Why Eliminate Invasive Plants from Guide to PLANT WISE Gardening INVASIVE - AVOID USE your Garden 4 Make good choices. Purchase and grow non-invasive DAME’S ROCKET AVOID PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE AVOID HIMALAYAN BALSAM AVOID COMMON BABY’S AVOID (AKA LYTHRUM ‘MORDEN PINK’, ‘MORDEN GLEAM’) (AKA HIMALAYAN ORCHID, POLICEMAN’S HELMET) plants. Select the right plant for the right place. Hesperis matronalis Some plants from other parts of the globe, originally Lythrum salicaria Impatiens glandulifera BREATH introduced as garden flowers, for landscapes, or for their 4 Replace existing invasive plants in your garden with Often confused with garden phlox Referred to as “the beautiful killer”. Tall Fast growing annual. Impressive size, Gypsophila paniculata medicinal or food value, have jumped the garden fence non-invasive plants (5 petals; opposite leaves), Dame’s rocket strong purple spires. Takes over ponds, rapidly out-competes plants in riparian Ornamental perennial used in floral (4 petals; alternate leaves) is a prolific seed to become invasive in the natural environment. Invasive beaches, marshes, farm dugouts, irrigation areas and along shorelines. Orchid shaped arrangements. In winter, stems break 4 Properly dispose of invasive plants. Remove invasive producer. Flowers are magenta to pink canals. A mature plant can produce 2.5 flower resembles a British policeman’s off, blowing around in the wind, like plants are spread, intentionally and unintentionally, by plants before they flower to prevent seed spread. Either or white. Found in “wildflower” mixes. million seeds. Ornamental cultivars are helmet. Seed capsules explode, tumbleweeds, spreading seed to pastures people and their activities. They have no natural predators Especially problematic near woodlands. very fertile when cross pollinated. Copious catapulting seeds 6 metres. Shallow roots and natural areas. Widespread infestations

burn them or bag them for landfill disposal. Never R. Mueller Hanna D. Hanna D. Leekie J. to stop their spread so they survive, thrive, and dominate, dispose of invasive plants “over the fence” in natural pollen sources for wild plants. make it easily controlled by hand-pulling. across Canada and northern United States. in the wild. Accidental or intentional, these invaders cause areas or parks. Never compost invasive plants! not only environmental and habitat degradation, but social NATIVE & ORNAMENTAL ALTERNATIVES NATIVE & ORNAMENTAL ALTERNATIVES NATIVE & ORNAMENTAL ALTERNATIVES NATIVE & ORNAMENTAL ALTERNATIVES and economic loss as well. Their growth and rapid spread 4 Check reliable local sources before you plant. Do your is detrimental to native plants and damages natural areas, research. Ask your local garden centre or ask a local David’s Lavender Garden Tall Larkspur Smooth Blue Beard-Tongue; German Statice rangelands, parks, watersheds and lakes. They threaten the horticulture expert. Check out www.abinvasives.ca Phlox Delphinium glaucum Shining Penstemon Goniolimon tataricum Phlox paniculata Penstemon nitidus biodiversity of our native habitat and endanger wildlife. 4 Trade only plants and seeds you know are non-invasive. ‘David’s Lavender’ Alberta native. Rising from a woody Prickly heads of tiny white flowers. Stunning lavender-pink blossoms on rootstock, this stout, tall perennial has Alberta native. A beautiful small species Low rosettes of leathery green leaves. 4 While only about 10% of introduced ornamental plants Consider native plants.Use local suppliers only. Check tall stocks. Fragrant. Blooms mid to deeply cut leaves, and both stem and with very gray, glaucous foliage and spikes Branching heads of flowers bloom July

BCLNA leaves have a grayish, waxy covering. – August. For rock gardens, xeriscaping, actually become invasive, effective action needs to be out the Alberta Native Plant Council www.anpc.ab.ca late summer. Highly mildew resistant. of beautiful sky-blue flowers in May and Deer resistant. Attracts hummingbirds, Spikes of deep blue to purple flowers up to June. Zone: 3 edging or containers. Excellent as fresh taken to avoid planting the ones that do. Choosing suitable 4 Avoid collecting pretty “wildflowers” from roadsides butterflies. Other varieties such as ‘Flame 30 cm tall. Zone: 3 or dried flowers. Popular for wreaths.

alternatives can help prevent future spread and serve to or natural areas. Many are highly aggressive invasive Blue’ also available. Zone: 3 Dow Gardens Smith M. T. Tannery Attracts butterflies. CAUTION: All plant S. Collet parts poisonous if eaten. Zone: 3 protect and preserve Alberta’s natural environment. plants. Allow true native plants to thrive in their natural Ht. 106 cm; W. 38-45 cm Ht.90-180 cm; W. 45-60 cm Ht. 20-30 cm; W. 15-25 cm Ht. 25-40 cm; W. 30-45 cm setting. Purple Smoke Baptisia Floristan Violet / Blazing Gas Plant Yarrow Against the Law 4 Avoid pre-packaged wildflower mixes unless contents Baptisia australis ‘Purple Smoke’ Star (aka Gayfeather) Dictamus albus var. purpureus Achillea millefolium are identified and contain only non-invasive species. Hybrid. Tall, bushy mound of grey-green Liatris spicata ‘Floristan Violet’ Long-lived, unique perennial. Lemon Alberta native. Herbaceous perennial with 4 Encourage others to plant non-invasive plants and to foliage. Long spikes of smoky violet-blue Selected from a native prairie wildflower. scented, glossy green leaves. Bushy, broad, flattened heads of flowers and It is against the law to grow any of the invasive plants and purple flowers on black stems. Good upright clumps. Spikes of spidery-looking feathery leaves. Commercial cultivars with featured. The Alberta Weed Control Act was put in place replace existing invasive plants. Tall spikes, bright magenta-purple flowers. R. Mueller substitute for Lupines. Excellent cut-flower. Blossoms in midsummer. Useful in sunny mauve-pink flowers. Flowers early varying flower colours are available. Zone: 3 to protect Alberta. Find factsheets on all regulated plants, 4 Use mulches and/or ground covers in open garden Attracts butterflies. Zone: 3 border, meadow gardens, or containers. summer. Worthwhile for cutting. Attracts AVOID USE Noxious and Prohibited Noxious, at www.abinvasives.ca Commercial cut flower. Attractive to butterflies. Zone: 2 (Invasive) areas to prevent invasive plants from establishing R. Channon R. butterflies. Zone: 3 Klooster W. Leekie J. 4 The introduction and spread of invasive alien species is Report location of invasive plants to local weed inspector. Ht. 90-120 cm; W. 60-90 cm Ht. 75-95 cm; W. 35-45 cm Ht. 60-90 cm; W. 45-60 cm Ht. 60-90 cm; W. 60-90 cm Dame’s Rocket Hesperis matronalis affecting Canada’s environment, economy and society, Southcombe Double Karl Foerster Feather Cardinal Flower Russian Sage including human health. The current threats posed by Cranesbill Reed Grass Lobelia cardinalis Perovskia atriplicilfolia existing and potentially invasive alien species are significant This guide shows you what plants to avoid and examples of good, non- N. Bakker Geranium oxonianum ‘Southcombe Double’ Calamagrostis acutifolia‘Karl Foerster’ and growing at an alarming rate. It is essential for Canada invasive alternatives to consider for your Alberta garden. Choose the An eastern North American native Upright bush. Fragrant, grey-green foliage. herbaceous perennial that grows well Lavender blue blossoms. Flowers July GROW ME INSTEAD David’s Lavender to address invasive alien species. Canada needs to take right plant for the right place. Unusual double flowers with layers of 2001 Perennial of the Year. Strong upright (Ornamental) Garden Phlox bright pink petals. Blooms from June to feature. Tall spikes, soft greenish flowers, in wet or even boggy soils. Flowers are to October. Good for cut flowers/dry (Phlox paniculata measures to protect and conserve natural resources, August. A true geranium. Versatile and turning rose, then straw-coloured. brilliant vermillion red, produced through arrangements. Attracts butterflies. Zone: 4 ‘David’s Lavender’) This booklet references the associated industries, as well as the health of wildlife and United States Department nearly carefree. Compact plants excellent Welcome winter accent. Zone: 3 summer into fall on flowering stalks a humans. of Agriculture (USDA) for edging and borders. Zone: 4 metre in height. Cultivars with green or

J. Ruter bronze-purple leaves and white or pink Lewis C. Dow Gardens Grow Me Instead profiles are recommended —An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada, September 2004 Hardiness Zone System, flowers are available. Zone: 2 alternatives to Alberta’s most unwanted and reflects knowledge and Ht. 30-40 cm; W. 30-60 cm Foliage Ht. 90-120 cm; Flower Ht. 150-200 cm; W. 60-90 cm Ht. 60-120 cm; W. 30-60 cm Ht. 80-100 cm; W. 60-90 cm experience of the Alberta horticultural plants nursery industry. ALSO CONSIDER: Autumn Joy Sedum (Sedum x ‘Autumn Joy’), ALSO CONSIDER: Spike Speedwell (Veronica spicata), Zone 3; ALSO CONSIDER: Blue Boy Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Blue ALSO CONSIDER: Hewitt’s Double Meadow Rue (Thalictrum Zone 2. Blood-red Iris (Iris sanguinea), Zone 4; and Wilson’s Ligularia Boy’), Zone 3; Blue columbine (Aquilegia brevistyla) Alberta native, delavayi ‘Hewitt’s Double), Zone 3; White Meadowsweet spirea (Ligularia wilsoniana), Zone 2. Zone 3; Candale larkspur (Delphinium elatum), Zone 2; and Pink (Spiraea betuifolia), an Alberta native, Zone 3; Sea lavender A Guide for Alberta 2015 turtle (Chelone lyonii, C. oblique), Zone 3. (Limonium latifolium), Zone 3; and Pussytoes (Rosy: Antennaria rosa, and Showy Everlasting: A. pulcherrima), an Alberta native, Zone 3. INVASIVE - AVOID USE YELLOW CLEMATIS AVOID FLOWERING RUSH AVOID PALE YELLOW IRIS AVOID BIGHEAD KNAPWEED AVOID SALT CEDAR AVOID WILDFLOWER MIXES AVOID (AKA GRASSY RUSH, WATER GLADIOLUS) (AKA YELLOW FLAG IRIS, WATER FLAG, YELLOW IRIS) (AKA ARMENIAN BASKETFLOWER, GLOBE CENTAUREA, (AKA ‘SUMMER GLOW’, ‘PINK CASCADE’, TAMARISK) (Pre-packaged) (Clematis tangutica) GOLDEN THISTLE, YELLOW/LEMON FLUFF KNAPWEED, (Butomus umbellatus) (Iris pseudacorus) YELLOW HARDHEAD) (Tamarix spp.) Many “Wildflower” mixes contain seeds Spreading vine. Yellow, pendant flowers. Cattail-like perennial found in lakes, ponds Perennial plant introduced as a pond (Centaurea macrocephala) Deciduous shrub/small tree that grows of non-native plant species legislated Seeds have silky, long tufts easily carried and irrigation canals. Introduced as an ornamental. Pale yellow flowers. Has 3-4 metres along creeks, rivers, ponds. as invasive. Contents are rarely listed Long-lived perennial out-competes native on wind and water. Aggressive plant ornamental in water gardens. Leaves tuberous roots and reproduces by seed Scale-like leaves concentrate salt from accurately by scientific names. The wide vegetation. Reproduces by seed. Yellow once established. Urban and natural area are triangular in cross section and often and fast-moving rhizomes. Forms dense ground water in soil—makes it unsuitable variety of common names used for some florets on a large flower base or “big head”. infestations are becoming more common confused with sedges. Pink flowers borne thickets which increase sedimentation for native plants/shrubs. Deep rooted plants adds to the confusion. Never Very difficult to remove once established. displacing native flora and increasing fire in umbrella shaped clusters. Reproduces and completely changes the habitat. and consumes 750 litres of water/day. purchase a seed mix without the packet R. Vidéki L. Mehrhoff R. Mueller Brought in as a garden ornamental. Wikimedia Miheco hazard. Also moving into mountain Parks. by seed and rhizomatous roots. Produces 600,000 seeds annually. being clearly labeled with scientific names. NATIVE & ORNAMENTAL ALTERNATIVES NATIVE & ORNAMENTAL ALTERNATIVES NATIVE & ORNAMENTAL ALTERNATIVES NATIVE & ORNAMENTAL ALTERNATIVES NATIVE & ORNAMENTAL ALTERNATIVES INSTEAD, TRY... Acknowledgements This brochure was based on the following publications: Weed Wise Honeybelle Honeysuckle Northern Iris (aka Arctic Iris, Butter and Sugar Iris Tall Coneflower Joe Pye Weed “Purple Plant individual packets Gardening (Alberta Invasive Plants Council); and PlantWise, Grow Me Lonicera x brownii Beachead Iris) Iris siberica ‘Butter and Sugar’ Rudbeckia laciniata Bush” of your favourite flowers. It is far LESS Instead (Invasive Species Council of British Columbia). The Plant Wise and work than battling unwanted invasive Iris setosa Eupatorium maculatum ‘Purple Bush’ Grow Me Instead initiatives are on the way to being used across Canada. Deep golden coloured flowers. Compact Siberica-type iris that is easy to grow, Features daisy-like flowers (to 3.5” across) plants for years. twining vine. Clean, round medium-green Perennial spreading from thick rhizomes. and trouble-free. This plant forms clumps with drooping, yellow petals and dome- Outstanding dusty-pink flower display. And many thanks to the following for their contributions: foliage. Blossoms throughout season. Flowers are pale to dark purple; includes a of grassy foliage with late spring display like, green center disks. Long mid to late Blooms August-October. Durable, Nicole Kimmel, Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. white form (‘Alba’). Grow in the front of a of bicolored flowers of buttery-yellow summer bloom period. Remove spent large herbaceous perennial. Attracts Make your own “wildflower” mix Daniel Laubhann, City of Edmonton Zone: 4 border, sunny edge of a woodland garden, and white, and repeat blooms. Excellent blooms to encourage a fall rebloom. Divide butterflies. (Note: Spotted Joe Pye Weed, Purchase packets of your favourite flowers, in the colours and Dave Hayman, City of Calgary or a bog garden; miniatures are suitable at the waterside, or in a moist border. clumps to control growth. The young E. maculatum, is native to Alberta, with pink sizes right for your garden, mix them and plant your own

Andrea Eastham, Industrial Forestry Service Ltd Crocus for the rock garden. Royal Horticultural MannersM. Also suitable for using in tubs and mixed D. Conrad leaves are excellent raw in salads. Zone: 3 B. Tokarska-Guzik flowers and medicinal properties.) Zone: 3 Rushbrooke B. “wildflower” garden. containers. Zone: 3 Julianne Leekie, Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) Ht. 3-6 m; W. 3-6 m Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Zone: 3 Ht. 15-50 cm; W. spreads Ht. 60-80 cm; W. 50 cm Ht. 90-120 cm; W. 50-90 cm Ht. 210 cm; W. 150 cm Dropmore Scarlet Trumpet Water Sedge, Awned Sedge Japanese Iris Globeflower ‘Golden Queen’ Queen of the Prairies Consider local native plants Research the native plant growers/suppliers within your local Carex aquatilis, C. atherodes Iris ensata Filapendula rubra ‘Venustra’ PRINTED: MARCH 2015 Honeysuckle or ‘Orange Queen’ area. Choose one of the most reputable local sources for seed to Lonicera x brownii ‘Scarlet Trumpet’ Alberta native sedges. Adapted to wet soils. Tall plant that bears 3 or 4 purple or red- Trollius chinensis Bold accent plant. Coarsely divided green ensure species planted are actually native to, and adapted for, a Fast growing twining vine with waxy Tufted, grass-like perennials with linear purple blooms 6 -12 inches across, on single An extremely popular perennial that bursts leaves. Forms mounds with large panicles specific area. FUNDING PROVIDED BY: leaves that are shorter than stems; Water stems. Prominently ribbed leaves are 24 to of bright pink flowers. Sturdy upright green leaves and showy orange to into colour in late spring and early summer Caution: Regional mixes (those listed for certain general areas Sedge is leafier and often they have a bluish 36 inches long. Low maintenance, requiring stems. Zone: 2 scarlet trumpet-shaped flowers. Blooms and has contrasting deep green leaves. e.g. Prairie mixes) don’t necessarily contain native seed. throughout the summer. Prefers full sun, white cast. Both have flower clusters in only feeding and division every few years. Easy care, it grows well in a sunny or part- but will grow and flower with partial shade. erect, cylindrical spikes. Zone: 2 Ideal for ponds, streams, or boggy areas. In shaded border, also at the edge of moist See also: Alberta Native Plant Council’s Guidelines for Purchase

Developed in Manitoba for Canadian prairie Perryhill Nurseries B. Kers beds, they require a few extra waterings in Juuyoh T. woodland. Flowers will last a few days when Fotoculus L. Ruk and Use of Wildflower Seed Mixes: www.anpc.ab.ca a season. Zone: 3 conditions. Zone: 4 Ht. 3-4 m Ht. 20-120 cm; W. 20-30 cm Ht. 50-100 cm; W. 100 cm cut. Zone: 3 Ht. 75-90 cm; W. 45-60 cm Ht. 120-180 cm; W. 60-90 cm Western White Clematis Small-flowered Bulrush Common Cattail Prairie Coneflower aka Lilacs (aka Old Man’s Beard) (aka Small-fruited Bulrush) Typha laitfolia Mexican Hat Syringa spp. Clematis ligusticifoliavar. ligusticifolia Scirpus microcarpus Alberta native. A stout-stemmed perennial Ratibida columnifera Classic fragrance. Local nurseries carry often found in dense clumps. Broad linear This perennial is a valuable addition to varieties for cold climates. Blooms vary Alberta native. Lovely white flowers One of a few native bulrushes found in leaf blades. The dense, brown, cylindrical dry sunny borders, being drought tolerant from early spring to mid-summer. Adapted with yellow centers. Blooms June/July. marshes, stream banks, ponds, and wet flowering spike persists through autumn and suitable for xeriscaping. The flowers to many soil types/climates. Variety of uses, Decorative “Old Man’s Beard” seed head. ditches. Suitable for garden ponds and before becoming a downy mass of white. resemble small hats, with yellow reflexed from low urban hedges, e.g. Dwarf Korean Twining climber. Zone: 3 wetland margins. Has basal, strap-like By its creeping rootstocks, this typical ray petals and large greenish-brown Lilac (S. meyeri ‘Palibin’), to large shrubs for leaves; stiff, upright stems; and, flower

B. Olsen LavinM. marsh plant forms dense stands in shallow T. Webster columnar centers. Attracts bees, butterflies Shrader B. screening, e.g. Donald Wyman Lilac (S. x Drennan A. clusters with radiating branches. Zone: 2 water. Zone: 3 and birds. Flowers good for cutting. Zone: 3 hyacinthiflora ‘Donald Wyman’). Zone: 3 PREVENTION INSPIRED Spreads up to 20 m Ht. 30-100 cm; W. 100 cm Ht. 120-180 cm; W. 120-180 cm Ht. 60-90 cm; W.40-50 cm Ht. 1.5 – 4 m; W. 1.5 – 3 m ALBERTA PROTECTED ALSO CONSIDER: Golden Hops Vine (Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’), ALSO CONSIDER: Water plantain (Alisama pantago-aquatica), Zone 3; ALSO CONSIDER: Bearded Iris yellow cultivars (Iris germanica), ALSO CONSIDER: Hardy Lily Species such as Dahurican ALSO CONSIDER: Wichita Blue Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum Zone 3; and Persian Yellow Rose (Rosa foetida periana), Zone 4. Narrow-leaved cotton grass (Eriophorum angustifolium), Zone 3. Zone 3; and Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustrus), Alberta native, Zone 2. (Lillium dauricum (L. pensylvanicum)), Zone 3; and Lemon Daylily ‘Wichita Blue’), Zone 3; Tolleson’s Blue Weeping Juniper (Juniperus www.abinvasives.ca | [email protected] (Hemerocallis flava (H. lilioasphodelu)), Zone 3. scopulorum ‘Tolleson’s Blue Weeping’), Zone 3; and Prickly Wildrose (Rosa acicularis), Zone 2. Indian Paintbrush, by Sarowen