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Wildflowers of Alberta
Superhero Plants of the Prairie
A printable card set for grades 1–4
This card set introduces children to the native plants of Alberta using a playful, imaginative approach rooted in real-world science.
Each card includes:
- A line drawing for kids to color
- A simple “Water Rating” to show how drought-tolerant the plant is
- A creative “Superpower” that highlights one of the plant’s real ecological strengths
- A short fun fact and the plant’s scientific name
How to use this with students
Start by choosing a plant card that matches your theme—spring, pollinators, wildflowers, etc.
You can:
- Print the card for coloring and discussion
- Read the superpower aloud and ask kids to guess what it might mean
- Use the water rating to talk about weather, gardening, or survival
- Add a real-life plant walk or garden visit if possible
- Let older students do mini research on their plant’s role in the ecosystem
This works well as:
- A science center activity
- A quiet time or early finisher option
- A springboard for writing or drawing prompts
- A gentle way to introduce ecology and conservation
What gets kids excited
- The idea that each plant has a “superpower”
- Giving the plants personality (just like a superhero team)
- Seeing their artwork printed or shared
- Tying the cards to real plants they might spot outside
This project invites curiosity and quiet attention. It’s science—but it feels like storytelling.
Dandelion
Superpower: Seed Storm
Kids love this familiar flower for its fluffy seed heads. The card introduces the idea of plant dispersal and curiosity-driven observation.
Not a native flower. Introduced from Europe, but so well integrated into the landscape that it feels natural to kids.
Fireweed
Superpower: Flame Reclaimer
One of the first plants to return after fire. A powerful symbol of regrowth and resilience—and a great spark for discussion.
Goldenrod
Superpower: Autumn Beacon
Goldenrod blooms when most other flowers fade. It gives bees and butterflies one last burst of energy before fall ends.
Milkweed
Superpower: Monarch Protector
Milkweed is the only food source for monarch caterpillars. Its strange seed pods and sticky sap make it a prairie legend.
Prairie Crocus
Superpower: Early Bloomer
This flower is often the first to bloom—even when there’s still snow on the ground. A fun one to discuss seasons and change.
Purple Coneflower
Superpower: Bee Beacon
A bold prairie favorite that draws pollinators. This card is a great entry point to discussions about native bees and flowers.
Native to central/eastern North America, not Alberta, but very common in gardens.
Sunflower
Superpower: Solar Tracker
A well-loved flower known for its sunny face and ability to track the sun. A cheerful favorite for classroom activities.
Wild species are native in Alberta, but most that are purchased from the garden center are not.
Wild Bergamot
Superpower: Scent Shield
Also known as bee balm, this plant’s fragrant leaves and purple blooms make it both attractive and useful in the wild.
Wild Rose
Superpower: Pollinator Magnet
Alberta’s official flower. Simple, cheerful, and beloved by bees. This card is a nice link to symbols and provincial identity.
Wild Strawberry
Superpower: Berry Burst
These tiny berries aren’t just tasty for people—they’re a summer snack for birds and forest creatures too. A great plant to explore edible ecosystems.
Yarrow
Superpower: Drought Buster
A tough little plant with a long history in herbal medicine. This card works well for plant history, resilience, and prairie survival.