Invasive Plants In Canada

Invasive plants are harmful 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, non-government organizations and other related businesses. Responses to invasive plants have included detection surveys, mapping, management programs, monitoring, and regulations.

Initiatives to address invasive plants include:

• Invasive Plants Policy - The draft policy establishes the parameters for regulatory action on plants designated as pests.
• Canada’s Least Wanted Plants Pilot Project - The goal of this pilot project is to identify Canada's least wanted plants and regulate them as pests, as per the Invasive Plants Policy. Another key outcome is the development of a streamlined process to evaluate potential pest plants.

Examples of invasive plants include:

• Common Crupina (Crupina vulgaris)
• Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica)
• Serrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma)
• Woolly cup grass (Eriochloa villosa)

Additional information:

• An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada (Library and Archives Canada)
• Invasive Alien Plants in Canada - Summary Report (Library and Archives Canada)
• Invasive Alien Plants in Canada - Technical Report (Library and Archives Canada)