An updated version of Canada’s plant hardiness map shows species gardeners never dreamed of growing — like citrus or palms – are now possible because of the warming effects from climate change.

Regional Municipality of Niagara

Recent scientific research and updates to Canada's plant hardiness zones indicate that the country's climate is becoming more suitable for a broader range of plant species. The updated map, the first since 2014, shows that regions in British Columbia can now support citrus trees, and parts of southern Ontario are suitable for some palm species. These changes are primarily driven by rising temperatures and are seen as a clear indicator of climate change.

While the new conditions provide opportunities for gardeners to experiment with different plants, experts caution that the shifting zones are a reminder of the broader and potentially negative implications of a warming planet. The government has also released more detailed, species-specific models to help Canadian growers adapt to these changes as they plan for the future.

Canada's warming climate has become suitable for different plants

these here will bite you. These are cold hardy blue Americanas. Dan Rashad's nursery shows what an adventurous gardener could achieve in southern Ontario. Oftentimes we interpret growing palms in Canada as a myth. Like it's really a myth that you can't grow palms in cold climate, you know, but you can, depending on the species of plant, you could do whatever you want. Now, scientific research shows the country is actually getting more suitable for new types of plants as the climate warms. A new update to Canada's plant hardiness zones, the first since 2014, shows growing conditions have changed throughout the country. In BC, the purple shows regions where citrus trees can grow, and southern Ontario zones appearing that can support some palm species. While there are opportunities for people to try new plants in Canada, these plant hardiness zones are also a worrying reminder that the planet is getting hotter. I think it certainly is a climate change indicator. I think it's interesting that with seven different variables, all with varying levels of sort of climate change signal embedded in them, that out of that mass, we still see a very clear climate change signal. The hardiness map accounts for year-round conditions, including temperature and precipitation, as well as soil conditions and wind speeds. But the shifting zones are primarily driven by warming temperatures. Right after Labor Day, we will harvest the seed. That brings opportunities for ambitious gardeners like Rashad, but also challenges. It's fun to look at the fun side of climate change and say, hey, you know, maybe I can grow some new species around my place. But yeah, we don't want to forget the fact that there's all kinds of other negative implications around climate change. Along with the map, the government has also released species-specific models with more granular information on particular plants and crops that will guide Canadian growers as they plan their fields and gardens in a changing climate. In Iyot Singh, CBC News, Niagara-on-the-Lake.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo were seen together at last night's Knicks game following the final mayoral debate.

New York

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Vatican City

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Washington

U.S. strikes two alleged drug vessels in the Pacific, Hegseth confirms

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Ukraine Invasion

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Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

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Paris

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The Hague

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Kharkiv

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

In visit to Israel, Vance urges patience as fragile ceasefire holds

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Moscow

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Japan's parliament has elected the country's first female leader. Sanae Takaichi, 64, of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), is seen as a hardline conservative who supports traditional gender roles and hawkish foreign policy.

Tokyo

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Portland

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Washington County

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Centrist Rodrigo Paz won Bolivia's presidential runoff, defeating conservative rival Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga, as the country's worst economic crisis in a generation helped propel the end of nearly two decades of leftist rule.

Breakdown