Invasive Plants in Canada

Invasive plants are harmful non-native plant species whose introduction or spread threatens the environment, the economy, and society, including human health. They can be introduced into Canada from other countries or continents, or from one region of Canada to another.

In Canada, organizations responding to invasive plants include federal, territorial, provincial, and municipal governments, universities, colleges, botanical gardens, herbaria (collections of dried plants), non-government environmental organizations, youth groups, businesses, and First Nations groups. Responses to invasive plants have included surveys, mapping, management programs, monitoring, and regulations. Preventive programs are widely recognized as the most effective and cost-efficient means of control for invasive alien plants. Initiatives include An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada, the Action Plan for Terrestrial Plants and Plant Pests, the Invasive Alien Species Partnership program, regulatory mechanisms, and provincial invasive plant councils.

The CFIA is concerned about the current threats posed by invasive plants such as :

• Common Crupina
• Jointed goatgrass
• Serrated Tussock
• Woolly cup grass

Information we provide to the plant industry and scientific community includes:

• Canadian Invasive Plant Framework Workshops
• Invasive Alien Plants in Canada - Summary Report
• Invasive Alien Plants in Canada - Technical Report