About Trees & Shrubs

Trees and shrubs are woody perennial plants that mostly bear resemblance to forbs, with some major exceptions in several family groups. Most of these families’ flowering parts are in the form of catkins or cones, rather than perianth with distinct pistils and stamens which is common with most forbs. Trees and shrubs grow from cambium which gives structure and strength to these often-towering plants. Trees particular form the top-most canopy of forests, and shrubs make up the lower canopy above the herbaceous forbs and graminoids. 

Trees & Shrubs in Rangelands

The conspicuity of trees and shrubs vary significantly from one ecoregion to another. A very small percentage of woody plants (primarily shrubs) occupy the prairie region’s vegetation cover, whereas, in other regions such as the Boreal or Aspen Parkland ecoregions, they make up a prominent component of the plant community.

Forage value varies greatly between species as well. A few species are known to be toxic, many are unpalatable and worth no value to game and livestock, whereas others is quite the opposite (quite palatable and nutritious) and thus often relied on as winter forage.

​Shrub and tree components are valuable for use as cover and habitat for wildlife in all ecoregions. Woody species tend to be persistent and relatively aggressive on the whole, and therefore have the potential to increase in population as range condition deteriorates. Some species, however, are sensitive to defoliation and may decrease in number with browsing pressure.

* Note: Species that have the asterisk (*) next to the name on the photos above indicate that the author is in the process of providing identification details and more information about that particular species.

Please note that ALL SPECIES are currently under construction, with new photos (and captions) being added to. Check back regularly to see what’s new!