Like other countries, Canada chooses official flowers to represent both the nation and each of its provinces. These are flowers generally indigenous to each province and are chosen for their beauty and significance to each region. Canada’s lush, sweeping landscapes and high rainfalls make the country ideal for growing many lovely flowers.

The official flowers for each province are:

Alberta: Wild Rose: The perfect choice for Alberta’s wild plains, the wild rose was officially chosen in 1930 by schoolchildren and grows all over Canada.

British Columbia: Pacific Dogwood. The Pacific Dogwood was chosen in 1956 and blooms in April and May.

Manitoba: Prairie Crocus. Manitoba voted on the Crocus in 1906 and it blooms in early spring every year, often before the snow has completely melted.

New Brunswick: Purple Violet. The beautiful, dark flower is usually found in forests and is common in New Brunswick. It become the official flower in 1936

Newfoundland/Labrador: Pitcher Plant. Chosen in 1954, the pitcher plant looks like a pitcher.

Ontario: White Trillium: Ontarians decided the Trillium was their flower of choice and made it official in 1937 and is in season in spring.

Nova Scotia: Mayflower. The Mayflower was chosen officially in 1901. The flower is found all along the east and west coast and was named by early settlers.

Prince Edward Island: Lady’s Slipper. P.E.I made is official with the Lady’s Slipper in 1947. It grows in cool shady regions and grows in spring.

Quebec: Blue Flag. For 36 years, the Blue Flag was the official flower of Quebec. Interestingly, it does not grow naturally in the province and in 1999, the province switched its allegiance to the Blue Flag Iris.

Saskatchewan: Western Red Lily. The province chose this flower as its official mascot in 1941. It grows in lightly forested areas.

And, as we all know, the Maple Leaf is Canada’s national symbol but it was never officially adopted. This is more of an honorary position for the Maple Leaf based on the ubiquity of maple trees in Canada. Every province has its own wonderful floral history to be explored and enjoyed. Because of the Canadian climate, however, Spring is generally the best time to enjoy Canada’s flowers as this is when most are in bloom. However, there is still plenty to see if you know where to look in the summer and fall months as well.

What to do next? Buy your flowers from our Toronto Flower Shop.