Invasive Species Gallery
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Garlic mustard
Brought to North America by early colonists, this invasive alien plant is now spreading across the continent at a rate of 6,400 square kilometres per year; an area 10 times the size of Toronto.
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Giant hogweed
Giant hogweed is an extremely invasive species that originated from Asia and Eastern Europe. It is a perennial and a member of the carrot and parsley family. Giant hogweed can pose a serious health hazard for humans. If the plant’s watery, clear sap comes into contact with human skin and is then exposed to sunlight, the UV radiation can cause severe burning and weeping blisters.
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Glossy buckthorn
Glossy buckthorn is a non-native tree that was introduced to Canada from Eurasia approximately 100 years ago.
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Japanese barberry
Japanese barberry is an invasive shrub that is native to Japan and was introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant in 1875. The plant is a compact woody deciduous shrub with arching branches.
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Japanese knotweed
Japanese knotweed is a perennial plant originally from eastern Asia. It was brought over to North America in the late 1800s for ornamental purposes and to reduce erosion and feed livestock.
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Leafy spurge
Native to central and southern Europe, leafy spurge is believed to have been transported to North America in the early 19th century, then spread across western Canada.
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Phragmites
Phragmites is an invasive plant species found in wetlands, where it outcompetes native species.
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Policeman's helmet
Himalayan balsam, commonly known as policeman’s helmet, is an invasive alien species threatening wetlands throughout the world.
