It is important to understand what plants you are growing in your gardens and yards. Non-native invasive species of plants are often introduced through gardens. As a gardener or a responsible homeowner you should attempt to plant as many native plants as you can. It is important to note that not all non-native plants are invasive. You need to be especially careful not to plant invasive plants.
Invasive plants are plants that outcompete the other plants for resources in the ecosystem. Invasive plants once introduced will rapidly overpopulate the space and smother other plants. They threaten the biodiversity in the ecosystem. The Invasive Species Centre keeps a list on their website of invasive plants in Canada which has nice photos of the plants that you should be looking out for. For example, garlic mustard plants are invasive. The website includes management practices, and information about it. There are many beautiful plants in Ontario that are native. Some of these are garden friendly plants.
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Plant identification is also important for people who go outside. Outdoor spaces like forests, parks, and green spaces will usually have a variety of plants growing in them. It is important for you to recognize dangerous plants such as poison ivy.
Plant identification is a useful skill that everyone should have in order to keep themselves safe from dangerous plants and their neighbourhoods and parks safe from invasive plants.
Applied Plant Ecology Winter 2020 
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