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Region profile

Coastal Hudson Bay Lowland

Coastal Hudson Bay Lowlands is an ecoregion characterized by very cold winters, short cool summers, tundra and high boreal forest transition, widespread permafrost, and wildlife including barren-ground caribou and polar bears, with human activities limited mainly to trapping, hunting, and tourism.

Zone

Coastal

Common Name

CEC Level III Code

4.1.1

CEC Level II Code

4.1 Hudson Plain

Overview Eco Snapshot Calendar Habitat Seed Mix

Overview

About This Region

The Coastal Hudson Bay Lowland is a vital ecoregion along the southern coast of Hudson Bay, characterized by short cool summers and very cold winters, with a mean annual temperature of approximately -4°C. Pollinators face challenges from the harsh climate and limited growing season. Human activities, including trapping, hunting, fishing, and tourism, introduce habitat disturbances, but the region’s sparse population and protected areas offer refuges. The area is part of the Hudson Plains ecozone, which supports wildlife like caribou and marine mammals.

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Region facts

At a glance

Category	Details
Aliases	Coastal Hudson Bay Lowland
Geographic Range	This region extends along the southern coast of Hudson Bay, from the Seal River in Manitoba east to James Bay in Ontario.
Climate Snapshot	The Coastal Hudson Bay Lowlands are characterized by short, cool summers with a mean temperature of 10.5°C, very cold winters with a mean of -19°C, a mean annual temperature between -4° and -7°C, and precipitation ranging from 400 mm to 600 mm.
Terrain Profile	The region, part of the Hudson Bay Lowlands, is characterized by marine sediments, common strandlines, coastal marshes, extensive tidal flats, widespread permafrost, and has a low average elevation around 56 feet, ranging from -7 ft minimum to 95 ft maximum.
Vegetation Cover	Vegetation is characterized by open stands of stunted black spruce and tamarack, with shrub covers of dwarf birch, willows, or ericaceous plants, and ground cover including cottongrass, lichen, and moss.
Wildlife Habitat	Characteristic wildlife of the Coastal Hudson Bay Lowlands includes barren-ground caribou, polar bear, arctic fox, and various birds like snow and Canada goose, as well as marine mammals such as seal and white whale.

Eco snapshot

What shapes this region

Climate pattern

Short summers and long winters; timing varies by microclimate (small local weather differences).
Coastal exposure (wind, fog, cold air) can reduce flowering time.
Wet, cold soils can limit which plants establish well.

Vegetation profile

Vegetation is characterized by open stands of stunted black spruce and tamarack, with shrub covers of dwarf birch, willows, or ericaceous plants, and ground cover including cottongrass, lichen, and moss.

Wildlife profile

Characteristic wildlife of the Coastal Hudson Bay Lowlands includes barren-ground caribou, polar bear, arctic fox, and various birds like snow and Canada goose, as well as marine mammals such as seal and white whale.

Why pollinators matter here

Flowering seasons can be brief, so “bloom timing” matters a lot.
Wet, cold soils can reduce the number of garden-friendly flowering options.
Protecting existing native vegetation can be as important as planting new areas.
Small plantings in sheltered spots can still provide meaningful nectar and pollen.

Seasonal timing

Planting seasons

Timing varies by microclimate; use this as a flexible guide.

Seasonal timing

After snowmelt / early thaw: plan, source native plants, prep containers/raised beds.
Main growing window: focus on hardy natives and continuous bloom.
Late season: prioritize late flowers and leave stems/leaf litter for shelter.

Quick seasonal checklist

Choose native plants suited to wet/cool conditions where possible.
Plant in the most sheltered, sunniest spot you have.
Add a shallow water dish with stones (safe landing spots).
Stop spraying—use physical barriers and hand removal instead.
Leave some “messy” habitat (stems, leaves) for nesting and overwintering.

Yearly needs

Pollinator calendar

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 when insects first become active	Plan for early-blooming natives; avoid spring pesticide use; keep some leaf litter and stems until it’s consistently mild
Spring	A steady ramp-up of blooms and safe nesting spots	Plant or place hardy native starts; add bare/undisturbed patches for ground nesters where feasible
Summer	Continuous bloom, water, and shelter from wind	Aim for “something flowering all the time”; use containers/raised beds if soils are too wet; provide a shallow water source
Late summer / fall	Late-season nectar/pollen to fuel overwintering	Include late bloomers; avoid cutting everything back; leave seedheads and stems
Winter	Protected overwintering habitat	Leave stems, leaf litter, and natural cover; plan next season’s plantings and pesticide-free approach

Seed mix concept

A Billion Small Steps Seed mix

In this ecoregion, seed mixes can be tricky because cold, wet soils and short seasons can limit establishment. If you use seeds, think in three parts and choose species that match your exact site conditions:

Spring starter

Spring starter: early bloomers (often shrubs/trees like willows are more reliable than seed).

Summer bridge

Summer bridge: hardy mid-season flowers that can handle cool conditions.

Fall finisher

Fall finisher: late bloomers (like goldenrods/asters where suitable) to close the season.

What You Can Do

Make a difference for native habitats.

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.

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Native plants

Plants that thrive in this region

Alders

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.

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Asters

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.

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Birches

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.

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Blueberries & huckleberries

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.

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Clovers

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.

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Fireweed

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.

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Fleabanes

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.

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Goldenrods

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.

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Kinnikinnick

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.

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Manzanitas

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.

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Poplars, aspens & cottonwoods

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.

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Rushes

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.

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Sedges

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.

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Willowherbs

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.

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Willows

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.

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