Invasive Plants FAQs

Noxious weeds are typically non-native plants that have been introduced without their natural insect predators and plant pathogens that help keep them in check in their native habitats. For this reason and because of their aggressive growth, these alien plants can be highly destructive, competitive and difficult to control.

Weed control helps protect our agriculture productivity and biodiversity from the negative impacts of foreign weeds. Vancouver Island and surrounding coastal communities possess some of the world's most diverse and rare ecosystems and support many rare and endangered species that depend on these unique habitats for their survival.

Bylaw No. 2347, Schedule A, lists the invasive species for the electoral areas within the CVRD.

• Weed Control Regulation Bylaw No. 2347, 2001

Homeowners or occupants within the electoral areas of the CVRD are responsible for keeping their property clear from all noxious weeds listed in Bylaw No. 2347, Schedule A.

There are many excellent websites that include photographs of the invasive species listed in Bylaw No. 2347.

• Invasive Species Council of BC
• Coastal Invasive Species Committee 
• Min. of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Ops - The Invasive Alien Plant program (IAPP) application

Using site and species appropriate methods such as hand pulling, digging, cutting and mowing can control invasive plants. Deadhead flowers, seedpods and berries of known invasive plants to prevent reproduction through seeds and to reduce seed spread by birds, wildlife, pets and people. Finally, use proper methods to dispose of invasive plant parts and seeds responsibly.

‘Grow me instead' is a tool developed by the Invasive Plant Council of BC to identify invasive plants frequently found in gardens across BC and to provide suitable alternatives for a range of growing zones in this diverse province.

• Invasive Species Council of BC  
• Coastal Invasive Species Committee

You can participate in local invasive plant programs such as Broombusters and the Comox Valley Naturalists Society. For additional details on how to participate call 250-334-6000.