What are Invasive Ornamentals?

There are several noxious weeds that have attractive looking flowers, but are highly invasive. These "escaped ornamentals" were introduced as flowers for gardens or as part of wildflower mixes and can spread rapidly. Oxeye daisy has white petals with a yellow center and is often confused with wildflowers. Myrtle spurge and Cypress spurge (both have yellow flowers) are often found in planters and escaping/spreading into nearby soil. Yellow toadflax has a snapdragon flower and can be mistaken for an ornamental or wildflower, and can grow at higher elevations above timberline. Absinth wormwood is a sage looking plant with small yellow flowers that appear late in season, and has been used for landscaping because of its ability to flourish with very little water.