In March 2024, the Federal Council amended the Ordinance on the Release of Invasive Neophytes. What impact will the changes have on your garden? And what exactly has been amended?
Neophytes is the term for plants that have only been deliberately introduced or accidentally introduced since the discovery of America (1492). Most of these alien plants have integrated well into our environment and enriched our flora. However, there are also plants that behave invasively and thus harm our environment. Invasive neophytes can damage buildings, be dangerous to our health, spread rapidly and displace native plants or destabilize stream banks.
The amendment to the Release Ordinance is intended to prevent additional invasive neophytes from entering the environment and spreading further. The import, sale and giving away of plants on this list is prohibited.
One of the newest plants on the list is the cherry laurel - one of the most popular hedge species in Swiss private gardens. Cherry laurel does not remain in the garden, but spreads rapidly into the forest. It grows very densely, crowding out native plants and preventing the regeneration of the forest.
In addition to the cherry laurel, the summer lilac is also new to the list. This is another plant that is often found in Swiss gardens. It also spreads quickly and displaces native plants. In addition, butterflies cannot utilize the nectar, but many have planted the summer lilac to attract butterflies to their gardens.
Effects on your garden
From September 1, 2024, the plants newly added to the Release Ordinance may not be sold, imported, given away or planted. However, plants that have already been planted may continue to be kept in the garden and do not have to be eradicated.
If you have any questions about invasive neophytes or if you are looking for an alternative plant, we will be happy to help you.
