Even a single lupine bouquet helps combat invasive species

A single cluster of garden lupine can still make a difference in Finland’s fight against invasive plant species, experts say, even as some species like the garden lupine itself may now be too widespread to fully eradicate.

The Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) researcher Heidi Blom told Yle that Finland’s situation remains better than in mainland Europe, where invasive species have already spread uncontrollably in many areas. Some efforts, such as the control of giant hogweed, have seen success in Finland.

This week, volunteers in Lapland took part in the Rajalta rajalle (From Border to Border) initiative, clearing invasive plants from Kemijärvi to Keminmaa. The event, organised by the Keep Lapland Clean association, targeted species including garden lupine, Himalayan balsam, and orange hawkweed.

Blom noted that while garden lupine may no longer be removable nationwide, its spread into protected areas can still be prevented with sustained effort. Alaska lupine, a growing concern in Lapland, has so far been spotted in scattered locations such as Inari. Its potential to thrive in Arctic conditions makes early intervention critical.

Proper disposal is key to preventing further spread. Invasive plants must be sealed in double bags and incinerated as combustible waste, not mixed with garden waste, according to Aila Kauppila of the Lapland Waste Management Association (Lapec). Species like Himalayan balsam should be removed before flowering, while others, such as garden lupine, require careful handling of seed pods.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry recently published a new management plan to strengthen invasive species control.