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Invasive Alien Plants

It's no joke. Invasive plants that are not native to Canada are causing significant damage to our natural areas every year. Some of these plants have been brought into Canada from other places on purpose, for horticultural or agricultural purposes. Others have come in by accident, in soil or other material.

We have approximately 3200 species of native plants in Canada, and another 800 alien species that have "Naturalized", or become accustomed to living outside of cultivation. For the most part these aliens live in disturbed areas or are urban weeds. A few, though, are significant invaders of intact natural ecosystems.

Over the next weeks, the Canadian Botanical Conservation Network will be expanding our coverage of invasive alien plant species. We are preparing a catalogue of invasive plant problems, and will be reaching out to botanical gardens, horticulturalists and others looking for alternatives. If you have experience with these species and suggestions for safe native horticultural alternatives, please contact David Galbraith at CBCN.