Invasive plants are species that aren’t native to a particular ecosystem and cause harm to that environment, economy, or even human health. These plants tend to spread rapidly via seed or rhizomes and outcompete native plants for resources, which can lead to a reduction in diversity. This can have a cascading effect on the ecosystem, affecting animals and other organisms that rely on native plants for food and habitat.
Invasive plants do untold damage to Ontario’s natural areas, displacing native plants and overtaking sensitive habitats. These aggressive invaders wreak havoc and the cost of their removal is steep for conservation authorities and municipalities. Many nurseries still sell invasive plants, exacerbating the spread. Most home gardeners are not aware that plants growing in their garden can potentially damage and degrade natural ecosystems.
The list below from Credit Valley Conservation Authority is the recognized comprehensive list of invasive plants in Ontario. If you have plants in your garden that are listed under Category 1 or Category 2, you should prioritize their removal as soon as possible. Add CVC pdf here
The Ontario Invasive Plant Council has an excellent booklet, Grow Me Instead, which can help gardeners find alternatives to invasive plants. Find it here Southern-Grow-Me-Instead For more information on invasive plant regulation and control, visit the CCIPR website. CCIPR, Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation, is an organization attempting to improve policies and regulations to reduce the sale of invasive plants in Canada. Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation – urgent action to curb the spread of invasive plant species
