Anyone with a smartphone can now help stop the spread of invasive plants in B.C., thanks to an innovative application developed by Hipwood Digital, the Invasive Species Council of B.C. and the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource.

The Report-a-Weed BC app is free to download and is available for both iPhones and Android phones.

The easy-to-use interface allows users to submit reports on invasive plant sightings anywhere in B.C., upload photos of plants they find, and view previously logged sightings on a Google map.

Invasive plants are plants that are not native to a particular ecosystem. They have the potential to displace long-established native species and cause significant economic or environmental damage. They also may reduce biodiversity, increase soil erosion, alter soil chemistry and adversely affect commercial crops.