Invasive Plants & Species - Terrestrial

PLANTS

Four terrestrial invasive plant species of particular concern in Muskoka are 

Garlic Mustard is also becoming a serious concern - it IS in our area. If you find it, follow these steps (FYI: A patch of Garlic Mustard was found and removed by hand and, after a second regrow and removal, it's now gone).

Invasive Terrestrial Plants - A Quick Reference Guide

Effective management depends on sightings being reported, so residents and visitors are encouraged to use the app and upload their sightings.

If you find an invasive species, report it:

  • Invading Species hotline at 1-800-563-7711 
  • By email: info@invadingspecies.com
  • Or EDDMapS.org available via web browser, or download the mobile app
  • iNaturalist Invasive Species In Ontario Project  -- This project is intended to complement the citizen science aspect of EDDMapS and aid in collecting point observations from scientists on-the-ground. Observations entered into this project will be reviewed by in-house experts, and then qualifying points will be added to Ontario's EDDMapS database. Available via web browser, or download the mobile app. 
        All you have to do is take a picture and submit your observation(s) 
        online or through the app. NOTE: Observations can be made without 
        photos - it just means it won't be eligible for 'research grade.'

Here are some great resources to help you learn about invasive plant species:   

Northern Grow Me InsteadSouthern Grow Me Instead
Do You Know of an Invasive Phragmites Problem Spot?

After reporting it, the Invasive Species Centre is looking for locations where invasive Phragmites is clearly visible, especially areas where it’s blocking or growing around docks, to photograph for the 

If a site comes to mind in your area, please reach out to Derissa Vincentini by email: dVincentini@invasivespeciescentre.ca   

The great news is that a hand-cutting technique called "cut-to-drown" is extremely effective!

Your local knowledge can help tell the story of this invasive species!
Invasive phragmites (above) vs common lookalikes (below)
For more information on invasive plants in Ontario, visit:   

PATHOGENS & FOREST PESTS

Along with the nine invasive species of concern in Muskoka (four terrestrial and five aquatic), there are several pathogens that have arrived in recent years. Most notable are Lyme disease and West Nile virus.

Read more

Forest pathogens cause defoliation, root decay and stem cankers that reduce the distribution of nutrients throughout the tree. The status of each, in brackets, is current as of December, 2025.

Beech Bark Disease (confirmed in Muskoka)
Butternut Canker (confirmed in Muskoka)
Dutch Elm Disease (confirmed in Muskoka)
Oak Wilt (assumed to be in Muskoka)
Sudden Oak Death (not currently in Ontario)
Thousand Cankers Disease (not currently in Ontario)

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Forest pests, often introduced through wood packaging and movement of firewood, degrade wood quality and harm wildlife habitats. The status of each, in brackets, is current as of December, 2025.

Asian Long-Horned Beetle (not yet confirmed in Muskoka)
Emerald Ash Borer (confirmed in Muskoka)
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (confirmed in Muskoka)
Invasive Earthworms (confirmed in Muskoka)
Mountain Pine Beetle (not yet confirmed in Muskoka)
Spotted Lanternfly (not yet confirmed in Muskoka)
> BUT... it's close. Spotted Lanternfly threatens many of our native tree species, including maples, poplars and pines. Ontario Parks is asking community scientists around the province to report sightings of the Tree of Heaven, an invasive tree native to China now widespread throughout Ontario, AND the primary host species for Spotted Lanternfly: https://blog.ontarioparks.ca/spotted-lanternfly-invasive/

Special note: While not yet confirmed in Muskoka, be alert for sightings of WILD PIGS. They are highly destructive. If spotted, email wildpigs@ontario.ca or call 

For more information, visit: Invasive Wild Pigs In Ontario

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
There are many ways you can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species in Muskoka:

When hiking or camping
▪ Stay on the trail and keep your pet on a leash
▪ Check your hiking gear at the end of your outing for plants and mud that might be carrying invasive plant seeds

When riding ATVs or biking
▪Mud can carry seeds of invasive plants, such as Garlic Mustard and Dog-strangling Vine. Clean bikes, ATVs and trail equipment thoroughly before moving them to new locations.

Buy and burn local firewood

When hunting
▪ Inspect equipment and remove aquatic plants, animals, and mud that are attached to decoy lines or anchors
▪ Switch to elliptical, bulb shaped, or strap anchors on decoys, which avoid collecting submersed and floating aquatic plants

When gardening
▪ Dispose of invasive plants in the garbage. Do not put them in the compost
▪ Buy and plant native plant species from reputable garden suppliers
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