Invasive Species Council of British Columbia

Play Your Part

Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) This fast-growing plant has escaped gardens and now rapidly spreads into disturbed, open areas and along coastal forest edges, roadsides, and especially on sunny stream edges and riverbanks where it replaces native plants.

Butterfly bush

PlantWise is a provincial program that supports the horticulture industry’s transition to become invasive-free

Most exotic plants in BC were intentionally introduced for their attractiveness as garden plants. Unfortunately, some of these far-away species end up becoming invasive due to a lack of predators and pathogens in their new home. Invasive plants spread rapidly and can have severe impacts on our native ecosystems, way of life, and economy.

Many of these invasive plants are still sold and planted today. Check out our Grow Me Instead resource to learn which invasive plants are most problematic in the horticulture industry, and which alternative species you can “grow instead”!

Grow Me Instead

Grow Me Instead is a key component of the PlantWise program, supporting gardeners and industry in reducing the distribution of invasive plants.

Do you manage a garden centre or nursery? We are currently piloting our updated PlantWise Recognized Retailer program! Sign up at www.recognizedretailer.ca to receive free training for your staff, outreach materials for customers, promotion on our social media and website and more!

More ways to be PlantWise!

Check out our YouTube channel and Publications page for even more information on the identification and impacts of invasive plants and what you can do to help stop the spread.