Since 2015, the United Nations has adopted a sustainable development agenda reflecting a growing global commitment to reducing poverty and improving quality of life. This initiative includes strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to climate change.
At the heart of sustainable development, biodiversity conservation has become a priority, as it is essential to maintaining the balance of our planet.
In this article, we highlight the importance of native plants in supporting biodiversity. We also clarify the differences between between native species, naturalized and hybrid plants, as well as invasive species.
Why Are Forest Biodiversity and Native Plants So Important?
Forest biodiversity and native species help strengthen ecosystem resilience. The more diverse an ecosystem is, the better it can withstand invasive species, diseases, pests, and extreme climate conditions.
Quebec’s native species have evolved together over time, forming complex relationships that maintain ecological balance. When native plants disappear, these relationships can break down—affecting entire food webs.
Natural forests also support surrounding environments such as wetlands and waterways by regulating water cycles and providing wildlife corridors.
In short, native plants and forest biodiversity are essential for maintaining healthy, resilient ecosystems. They also provide valuable ecosystem services that benefit people.
Understanding Native, Introduced, Naturalized, Invasive, and Hybrid Plants
Many native plants are available in nurseries across Quebec, alongside introduced and hybrid species. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Native Plants
Native species are those that naturally occur in a given region without human intervention.
Quebec is home to hundreds of native plants, including Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple), Thuja occidentalis (Eastern White Cedar), and Betula papyrifera (Paper Birch).
These plants are well adapted to local conditions and have developed strong relationships with pollinators, wildlife, and soil life.
Introduced (Exotic) Plants
Introduced—or exotic—plants are species that have been brought outside their natural range, often by human activity.
When they adapt and reproduce without assistance, they are considered naturalized.
Some introduced species can be beneficial, but others may disrupt ecosystems. Monitoring their impact is essential.
- Example of a naturalized plant in Quebec: Rosa rugosa (Rugosa Rose)
Some naturalized plants become invasive, spreading aggressively and disrupting ecosystems. These are known as invasive alien species (IAS), such as Norway maple or buckthorn.
Quebec currently lists 18 priority invasive plant species to monitor.
Hybrid Plants
A hybrid plant results from crossing two genetically different plants.
Hybrids are often developed to combine desirable traits, such as improved resistance, unique colours, or extended flowering.
Natural hybridization also occurs. For example, willows frequently hybridize in the wild, which can make identification difficult.
Freeman maple (Acer × freemanii) is a natural hybrid between red maple and silver maple.
While hybrids can offer benefits, they may also impact biodiversity and ecological balance. It’s important to assess their impact before introducing them into natural environments.
Should You Use Native Plants in Landscaping?
Absolutely—integrating native plants into landscaping is one of the best choices you can make.
1. Support Biodiversity and Wildlife
Native plants provide food and habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife. They also help connect fragmented habitats, allowing species to move more freely.
2. Improve Climate Resilience
Because they are adapted to local conditions, native plants are naturally more resistant to drought, cold, and climate variability.
3. Reduce Maintenance
Native plants typically require less watering, fertilization, and pest control. This reduces maintenance while limiting the use of chemicals that can harm ecosystems.
References and Additional Resources
To check whether a plant is native to Quebec:
- List of trees in Quebec
- Botanical database (Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre)
To learn more about forest conservation:
Article co-written by Audrey Rondeau, Biol., M.Env., and Suzanne Simard, horticultural writer and technologist.
