FAQ

Invasive plants are:

• aggressive growers that damage the environment. 
• are not native to our region
• propagate rapidly
• are difficult to control
• compete with native plants

Invasive plants have been introduced into our environment by:

• ornamental plants in gardens
•  garden waste dumping
• contaminated  soils
• spread by birds, pets and other animals

There are many species of invasive plants throughout our region. Some common invasive plants are:

• Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armenaicus)
• Daphne laurel (Daphne laureola)
• Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius)
• Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
• English holly (Ilex aquifolium)
• English Ivy (Hedera helix)

For a complete list of plants that are listed as invasive or noxious in BC, visit bcinvasives.ca

If you still need help, visit our Ask a Plant Person tool and let us know you have a question.

At this time, our focus on invasive species is to actively manage alien plants, and to provide information on plants and animals. In the future we hope that we can challenge growing populations of invasive animals and insects.

For more information on how you can help manage invasive animals and insects on your property, visit bcinvasives.ca 

• Our team of parks staff work diligently to tackle invasive plant problems in our busiest parks, and make sure our recreation areas are safe for residents to play in. 
• We partner with organizations like the Invasive Species Council of BC, and the Coastal Invasive Species Committee to help us  manage top priority invasive plant communities
• Amazing volunteers have worked together with RDN staff to organize weed pulling days and broom removal events and restoration projects.

Not all parks in the boundary of the RDN are managed by the RDN, so have a look at our Parks and Trails Finder to make sure you're reporting a weed in the right place.

Many invasive plants can re-grow from a tiny piece of branch, root or leaf. It's important to make sure you're disposing of invasive plants so they will never come back!

For information on disposing of invasive plants, visit rdn.bc.ca/what-goes-where, or send us an email at invasivespecies@rdn.bc.ca 

We have access to a number of tools for RDN Parks volunteer events, and we'll typically bring those along!

We do have limited access to a tool lending library in partnership with our Drinking Water and Watershed Protection department. Please reach out to invasivespecies@rdn.bc.ca for more information on how to request tools.