How Invasive Plants are Harmful
Bachelor’s Buttons (Centaurea cyanus)
When it comes to choosing what plants you put in your yard, keep in mind which plants can do more harm than good. Invasive plants can take over the area they are planted in and often are very hard to kill or dig out without using harsh chemicals. When you choose plants native to your area, it can be beneficial by using less water, less maintenance, providing a food source to wildlife in your area, and are hardy during droughts. Invasive plants also pose a major threat to essential ecosystem functions and destruction to habitats. These plants are brought in, transplanted from their native habitat, and are not weeds.
Why are They So Destructive
Many invasive plants are fast-growing and can choke out other plants to survive, take over food and water supply, and can also interfere with forest regeneration by being a direct competition with tree seedlings. Most varieties can spread seeds for new growth at a higher rate than native plants. There is also a higher risk of introducing new plant diseases to the local vegetation, which might not have a chance of survival once infected. Invasive plants have very little root structure, and when they take over ground cover, it can cause instability in the area, making it more likely to erode during flooding. When they take over an area, they kill off the diversity of native plants, creating a monoculture that reduces the quality of the entire area, affecting even fish and wildlife, as well as a fire risk. Native plants are beneficial to the whole ecosystem of their areas and invasive plants pose a risk of disturbing that ecosystem.
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon)
How to Identify What Plants to Avoid
When it comes to avoiding having an invasive plant in your yard or garden, what is the best way to know what to stay away from? When you go to buy plants to put in your garden, having a good knowledge of what you are buying is key. Having a plant identification book, or even an app on your phone or tablet can help identify which plants can cause more harm than good. A lot of people might only think of weeds as invasive plants, but that is not the case. They have been brought in by people, just by what they think would look nice in their garden. Baby’s breath, bachelor buttons, and periwinkle are a few that are considered invasive but are not on the invasive species list for Canada, causing them to still be sold in stores. For a great list of plants you can use in your yard or garden instead, check out the Grow Me Instead guide from the Invasive Species Council of BC, found here: https://bcinvasives.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ISCBC-GMI-Brochure-180425-WEB-1.pdf. This guide has so many options of what you should plant in your yard with pictures and a description of each plant, as well as what zone it is grown in. It also shows what plants to avoid. ISCBC is a dynamic action-oriented organization, helping concerned stakeholders work together to stop the spread of invasive species in BC. We spearhead behaviour change in communities, organizations, governments and industry to help protect our province from invasive species. They educate people about how harmful invasive species can be, and how we can do our part to assist their goal in making plantwise choices. You can find their Plantwise website here: https://bcinvasives.ca/play-your-part/plantwise/.
Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
How to Remove one From Your Garden
Invasive species can be hard to remove but can be done. If you have found invasive species in your yard you would like removed, there are a few options on how to do so. Avoid using herbicides to remove them, as it can be harmful to other plants, kids, and pets. Try to remove the plant before it goes to seed. One method you can use is digging up as much as the root system as you can and placing the plant in a garbage bag that will be taken to your local landfill, and let them know you are disposing of invasive plants. It is not recommended to compost as this could result in the plant regrowing in another area of your yard. By putting it in a bag, you are containing any more chance of the plant spreading seeds. Burning is a good way of ensuring the plant is completely destroyed after it is removed, as long as burning is permitted in your area during certain times of the year. Natural options you can try are carefully pouring boiling water on the plant, or vinegar. Landscapers can also be called to help remove the plants professionally. If you need assistance, you can contact us and we can help. You can also report invasive plants by phoning 1-888-933-3722 or using the Report Invasives BC phone app, or Report-A-Weed BC phone App. A list of regional districts can also be found on the ISCBC site at: https://bcinvasives.ca/about/our-networks/.
About Me
I am the Owner of Inherit Designs Landscaping. Since 2003, my team and I have been providing sustainable garden solutions to the Cowichan Valley and Greater Victoria. I personally hold two certifications in horticulture and permaculture and take great pride in the service I offer my clients. My family and I live on our organic flower farm called Little Bee Blooms, run by my wife. Together we are continually conducting research gardens and experimenting in many aspects of horticulture and permaculture to improve our knowledge and the operation of our businesses.