A Growing Problem
Although most introduced plants do not disrupt ecosystems, some are capable of overtaking and displacing native species. These species, such as sweetclover and smooth brome, can have serious impacts on biological diversity in wild habitats.
Be Plant Wise!
You can help prevent protect our native species. Join the movement to make horticulture invasive-free:
Select non-invasive plants
- Before choosing a plant to grow, check reliable sources of information, such as our invasive species fact sheets.
- Don’t purchase a plant unless it is properly labeled, and you know exactly what it is.
- Be suspicious of exotic plants, bulbs, and seeds promoted as “fast spreaders,” “vigorous self-seeders,” and/or “drought-resistant.”
- Avoid wildflower mixes, as they often have invasive species seeds in them.
Properly dispose of plants
- Place invasive plants in a plastic bag and close tightly before disposing in the landfill.
- Never put invasive species in the compost.
National Voluntary Code of Conduct
The Canadian Council on Invasive Species, along with several key partners have launched a National Voluntary Code of Conduct for the ornamental horticulture industry. The National Voluntary Code of Conduct supports the Canadian Council on Invasive Species’ Be PlantWise program.
The work of the program is led by the Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS) and supported by the National Horticulture Invasive Plants Working Group, made up of members from:
- the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA),
- the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), and
- the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
The group developed the National Voluntary Code of Conduct to engage the ornamental horticulture industry and trade to improve best practices across all sectors of the industry.