Comparative studies conducted on the genetic variation of metal-tolerant populations and their non-metaltolerant counterparts have been performed on numerous species using isozyme markers. Analysis of genetic differences among plant populations growing in heavy metal-contaminated and uncontaminated regions are limited. The main objectives of the present study were to compare ISSR and microsatellite markers in assessing genetic variation in D. cespitosa populations that colonized metal-contaminated and uncontaminated regions in Northern Ontario, Canada. Total genomic DNA from D. cespitosa samples were amplified with ISSR and SSR primers using optimized PCR conditions. The level of polymorphic loci varies from 46 to 74% for ISSR analysis. The level of observed heterozygosity was moderate to high ranging from 0.44 to 0.68 for the SSR primers used. But no significant difference in genetic variation levels was detected between metal contaminated and uncontaminated sites with SSR markers. There was a significant reduction of polymorphic loci in samples from highly metal-contaminated areas of the Cobalt region compared to the reference sites based on ISSR analysis. Use of a combination of different marker systems is recommended to analyse genetic variation in plant populations.