How are invasive plants spread?
Some invasive plants have been introduced into our environment accidentally while others were introduced intentionally as an ornamental or food plant. Others have started in gardens and then spread into parks and ravines. Common ways that invasive plants spread from gardens is when people dump the contents of hanging baskets and garden waste or soil into nearby ravines and natural areas. • Why do people buy invasive plants? Many invasive plants are still sold in garden centres and are not labelled as being invasive. Some produce beautiful flowers while others are desirable because they grow fast and are often shade tolerant. • What should I look for when purchasing plants for my garden? • look for alternatives to plants such as English ivy and yellow lamium that are known to be invasive • avoid purchasing plants that are described as fast spreaders or vigorous self-seeders • be careful of plants ordered from outside BC and investigate whether they could be invasive in our environment •
