Invasive plant of the month

Burning Bush is an invasive species that could be replaced by Northern Spicebush.

A native plant species is a species that has historically existed in a specific location. Native plants have evolved over time to survive in the soil and climate of their ecosystem.

Insects, birds and wildlife have evolved together with these native species to create robust and healthy ecosystems.

A non-native species is one that has been introduced either intentionally or accidentally to an area.

Many flowers, shrubs and trees in your garden may be non-native. They may not be harmful to the ecosystem, but they may not support as much diversity as native plants.

Invasive plant species are those non-native plants that cause harm to the environment, our economy and human health.

They crowed out native plants or change the chemistry of the soil, so no native plants can grow.

They create havoc for insects, birds and wildlife, who often cannot use invasive plants for food or shelter.

A 2008 report on invasive plant species in Canada shows that their annual impacts on agriculture, crops and forestry was approximately $7.5 billion. That doesn’t include costs to human health or the environment, and costs are rising rapidly.

Garden centres continue to sell invasive species and many of us knowingly plant them in our gardens.

As we learn more, we can begin to pull out our invasive plants (Burning Bush, Barberry, Periwinkle, Creeping Jenny) and replace them with native plants.

The Municipality of Bluewater is the first municipality in Ontario to pass a motion urging the federal government to reduce the threats posed by invasive species introduced through the ornamental/horticultural trades.

Invasive species to focus on:

Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)

Burning Bush, also known as winged euonymus, was introduced to North America in the 1800s and was grown for its attractive growth form and vibrant bright red fall foliage.

Today, it is widely available in garden centres.

Many red berries are produced, which are consumed by wildlife and deposited elsewhere, enabling this shrub to naturalize outside intended areas.

This shrub is seen as an inferior source of food and habitat compared with similar sized native shrubs.

Burning Bush will thrive in a dry woodland setting, such as Pinery Provincial Park in Grand Bend, which is one of the reasons it has been found to take over from natives, even in deep shade.

Please don’t plant this aggressive beauty, and if you own a Burning Bush already and aren’t willing to dig it up, try to get the berries off before the birds do.

Even cutting it back drastically in the autumn means fewer berries will end up in the wrong place.

How to manage Burning Bush:

Managing Burning Bush is challenging but achievable with persistence and a multi-step approach.

Manual Removal – Small bushes can be dug out by using a shovel, bush puller or weed wrench. If berries are still present on the branches, do not put this shrub in the municipal compost.

Smothering – Larger bushes can be cut to the ground and covered with a tarp to block sunlight.

Herbicide Treatment – Alternatively, larger bushes can be cut to the ground, followed immediately by herbicide treatment to prevent re-growth. Use herbicides only as a last resort, following local regulations to minimize environmental harm.

After removal, replant the area with regionally appropriate native plants.

This step is essential to prevent reinfestation and to restore ecosystem health.

Native plans will also attract pollinators and wildlife, improving biodiversity in your garden. A good choice would be Northern Spicebush (Lindera Bensoin).

Education is key to combating invasive plants. Learn to identify invasive species and choose native or non-invasive alternatives for your garden.

Focus on managing one or two invasive plants at a time and be patient.

For more information visit www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/resources/grow-me-instaed

Renee Sandelowsky from the Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation