Native Plant Species

Native plant species have developed naturally and are well adapted to our Canadian environment. They are well-adjusted to the local climate and soil, and don't need as much watering or maintenance as other species. They also improve our community's local ecology and biodiversity, providing homes and food for local wildlife.

Growing native plants on your property in Richmond Hill will help improve the environment, reduce invasive plants and lower your landscaping costs. The following Native Species Guides can help you decide which types of plants to grow in your yard or garden:

• Native Trees Guide
• Native Wildflowers Guide
• Native Shrubs Guide

Plants to avoid

There are some plants that you shouldn't use in your yard or garden because they will take over if they "escape" into the environment. These are called invasive plants. They grow very aggressively and have the ability to displace naturally occurring plants, destroying our unique Canadian environment. Plants to avoid planting in Richmond Hill include:

• Autumn or Russian Olive
• Black Locust
• Dames Rocket
• English Ivy
• European Buckthorn
• Goutweed or Snow-on-the-Mountain
• Himalayan balsam
• Japanese Knotweed
• Lily of the Valley
• Miscanthus
• Norway Maple
• Periwinkle
• Purple Loosestrife
• Tartarian Honeysuckle
• Yellow Iris

Contact the Natural Environment Section to learn more about other plants to avoid.