About Canada goldenrod

One of the most dangerous invasive plant species is Canadian goldenrod. It was introduced to Belarus primarily for decorative landscaping and for growing fodder for livestock.

The danger of the spread of Canadian goldenrod lies in the fact that it completely alters the surrounding flora and fauna. The plant has no natural enemies among plants and insects. Each goldenrod bush produces up to one hundred thousand seeds with very high germination rates. Its seeds are quickly dispersed by wind, leading to the emergence of new growth centers. The rhizomes release substances into the soil that inhibit the growth of other plants, leading to the complete displacement of native plants from natural ecosystems.

Canadian goldenrod is most often found in cemeteries, household plots, flower beds, and gardens on public lands in populated areas, from where it actively penetrates forests, meadows, pastures, wastelands, and other lands. In meadow and floodplain ecosystems, goldenrod changes the composition and structure of hayfields, significantly deteriorating the quality of harvested fodder. In floodplain meadow communities, goldenrod poses a threat to populations of rare and endangered plant species. In agricultural lands, goldenrod disrupts the sowing structure, reducing crop yields.

Following this, most meadow insects, birds, and small mammals disappear. Thus, by occupying any area, goldenrod completely alters its animal and plant world.

In order to stop the spread of Canadian goldenrod, the Miory District Inspectorate of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection requests that the use of the plant for landscaping and decorating adjacent territories, flower beds, cemeteries, horticultural associations, and other areas be discontinued.

Canadian goldenrod must be mowed down before flowering and seed maturation, as the plant grows to 15-20 cm, at least twice per season, starting from spring until the beginning of plant flowering. More effective control methods include chemical treatment, digging out, or plowing.

Land users are obliged to take measures to combat invasive plants (paragraph 10 of Part 1 of Article 9 of the Law "On the Plant World"). Violation of the legislation of the Republic of Belarus on the protection and use of the plant world entails administrative responsibility.

IMPORTANT:
from June 19, 2026, failure by users of land plots or water bodies to fulfill the obligation established by the legislation on the protection and use of the plant world, related to the implementation of measures to regulate the spread and numbers of plant species whose spread and numbers are subject to regulation, – entails the imposition of a fine of up to ten basic units.