Invasive Species
Autumn olive
Autumn olive, along with several other non-native invasive shrubs, was planted in southern Ontario in the 1970s by well-meaning land managers thinking that they would provide excellent wildlife habitat.
Canada thistle
Despite its name, this invasive thistle is not from Canada. It is believed to have come over from the eastern Mediterranean region. It was likely one of the first weeds that early settlers imported to North America.
Cynoglosse (« herbe à corne »)
European swallow-wort, most commonly known as dog-strangling vine, is a member of the milkweed family. Despite its name, it doesn't pose any real threat to dogs.
Emerald ash borer
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a green beetle that was first discovered in North America in 2002. It is native to Asia and is a threat to the entire North American Fraxinus genus, commonly known as ash trees.
European buckthorn berries
European buckthorn is native to Eurasia. It was introduced to North America as an ornamental shrub for fencerows and wildlife habitat. This invasive alien species is found in Manitoba and is a large problem in natural areas in Winnipeg. (Photo by Helen Fabbri, City of Winnipeg Naturalist Services Branch)