Recreation Parks & Culture»Parks & Trails»Invasive Plants

Invasive Plants

Invasive plants kill native plants and destroy Coquitlam's beautiful natural habitat. We need your help to stop the introduction and spread of garden plants that can be harmful to people, animals and ecosystems.

Invasive plants harm the environment.

Invasive plants are non-native plants that were introduced to our environment through seeds, cuttings, garden plants, etc. They spread aggressively and take over the natural environment. They push out native plants, including endangered species, and destroy habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife. They can also cause erosion and silt problems in creeks and impact aquatic creatures. Invasive plants are expensive to control and eradicate. Some, like Giant Hogweed, are even dangerous to human health. Quite simply, they are Bad Seeds.

Read Coquitlam's Invasive Plant Management Strategy for more information.

Help prevent invasive plants from spreading.

Never dump garden waste or hanging baskets into natural areas.
Dispose of plant material through the City’s Green Can Program.
Avoid buying plants promoted as fast spreaders or vigorous self-seeders as they are often invasive.
Grow native plants in your garden - for more information contact the Native Plant Society of British Columbia
Contain or remove invasive plants on your property to prevent them from spreading to other properties.
Control weeds that grow under bird feeders from falling seeds as they can become a source of invasive plants.
Use caution when ordering plant seeds over the Internet or through catalogues. Introducing foreign seeds are a key way that invasive plants find their way into our community.
Read the Grow Me Instead brochure to learn about BC's most "unwanted" plants, along with recommended alternatives.

Common Invasive Plant Species
English Ivy Hedera helix A climber that smothers almost all vegetation and can kill trees.
Yellow Lamium Lamiastrum galeobdolon Common to hanging baskets, it acts like ivy, smothering native plants.
Periwinkle Vinca minor This trailing vine displaces native plants needed by wildlife.
Morning Glory Convolvulus arvensis This very persistent climbing vine smothers native plants.
Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica Dense, tall thickets can grow from a small root or stem, crowding out other plants.
Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum Known for its umbrella shaped flower heads, it can reach up to 15 feet and its sap can cause severe burns.

Giant Hogweed

Giant Hogweed is a non-native invasive plant recently found in Coquitlam. Giant Hogweed poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. The clear sap found in its stem and hairs can result in severe burns and blistering. Children have used the large, hollow stems as pea shooters and telescopes resulting in burns to the mouth and/or eyes. If sap enters the eyes, it can cause temporary or permanent blindness.

Staff are monitoring public lands for signs of Giant Hogweed and are asking for the community's help to identify and eliminate Giant Hogweed in Coquitlam.

Please report Giant Hogweed in Coquitlam, by using the Online Hogweed Reporting Form or by contacting:

Parks, Recreation and Culture
Phone: 604-927-6300
Email: parks@coquitlam.ca

Description

Very tall, reaching up to 5 metres
White flower heads reach up to 1.5 metres in diameter, bloom in mid August
Leaves are shiny and large with coarse, jagged edges
Stalks have purple spots or streaks and stiff bristly hairs
Typically grows on riverbanks, ravines, vacant lots or along roads, but can also occur on residential property

Removal and Disposal

If you find Giant Hogweed on your property, it needs to be removed as per the City's Noxious Weed Bylaw No. 4181, 2010.

It is best to let a professional remove this plant
CAUTION - If you are going to remove the plant yourself, always wear protective, waterproof clothing, gloves and safety goggles and follow Work Safe BC instructions on their safety bulletin and video.
NEVER compost the plant or put in your Green Can.
Dispose of all plant parts in double-bagged garbage bags and put out for curbside collection.
Do not transfer soil from within four metres of the plant as the soil may contain Giant Hogweed seed.
Continue to monitor the area for several years.
If you are exposed to Giant Hogweed, wash the affected area immediately, keep it out of the sun and seek medical advice.

Volunteering Opportunities

If you would like to volunteer for invasive plant removal events in Coquitlam visit the Environment Volunteer Opportunities page or email parkswork@coquitlam.ca for more information.