Baby’s breath

• Herbaceous perennial
• Delicate blossoms of white and sometimes pink, with bushy stalks
• Opposite branching pattern, can grow up to 1m tall
• Establishes in well-drained soils, like sand or gravel

• Native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It’s likely that it was introduced as an ornamental plant
• Produces an enormous amount of seeds and while tumbling in the wind, disperses them
• Used ornamentally in flower arrangements, allowing seeds to spread
• Deep root system over-stabilizes the soil and out-competes native species

• When mixed with hay, the protein value of the crop diminishes, therefore less valuable to livestock or wildlife.
• Outcompetes native and introduced grasses

• Baby’s breath is present in limited distribution in some parts of the CKISS region.
• It is currently classified as Eradicate/Annual Control on the CKISS Annual Priority List.
• There are a few Invasive Plant Management Areas (IPMAs) where this species has not been found. It is classified as Regional EDRR for those IPMAs.
• CKISS is taking steps to monitor and manage this species.
• To learn more about how CKISS classifies and manages invasive species, see our Invasive Species Priority Lists page.

Prevention

• Be conscious when buying flower arrangements.
• Be PlantWise and check wildflower mixes before planting. Use the Grow Me Instead on line resource to choose non-invasive plants for your garden.
• Clean equipment and gear before leaving an infested site.
• Dispose invasive species properly at designated disposal sites.

Mechanical

• Mow to reduce seed production, although not always effective with Baby’s breath.
• Baby’s breath is hard to pull due to it’s deep taproot system, cut the root below the ground surface to prevent re-sprouting.

Biological

• No biocontrol currently available in BC.

Chemical

• Non-specific chemical control is available, in accordance with herbicide labeling details, consult a professional.

• Baby’s Breath | ISCBC