy-like blooms when many gardens are winding down, making them a reliable choice for pollinator-friendly planting.
Birches are graceful trees in the genus Betula, known for their often light-colored bark and early-season pollen and catkins that support springtime insects.
Blueberries and huckleberries (genus Vaccinium) are berry-producing shrubs with spring flowers that can support pollinators and later feed people and wildlife—great for gardens, schoolyards, and even large containers.
Clovers are small, easygoing plants in the genus Trifolium that can add nectar and pollen to gardens, lawns, and pots while helping cover bare soil.
Fireweed is a tough, fast-growing wildflower in the genus Chamerion that brings bright pink blooms and lots of pollinator activity to sunny, open spaces.
Fleabanes (genus Erigeron) are easygoing wildflowers with daisy-like blooms that can brighten gardens, schoolyards, and balcony pots while offering steady nectar and pollen for many small pollinators.
Goldenrods are tough, sunny wildflowers in the genus Solidago that light up late-season gardens with golden blooms and provide reliable nectar and pollen when many other flowers are fading.
Kinnikinnick is a tough, low-growing evergreen groundcover in the genus Arctostaphylos (often called bearberry) that forms a tidy mat and offers small spring flowers followed by red berries.
Manzanitas are tough, beautiful western shrubs with urn-shaped flowers that can feed early-season pollinators and evergreen leaves that keep gardens looking good year-round.
Poplars, aspens, and cottonwoods (genus Populus) are fast-growing trees best known for their fluttering leaves and soft “cottony” seeds. They can support early-season pollinators with spring catkins, but they’re also big, thirsty, and often short-lived in small yards—so they’re best chosen with space and roots in mind.
Rushes are tough, grass-like wetland plants (genus Juncus) that thrive in damp soil and help create calm, sheltered habitat at the edges of ponds, rain gardens, and low spots.
Sedges (genus Carex) are grass-like plants that form tidy clumps and thrive in many garden conditions, especially where soil stays a bit damp. They add texture, cover bare ground, and can support small wildlife by providing shelter and nesting material.
Willowherbs (genus Epilobium) are easygoing wildflowers that pop up in sunny, open spots and offer simple, nectar-rich blooms that many small pollinators can use.
Willows are fast-growing trees and shrubs in the genus Salix that offer some of the earliest pollen and nectar of the year, making them a strong choice for pollinator-friendly yards, parks, and school grounds.
Yarrow is a tough, easygoing wildflower that brings long-lasting blooms and steady pollinator visits to gardens, schoolyards, and even containers.
Pollinators
Adults visit flowers for nectar and can move pollen between blooms; their presence is a sign of diverse, functioning habitats.
Bumble bees are important pollinators of many wildflowers and garden plants, helping ecosystems and food crops reproduce.
Many visit flowers for nectar and can move pollen between blooms while also playing important roles in local food webs.
Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, and many species’ larvae help keep plant-eating pests in check.
Adults can help move pollen as they nectar at flowers, and their caterpillars are an important part of local food webs.
They can move pollen between flowers while feeding on nectar, especially for blooms that open or scent up in the evening.
Many small moths move pollen while feeding on nectar, supporting wild plants and garden blooms—especially in the evening and at night.
Many adults visit flowers for nectar and can move pollen between blooms while feeding.
They visit a wide range of flowers for nectar and can help move pollen between blooms as they feed.
