Invasive Siberian Squill Threatening Toronto’s Natural Ecosystems with Toxicity
This spring, beautiful blue blooms are emerging in the Toronto region, but despite their attractiveness, these flowers are toxic and invasive.
The Siberian Squill, an ornamental plant native to Russia, is considered “highly toxic if ingested” for both humans and pets. Toronto’s Urban Forestry department warns of its invasive characteristics and its ability to spread into natural areas and forests.
Introduced to North America in the late 1700s, Siberian Squill is often planted for its vibrant early bloom, ground cover, and adaptability to different conditions. Featuring bright blue, bell-shaped flowers, it grows up to six inches tall.
However, these attractive traits are also what make it invasive.
This tough plant is now widespread in Toronto and could threaten biodiversity in natural areas as it outcompetes native plants, according to Toronto’s Urban Forestry department.
Aside from its ecological impact, Siberian Squill can cause severe illness if consumed by humans or pets. The plant’s bulbs, seeds, leaves, and flowers are toxic and can result in symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
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For those seeking alternatives, bluebells, wild geranium, or lobelia make great non-invasive choices after removing Siberian Squill from your garden.
Invasive species pose a significant threat to biodiversity in Toronto’s natural areas, affecting native wildlife’s access to shelter and food, according to ProtectNatureTO.
Allowing invasive species to dominate can lead to changes in soil chemistry that hinder the growth of native plants, as explained in a ProtectNatureTO factsheet.
Apart from Siberian Squill, Toronto faces challenges from other invasive species like dog-strangling vine, Japanese knotwood, and phragmites, all deemed restricted species by the province.
