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Invasive plants in Finland face removal as harmful species list expands

Friday 26th 2024 on 08:38 in  
Finland

This summer’s garden plants could face removal within a year of their purchase. Mira Niemelä, an inspector at the Pirkanmaa ELY Center, emphasizes that consumers should remain vigilant when shopping for plants. Some plants currently on sale are soon to be listed as harmful species.

For instance, the invasive meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), classified as harmful in recent years, continues to be sold. From August 2025, this plant cannot be sold or cultivated in private gardens, meaning it must be disposed of, Niemelä notes. The list of harmful invasive species is regularly updated. Last year, six new plant types were added: Canadian goldenrod, tall goldenrod, common goldenrod, mountain maple, meadowsweet, and white willow. Additionally, many species of Amur honeysuckle and certain shrub willows have shown aggressive spreading behavior, which has raised concerns among consumers.

Many garden and ornamental plants can spread effectively, outcompeting native species. The inspector highlights that combating invasive species detrimental to biodiversity may require long-term efforts, making early intervention crucial. Besides consumers, businesses in the horticultural sector must also timely remove species earmarked as harmful from their inventories.

Niemelä points out that not all garden plants spread aggressively; however, there is always a risk of a species being added to the invasive list. Particularly in a changing climate, the risk of a plant becoming harmful remains significant. She anticipates that many new species will be added to the list of harmful plants in the coming years.

To help combat invasive species, the public is encouraged to monitor their surroundings while identifying problematic plants and report sightings through dedicated platforms. Prevention is key in limiting the spread of these plants to new areas, with landowner permission required for control activities on private property.

Source 
(via yle.fi)