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Invasive neophytes are non-native plant species that spread uncontrollably. In Switzerland, they are becoming an increasing problem. What may look like an attractive garden plant at first glance can displace native plant species, endanger biodiversity, or even cause health-related and economic damage.
For owners of houses and gardens, it is therefore important to identify and remove problematic plants. With the Houzy Neophyte Checker, you can easily identify plants by photo and learn everything you need to know about proper control and removal.
A distinction must be made between “normal” and “invasive” neophytes. In general, neophytes are plant species that were originally not native to Europe and were brought here by humans after 1492, that is, after the discovery of America, and thus also introduced into Switzerland. Most of the roughly 550 neophytes are unproblematic; they have integrated into the native flora and sometimes even provide economic benefits. These include, for example, the sweet chestnut, the walnut tree, and the potato.
Some neophytes, however, spread strongly and uncontrollably in nature. There, they displace native plants and cause damage to the animal and plant world. These neophytes are referred to as invasive — meaning “intruding.”
Invasive neophytes can cause considerable harm to nature and the environment. The most common consequences of their barely controllable spread include:
In Switzerland, municipalities and cantons invest considerable resources every year in combating invasive species.
In Switzerland, around 40 species are considered invasive — meaning unwanted, rapidly spreading neophytes. These are some of the best-known species found in our gardens and in nature:
Many homeowners underestimate the speed at which invasive plants spread. They may enjoy the beautiful flowers of a plant, the dense privacy screen it forms, or its distinctive foliage.
Often, people do not notice the consequences of having an invasive neophyte in their own garden. The damage it causes can occur far away because birds carry the seeds into nature reserves or forests, where they displace native species. They can also harm native wildlife, including insects.
Many species reproduce almost invisibly through seeds, root suckers, rhizomes, or plant residues. We recommend that every garden owner check their own garden for problematic invasive neophytes. The earlier you identify a plant, the easier and more cost-effective it is to remove.
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Not every invasive plant can be recognised immediately. Our Houzy Neophyte Checker provides valuable support here. Simply take a photo with your mobile phone of a plant you do not know and suspect may be an invasive neophyte.
The Houzy Neophyte Checker then gives you valuable tips on how to dispose of the plant properly. Caution is required: improper removal can cause the plant to spread even more, for example if the roots are chopped up instead of being removed completely.
It’s that simple:
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The correct control method for an unwanted and harmful invasive neophyte depends on the respective plant species. Use the Houzy Neophyte Checker to find the right measures for permanently eliminating the relevant plant and effectively preventing its spread.
Depending on the plant species, the following measures may be necessary:
Many invasive plants belong in household waste. They must not be disposed of on the compost or via green waste collection, as they can continue to spread there and cause even greater damage..
Invasive neophytes are widespread in many Swiss gardens. Anyone who identifies problematic plants early and controls them correctly not only protects their own garden, but also makes a valuable contribution to preserving native biodiversity.
Good to know: According to a list in the annex to the Swiss Release Ordinance, handling invasive neophytes is prohibited in Switzerland. This means it is prohibited to …
… sell such plants
… exchange them
… give them away
… cultivate them
… plant them
… import them
The only permitted handling of invasive neophytes is their control. Use our free Houzy Neophyte Checker now to identify suspicious plants by photo within seconds and receive tips on how to remove them. The earlier you do this, the more effectively you help prevent the spread of problematic plants.
Check now! With the Houzy Neophyte Checker, you make a valuable contribution to protecting people and animals, buildings and walls, as well as agriculture and forestry. In doing so, you help preserve our native flora and fauna and promote biodiversity in Switzerland.
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