Invasive species

Invasive species in our parks and green spaces

The information is designed to help residents identify if a plant is an invasive species, signpost to useful resources and what to do if you suspect a plant is invasive. The GB non-native Secretariat have a full extensive list of invasive plant and animal species with ID sheets to help identify them. However, this page looks at the most common NNIS in Bromley.

Common invasive species in Bromley include:

• Giant Hogweed
• Japanese Knotweed
• Cherry Laurel
• Rhododendron
• Buddleia (can be managed to stop encroachment and spreading)
• Himalayan Balsam

Other non-native invasive species

There are other non-native invasive species within the borough to be aware of. This includes:

• Mares Tail (horsetail)
• Russian Vine
• Bamboo
• Common ragwort is a native plant in the UK; however, it is toxic to cattle and horses. For this reason, it can be considered problematic plant in pastures but not in our green spaces.

Invasive species in ponds and watercourses

This information is designed to help residents identify if a plant is an invasive species and what to do afterwards.

Non-native invasive in watercourses include:

• Pond Crassula (New Zealand Pygmy Weed)
• Floating Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides)