Here’s a quiz. What is Phragmites? Is it,
a: A mineral deposit left behind by dripping water in caves,
b: A children’s TV sequel to the Muppet Show,
c: A particularly itchy skin rash resulting from drinking too much red wine,
d: An aggressive type of invasive European grass or reed that grows in dense clusters up to 15 feet in height, crowding out native species and destroying wetland habitat throughout Ontario.

The answer of course is d. According to the Ontario Government website, “Invasive Phragmites (European Common Reed) is an invasive plant causing damage to Ontario’s biodiversity, wetlands and beaches. Invasive Phragmites is an aggressive plant that spreads quickly and out-competes native species for water and nutrients. It releases toxins from its roots into the soil to hinder the growth of and kill surrounding plants. While it prefers areas of standing water, its roots can grow to extreme lengths, allowing it to survive in relatively dry areas.”

The Emerald Ash Borer provides another example of the destructive power of invasive species. This striking emerald coloured beetle creates a small hole and lays its eggs under the bark of the Ash tree. The hatched larvae then feed on the pholem, the soft tissue layer that carries water and nutrients, effectively strangling the tree. Once infected, the result is almost 100% fatal. Hundreds of millions of ash trees across North America have been lost to the borer over the past two decades. It is estimated that ash tree population has dropped by more than 70% due to this invasive insect, including in the the City of Brampton.

Unfortunately, Phragmites and Ash Borer are but two examples of many invasive species of plants, insects, fish and other animals, that are rapidly invading our local habitat. How many species on the following list do you recognize?

Plants

• Garlic Mustard
• Purple Loosestrife
• Common Buckthorn
• Japanese Knotweed
• Goutweed
• Periwinkle
• English Ivy

Insects

• Spongy Moth
• Asian Longhorn Beetle
• Emerald Ash Borer
• Spotted lanternfly

Fish

• Asian carp
• Goldfish

So, what can be done? The City of Brampton has suggestions for things that you can do to slow down or prevent the spread of invasive species. You can also help by responding to a City survey that will take less than 5 minutes to complete. The survey is open until August 29th.

Help create the City’s first Invasive Species Management Strategy.