Vegetation species management

A diversity of native plant species is vital to healthy forests and grasslands. Certain plant species can threaten the ecological integrity or health, of Prince Albert National Park’s ecosystems. Often these problematic plants are non-native and / or invasive, and have the ability to spread quickly and outcompete other native plants.

Some plants cannot be eaten by animals like bison, either because they’re not palatable or because they are toxic. An abundance of these plants reduces the amount of food available for animals by choking out native plant species the animals depend on for food and shelter. For example, Caragana is a shrub that spreads quickly and chokes out other potential foods sources like Saskatoon berries or choke cherries. To prevent the rapid spread of invasive plants staff apply herbicides and manually remove plants.

The following invasive plants have been identified In Prince Albert National Park. If you see these plants while visiting the park, if possible, take a photo and the GPS coordinates and email them to panp.info@pc.gc.ca (use “Invasive Plants” in the subject line).

• Yellow Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)
• Scentless Chamomile (Tripleurospermum perforatum)
• Creeping Bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides)
• Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)
• Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
• Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
• Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula) - not yet reported in the park
• Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) - not yet reported in the park