Ornamental plants are a great feature to backyard landscapes in perennial beds, borders, and wildflower gardens. Having ornamental plants also has benefits such as increasing the biodiversity of the landscape and supporting native pollinators. However, it is important for gardeners to be aware of possible invasive species in their garden landscapes.

Invasive species in Alberta fall under the Weed Control Act which categorizes invasive species as noxious and prohibited noxious. Noxious weeds must be controlled whereas prohibited noxious must be eradicated. Plants that fall under the Weed Control Act can also be considered ornamental and may be present in garden spaces; while these are not sold commercially, these plants can still appear at plant swaps and local plant sales. Therefore, it is important for gardeners to be aware of invasive species and make plant wise gardening choices.

Ways that you can be a Plant Wise Gardener:

1. Do your research purchase and grow non-invasive exotic or regional native plants.

2. Replace any existing invasive plants in your garden.

3. Treat and remove existing invasive plants using appropriate measures.

4. Dispose of invasive plants properly.

5. Trade only plants and seeds you know are non-invasive.

6. Avoid collecting wildflowers from roadsides or natural areas.

7. Avoid prepackaged wildflower mixes unless the contents are identified and contain only non-invasive species.

8. Mulch and use ground covers to prevent invasive plants from establishing

For more information on weeds/invasive plants that fall under the Weed Control Act, please visit Alberta Invasive Species Council's website and see the Government of Alberta's information on provincially regulated weeds. For ornamental plant alternatives and more tips on how to be plant wise please see this brochure. For more information, please contact Stefanie via email or by calling 780-352-3321 ext.2271.

References:

Alberta Invasive Species Council. (2026, April 22). Be Plant Wise Grow Me Instead. Alberta Invasive Species Council. abinvasives.ca

Alberta Invasive Species Council. (2021). Grow Me Instead. abinvasives.ca

Government of Alberta. (2024, March 12). Provincially regulated weeds | alberta.ca. alberta.ca