Garden Smart Colorado

An Introduction to Invasive Ornamental Weeds

Invasive ornamental weeds continue to overtake vast areas of pristine land all across Colorado. While not all exotic plants are a problem, some are. People seeking something different for their gardens have unwittingly brought these aggressive non-native species into our environment. These plants have quickly escaped from gardens and begun the demise of our native plant communities.

A major hurdle in stopping the spread of these species is the misconception that something attractive can not be a weed. On the contrary. Invasive ornamental weeds like oxeye daisy, myrtle spurge, and Russian-olive have proven to be very ecologically damaging and difficult to control once unleashed on our native landscapes.

This brochure highlights fifteen invasive ornamentals that are problematic in Colorado. They are designated as noxious weeds by the state and are prohibited for sale. This brochure also suggests alternatives including native and cultivated plants for both lower and higher elevations. Native plants are well adapted for our climate, come in many variations, and most importantly, have evolved in our local ecology. We recommend the use of these whenever possible. Our goals in landscape planting should consider the long-term consequences to our surrounding environment. Please consult your local nursery, garden center, or Colorado State University Extension office for more information about native plants and non-invasive introduced species.

Reputable nurseries follow the guidelines of the Colorado Nursery Act (Title 35, Article 26, C.R.S. 1973). This act identifies plant materials that cannot be sold in Colorado. Unfortunately, some mail order nurseries in other states may not realize that a certain plant cannot be sold in Colorado. Please consult this pamphlet or the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s web site, www.ag.state.co.us/CSD/Weeds/Weedhome.html, before making an internet or mail order catalog purchase.

In these times of easy access to a virtually unlimited variety of species for ornamental planting, it is up to us, as consumers, to do what is right for the environment while still realizing our goals for our property. Please help protect Colorado’s natural and agricultural resources ... garden responsibly.

Download the Brochure (1.4 MB)

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