Many of our invasive plants become a nuisance after escaping from peoples’ gardens. Do your part to plant native species when possible and avoid introducing invasive species into your garden – Be Plant Wise! The Invasive Species Council of BC has created PlantWise, a consumer and industry education program designed to build understanding of the problems caused by invasive species, increasing demand for non-invasive plants, and to support the horticulture industry’s transition to becoming free of invasive species. CSISS partners with the ISCBC Plant Wise Program to deliver the program in the Columbia Shuswap region.
GARDENERS
Learn to identify the top priority invasives in the Columbia Shuswap region and report online to CSISS.
The ISCBC has created a helpful Grow Me Instead brochure aimed at providing alternative ornamentals to invasive plants in your garden.
For more resources visit the Plant Wise website.
GARDEN & HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY
Garden centres, landscapers, greenhouse, and other horticulture industry groups that are looking to learn more and become a Plant Wise partner:
- Review the Plant Wise Partner Program Guide
- Check out other training resources at the Plant Wise website
- Contact Us to learn more
INVASIVE SEED PACKS and WILDFLOWER SEED MIXES
Invasive plants often find their way into gardens and natural spaces through a surprising source: wildflower seed mixes. Many of these mixes are marketed with appealing phrases like “Biodiversity Blend,” “Meadow Mix,” or “Bee-Friendly,” which can mislead even the most well-intentioned gardeners. Unfortunately, these seed packs frequently contain invasive plant species known for their prolific seed production and aggressive growth—traits that make them both inexpensive for companies to include and incredibly harmful to local ecosystems.
Some common culprits in these mixes include species like:
Even seed mixes labeled as “low maintenance” or “easy to establish” can be a red flag, as these characteristics often hint at the invasive nature of the included plants. Once introduced, these species can outcompete native plants, disrupt habitats, and threaten biodiversity.
To protect your garden and the surrounding environment, always read the labels on wildflower seed mixes carefully. Avoid purchasing blends that list invasive species or do not clearly identify the plants included. Supporting local nurseries that specialize in native plants is another excellent way to ensure your garden helps preserve local biodiversity.
WHERE TO SOURCE NATIVE PLANTS LOCALLY
You can source non invasive native species alternatives locally in the Columbia Shuswap Region at most garden centers by asking the staff. We have also compiled a list of native specific garden centers and nurseries who produce and sell native species:
The Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners, have created this Native Plants of Southern interior BC List for suitable species and their specific growing conditions. You can view the list on their website here.
INVASIVE GARDEN SPECIES:
-
- Yellow Flag Iris
-
- Orange hawkweed
-
- Japanese knotweed
-
- Blueweed
