Faithfully each spring you watch your garden beds to see what returns and suddenly you realize there’s an unidentified guest! Maybe it’s a transplant from a bird, a native species returning or even an invasive plant.

Invasive plants can overtake native plants and crops, interrupt ecosystems and damage infrastructure. Regulation of these species helps to contain or control invasion. Legislation also acts as a preventative measure to identify weeds that will have significant impact on our communities if they are found in Alberta.

The Weed Control Act categorizes invasive plants as:

• Prohibited Noxious: requiring early detection for eradication, these plants pose significant threats to our ecosystems and must be destroyed in their entirety. These plants are not currently found in Alberta or are found in few locations, making eradication possible.
• Noxious: these plants require control to prevent further spread of the established species and are too widespread for eradication.

A notable update to the Weed Control Regulation for 2026 includes the removal of creeping bellflower and perennial sow thistle from the list of noxious weeds. These weeds are considered to be so widespread that they can no longer be regulated. 

Control of noxious weeds can be achieved by:

• Manual removal of the plant, seed and root systems
  • Wear gloves to decrease irritation or injury
  • Be mindful touching your face, eyes and skin after handling noxious weeds
• Herbicide application
• Cutting or mowing (use caution as roots and seeds can spread weeds further)

When disposing of noxious weeds, do not look to your green bin! Noxious weeds should not be composted in order to decrease spread of the material. Instead, they should be placed into garbage bags and into your waste cart. 

For additional resources and information on invasive plants, including visual identification guides, consider visiting the Alberta Invasive Species Council.