Submitted by East Kootenay Invasive Species Council

Did you know that flowers have their own unique symbolism? Take Baby’s Breath, for example. This delicate bloom is often associated with everlasting love and purity, making it a popular choice for wedding bouquets and floral arrangements. However, when it comes to the environment, Baby’s Breath tells a very different story.

While it may look innocent, Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata) is a highly invasive species in British Columbia. Originally introduced as an ornamental plant, it has escaped cultivation and is now causing significant ecological damage.

When Baby’s Breath invades grazing lands, it crowds out native grasses and forage plants, reducing the food available for wildlife and cattle. Its spread also introduces pests and disrupts natural fire regimes, contributing to more intense and dangerous wildfires.

At EKISC, Baby’s Breath symbolizes more than just love and purity—it represents a loss of plant biodiversity, a threat to grazing lands, and heightened fire risks.

What can you do to help?

If you’ve received a bouquet containing Baby’s Breath this Valentines Day, don’t worry! You can enjoy its beauty without contributing to its spread. Here are some simple steps to ensure it doesn’t cause harm:

Dispose of Responsibly: When you’re done with your bouquet, place Baby’s Breath in a sealed garbage bag and take it to the landfill. Avoid composting it or tossing it outdoors, as seeds can easily spread and take root.

Skip Cemetery or Road Side Leave-Behinds: While it’s a lovely gesture, leaving Baby’s Breath at cemeteries or roadside memorials can lead to its unintentional spread. Opt for native flowers instead.

Spread Awareness: Let others know about the risks of invasive species like Baby’s Breath. Small actions can make a big difference in protecting our ecosystems.

By taking these simple steps, you can help prevent the further spread of this invasive plant and contribute to protecting the East Kootenays unique biodiversity.

The East Kootenay Invasive Species Council (EKISC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering partnerships and advancing collaborative projects in natural and applied science, policy research, outreach, and education. Our mission is to safeguard forests, fields, gardens, waterways, and urban areas from the harmful impacts of invasive species.

EKISC operates through two key programs: our Field team, which conducts on-the-ground invasive species monitoring, treatment, and inventory efforts, and our Education team, which provides outreach, training, and resources to the community. To learn more about our work and access a comprehensive range of invasive species resources, visit us atwww.ekisc.com.

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