Invasive and Non-Native Plants

Invasive plants (often referred to as "weeds", "aliens", or "exotics") are non-native plants that aggressively colonize agricultural lands, disturbed areas, and natural ecosystems. Invasives have serious impacts including:

• Losses in agricultural productivity
• Threaten native plants and biodiversity
• Adversely affect wildlife habitat
• Interfere with the regeneration of forests
• Increase soil erosion and stream sedimentation

In Alberta weeds are designated into one of three categories (Restricted, Noxious, or Nuisance) under the The Weed Control Act. Restricted Weeds pose a serious threat and possess characteristics of rapid spread and superior competition. Usually found in small numbers in Alberta they are designated restricted and aggressively eradicated to prevent their establishment. Noxious Weeds have the ability to spread rapidly and cause severe crop losses and economic hardship. By law they must be controlled to prevent further spread. Nuisance Weeds are common throughout the province, but cannot be effectively eradicated.

Bow Valley Ox-eye Daisy Project

In 2003 the Biosphere Institute undertook the Bow Valley Ox-eye Daisy Project in conjunction with other local partners and with support from Environment Canada's EcoAction program. Ox-eye Daisy is one of the most prevalent invasive plants in the Bow Valley, especially in riparian areas along the Bow River.

What Can You Do?

• Please avoid growing Restricted or Noxious weeds in your garden or on your property
• Hand pull any weeds that are present and double bag them for disposal.
• Avoid "wildflower" seed mixes unless you are certain that the mix contains plants that are appropriate for your area. Many of these mixes contain unknown seeds, or seeds that may be outlawed in your municpality or province.
• Try native plants in your garden. For more information visit the Alberta Native Plant Council or download the Recommended Plant Species for Landscaping in Banff National Park document.

For more information about invasive plants in Canmore visit The Town of Canmore website. Or call the Town of Canmore Weed Hot Line at 678-1599