Invasive, Native, or Aggressive? A Guide to Plant Terminology for Ottawa Gardeners
If you have ever walked through a garden centre or looked out at your own backyard and felt completely overwhelmed by the terminology, you are not alone.
You hear words like "invasive," "native," and "naturalized" thrown around, but what do they actually mean for your property? Is that vine climbing your fence a biodiversity hero or an ecological villain?
At REWILD, we believe that the first step to a beautiful, low-maintenance garden is understanding what you are putting in the ground. A lot of well-meaning homeowners accidentally plant "bullies" that take over their yard, or spend hundreds of dollars on plants that provide zero food for local pollinators.
Here is the definitive breakdown of the five plant categories you need to know to protect your investment—and the local ecosystem.
1. Invasive Species
The Definition: Invasive species are non-native organisms introduced by humans (often accidentally or for trade) to new environments. Because they have no natural predators here, they pose harm to our ecosystems.
Why you should care: These plants play dirty. They outcompete native plants for resources, disrupt habitats, and can even damage your home’s foundation. They create "monocultures" where nothing else can survive.
Examples you might see in Ottawa:
Periwinkle (Vinca minor): Looks like a cute groundcover, but strangles the forest floor.
Goutweed: The absolute bane of many Ottawa gardeners; it spreads via underground rhizomes that are nearly impossible to dig out.
Buckthorn: A shrub that takes over woodlands and offers berries that provide little nutrition to birds.
Dog-Strangling Vine: As the name suggests, it wraps around and smothers native vegetation.
The REWILD Rule: We never plant these. In fact, a huge part of our job is removing them so your garden can breathe again.
2. Native Plants
The Definition: A native plant naturally thrives in our specific region (Eastern Ontario). They have evolved over thousands of years to adapt to our specific climate, soil, and wildlife.
Why you should care: These are the gold standard for a "lazy" gardener. Because they belong here, they don't need constant watering or chemical fertilizers once established. They are the only plants that truly support the food web for our birds and butterflies.
Examples you might see in Ottawa:
Goldenrod (Solidago): A late-season pollinator powerhouse (and no, it doesn't cause hay fever!).
Common Milkweed: The essential host plant for Monarch butterflies.
Black-Eyed Susan: A tough, cheerful bloomer that thrives in full sun.
Serviceberry: A stunning native tree that offers spring blooms and edible berries.
The REWILD Rule: This is the backbone of every design we create. We select natives that look stunning and thrive in your specific soil conditions.
3. Non-Native Plants
The Definition: Also called "introduced plants," these come from different regions (like Europe or Asia) via human travel.
Why you should care: Think of these as "statues." They might look pretty, but they don't do much work. They likely coexist harmlessly without becoming invasive, but they also don't offer much food or habitat for local wildlife.
Examples you might see in Ottawa:
Daylilies: You see them everywhere. They fill a space, but contribute little to the ecosystem.
Hostas: Ideally suited for shade and very popular, but they are technically foreign visitors.
Peonies: Beloved for their blooms, but they serve strictly an ornamental purpose.
Hydrangeas (some varieties): Many classic white hydrangeas are non-native.
The REWILD Rule: We aren't purists who ban all non-natives, but we use them sparingly. Why plant a plastic statue when you could plant something alive and vibrant?
4. Naturalized Plants
The Definition: A naturalized plant is non-native, but it has become self-sustaining. It integrates into the new environment without destroying the native ecosystem.
Why you should care: These plants have blended in. They behave like locals and can even offer benefits to biodiversity, though usually not as well as true natives.
Examples you might see in Ottawa:
The Dandelion: Not originally from here, but early spring bees will use it until better flowers open.
Queen Anne’s Lace: A common sight in roadside ditches.
Chicory: Those bright blue flowers you see growing in gravelly areas.
White Clover: Often found in lawns.
5. Aggressive Native Plants
The Definition: These are native plants that are naturally present here, but they grow rapidly and can dominate a garden if not watched carefully.
Why you should care: Aggressive native plants are great for filling large spaces quickly.
Examples you might see in Ottawa:
Virginia Creeper: Provides amazing fall colour and berries, but will swallow a shed if ignored.
Canada Anemone: A beautiful white groundcover that spreads fast and plays rough with neighbours.
Ostrich Fern: Great for filling shady corners, but spreads by aggressive runners.
Wild Strawberry: Can quickly cover a garden bed if given the chance.
The REWILD Rule: We use these strategically. We place them where we want coverage, or we use root barriers to keep them in check.
Stop guessing and start planning
The difference between a "wild mess" and a "wildflower meadow" is design. Knowing the difference between an invasive weed and an aggressive native plant is what saves you hours of weeding and thousands of dollars in failed plantings. But you don't have to memorize a textbook to get it right. That is exactly what we do.
We are currently booking Design Consultations for the upcoming season.
If you want a garden that supports life, looks beautiful, and respects the local ecology, the planning starts now. Do not wait until the spring rush. Our design slots fill up fast!
