It’s that time of year again! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the wildflowers are blooming in wild and urban areas across the province. However, sometimes those wildflowers share more nefarious neighbors: invasive weeds are also blooming happily, to the detriment of native plants. This isn’t only an annoying problem for humans, it also decreases the biodiversity of the land, which in turn is bad for wildlife, especially pollinators. If you’re someone who happens to enjoy how invasive weeds look (and some of them can be quite pretty!), then this is the blog for you. Click the names of each invasive plant to learn more about how to identify and how to get rid of it.
1.) Instead of Yellow Toadflax, plant Yellow beardtongue
Yellow toadflax may look unobtrusive, or even delicate, but it is a determined and aggressive spreader. It is classed as noxious in Alberta, as it outcompetes other native species and disrupts natural grazing lands. Introduced in the 1600s from Wales, it was grown as an ornamental plant, as well as for use in the production of dyes.
A potential native lookalike is Yellow beardtongue, which sports flowers and leaves similar in texture and appearance. It prefers similar conditions to Yellow toadflax, in full sun with a sandy, well-drained soil. It is very attractive to pollinators, especially butterflies, and even hummingbirds!
2.) Instead of Field Scabious, plant Wild Bergamot
Field Scabious was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant, but escaped their botanical confines and now pose a serious threat to native species, particularly in areas important for foraging and grazing animals. These plants reproduce by spreading seeds that have the ability to remain dormant in the soil for many years. Some garden centers may still sell them due to being unaware of the risk they pose.
A good native alternative is Wild bergamot, which is in the beebalm family. As the name suggests, pollinators love it, and they look similar to Field scabious. Both plants prefer full sun regions of the yard, and Wild bergamot isn’t fussy about the soil it’s planted in. It also has a lovely scent to humans, and is deer and rabbit-resistant (meaning it’s not the first choice for a browsing critter)!
3.) Plant Canada Anemone, not White Cockle
White cockle is another invasive plant that threatens pastures and crops. The seeds only stay viable for about three years, however, they can be hard to distinguish from alfalfa seeds, and also can spread through water and irrigation networks. The extensive root system can also result in difficulties with getting rid of it.
A good alternative to help our pollinators is the Canada anemone, an early spring flowering plant that also features uniquely shaped foliage. Both plants prefer similar lighting conditions (full sun), and both prefer the soil to be on the moist side.
4.) Plant Alaskan Burnet, not Common Burdock
Prolific in its native Britain, Common (or Lesser) Burdock was an accidental stowaway from Europe. These plants produce seed-heads that anchor themselves onto whatever they can grab - clothes, fur, and even hair. One plant may produce 15,000 seeds, which spread opportunistically from seed heads unwittingly carried by both animals and humans.
A friendlier (and less spikey!) alternative could be Alaskan burnet. The colour of the bloom is similar, and though it looks pointy, the flowers are actually soft. Bees and butterflies absolutely love the flowers! They do well in full sun, and add a nice textural contrast to most other common garden plants.
5.) Plant Milkweed, not Leafy Spurge
Leafy Spurge is a common problem in the Edmonton area, and though it looks bright and cheerful, this plant actually has properties that can poison livestock, as well as take over areas where native plants should be. When pulling these weeds, take care to wear gloves, because all parts of the plant exude a latex that can irritate human skin.
A much better alternative is perennial milkweed, and though the name implies it is a weed itself, it’s actually a crucial part of North American ecosystems. It is the sole host plant for the iconic Monarch butterfly, which is endangered across its range. Both plants love the sun, and both sport bright, cheery blooms. Milkweed will do fine in average garden soil, and prefers moist areas. Make sure you get perennial milkweed so you and the butterflies can enjoy this plant year after year!
6.) Plant Wild Larkspur, not Black Henbane
Black henbane is classed as a noxious (and poisonous) weed in Alberta. Known to have alkaloids in it that may poison humans or animals, as well as stinky leaves, this weed is especially undesirable. Originally brought to North America as a medicinal herb, it now colonizes whatever open ground is available.
A beautiful alternative to henbane is Wild larkspur (also known as Delphinium), a plant native to Alberta that likes full sun and rocky or sandy soil. Not only are the blooms a wide range of blues, from pale to deep, but they also provide essential food for pollinators. Butterflies and bees alike enjoy this plant!
Where can you get native plants for your garden? Get in touch with the Edmonton Native Plant Society! They often have native plant seeds or seedlings available for purchase at local farmer's markets or special events.
