A vase of baby's breath sits on a work bench at Acanthus Floral and Botanical in Almonte, Ont., on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. A British Columbia non-profit organization fighting invasive species is reminding people on Valentine's Day to spread the love, not the baby's breath. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
VANCOUVER – A British Columbia non-profit organization fighting invasive species is reminding people on Valentine’s Day to spread the love, not the baby’s breath.
The Invasive Species Council of B.C. says the small white sprigs stuck between your long-stem roses are actually a harmful invasive plant in the province.
The council’s Allison McCabe says if the plant invades grazing land, it reduces native grasses and forage for wildlife.
She recommends buying flowers without baby’s breath for your valentine this year.
If it is part of a bouquet, she says it should not be composted and instead put in a sealed trash bag to prevent it from spreading.
The council says non-invasive species that could be used instead of baby’s breath include the hybrid yarrow or sea lavender.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 14, 2023.
