To understand what an invasive species is, you must first understand the difference between an exotic species and a native species.

An exotic species is any species, including its seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material capable of propagating that species, that is not native to that habitat.

Other terms sometimes used for exotic species include:

non-native

non-indigenous

alien

A native species is a species that, other than as a result of an introduction, historically occurs/occurred in that particular habitat.

An invasive species is an exotic species whose introduction into an ecosystem in which the species is not native causes, or is likely to cause, environmental or economic harm or harm to human health. It is important to note that when we talk about a species being invasive, we are talking about ecosystem or environmental boundaries, not political ones.

A noxious weed is an invasive plant that is legislated under the BC Weed Control Act.

No, not all exotic species are invasive.

In many cases, a species not native to an area is not adapted to it. If you introduced African elephants to the Yukon - they likely would not survive. Likewise, many typical garden vegetables are not native to BC yet they grow without becoming invasive. In other cases, however, a new species can do well in a new habitat, such as zebra mussels introduced to the Great Lakes or knapweed on agricultural land.

Although there is not one specific trait or a specific set of traits common to all invasive species, there is a suite of traits that invasive species often have. Not all invasive species will have all of these traits, but most invasive species seem to have one or more:

- High rate of reproduction

- Pioneer Species (able to colonize areas after they have been disturbed)

- Short generation times

- Long-lived

- High dispersal rates

- Single-parent reproduction

- Vegetative or clonal reproduction

- High genetic variability

- Broad native range / Tolerant of wide range of conditions (can live in many different types of habitats)

- Abundant in native range

- Broad diet

- Phenotypic plasticity (the ability to alter growth form to suit current conditions)

- Human commensal (lives in close association with humans)

It all starts with IDing! Try downloading Seek or iNaturalist to start your plant ID journey. Once you get some names, you can find out where they are from. You can also email photos to info@ekisc.com to help in your search.

Once you have determined you have invasive species, you are required by law to manage noxious invasive plants on your property.

Many plants are controllable through mechanical methods (hand pulling, digging, grazing, mowing) but in some cases you may need to use herbicide. In some cities there are by-laws prohibiting the use of herbicide to control weeds; when this is the case, noxious invasive species are exempt.

Species in this book are exempt:

The easiest way to report an invasive species is by using the Report Invasives app using your phone. Reporting with the app sends your information directly to the IAPP mapping and reporting system and it is then directed to the correct regional councils.

If it is a high priority species you can also email photos and location directly to info@ekisc.com