Plant Wise

Humans are largely responsible for the movement of invasive species from one area to another. Many human-assisted pathways have permitted the introduction of invasive species in Nova Scotia. One of these pathways is the garden and horticultural trade. Many invasive species are sold as plants for gardens. Unfortunately, they take over gardens very quickly and can quickly escape cultivation and spread into neighbouring ecosystems.

We have created a Grow Me Instead Guide which highlights some common invasive species used in gardens and offers native or non-invasive alternatives. This will help guide gardeners and landscapers choose non-invasive and native plants that will thrive in their gardens and not harm native ecosystems!

Goals and Objectives of Plant Wise

Partnerships 

Develop and promote partnerships between national and provincial horticulture/nursery associations, the CCIS and its provincial members.

Standard Messaging

Promote branding, information sharing, resource consistency, and standard messaging amongst the provincial horticulture outreach groups.

Education

Educate gardeners, garden retailers, nurseries, growers, and the landscape industry to:

  • Understand what invasive plants are, why they’re a problem, and what they can do to prevent their spread
  • Stop buying and selling invasive plants
  • Promote the sale and purchase of non-invasive alterative plants
  • Control or replace invasive plant species
  • Dispose of unwanted plants/plant material properly.

Collaboration

Collaborate with national groups participating in the program.

Code of Conduct

Implement a national voluntary code of conduct for nurseries and retailers.

Invasive Species in Nova Scotia

Purple Loosestrife

Fact Sheet Vascular Plant Lythrum salicaria | Other Names: Loosestrife, Spiked Loosestrife Description Stems arise from perennial rootstock. 30-50 stalks can arise from a single

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Garlic Mustard

Fact Sheet VASCULAR PLANT Alliaria petiolata Description Herbaceous biennial, with vegetative rosette in the first year. Leaves 2-12 cm wide, dark green, kidney shaped, smelling

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Woodland Angelica

Fact Sheet VASCULAR Angelica sylvestris Description Large biennial member of the carrot family commonly 1-2 m tall when flowering from July to September. Small, fragrant

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Common Reed

Fact Sheet Vascular Plant Phragmites australis ssp. australis | Elephant Grass, Giant Reedgrass Description Very tall, stout grass, often reaching heights of 3 m or

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