British Columbia is home to diverse ecosystems, but invasive plants threaten our native landscapes. Some of the most concerning species are designated as Provincial Containment Species—these plants have a limited distribution in BC compared to their potential range, and our goal is to keep them from spreading further. All known sites on public lands are treated, and private landowners are strongly encouraged to do the same. Awareness is key to protecting our environment. Learn about these six invasive plants, why they’re a problem, and how you can help stop their spread!

Fuller’s Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)

Fuller’s Teasel is an aggressive biennial plant that forms dense stands along roadsides, meadows, and disturbed areas. It starts as a low-growing rosette before shooting up to 2 meters tall, producing spiky, cone-shaped flower heads covered in small purple blooms. The plant spreads rapidly by seed, outcompeting native vegetation and disrupting ecosystems. Left unchecked, it takes over habitats and reduces biodiversity. How to control: Remove young rosettes by digging out the entire taproot before they flower; cutting mature plants before seed production can help reduce spread.

Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)

One of the most toxic plants in the world, Poison Hemlock contains deadly alkaloids that can harm humans and animals even through skin contact or inhalation. This tall, biennial plant can reach up to 3 meters, with hollow, purple-speckled stems and clusters of small white flowers. Commonly found along roadsides, ditches, and streambanks, Poison Hemlock spreads aggressively and remains toxic even after drying. How to control: Carefully dig out the entire root system while wearing protective gear; avoid mowing, as it can release toxic particles into the air. Extreme caution is needed when removing it—wear protective gear, and never compost this plant.

Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)

Wild Parsnip may look like a harmless wildflower, but its sap contains chemicals that react with sunlight, causing severe burns and blisters on exposed skin. Originally introduced as a food crop, it has escaped cultivation and now invades roadsides, fields, and disturbed areas. This biennial plant grows up to 2 meters tall, with grooved stems and yellow umbrella-shaped flowers. How to control: Hand-pull or dig out plants before they flower, ensuring the entire root is removed; wear protective clothing to avoid skin contact with toxic sap.

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

Garlic Mustard is a highly invasive biennial herb that disrupts forest ecosystems by releasing chemicals that prevent native plants from growing. It spreads aggressively in shaded areas, forming dense monocultures that alter soil chemistry and reduce biodiversity. First-year plants grow as rosettes with heart-shaped leaves, while second-year plants develop tall stems with small white flowers. How to control: Pull plants by hand before they set seed, ensuring roots are removed to prevent regrowth; dispose of all plant material in sealed bags. Hand-pulling is effective, but because its seeds remain viable in the soil for years, repeated efforts are needed to fully eradicate infestations.

North Africa Grass (Ventenata dubia)

North Africa Grass is an invasive winter annual grass that reduces forage quality, increases wildfire risk, and accelerates soil erosion. Its wiry, silvery-green stems and open seed heads make it distinct from other invasive grasses. It spreads through contaminated hay, seeds, and vehicles, quickly establishing in rangelands, roadsides, and disturbed areas. Once established, it’s extremely difficult to remove. Prevention is the best control—check hay, clean vehicles, and avoid disturbing infested areas. How to control: Small infestations can be manually removed by pulling or digging out roots.

Japanese Butterbur (Petasites japonicus)

Japanese Butterbur is a fast-spreading perennial that takes over riparian areas, shading out native vegetation and increasing erosion risks. It produces massive kidney-shaped leaves up to 1.2 meters wide, growing in dense colonies along streambanks, wet ditches, and shaded forests. The plant spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes, making removal challenging. How to control: Dig out the entire root system, including underground rhizomes, to prevent regrowth; repeated efforts are often needed for full eradication. Preventing its spread is critical to protecting BC’s waterways.

How to Report an Invasive Species

Early detection and rapid response are key to stopping the spread of these invasive plants. If you spot any of these species, report them immediately!

Within the CKISS Region:
📍 Submit an invasive species report at www.ckiss.ca
📧 Email: info@ckiss.ca
📞 Call the CKISS hotline: 1-844-352-1160

Outside the CKISS Region:
📲 Use the Report Invasives BC App to submit sightings.

Together, we can protect BC’s landscapes from the spread of invasive plants. Help stop them before they take root!