- World Boreal Forests -
Shrubs
This subsection contains a list of shrubs found within the boreal ecoregions of Canada, Alaska, Siberia, Scandinavia & Iceland.
Ericaceae - Heath Family
In the expansive canvas of the boreal forest, the Ericaceae family, recognized as the Heath family, stands as an extensive and diverse congregation of shrubs, likely one of the largest in this northern wilderness. Within this botanical richness, the enchanting heaths include notable species such as the Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum), Bog Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia), and the vibrant representatives of the Vaccinium genus, like the Blueberry and Lingonberry, alongside the Gaultheria genus with its aromatic Wintergreen. Labrador Tea diffuses its aromatic essence across wetlands, while Bog Rosemary graces acidic soils with its delicate flowers. Blueberries and Lingonberries, with their delectable fruits, join the symphony of colors, and Gaultheria's Wintergreen leaves add fragrance to the forest floor. Together, these heaths, with their varied forms and functions, contribute significantly to the ecological resilience and botanical splendor of the boreal environment.