Thompson-Nicola Invasive Plant Management Committee

10/06/2026

Invasive Plant of the Week: Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Common Tansy is an invasive perennial plant originally introduced from Europe. It spreads mainly through its seeds, though it can also spread through creeping roots. It is most commonly found in sunny areas with well-drained soils, such as roadsides and open fields. Neat fact: each plant can produce over 2000 seeds! Check out the factsheet at https://www.tnrd.ca/invasive_plant/common-tansy/

09/21/2026

Invasive Cabomba (Fanwort) Confirmed in B.C.

Cabomba, also known as Fanwort, has been found in a private waterway in the Lower Mainland — the first confirmed open-water occurrence in western Canada. The Province is responding through its Early Detection Rapid Response program.

This invasive aquatic plant spreads quickly, forms dense growth, and can harm aquatic ecosystems. It was likely introduced through a private aquarium.Even though this detection is outside the Thompson-Nicola region, we can all help prevent aquatic invasive species from spreading:

• Don’t release aquarium plants, animals, or water into waterways.
• Clean, Drain, Dry boats and gear.
• Report suspected sightings to the Province of B.C.

Early detection helps protect B.C.’s waters!

09/21/2026

A destructive invasive pest, spotted lanternfly, has been detected for the first time in Ontario and Canada. On September 15, 2026, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the first detection of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Canada in Windsor, Ontario. Read more here:

A destructive invasive pest, spotted lanternfly, has been detected for the first time in Ontario and Canada. On September 15, 2026, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the first detection of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Canada in Windsor, Ontario.   Sp...

08/29/2026

🌿 Did you know invasive plants can completely change a landscape?

Invasive species often create monocultures, areas where just one plant species dominates. Invaders disrupt the ecosystem balance when they form monocultures; they eliminate native plants, lower biodiversity and alter the use of the habitat greatly.

Scotch Thistle is a prime example of this. It can grow up to 3 metres tall, forming dense, spiny barriers that make it difficult for wildlife and livestock to move through an area.

Learn how to identify this plant to help stop the spread!
https://www.tnrd.ca/invasive_plant/scotch-thistle/

08/29/2026

That's a wrap on another successful summer of Earth Kids! 🌱

A huge shout-out to all our amazing participants who helped protect our parks by learning about and removing invasive plants!

08/27/2026

Can you tell these plants apart?

Invasive plants can be sneaky and can often be confused for similar looking plants. This weeks example is the invasive Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) and the non-invasive Common Dill (Anethum graveolens).

Use these identification tips to help tell these plants apart!

08/25/2026

Invasive Plant of the Week: St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John’s Wort is a perennial herb that is native to Eurasia. It has reddish stems and yellow flowers with five petals and pronounced stamens. It grows in avariety of soil types, but can be commonly found in grasslands, pastures or disturbed areas. This plant contains toxic compounds which can impact grazers, causing photosensitivity, weight loss and even death.

Neat fact: a single plant can produce up to 33,000 seed that stay viable for up to 10 years!

Check out the factsheet here:
https://www.tnrd.ca/invasive_plant/st-johns-wort/

Contact us if you have any questions about this plant: https://www.tnrd.ca/invasive_plant/st-johns-wort/
[email protected]

08/22/2026

Toxic & Poisonous Invasive Plant: Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

This invasive, toxic herb is native to Asia and can grow up to 5m tall! It has a hollow green stem with purple blotches, dark green and lobed leaves with jagged edges, and white umbel shaped flower. It is highly toxic to humans; sap that touches skin causes hypersensitivity to light leading to irritation and dermatitis that persists for many years. Scaring and blindness may also result from sap contact to the face. Take extreme caution and do not handle these plants!

Note: This plant can be confused for the native cow parsnip. Check out its factsheet to learn the difference between these plants
https://www.tnrd.ca/invasive_plant/giant-hogweed/

08/21/2026

Can you tell these plants apart?

Invasive plants can be sneaky and can often be confused for similar looking plants. This weeks example is the invasive Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus) and the native Cattail (Typha latifolia).

Use these identification tips to help tell these plants apart!

08/20/2026

Our furry friends can pick up more than just memories on the trail!

After exploring, check your pets and clean fur, paws, collar, and leash to remove seeds and plant fragments to help stop the spread of invasives!