Which plant-life zones extend from northern to southern Saskatchewan?

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Saskatchewan features six distinct bands of natural plant life that extend from the north to the south of the province, generally following a northwest-southeasterly direction. These zones are as follows:1

  • Subarctic woodland: Located in the northeastern corner, this area consists of widely spaced black spruce and jack pine with lichen ground cover.1
  • Northern boreal forest: Situated southwest of the subarctic woodland, this zone is characterized by more densely packed black spruce and jack pine.1
  • Southern boreal forest: A mixed forest belt south of the shield margin that includes broad-leaved trees such as trembling aspen.1
  • Aspen parkland: This zone serves as a transition between the forest and grassland belts and is the most densely settled rural area in the province.1
  • Mixed prairie: One of the two most southerly vegetation bands, dominated by mid-height and short grasses.1
  • Dry mixed prairie: The southernmost band, where the abundance of short grasses increases as soil moisture decreases.1

The three most southerly zones are noted for a rich profusion of wildflowers.1