The forested slopes of the Cypress Hills rise above the surrounding prairies. This increased elevation provides for cooler temperatures and increased precipitation thereby facilitating the growth of trees. The forest supports a wide array of plant species, including 17 different types of orchids, and provides habitat for animals that are not found on the grasslands.
What types of trees are found in the Cypress Hills?
| There are four species of trees in the Cypress Hills, two of which are coniferous. The lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta),
usually found in the Rocky Mountains, is unique to the prairies. This tree can be up to 30 meters or more in height and its
needle-like leaves are found in budles of two. The cones are highly seronitnous, busting open to release seeds in the presence
of fire. The lodgepole pine was utilized by the Western Plains Indians as poles for
their buffalo skin lodges. The lodgepole pine is Alberta's provincial tree. (More Information on Lodgepole Pine) |
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The second coniferous species is white spruce (Picea glauca). This tree species can reach 45 meters in height and has scalely, brownish-grey bark. The needle-like leaves are 4-sided, stiff, sharp, and bright green. In Alberta, this tree species is found mostly in the northern part of the province and is used for lumber, plywood, and pulp. |
| There are also two main deciduous tree species in the Cypress Hills, aspen poplar and balsam poplar. Aspen poplar (Populus tremuloides) has a smooth, greenish-white bark which becomes darker and rougher with age. Also known as trembling poplar, flattened petioles on the leaves cause them to flutter in the wind. |  |
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Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) has dark grey bark that is deeply furrowed and leaves nearly twice the size of aspen poplar leaves. This tree is common in forestland, abandoned farmland, burned-over areas, and river banks throughout Alberta. |
