Invasive Plants on Private Property
May is Invasive Species Action Month in BC!
Learn about and take action on invasive species this month. Visit bcinvasivesmonth.com for virtual events, toolkits, webinars, and contests. For additional info on invasive species and how to control infestations, check out regional resources from the Invasive Species Council of B.C. and Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver. Be sure to also refer to our own Port Moody preferred plant list for recommendations of native plants that are adapted to our local climate, soils, predators, pollinators, and diseases. #BCinvasivesmonth
Invasive plants
Invasive plants are non-native species that grow quickly, reproduce rapidly, and often out-compete crops and native vegetation. They are a threat to the natural ecological process and can reduce shade and shelter, weaken soil and stability, alter wind and water flow, and in some cases can damage property and infrastructure. The City works to control invasive plants on public property.
If there are invasive plants on your private property, please help us by safely removing them.
Stop the spread
Help prevent the spread of invasive plants by following some key practices:
- Plant native or non-invasive species. The Invasive Species Council of BC’s PlantWise program offers information on selecting the right plants to grow in your garden.
- Do not compost invasive plants in your home compost bin. Dispose of invasive plants in the City Green Bin organics waste. Remove and dispose of Knotweed and Giant Hogweed using special attention and care.
- Remove invasive plants on your property to prevent them from spreading
- Never dump garden waste or hanging baskets into natural areas
- Avoid moving soil from one place to another because this spreads seeds of invasive plants
Remove invasive plants
Under the B.C. Weed Control Act, you are required to manage and control certain invasive plants on your property. If you see invasive species in your lawn or garden, you should remove it as soon as possible, especially if it located adjacent to a greenway or natural area. Invasive plants should not be composted in home composters, and in some cases may require special disposal.
Giant Hogweed
Under the B.C. Weed Control Act, you are required to manage and control Giant Hogweed on your property. If you find a Giant Hogweed on your property, we recommend that you contact the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver to help you find a professional to remove the plant. Anyone who has direct contact with this plant should:
- wash the area immediately with mild soap and water
- stay out of direct sunlight
- seek medical help if blisters occur
Knotweed
Under the B.C. Weed Control Act, you are required to manage and control Knotweed species on your property. If you find Knotweed on your property, we recommend that you hire a professional pesticide applicator to remove the plant using recommended approaches. Treatment is often required for multiple years. The City's Pesticide Use Control Bylaw allows the use of pesticides to treat Knotweed species.
Do not attempt to remove or compost Knotweed in your backyard. Digging, pulling or cutting the plant can lead to increased growth.
Identify invasive plants
Check out Invasive Species Council of B.C. and the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver for a full list of invasive plants. They provide images of each plant and information on plant identification. Some of the most common invasive species in Port Moody include:
Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) |
At maturity, this plant grows to 0.3 to 2 m tall. It reproduces by seed, but also spreads through creeping, horizontal roots. Canada Thistle is differentiated from all similar species by the lack of spines on the main stem, small flowers, and height (less than 2 m tall) |
English Holly (Ilex auifolium) |
It often shades native plants depriving them of light. It consumes lots of water and its roots can out-compete forest species for nutrients and water. Seedlings are commonly found in mixed deciduous and coniferous forests around the south coast, along the edges of wetlands and especially near residential areas. For more information on prevention and control, see this Fact Sheet on English Holly |
English Ivy (Hedera helix) |
Ornamental plantings are the key cause for widespread introduction of English Ivy into forests and other natural areas. English Ivy grows all year and because it is well-adapted to the Pacific Northwest climate, it out-completed many other plant species. When it grows up a tree, English Ivy can significantly degrade tree health and increase the risk of a treeing being blown over. It can also cause aesthetic and structural damage to walls, fences and other infrastructure. For more information on prevention and control, see this Fact Sheet on English and Irish Ivies |
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) |
With prolific seed capacity, producing up to 100,000 seeds per plant, Giant Hogweed can spread quickly, dominating native vegetation. If you find Giant Hogweed on your property, take special care during removal. For more information on prevention and control, see this Fact Sheet on Giant Hogweed |
Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus discolor) |
Himalayan Blackberry out-competes low growing native vegetation and prevents the establishment of shade-intolerant trees. This plant often takes over stream channels and stream banks through shading and build-up of leaf litter and dead stems. For more information on prevention and control, see this Fact Sheet on Himalayan Blackberry |
Knotweed Species |
This plant take persistence and diligence to control. It spreads through root and stem fragmentation. Fragments as small as half an inch can form new plants. If you find Japanese Knotweed on your property, take special care to remove it. For more information on prevention and control, see this Fact Sheet on Knotweeds |
Orange Hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum) |
Orange Hawkweed is a relatively new invader to the Metro Vancouver region. It has not been found in many places in Port Moody, but should be treated as quickly as possible so it is eradicated. For more information on prevention and control, see this Fact Sheet on Orange Hawkweed. |
Policeman's Helmet (Impatiens glandulifera) |
Policeman's Helmet will grow tall and dense, displacing other plants and leave bare soil prone to erosion with it dies back each fall. This is especially problematic in and around stream banks. Seeds are produced in tubular pods, which when mature, explode and can launch seeds up to 5 m away. Seedpods can split with little disturbance so significant care needs to be taken to remove the plant after it flowers. When the plant grows along watercourses, seeds can be propelled into the water and transported great distances. For more information on prevention and control, see this Fact Sheet on Policeman’s Helmet |
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) |
Purple Loosestrife can out-compete most native species, yet provides little local food value, cover or nesting material. Seeds remain dormant over winder and germinate the following spring or early summer or they can remain dormant for many years before sprouting. For more information on prevention and control, see this Fact Sheet on Purple Loosestrife |
Reed Canary Grass (phalaris arundinacea) |
This plant was introduced from Europe and Asia for ornamental use and mixed with native grass species. The result, is an aggressive offspring that has spread throughout the central and western region of North America. This mixture of native and invasive species has resulted in debate about the invasiveness and origins of the species in some regions. For more information on prevention and control, see this Fact Sheet on Reed Canarygrass |
Saltmeadow Cordgrass (Spartina patens) |
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Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) |
It invades rangelands, replacing forage plants, and is a serious competitor to conifer seedlings. High density infestations of Scotch Broom can reduce wildlife habitat, hinder vegetation of wetlands and upland sites, and increase wildfire fuel loads. For more information on prevention and control, see this Fact Sheet on Scotch Broom |
Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus) |
Yellow Flag Iris is particularly bad for cattails, sedges, and rushes that are used by many birds for nesting. Plants need to be pulled or cut every year for several years to weaken and eventually kill the plant. Skin can be irritated by this plant, and gloves and appropriate clothing should be word during disposal. For more information on prevention and control, see this Fact Sheet on Yellow Flag Iris. |
Yellow Lamium (Lamium galeobdolon) |
Lamium is a popular ornamental plant that is very aggressive and well adapted to growing in shaded and open areas. Seeds can be transported up to 70 m away from the parent plant. The plant also spreads with roots that smother native plants. For more information on prevention and control, see this Fact Sheet on Yellow Lamium. |
Report invasive plants on public property
If you see an invasive plant on City property, please contact us by email at or call 604-469-4574. You will need to provide the following information:
- specific location of the sighting
- date of the sighting
- identification of the plant and a picture, if possible
- your contact information, in case the City needs any more details
You can also report directly using the “Report Invasives BC” or “Report a Weed” apps and report directly to relevant organizations
Invasive plant support
For more information on other invasive plants, how to control infestations, and non-invasive gardening options please visit: