UPDATES TO THE ALBERTA WEED CONTROL REGULATION
The growing season is finally upon us! As we get ready to head back into our gardens, pastures, and favorite outdoor spaces, there are a few important things to know.
The Government of Alberta has recently revised the Weed Control Regulation (which falls under the authority of the Weed Control Act ) this year. These regulatory updates are designed to strengthen our defense against invasive species and better protect our environment and agriculture.
Why are these species regulated?
Invasive plants can devastate native ecosystems, choke out agricultural crops, and even damage local infrastructure. However, weed regulations aren't just a list of "bad plants"—they are a strategic tool. Regulation is most effective early in an invasion when a species is still possible to contain or eradicate.
To ensure our efforts are focused where they have the greatest impact, the Weed Control Regulation classifies these plant threats into two main categories:
What's changed?
The most significant update is the revision to the list of regulated plants within the Regulation. Some new species have been added, some have changed categories, and others have been removed entirely (see the image below for the breakdown!).
The growing season is finally upon us! As we get ready to head back into our gardens, pastures, and favorite outdoor spaces, there are a few important things to know.
The Government of Alberta has recently revised the Weed Control Regulation (which falls under the authority of the Weed Control Act ) this year. These regulatory updates are designed to strengthen our defense against invasive species and better protect our environment and agriculture.
Why are these species regulated?
Invasive plants can devastate native ecosystems, choke out agricultural crops, and even damage local infrastructure. However, weed regulations aren't just a list of "bad plants"—they are a strategic tool. Regulation is most effective early in an invasion when a species is still possible to contain or eradicate.
To ensure our efforts are focused where they have the greatest impact, the Weed Control Regulation classifies these plant threats into two main categories:
- Prohibited Noxious: These are plant species that are either not yet present in Alberta or are found only in small, localized areas. Because they pose a massive threat, early detection is critical, and they must be completely destroyed when found.
- Noxious: These plant species are already established in parts of Alberta. To prevent their further spread they must be controlled, as they severely impact our native biodiversity and agricultural production.
What's changed?
The most significant update is the revision to the list of regulated plants within the Regulation. Some new species have been added, some have changed categories, and others have been removed entirely (see the image below for the breakdown!).
Wait, are the deregulated species still invasive?
Yes! Removal from regulation does not mean a species is no longer invasive or harmful. Instead, it reflects a shift in strategy.
Two species have been removed from the provincial regulated list: creeping bellflower and perennial sowthistle. These plants were removed because they have become so widespread across Alberta that trying to control them through provincial regulation is no longer an effective tool. Rather than top-down enforcement, management of these widespread plants is now better addressed through education, prevention, and local stewardship.
Even though they are no longer on the provincial list, we still strongly encourage you to do your part in managing these plants on your property to prevent them from spreading to neighbouring lands and natural areas.
Note: Municipalities have the authority to elevate the status of a weed species through local bylaws. A plant that is unregulated provincially may be regulated in your specific town or county!
Tools to help you identify and manage: If you aren't sure what these newly listed weeds look like, we've got you covered.
View the Weed Control Regulations here!
Check out the newly updated Weed ID Guide
Yes! Removal from regulation does not mean a species is no longer invasive or harmful. Instead, it reflects a shift in strategy.
Two species have been removed from the provincial regulated list: creeping bellflower and perennial sowthistle. These plants were removed because they have become so widespread across Alberta that trying to control them through provincial regulation is no longer an effective tool. Rather than top-down enforcement, management of these widespread plants is now better addressed through education, prevention, and local stewardship.
Even though they are no longer on the provincial list, we still strongly encourage you to do your part in managing these plants on your property to prevent them from spreading to neighbouring lands and natural areas.
Note: Municipalities have the authority to elevate the status of a weed species through local bylaws. A plant that is unregulated provincially may be regulated in your specific town or county!
Tools to help you identify and manage: If you aren't sure what these newly listed weeds look like, we've got you covered.
- Check out our comprehensive Invasive Plants Factsheets online for identification tips and management information.
- Check out the updated 5th edition of our popular field guide, Invasive Plants of Alberta. An electronic copy is available through this link , and physical copies can be purchased through our online store coming this summer (follow our socials to keep up with us)!
View the Weed Control Regulations here!
Check out the newly updated Weed ID Guide
Sign up to follow our social media accounts!
Our mailing address is:
Alberta Invasive Species Council
Box 1925
Blairmore, AB
T0K 0E0