Valentine’s Day: Bouquet of flowers has Baby’s breath? It’s an invasive plant
Global News
‘When Baby’s breath invades grazing land, it reduces native grasses and forage for grazing animals and wildlife,’ the Invasive Species Council of BC says.
Break up with Baby’s breath.
That’s what the Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) is urging this Valentine’s Day.
The ISCBC says it’s an invasive species, and one that can quickly take root if people don’t properly dispose of it.
“Baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata) — a symbol of everlasting love — is actually a harmful invasive species in B.C. When Baby’s breath invades grazing land, it reduces native grasses and forage for grazing animals and wildlife,” said Allison McCabe of ISCBC.
“If you receive a bouquet containing Baby’s breath, make sure to properly dispose of it in the garbage. Do not throw it in the compost. Simply remove it from the bouquet and place it in a sealed trash bag to prevent it from spreading.
“Better yet, if you are choosing a bouquet for your special someone, pick one that doesn’t contain Baby’s breath.”
The Fraser Valley Invasive Species Society says Baby’s breath is a flowering plant that grows to a mound of branching stems. It thrives in well-draining sandy or gravelly soils, is drought tolerant and its roots can grow to depths of four metres.
The plant is like a tumbleweed in that stalks can break off and roll in the wind, dispersing seeds.
