Georgia Depression Grasslands: At a Glance

For a more in depth look at the information provided below, click here.

Garry oak is the only native oak in BC. B. Wikeem

Grasslands Landscape

• Found along the North American west coast, at northern extent in the Gulf of Georgia
• On rocky cliffs and gentle, south-facing hillsides on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Comox to East Sooke and through the Gulf Islands
• Grasslands represented by scattered patches of Garry oak savannah and parklands  

Special Features

• Garry oak and arbutus are the dominant trees, with a rich carpet of spring flowering plants
• Where rock outcrops reduce soil depth, arbutus is the dominant tree species
• Mosses are an important part of the ground cover plant community
• Interior grasslands species are found in Garry oak communities
• 169 wildlife species use Garry oak communities.

Current Status

• Only 5% of the original grassland communities remain
• Development, livestock grazing and introduced plants continuing threats to ecosystems
• Introduced wildlife species have impacted native species
• Some critical areas protected in parks and other conservation areas

Species At Risk in the Georgia Depression

Red- and Blue-listed grassland elements in the Georgia Depression:

*Red list: List of ecological communities, and indigenous species and subspecies that are extirpated, endangered or threatened in British Columbia.

**Blue list: List of ecological communities, and indigenous species and subspecies of special concern (formerly vulnerable) in British Columbia.

For more information on species at risk in BC, visit our SAR page.

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For a more in depth look at the Georgia Depression grasslands, click here.