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Sea to Sky Corridor Invasive Plants
A Guide to Identification & Management March 2012 Adapted from Jeff Hallworth & Ernie Sellentin, MFR – Range Branch
It is recommended that this document be used in conjunction with the following:
Books: “Plants of Coastal British Columbia” (1994, Pojar & MacKinnon, BC Forest Service) “Plants of Southern Interior BC & the Inland Northwest” (1996, Parish, Coupe & Lloyd) “Weeds of the West” (2006, 9th edition, Western Society of Weed Science) “Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest” (2006, Timber Press Field Guide) “Northwest Weeds” (1990, Taylor)
Websites:
UBC’s Electronic Atlas of Plants – http://www.eflora.bc.ca Invasive Plants of South Western British Columbia – http://www.shim.bc.ca/atlases/invasivespecies/Title.htm Weeds BC – http://www.weedsbc.ca/browse.html
University of California Plant Photo Database – http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/
Acronyms: Provincially legislated species under: WCA - Weed Control Act - Weed Control Regulation
FRPA - Forest & Range Practices Act - Invasive Plant Regulation PPNW – Proposed Prohibited Noxious Weed (2012) CC - Community Charter - Environment & Wildlife Regulation
Map symbol: Refers to two letter code used by Invasive Alien Plant Program database on publicly accessible maps. To view maps for all of BC go to: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/plants/application.htm and click on: Go to the Map Display module Priority Definitions:
1. Prevent: species not here yet and any sightings will be treated immediately 2. Eradicate: species is here in small amounts and eradication is the goal 3. Contain: species not in entire region, contain to currently infested areas 4. Strategic Control: species widespread, control measures taken in high priority areas
For more information contact the Sea to Sky Invasive Species council
604-698-8334 [email protected] www.ssisc.info
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS BY GROUPINGS
Pages: 4-7 Thistles: bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare); Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense); annual sow thistle (Sonchus
oleraceus); perennial sow thistle (Sonchus arvensis); milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
Pages: 8-9 Very large leaves: giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum); Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
Pages: 10-11 Toadflaxes: dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica); yellow (common) toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)
Pages: 12-13 Knapweeds: diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa); spotted knapweed (Centaurea
biebersteinii); batchelors buttons/cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Pages: 14-17 Prickly thickets: cutleaf blackberry (Rubus laciniatus); Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor);
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Pages: 18-19 Daisies: oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare); scentless chamomile (Matricaria perforata)
Pages: 20-23 Riparian species: Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera); small touch-me-not (Impatiens parviflora);
yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus); purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria); butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii)
Pages: 24-25 Hitch hikers: common Burdock (Arctium minus); teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)
Pages: 26-29 Shade tolerant, under story plants: English ivy & varieties (Hedera helix & var); English holly (Ilex
aquifolium); purple dead nettle (Lamium purpureum); yellow archangel (Lamium galeobdolon); bugle- weed (Ajuga reptans); spurge laurel (Daphne laureola); garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata); periwinkle (Vinca minor & V. major)
Pages: 30-35 White flowered: wild chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris); burr chervil (Anthriscus caucalis); poison hemlock
(Conium maculatum); Queen Anne’s lace/wild carrot (Daucus carota); hoary alyssum (Berteroa
incana); old man’s beard/travellers joy (Clematis vitalba); field bindweed/morning glory (Convolvulus
arvensis); lamb’s quarters (Chenopodium album); cherry/English laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
Pages: 36-39 Miscellaneous: blueweed (Echium vulgare); common bugloss (Anchusa officinalis); lady’s thumb/smartweed
(Persicaria); absinth wormwood (Artemisia absinthium); chicory (Cichorium intybus); common crupina (Crupina vulgaris); foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Pages: 40-46 Yellow / orange flowers: common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare); tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea);
leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula); cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias); orange hawkweed (Hieracium
aurantiacum); yellow invasive hawkweeds (Hieracium sp.); mullein (Verbascum thapsus); yellow salsify/western goat’s beard (Tragopogon dubius); prickly lettuce(Lactuca serriola)
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS BY SPECIES
Page Scientific Name Common Name
Page Scientific Name Common Name
26 Ajuga reptans bugle-weed; common bugle
8 Fallopia japonica Japanese knotweed
27 Alliaria petiolata garlic mustard
26 Hedera helix + Helix varieties
English ivy & varieties
36 Anchusa officinalis common bugloss
8 Heracleum mantegazzianum giant hogweed
30 Anthriscus caucalis burr chervil
41 Hieracium aurantiacum orange hawkweed
30 Anthriscus sylvestris wild chervil
41 Hieracium spp. invasive yellow hawkweeds
24 Arctium minus common burdock
26 Ilex aquifolium English holly
37 Artemisia absinthium wormwood
20 Impatiens glandulifera policeman's helmet; Himalayan balsam
31 Berteroa incana hoary alyssum
20 Impatiens parviflora smallflower touch-me-not
21 Buddleja davidii butterfly bush
20 Iris pseudacorus yellow flag iris
12 Centaurea cyanus cornflower; bachelors buttons
42 Lactuca serriola prickly lettuce
12 Centaurea biebersteinii spotted knapweed
26 Lamium galeobdolon yellow lamium, yellow archangel
12 Centaurea diffusa diffuse knapweed
26 Lamium purpureum purple dead-nettle
31 Chenopodium album lamb’s-quarters
18 Leucanthemum vulgare oxeye daisy
18 Chrysanthemum leucanthemem
oxeye daisy
10 Linaria dalmatica dalmatian Toadflax
37 Cichorium intybus chicory
10 Linaria vulgaris yellow/common toadflax
4 Cirsium arvense Canada thistle
21 Lythrum salicaria purple loosestrife
4 Cirsium vulgare bull thistle
18 Matricaria perforata scentless chamomile
31 Clematis vitalba wild clematis; traveller's joy
36 Persicaria maculosa lady’s-thumb
30 Conium maculatum poison hemlock
31 Prunus laurocerasus cherry-laurel
31 Convolvulus spp. invasive morning glory; bindweed
14 Rubus armeniacus Himalayan blackberry
14 Crataegus monogyna English hawthorn
14 Rubus laciniatus cutleaf evergreen blackberry
37 Crupina vulgaris common crupina
40 Senecio jacobaea tansy ragwort
15 Cytisus scoparius Scotch broom
4 Silybum marianum milk thistle
27 Daphne laureola daphne laurel, spurge laurel
5 Sonchus arvensis perennial sow thistle
30 Daucus carota wild carrot; Queen Anne’s lace
5 Sonchus oleraceus annual sow thistle
37 Digitalis purpurea foxglove
40 Tanacetum vulgare common tansy
24 Dipsacus fullonum teasel
42 Tragopogon dubius yellow salsify; western goat's-beard
36 Echium vulgare blueweed
15 Ulex europaeus gorse
40 Euphorbia cyparissias cypress spurge
42 Verbascum thapsus great mullein
40 Euphorbia esula leafy spurge
27 Vinca minor & major periwinkle
4
Thistles
Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)
Much smaller flower head than bull thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
5
Thistles
Perennial sow thistle (Sonchus arvensis) Annual sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus)
*Tap root found on annual sow thistle only, also has smaller flowers than perennial sow thistle. *
* Sow thistles have milky latex; true thistles do not
Annual sow thistle has sharp angles on basal lobes
Perennial sow thistle has weak marginal prickles on leaves and rounded lobes
6
Grouping: “Thistles” – Part A
Species
Map Symbol
Principal Distinguishing Features
Impacts
Control Strategies
Bull thistle
(Cirsium vulgare)
BT
dull, prickly, “silvery-green” upper leaves, white hairs underneath
larger purple, spine-tipped flower head (2.5-4 cm high)
limits livestock migration
decreases forage value (when it gets harvested with hay)
can overrun clear-cuts
biological - A seed weevil (Larinus planus) has
been released in our area that will feed exclusively on invasive thistles
mechanical – hand pulling small infestations or repeated mowing before bolting or seed set (see details under Canada thistle below)
Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)
CT
dull, prickly, dark green leaves, white hairs underneath
small purple to pink to white spineless flower head (1-2 cm high)
vanilla-like fragrance on female plants
restricts recreational access
can form dense monocultures resulting in crop reductions
several mowings a year are needed because plant populations vary in maturity. Mow as close to the surface as possible. If plants are cut above the terminal bud before the stems elongate, they likely will regrow. It is important to mow before the flowers start showing color because plants mowed after that will likely still produce viable seed.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
Not in IAPP
leaves with spiny margins and white marbling along the veins
large reddish-purple flowers with long spines on bracts
up to 6’ tall
toxic to wildlife/livestock
barrier (impassable)
biodiversity reduction
mechanical –dig or excavate
replace any divots created when removing the plants to lessen the amount of disturbed soil.
Annual sow
thistle (Sonchus oleraceus)
AS
deeply lobed leaves with stalked basal leaves ending with a large, pointed segment
yellow dandelion-like flowers in flat-topped clusters
hollow stems contain a milky sap
spiny annual sow thistle (Sonchus asper) is similar but leaves have spiny, toothed margins
alternate host to aphids, several plant viruses and nematodes
colonizes new areas rapidly
impacts native plant communities, especially in marshes, ponds, and other riparian areas
mechanical – hand pulling or repeated close mowing before seed set
Perennial sow
thistle (Sonchus arvensis)
PS
lower leaves are stalked but upper leaves are stalkless and clasp the stem; margins have weak prickles
grows to 2 m & branches near the top
stems contain a white, milky juice
yellow flower clusters are borne on glandular stalks. Flower head bracts are covered with sticky hairs
chemicals from the roots and decaying residue from old plant growth inhibit seed germination for other species
impacts native plant communities, especially in marshes, ponds, and other riparian areas
mechanical – several mowings per year required to prevent seed set. Intensive, long term (years) cultivation required to exhaust root system
7
Grouping: “Thistles” – Part B
Species
Map Symbol
Life Cycle
Main Vectors of Spread
Rooting Habit
BC Legislation
Preferred Habitat
Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
BT
biennial
seed spread 2 km+ per year by wind
fleshy taproot
FRPA
CC
soil disturbance areas e.g. clearcuts, road construction
all biogeoclimatic zones
Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)
CT
perennial
seed spread 2 km+ per year by wind root fragments
wide spreading roots and creeping rhizomes
FRPA WCA CC
soil disturbance areas – fields, pastures, roadsides
wide range of nutrient and moisture regimes
Milk thistle
(Silybum marianum)
Not in IAPP
biennial or
winter annual
seed (viability > 5 yrs)
taproot
WCA
(new in 2011)
medium heat and moisture
high light and nutrients
Annual sow
thistle (Sonchus oleraceus)
AS
annual to short-lived perennial
seed with a parachute-like pappus blows by wind over great distances
can produce over 6,000 seeds per plant
short taproot
WCA CC
wide range of environmental conditions but prefers abundant moisture, open areas, at low to middle elevations.
Perennial sow
thistle (Sonchus arvensis)
PS
perennial
wind blown seed and creeping horizontal roots
climate dependant variable seed production of between 1,400 to 35,000 seeds per plant
hooked pappus attach to clothes, shoes, hair or fur
extensive rhizomes produce new shoots and fragment easily, regenerating into new plants
deep vertical and fleshy, creeping horizontal roots
WCA CC
fertile, moist soils in full sunlight on roadsides, disturbed areas, cultivated fields and riparian areas
8
Very large leaves
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
In winter young knotweed Squamish sighting
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
Japanese knotweed leaf on top of giant knotweed leaf
9
Grouping: “Very large leaves” – Part A
Species
Map Symbol
Principal Distinguishing
Features
Impacts
Control Strategies
Giant hogweed (Heracleum
mantegazzianum)
GH *Very similar to native
Cow Parsnip (Heracleum lanatum) but is much taller, reaching 5-6m
(whereas cow parsnip rarely reaches 1-2 m and has a flower cluster of no more than 0.3 m wide).
Hogweed leaves are much more incised.
tall (2 to 6m), hollow stems with course hairs arising from blister-like pustules
very large, deeply incised “maple leaf-like” leaves to over 1.5 m wide
numerous, small white flowers in a large, flat topped, terminal umbrella like cluster
reddish-purple spots on stems
pungent odour when mature
hairs on stems and leaves contain POISONOUS SAP which exude a clear, watery sap sensitizing skin to ultraviolet radiation; resulting in severe burns, blistering and painful dermatitis (forming 24 to 48 hours after contact). Avoid contact with eyes – may cause temporary or permanent blindness.
rapidly occupies and forms a dense canopy in riparian areas out-competing native species and causing stream bank erosion.
mechanical – cut the stem a few inches below the ground level with an axe or spade. Cut regularly to prevent flowering. Shallow excavation to ~20 cm will remove crown and prevent re-growth. Always bag seed heads and seal tightly and put in regular waste stream. Transport rest of plant to landfill or pile on site in the shade to dry out, and then compost.
NOTE: Always wear protective clothing to avoid skin contact and eye protection. Recommend hiring a trained professional to remove this plant.
Japanese Knotweed
(Fallopia japonica)
JK
spotted green to reddish brown, semi-woody, bamboo-like stems
10-15 cm long, egg shaped leaves which are dark green on top and lighter green below, and “squared off” compared to giant knotweed leaves.
creamy-white flowers in clusters from leaf axils
same as for Giant knotweed
accelerates erosion along stream banks, then pieces of plant matter travel by water which have the ability to propagate new plants
new shoots are known to penetrate thick asphalt & concrete
NOTE: Considered “the next Scotch broom of Vancouver Island” and #37 on the World Conservation Union’s list of the world’s 100 worst invasive species.
mechanical - grubbing and hand pulling are effective only on small populations (repeated annual mechanical treatment combined with herbicides is necessary). Repeated mowing can reduce spread.
Grouping: “Very large leaves” – Part B
Species Map Symbol
Life Cycle
Main Vectors of Spread
Rooting Habit
BC Legislation
Preferred Habitat
Giant Hogweed
(Heracleum mantegazzianum)
GH
perennial
seed production (up to 50,000 seeds per plant) which are winged for ease of dispersal by wind. Seeds remain viable for 7-15 years.
vegetative – plants develop perennial buds that form on the root stalks or the crown
variable: stout, fleshy tuberous root stalks form perennating buds each year
WCA
(new 2011) CC
moist areas such as ditch lines, meadows, thickets, avalanche tracks, streams, roadsides. Prefers partial shade
Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
JK
perennial
seeds distributed by water and transported fill
creeping rhizomes
rhizomatous (extremely vigorous rhizomes)
WCA (new 2011) FRPA & CC
moist to wet disturbed areas around human settlements, fence lines, roadsides
10
Toadflaxes
*LEAF SHAPE KEY DISTINGUISHING FEATURE BETWEEN SPECIES*
Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica)
Yellow (common) toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)
11
Grouping: “Toadflaxes” – Part A
Species
Map Symbol
Principal Distinguishing Features
Impacts
Control Strategies
Dalmatian toadflax
(Linaria dalmatica)
DT
bright yellow “snapdragon-like flowers with orange spot on the lower lip
waxy alternate leaves clasp stem
light-green coloured leaves are shorter, wider, and broad-based, clasping the stem compared to yellow toadflax
grows to 1.2 m
toxic to livestock
competes with native grasses and forbs to alter species diversity
reduces forage production
biological – Mecinus janthinus weevil (stem); Rhinusa antirrhini beetle (seed, stem)
mechanical – hand pull new and small populations prior to seed set. Mow/cut to reduce top-growth and seed set. Sheep grazing before plants set seed.
Yellow / common
toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)
YT
bright yellow “snapdragon-like flowers” but smaller than Dalmatian flowers
alternate leaves
stems with numerous long, narrow leaves
grows to only 0.6 m
reported to be toxic to cattle
competes with native grasses and forbs and can alter species diversity.
biological – Mecinus janthinus weevil (stem)
Rhinusa antirrhini beetle (seed, stem)
mechanical - hand pulling in coarse textured soil, with prompt seeding to native perennial grasses
* More difficult to control than Dalmatian toadflax
Grouping: “The Toadflaxes” – Part B
Species Map Symbol
Life Cycle Main Vectors of Spread Rooting Habit BC Legislation
Preferred Habitat
Dalmatian toadflax
(Linaria dalmatica)
DT
perennial
seed drop (can produce over 500,000 seeds per plant per year that can remain viable for up to 10 years)
seeds can also be dispersed by wind, insects and animals (deer, elk, and birds), and by machinery
creeping rhizomes
rhizomatous
FRPA WCA CC
cultivated land, roadsides, disturbed areas (often on coarse textured soil)
Yellow / common
toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)
YT
perennial
seed drop (can produce up to 30,000 seeds/plant/year and remain viable for up to 10 year
seeds can also be dispersed by wind, insects and animals (deer, elk, and birds), and by machinery
adventious buds on creeping rhizomes
taproot up to 1 m deep with long lateral roots developing adventitious buds that produce new plants
FRPA WCA CC
cultivated land, meadows, pastures, roadsides (often on gravely , sandy coarse-textured soil)
12
Knapweeds
Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) Spotted knapweed (Centaurea biebersteinii)
Bachelors buttons; cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
13
Grouping: “Knapweeds” – Part A
Species
Map Symbol
Principal Distinguishing Features
Impacts
Control Strategies
Diffuse
knapweed
(Centaurea diffusa)
DK
spine-tipped floral bract
flowers are small and white
leaves are hairy and highly divided, alternating from stem
aromatic
reduced biological diversity
displaces desirable livestock forage
fire hazard (oils)
biological – Agapeta zoegana moth (roots), Cyphocleonus achates weevil (roots, foliage), Larinus minutus weevil (seeds), Larinus obtusus weevil (seeds), Urophora jaceana fly (seeds)
mechanical – repeated hand pulling & digging to remove taproot, deep ploughing, to 18 cm, mow/cut before seed set
Spotted
knapweed
(Centaurea maculosa)
SK
floral bracts are black tipped, not spiny
flowers are light purple
deeply lobed, alternate leaves covered with translucent dots
aromatic
displaces native forage
produces chemical preventing other species from growing in the immediate area
skin irritation
fire hazard (oils)
biological – Agapeta zoegana moth (roots), Cyphocleonus achates weevil (roots, foliage), Larinus minutus weevil (seeds), Larinus obtusus weevil (seeds)
mechanical - sheep grazing, cutting, mowing or hand pulling prior to seed set, with follow up treatments. Entire root must be removed. Wear gloves.
Bachelors buttons
(cornflower) (Centaurea cyanus)
BB
bears showy, pastel blue, fragrant and repeat-blooming blooms during late spring to mid-summer
upright and has greyish lime foliage that is matte and medium textured
branched, loosely hairy, 0.2-1.2 m tall.
weed in crop fields
considered a seed contaminant in crop seeds
mechanical – pull by hand
Grouping: “Knapweeds” – Part B
Species Map Symbol
Life Cycle
Main Vectors of Spread
Rooting Habit
BC Legislation
Preferred Habitat
Diffuse knapweed
(Centaurea diffusa)
DK
biennial or short-lived perennial
plants break off and tumble with the wind spreading seeds up to 100m per year
by livestock, wildlife, and by humans via hay and vehicle undercarriages
can produce up to 18,000 seeds / plant
taproot only
FRPA WCA CC
disturbed, dry areas e.g. sandy areas
grasslands, pastures, woodland clearings, roadsides, clearcuts.
Spotted knapweed
(Centaurea maculosa)
SK
biennial or short-lived perennial
seed only via gravity, people, hay, vehicle under carriages, livestock, wildlife
can produce up to 40,000 seeds per plant
vegetatively from lateral roots just below the soil surface
taproot and lateral roots
FRPA WCA CC
disturbed areas with a wide range of moisture
grasslands/pastures, woodland clearings, roadsides, clearcuts.
Bachelors buttons (cornflower)
(Centaurea cyanus)
BB
annual
seed
taproot
None
full sun to light shade
average moisture, well drained
14
Prickly thickets
Cutleaf blackberry (Rubus laciniatus) Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor)
English hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
15
Prickly thickets
Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Gorse (Ulex europaeus)
16
Grouping: “Prickly Thickets” – Part A
Species
Map Symbol
Principal Distinguishing Features
Impacts
Control Strategies
Cutleaf
blackberry (Rubus laciniatus)
CL
sprawling, evergreen shrub form large thickets of trailing to climbing stems
Stems are heavily ribbed, purplish-red and are usually prickly or bristly
leaves are alternate and palmately compound with 3 to 5 highly lacerated leaflets
leaves are green to greenish-red above and paler below and armed with prickles
out competes native vegetation capable of providing shade, coarse woody debris and detritis to riparian areas
restricts access by wildlife to water courses, degrades pastures and limits recreational access
mechanical –roots must be dug out by hand or via excavator. Pull canes out of the ground before they produce berries. Reduce biomass by mowing a number of times per year. Integration of cutting, chemical treatment of stumps and follow-up herbicide application offer the most success.
Himalayan blackberry
(Rubus discolor)
HI *Native black
raspberry (Rubus leucodermis) has white residue on
stems and does not grow as
monoculture. *
sprawling, evergreen shrub form large thickets of trailing to climbing stems
strongly angled and furrowed stems bearing curved prickles, 6-10 mm
leaves have 3 to 5 egg-shaped leaflets; sharp-pointed at tips; smooth above, grey-woolly below with prickles on the stalks and mid-veins
white to rose-coloured flowers; black, shiny fruit
NO white residue on stems
out competes native vegetation capable of providing shade, coarse woody debris and detritis to riparian areas
restricts access by wildlife to water courses, degrades pastures and limits recreational access
mechanical –roots must be dug out by hand or via excavator. Pull canes out of the ground before they produce berries. Reduce biomass by mowing a number of times per year. Integration of cutting, chemical treatment of stumps and follow-up herbicide application offer the most success.
English hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
Not in IAPP
shade tolerant tree
deeply cleft leaves with white flowers and bright red fruits
armed
biodiversity reduction
hybridization threat
mechanical – cut before seed set; dig or excavate; pull by hand; saw
Scotch broom
(Cytisus scoparius
SB
no spines
spindly, evergreen, up to 3 m tall with 5 angles green branches
bright yellow flowers
flowers mature to form flattened, brown to black hairy seedpod
stems are ridged and woody
out competes endangered rain shadow flora e.g. Garry Oak ecosystems
fixes nitrogen that favours non-native plants
fire hazard
mechanical – in winter, cut main stem flush to ground, minimizing soil disturbance. Completely cover the stump with soil/moss. Pull only plants that are less than a pencil width and don’t worry about plants until they are of flowering age (2-3 years+). Repeat before flowering. Re-vegetate with native species.
Gorse (Ulex europaeus)
GO
thorny shrub with inch-long sharp spines that grows up to 6 feet tall
produces numerous bright yellow flowers, 1/3 to 1/2 inches long
barrier (impenetrable); extreme fire hazard; tree seedling competition
mechanical –dig or excavate; pull by hand; mow; roto-till
17
Grouping: “Prickly Thickets” – Part B
Species
Map Symbol
Life Cycle
Main Vectors of Spread
Rooting Habit
BC Legislation
Preferred Habitat
Cutleaf
blackberry (Rubus laciniatus)
CL
perennial
vegetatively by rooting from the cane tips touching the ground or from nodes along the canes
birds and mammals that eat the fruit
extensive system of inter-connected roots can exceed 10 m in length and 1 m in depth
FRPA
CC
woodland edges, fence rows, and clearings
requires full sun and dry soil.
Himalayan blackberry
(Rubus discolor)
HI
perennial
vegetatively by rooting from the cane tips touching the ground or from nodes along the canes
rhizomes or root fragments, and from the root crown
birds and mammals that eat the fruit
extensive system of inter-connected roots can exceed 10 m in length and 1 m in depth
CC
low elevations in clearings, disturbed sites, roadsides stream banks, wastelands, pastures, forest plantations, fence lines
English hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
Not in IAPP
perennial
seed
taproot
None
medium heat and nutrients
low moisture
high light
Scotch broom
(Cytisus scoparius
SB
perennial
seed dispersed by gravity, vehicles, animals, and internal mechanism to explosively “shoot” seeds from pod up to 5 m
vegetatively (re-grow from cut stems)
>18,000 seeds / shrub;seeds viable for up to 80 years
taproot
FRPA
CC
open, disturbed sites at low elevations especially roads, rail lines and utility R/W’s
well-drained sandy soil
Gorse
(Ulex europaeus)
GO
perennial
seed primarily
cuttings secondary
shallow with a deep tap root
this species forms nitrogen-fixing root nodules
FRPA WCA CC
low moisture and nutrients
medium light
high heat
18
Daisies
*LEAF SHAPE KEY DISTINGUISHING FEATURE BETWEEN SPECIES*
Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
Scentless chamomile (Tripleurospermum inodorum)
19
Grouping: “Daisies” – Part A
Species
Map Symbol
Principal Distinguishing Features
Impacts Control Strategies
Oxeye daisy
(Leucanthemum vulgare)
OD
white ray and yellow disk flowers
flowers to 5 cm across
flower heads are solitary at end of branches
forms dense stands that inhibit forage production, dominating rangelands
unpalatable to cattle
reduces forage for livestock and wildlife
mechanical - hand digging before seed production ensuring as much root as possible is removed.
Scentless
chamomile (Tripleurospermum
inodorum)
SH
white ray with yellow disk flowers
flowers 2-3 cm across
numerous bracts line stems
forms dense stands in pastures and hay fields
unpalatable to livestock
reduces yields in grain and seed fields, hayfields, pastures, and cultivated crops
mechanical – till or mow during hot, dry weather before plants flower, or torch (burn) prior to seed formation
Grouping: “Daisies” – Part B
Species
Map Symbol
Life Cycle Main Vectors of Spread Rooting Habit BC Legislation
Preferred Habitat
Oxeye daisy
(Leucanthemum vulgare)
OD
perennial (short lived)
seed – dispersed by gravity (>500 seeds/plant/ year)
vegetatively by roots
rhizomatous (shallow)
FRPA
CC
dry to moderately dry sites often growing along roadsides, landings and skid trails.
Scentless
Chamomile (Tripleurospermum
inodorum)
SH
annual, biennial or
perennial
seed (can produce over 1 million seeds per plant)
germinates under periodic flooding conditions and is dispersed by water and wind
extensive fibrous roots (not rhizomatous)
FRPA WCA CC
moist, fine textured soils e.g. clays
low to mid-elevation near watercourses and on dry shorelines, roadsides, fencelines, disturbed areas, perennial forage crops, cereal crops
20
Riparian species
Exploding seeds
Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) Small touch-me-not (Impatiens parviflora)
Yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus)
21
Riparian species
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii)
Similar NATIVE species
Hardhack
(Spiraea douglasii)
22
Grouping: “Riparian Species” – Part A
Species
Map Symbol
Principal Distinguishing Features
Impacts Control Strategy
Himalayan balsam
(Impatiens glandulifera)
IM
purple to reddish thick, hollow succulent stems (0.6 - 2 m tall)
Leaves opposite or whorled (at least some of them), finely saw-toothed, 6 – 15 cm
flowers white to pink to reddish
displaces native vegetation on stream banks
chokes drainage ditches
increases ditch and stream bank erosion
mechanical – hand pulling is easy when soil is moist (shallow roots). Mow/cut prior to seed set.
Small touch-me-not (Impatiens parviflora)
Not in IAPP
similar to Himalayan balsam but smaller (20 - 80 cm) and with yellow flowers
leaves alternate, stalked, egg-shaped to elliptic, finely and sharply saw-toothed, 3-12 cm
displaces native vegetation on stream banks
chokes drainage ditches
increases ditch and stream bank erosion
mechanical – hand pulling is easy when soil is moist (shallow roots). Mow/cut prior to seed set.
Yellow iris
(Iris pseudacorus)
YI
distinctive “iris–look”
bright yellow flowers
narrow, sword shaped leaves that are dark green with prominent mid-rib
long erect flowering stems
creates dense thickets to choke waterways and limit native vegetation
toxic if ingested by livestock and humans
causes dermatitis in sensitive humans
Small populations: dig up and remove manually
Large populations: clip seed heads off to prevent further spread. Cut plant materials close to the ground and clean debris away. Expose rhizomes and cut to their full depth in 10-15cm strips using a sharp tool such as a mattock.
Remove the strips with the mattock or a crow bar ensuring that you go the full depth of the plant (up to30 cm deep).
Address any recently sprouted seedlings in the summer (July).
Monitor regularly for re-growth, and remove any new plants that appear.
Purple loosestrife
(Lythrum salicaria)
PL
purple flowers in a dense terminal spike (looks like fireweed in wetlands)
square woody stem with opposite or sometimes whorled stalkless leaves
NOTE: # 50 on the World Conservation Union’s list of the world’s 100 worst invasive species.
one small isolated cluster of plants can spread and cover a marsh in one growing season
no known birds or mammals use this weed as food, therefore as it invades, wildlife habitat is lost
restricts water flow, increases sedimentation
biological – Galerucella calmariensis beetle (buds, shoots, foliage), Galerucella pulsilla beetle (buds, shoots, foliage)
mechanical – entire plant must be removed with ALL pieces, including root mat and continuous removal of seed heads prior to seed set
Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii)
(BD)
shrub between 1-5m in height with widely spreading branches
foliage semi-erect to falling, leaves opposite, lance shaped, slightly toothed, 10-30cm in length
flowers gathered in dense pointed clumps, white to crimson with orange stain in centre
takes hold in disturbed areas, riparian areas or open woodlands; of the worst weeds to forestry managers in New Zealand
forms dense thickets which crowd out native vegetation
may alter soil nutrient concentrations
mechanical – mature shrubs can be cut near the ground when in flower. Mowing or cutting does not work on small plants so dig up and remove as much of root as possible. Minimize soil disturbance and promptly replant with ground cover to inhibit re-sprouting.
23
Grouping: “Riparian Species” – Part B
Species
Map Symbol
Life Cycle
Main Vectors of Spread
Rooting Habit
BC Legislation
Preferred Habitat
Himalayan balsam
(Impatiens glandulifera)
IM
annual
seed capsules “explode” at maturity to release up to 2,500 seeds per plant
most seed transported by water flow in watercourses
mowing ditches after seed set
collecting/planting seed for ornamental purposes
shallow, fibrous roots
CC
wet sites along river edges, wetlands, ditch banks
Small touch-me-not (Impatiens parviflora)
Not in IAPP
annual
seed capsules “explode” at maturity to release up to 2,500 seeds per plant
most seed transported by water flow in watercourses
mowing ditches after seed set
collecting/planting seed for ornamental purposes
shallow, fibrous roots
None
wet sites along river edges, wetlands, ditch banks
shade tolerant
Yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus)
YI
perennial
seeds via wind and water
creeping rhizomes
continued to be sold as an ornamental
rhizomes
WCA (new 2011) FRPA
CC
wet areas / standing water (marshes, stream banks, pond edges)
Purple loosestrife
(Lythrum salicaria)
PL
perennial
seed – wind, water, animals and humans
(2 million seeds +/ plants/year !)
branching root system
root fragments and/or pieces of stem
large woody taproot with fibrous rhizomes that form a dense mat that is deeply rooted
WCA (new 2011)
FRPA CC
wet areas / standing water (marshes, stream banks, pond edges, ditches, irrigation canals, lake and river shorelines)
Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii)
(BD)
perennial
nursery trade introduction
produces large quantities of extremely lightweight, winged seeds – up to 3 million per plant or 40,000 per flower head
seeds dispersed by wind or water
Cut stems can sprout roots
taproot
None
Usually occurs in open and disturbed sites, railways, road edges, walls, cliffs, building sites and waste lands.
Riparian areas, particularly those with frequent disturbance and open gravel bars.
24
Hitch hikers
Common burdock (Arctium minus)
Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)
25
Grouping: “Hitch hikers” – Part A
Species
Map Symbol
Principal Distinguishing Features
Impacts Control Strategies
Common burdock
(Arctium minus)
CB
bracts have “velcro” hooks
flowers are reddish - purple on a bur with hooked bristles and may be alone or in clusters
leaves are large, dark green and heart-shaped with wavy edges
associated with micro-organisms that cause powdery mildew, and root rot
potential diuretic effects and allergic reactions to hooked burs under the skin’s surface
mechanical –sever taproot below the root collar (where the stem becomes a root) with a flat nosed spade or mowing / tillage / mechanical removal to kill the plants at the first year rosette stage
Teasel
(Dipsacus fullonum)
TS
tall plant (to 2 m) with stems marked by parallel ridges and downward pointing spines
wrinkled leaves with conspicuous veins and spines on underside of mid-rib
small purple flowers within dense heads protected by stiff spiny bracts
reduces natural diversity by forming dense stands that exclude native vegetation
mechanical – hand pull or dig to remove roots below the crown to prevent re-sprouting. Mow/cut and remove flowering stalks once flowers form.
Grouping: “Hitch hikers” – Part B
Species
Map Symbol
Life Cycle Main Vectors of Spread Rooting Habit BC Legislation Preferred Habitat
Common burdock
(Arctium minus)
CB
biennial
burred seed carried by animals 10 km+ per year. Burrs can stay on animals for several weeks.
thick, fleshy taproot
FRPA WCA CC
disturbed areas, grasslands, roads, ditches, riparian areas
nitrogen-rich soils
Teasel
(Dipsacus fullonum)
TS
biennial
seed (can produce over 2,000 seeds per plant)
humans (transported as an ornamental)
shallow taproot with fibrous secondary roots
FRPA
moist, sunny, open sites with rich soils.
roadsides, pastures, ditches, disturbed areas
26
Shade tolerant, understory plants
English ivy & varieties (Hedera helix & var) English holly (Ilex aquifloium)
Purple dead nettle (Lamium purpureum) Yellow archangel (Lamium galeobdolon) Bugle-weed; common bugle (Ajuga reptans)
**THESE THREE ARE IN THE MINT FAMILY**
27
Shade tolerant, understory plants
Spurge laurel (Daphne laureola) Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
V. minor V. major
Periwinkle (Vinca major, V. minor)
28
Grouping: “Shade tolerant, understory plants” – Part A
Species
Map Symbol
Principal Distinguishing Features
Impacts
Control Strategies
English ivy & varieties
(Hedera helix & varieties)
EI
evergreen climbing vine
leaves alternate along stem
3-lobed leaves occur on the juvenile plant with unlobed, oval leaves on a mature plant.
threatens all vegetation levels: forested & open areas, growing into canopy
dense growth adds weight and limits photosynthesis of standing trees, thereby increasing sail and reducing host vigour
followed by windthrow and tree death
cut ivy vines growing up trunk of tree at two locations –at shoulder height and at ankle height. Then pull ivy away from the base of the tree at for at least 2 meters in all directions into an “ivy roll”
pull and roll from outer edges of infestation toward centre.
English holly (Ilex aquifolium)
IA
woody shrub with prickly leaves and bright red berries
two distinct leaf characteristics are evident, solid green and variegated
can form dense monocultures that exclude all other vegetation
restricts access due to its sharp thorny leaves.
not palatable by ungulates
mechanical – pull small plants, cut and dig out stumps from larger plants
repeated removal of shoots from stumps will eventually result in die off
Purple dead nettle (Lamium purpureum)
PD
square stems with opposite leaves (mint family)
upper leaves are usually purple
has stalked leaves
can form a dense ground cover shading out native species
mechanical –hand weeding before seed set
Yellow archangel (Lamium galeobdolon)
YA
leaves- serrated edges, silver/ white markings with green trim
stems, green, square and hairy
flowers, yellow w/ hooded upper petal and lipped lower petal
As an evergreen vine can swiftly displace local native groundcovers such as sword fern, trillium, and false-lily-of-the-valley.
mechanical - plants are shallow rooted so continual hand pulling works well
Bugle-weed; common bugle (Ajuga reptans)
Not in IAPP
low-growing evergreen groundcover forming a dense mat of blue flowers in spring
member of mint family
biodiversity reduction
mechanical – Mow pull by hand
Spurge laurel (Daphne laureola)
DA
reminiscent of rhododendron
stems too rubbery to break
small yellow flowers develop into purple-black berries
leaves, sap, bark & berries are toxic
produces a noxious substance which can cause severe eye and skin irritation
noxious compounds can cause respiratory irritation.
forms monoculture
changes soil chemistry (alleopathic)
mechanical - Hand pulling of small. Cut larger plants below ground level where stem changes from brown to orange root.
Always wear gloves; never transport cuttings or plants inside an enclosed vehicle
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
AP
12 to 48 inches in height
leaves and stems emit odour of onion or garlic when crushed
white flowers with four petals
stem leaves are alternate and triangular in shape, have large teeth, can be 2 to 3” across
biodiversity reduction
shades out tree seedlings
mechanical – mow; when pulling, the upper half of the root must be removed in order to stop buds at the root crown from sending up new flower stalks
Periwinkle (Vinca major, V. minor)
Not in IAPP
evergreen to semi-evergreen
leaves are shiny, dark green, and opposite; 3-9cm long
flowers are pale blue to lavender in color, up to 3cm wide, and 5-petaled
toxic to humans & animals, biodiversity reduction, tree seedling competition
mechanical –one of the few invasives easily controlled by hand, repeated pulling of the plant as it appears will ‘starve’ it – persistence is key, as well as replanting
remember to remove it down to the root level
29
Grouping: “Shade Tolerant, Understory Plants” – Part B
Species
Map Symbol
Life Cycle
Main Vectors of Spread
Rooting Habit
BC
Legislation
Preferred Habitat
English ivy &
varieties (Hedera helix &
varieties)
EI
perennial
seeds are dispersed to new areas primarily by birds.
used extensively in many parts of BC as an ornamental landscape plant
garden escapee/garden waste
woody with tap root in larger plants
Ivy is not parasitic, once the vines are separated from the root system; the vines dehydrate & ultimately fall from the tree.
CC
grows in variable light conditions but prefers shade, damp soils, and a moist, cool environment
English holly (Ilex aquifolium)
IA
perennial
nursery trade introduction
birds eat and then disperse seeds
can be found far from human habitation
woody
None
grows in sun to shady conditions.
does well in forest understory
Purple dead nettle
(Lamium purpureum)
PD
annual
nursery trade, potters and garden waste dumping
shallow succulent roots
None
gardens, orchards and fields, waste places
Yellow archangel (Lamium
galeobdolon)
YA
perennial
propagation occurs by both seeds and vegetatively from stolons
nursery trade, potters and garden waste dumping
shallow roots
None
grows very well on forest floors with deep leaf litter
prefers shade
Bugle-weed; common bugle (Ajuga reptans)
Not in IAPP
perennial
spreads by means of leafy runners which set out rosettes of leaves, soon forming a thick mat
fibrous roots and rooting runners
None
prefers moist, well-drained soils of average fertility in partial shade, with regular watering during the hot and dry periods of Summer; however, it is adaptable to more harsh conditions, including poor soils and heat
Spurge laurel
(Daphne laureola)
DA
perennial
reproduction by single seeded berries and distribution by birds
sold in the nursery trade
sprouts from lateral roots
woody, rubbery tap root
CC
prefers loamy to clay soils that are well-drained and which range from neutral to acid
able to tolerate a range of conditions including dry to moist soil and full to partial shade
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
AP
biennial
hundreds of seeds per plant dispersed by animals, water and humans (viable for 5-10 years)
allelopathic
fibrous roots WCA
(new 2011)
PPNW 2012 CC
low light but can grow in full sun
medium heat and nutrients
high moisture
Periwinkle (Vinca major, V.
minor)
Not in IAPP
perennial
rhizomes primarily
by seeds secondary
creeper and rapid regeneration time
reproduces by runners with stems rooting at the nodes
None
prefers shade
medium heat, moisture and nutrients
30
White flowered
Wild chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris) Bur chervil (Anthriscus caucalis)
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) Queen Anne’s lace; wild carrot (Daucus carota)
*ALL IN THE CARROT (Apiaceae) FAMILY*
31
White flowered
Hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana) Old man’s beard; travellers joy (Clematis vitalba)
Lambs quarters (Chenopodium album) Cherry/English laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
Field bindweed; morning glory
(Convolvulus arvensis)
32
Grouping: “White flowered” – Part A **These 4 species all in the carrot (Apiaceae) family**
Species
Map Symbol
Principal Distinguishing
Features
Impacts
Control Strategy
Wild chervil
(Anthriscus sylvestris)
WI
furrowed, hollow stems with hairs at stem nodes. Grows to 1.8 m +
fern-like hairless leaves
small white flowers in umbrella-like clusters produce 2 joined seeds with tiny antennae-like structure at tips
out competes pasture and hay crops reducing forage for grazing animals
host for virus of some vegetable crops
mechanical – young plants can be hand-pulled prior to seed production. Mature plants must be dug below the root crown. Repeated mowings prior to seed set reduces infestations.
Bur chervil
(Anthriscus caucalis)
CB
up to 3’ tall
leaves alternate, finely divided with a lacy appearance and generally hairy when young
aromatic with tiny white flowers
closely resembles A. sylvestris but is more delicate and the bristles on the fruit have obvious hooks
Poison hemlock
(Conium maculatum)
PH
hollow stems purple-spotted
can grow to over 6’
leaves fern-like with lacy appearance & emit a foul odour when crushed
can sometimes be confused with water hemlock (Cicuta maculata) - the leaf veins in water hemlock end in the notches between the teeth of the leaflets and in poison hemlock the veins end at the tips of the teeth.
POISION - Every part of this plant, especially the fresh leaves and fruit, contains a volatile, oily alkaloid, which is so poisonous that a few drops prove fatal to a small animal
skin irritation from dermal contact
biodiversity reduction
mechanical – mow or pull by hand
Queen Anne’s lace; wild carrot
(Daucus carota)
Not in IAPP
20-120 cm tall
leaves fern-like and lacy
flowers white or yellowish (but central flower of umbel commonly pink or purple)
when in fruit shaped like ‘bird’s nest’
skin irritation from cell sap and in light
toxic only if large quantities are eaten
mechanical – dig or excavate, mow, roto-till
33
Grouping: “White flowered” – Part B
Species
Map Symbol
Life Cycle
Main Vectors of Spread
Rooting Habit
BC Legislation
Preferred Habitat
Wild chervil
(Anthriscus sylvestris)
WI
biennial to short-lived perennial
seed movement through roadside and ditch mowing operations
birds, ditch water
contaminated wildflower seed
thick, tuberous taproots
develops sprouts from side of parental taproot
can extend over 2 m deep in soil
WCA CC
moist to wet disturbed sites from low to mid-elevation
ditches, stream banks, moist woods, riparian areas, roadsides, fence lines, pastures
Bur chervil
(Anthriscus caucalis)
CB
annual
seeds that are covered with minute hooked bristles
taproot
WCA
(new 2011)
along stream banks and in moist, open places, sometimes near old buildings and farmyards
Poison hemlock
(Conium maculatum)
PH
biennial usually
one plant can produce over 30,000 seeds
rapid regeneration time, seed viability >5 years
root is long, forked, pale yellow and 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter
CC
wet ditches, moist disturbed sites, waste places at low elevations
Queen Anne’s lace; wild carrot (Daucus
carota)
Not in IAPP
biennial
high amount of seed
fruit 3-4 mm, armed with barbed prickles along alternate ribs
well developed, whitish, bitter taproot
None
roadsides, fields, pastures, waste places, moist clearings, at low elevations
34
Grouping: “White flowered” continued - Part A
Species
Map Symbol
Principal Distinguishing
Features
Impacts
Control Strategy
Hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana)
HA
small white flowers with deeply notched petals
flattened oval-shaped seedpods (5-8 mm) are held close to the stem
entire plant covered with star-shaped hairs
increases in forage crops
potential for animal poisonings - horse deaths have occurred
hand pull small infestations and maintain competitive forage planting. Mowing will reduce seed production.
Old man’s beard;
travellers joy (Clematis vitalba)
Not in IAPP
aggressive climber
flowers white or pale yellow, while native species all produce a darker color of either blue, reddish or brownish-purple
animal ingestion, biodiversity reduction, dermal contact
cut before seed set; pull by hand; saw
stems can re-root if left in contact with the ground for a long period of time
Field bindweed; morning glory
(Convolvulus arvensis)
FB
trailing to twining; forms hedge-like growths over various objects or other vegetation
leaves arrowhead-shaped
flowers white to rose-purple; 1.5-2.5 cm long
crop or forage yield reduction
biodiversity reduction
pull by hand, be careful to break as little rhizomes when pulling since new plants can be propagated from exceptionally small rhizome pieces, to digging and especially rotovating can make matters much worse
exclusion of light know to be affective; cover ground with carpet, cardboard, etc. for about a year
Lambs quarters
(Chenopodium album)
Not in IAPP
leaves egg- or diamond-shaped; greyish-green and covered with mealy particles
flowers tiny; in dense clusters or spikes in the leaf axils and at the stem tips
causes sickness and death in livestock if large quantities are ingested
humans who consume large quantities of the plant and are subsequently exposed to sunlight suffer photosensitization
crop or forage yield reduction
harbours pests
cut before seed set; mow
Cherry/English
laurel (Prunus
laurocerasus)
Not in IAPP
leaves evergreen, narrow, dark green, simple, alternate 2-6” long
large, spreading evergreen shrub 3-5’ in height
flowers are tiny, white and intensely fragrant, appearing in mid-spring
biodiversity reduction
hybridization threat
berries poisonous to humans
saw
35
Grouping: “White flowered” continued – Part B
Species
Map Symbol
Life Cycle
Main Vectors of Spread
Rooting Habit
BC Legislation
Preferred Habitat
Hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana)
HA
annual to short-lived perennial
seed
contaminated hay
slender taproot
FRPA WCA CC
idle areas, overgrazed or stressed pastures/meadows, hayfields, roadsides, railways.
well adapted to dry, sandy or gravely soils.
Old man’s beard; travellers joy
(Clematis vitalba)
Not in IAPP
perennial
(grows 20-50’ per year)
high rate of seed; spread by wind
cuttings (vegetative)
climber, creeper, modified seed,
shallow roots
None
medium heat, light, moisture
high nutrient
Field bindweed; morning glory
(Convolvulus arvensis)
FB
perennial
by seed and by sending up new shoots
allelopathic, climber, rapid regeneration, seed viability >5 years
deep rhizomes
None
low heat
medium moisture; nutrient
high light
Lambs quarters (Chenopodium album)
Not in IAPP
annual
seed
high rate of seed production
taproot
None
disturbed sites, especially cultivated land, roadsides; common low to middle elevations
Cherry/English
laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
Not in IAPP
perennial
seed
layering
stimulated by cultivation
extensive root system
known to grow new shoots from a cut stem and to sucker (grow shoots from its roots) if it is just cut
None
shade tolerant
medium heat, moist
36
Miscellaneous
Blueweed (Echium vulgare)
Common bugloss (Anchusa officinalis) Lady’s thumb; smartweed (Persicaria maculosa)
37
Miscellaneous
Absinth wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Common crupina (Crupina vulgaris) Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
38
Grouping: “Miscellaneous” – Part A
Species
Map Symbol
Principal Distinguishing
Features
Impacts
Control Strategies
Blueweed
(Echium vulgare)
BW
many small blue flowers arranged on upper side of short stalks
entire plant conspicuously hairy
bright blue flowers shaped like a funnel; upper two petal lobes somewhat larger than lower three
increases on overgrazed dry pastures and rangelands
potential toxic threat due to presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids
cut root at taproot and bag seed heads
Lady’s thumb;
smartweed (Persicaria maculosa)
LT
branched with stems growing erect or spreading from 0.2 to 1 metre long
lance-shaped leaves with black blotch in centre and a thin papery sheath with long hairs at the base
flowers are pink in a small spike-like cluster
biodiversity reduction or habitat loss of native flora
agriculture and wetland or lake are high risk sites
mechanical methods (hand-pulling, mowing) can control populations. Improving the drainage will discourage these weeds from reestablishment
Common bugloss (Anchusa officinalis)
AO
softly spreading-hairy; stems often several, 30-80 cm tall
flowers are initially reddish, later turning deep blue to purple with white centres. They originate at the ends of the stalks with each flower stem coiled like a fiddleneck at first.
reduces agriculture crop or forage yield production
can be controlled by regular cultivation. Care must be taken to sever the roots below the crown. Prevent seed production by cutting and destroying flowers. Mowing is not a good control option because taproots are still viable and re-growth typically occurs.
Absinth wormwood
(Artemisia absinthium)
WW
leaves alternate, gray-green, 2.5-10 cm
strong sage-like scent when crushed
flowering occurs in midsummer, when pale yellow, tubular flowers develop in drooping heads in the axils of leaves
reduces agriculture crop or forage yield production
allergen
toxic if large quantities are eaten
mowing may prevent seed production if mowed several times throughout the growing season
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
CY
flowers blue, rarely pink or white
basal leaves deeply toothed to lobed, lance shaped
stems exude milky juice when broken
biodiversity reduction or habitat loss of native flora
recreational turfgrass
mechanical - mow
Common crupina
(Crupina vulgaris)
CC
grows 1 to 4 ft. (0.3-1.2 m) tall
leaves are entire to finely dissected (leaves become more divided towards the apex) and up to 6 in. (15.2 cm)
flowers are purple to pink, long, slender (vase-shaped)
reduces agriculture crop or forage yield production
mechanical – burn; pull by hand; roto-till
NOTE: Grazing (deer or livestock) or cutting can stimulate lateral branching, thereby increasing flower and seed production
Foxglove
(Digitalis purpurea)
Not in IAPP
stems leafy
leaves egg- to lance-shaped; green and soft-hairy above, green-woolly below
flowers pink-purple with deeper-purple spots inside; petals fused into a long, gaping tube
HIGHLY TOXIC may be fatal if eaten; threat to humans and animals
hinders natural successional processes
cut before seed set
39
Grouping: “Miscellaneous” – Part B
Species
Map Symbol
Life Cycle
Main Vectors of Spread
Rooting Habit
BC Legislation
Preferred Habitat
Blueweed
(Echium vulgare)
BW
biennial to short-lived perennial
seed (the majority fall below the parent plant; viable for >5 yrs)
rough seeds can attach to clothing, animals and birds
can produce up to 2,800 seeds per plant
long, stout taproot with small fibrous laterals
FRPA WCA CC
dry, rocky, shallow soils especially over limestone
low to mid-elevation dry roadsides, rocky pastures/range, disturbed sites
Lady’s thumb; smartweed
(Persicaria maculosa)
LT
annual
seed is main reproduction; can remain viable in soil for 45 years
by rhizome is secondary
taproot
None
medium heat, light, moisture & nutrients
Common bugloss (Anchusa officinalis)
AO
biennial or perennial
main reproduction by seed
secondary reproduction by cuttings (vegetative)
taproot
FRPA WCA
high heat and light
low moisture
medium nutrients
Absinth
wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
WW
perennial
main reproduction by seed
secondary reproduction by cuttings (vegetative)
allelopathic
taproot occasionally reaching 5 cm in diameter with shallow lateral branches extending 6 feet in all directions
None
high light
medium heat
low moisture and nutrients
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
CY
perennial
seed
deep taproot
None
medium heat and light
low moisture and nutrients
Common crupina (Crupina vulgaris)
CC
annual
seeds spread by livestock, birds and water
short taproot
WCA PPNW 2012
CC
medium heat, light, moisture & nutrient
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Not in IAPP
biennial
small and numerous seeds are dispersed by wind and water
minimum root depth is 6 inches
None
medium heat and light
high moisture and nutrients
40
Yellow / orange flowered
Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)
Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias)
41
Yellow / orange flowered
Orange hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum)
Mouse ear hawkweed (H. pilosella) Queendevil hawkweed (H. praealtum) Meadow hawkweed (H. caespitosum) Spotted hawkweed (H. maculatum)
Invasive yellow hawkweeds (Hieracium sp)
42
Yellow / orange flowered
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Yellow salsify; western goat’s beard (Tragopogon dubius) Prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola)
43
Grouping: “Yellow / orange flowered” – Part A
Species
Map Symbol
Principal Distinguishing
Features
Impacts
Control Strategy
Common tansy
(Tanacetum vulgare)
TC
purple/red stem with glands
aromatic
showy, button-like yellow flowers in dense clusters lacking ray flowers
alternate leaves, deeply divided into numerous individual leaflets
TOXIC to humans and livestock
displaces native vegetation or desirable forage in pastures
particularly aggressive when growing along watercourses where it can restrict flow
cannot be controlled with single mowing events (e.g. once-a-year), as the plants will respond with an increase in vegetative growth
mowing sites very low to the ground before July can prevent seed production
if hand pulling gloves and other protective clothing should be worn to prevent skin irritation.
the use of fertilizer can increase the competitive ability of grasses and other desirable plants, thereby preventing or reducing infestations
Tansy ragwort
(Senecio jacobaea)
TR
similar to Common Tansy but also has yellow ray flowers
dark green, stalkless leaves which are deeply lobed, giving each plant a “ragged” appearance
TOXIC to humans and livestock
reduces forage production by up to 50%
animals seldom eat mature plants but poisoning can occur when seedlings are accidentally grazed with other forage or hay is contaminated
mechanical control involves physically pulling the entire root system of the plant, otherwise regrowth will occur. Mowing can cause the plant to act like a short-term perennial by growing hundreds of rosettes from its roots.
Leafy spurge
(Euphorbia esula)
LS
small yellowish-green flowers with distinctive paired heart-shaped yellow-green bracts underneath
thickly clustered stems grow 20 to 90 cm tall
entire plant is hairless and contains a white, milky sap
destroys native grassland biodiversity, displaces forage for livestock and wildlife
increases soil erosion
reduces property values
irritates skin of humans and can damage feet, mouth and stomach of livestock
biological – Aphthona cyparissiae – flea beetle (roots); Aphthona nigriscutus - flea beetle (roots); sheep and goats grazing.
properly timed cultivation (2 options below) and/or planting of competitive grass species
intensive cultivation: begin in spring, 2-4 weeks after plant emerges, tilling 4 inches deep. Continue every three weeks until the soil freezes; for one to two years. Tillage schedule should not be interrupted because leafy spurge recovers quickly from effects of cultivation. Pieces of roots as small as 0.5 inch long and 0.1 inch diameter can produce new shoots.
fall cultivation: cultivate when the plants are 3 to 6 inches tall post-harvest one or twice (twice reduces infestations faster) each fall after harvest for 3 years.
Cypress spurge
(Euphorbia
cyparissias)
CS
similar to leafy spurge (above)
most obvious difference between these plants is that E. esula is much taller and more robust than E. cyparissias; it also has fewer, wider leaves and larger bracts.
destroys native grassland biodiversity, displaces forage for livestock and wildlife
irritates skin of humans and can damage feet, mouth and stomach of livestock
mechanical – see strategy for leafy spurge above
44
Grouping: “Yellow / Orange Flowered” – Part B
Species
Map Symbol
Life Cycle
Main Vectors of Spread
Rooting Habit
BC Legislation
Preferred Habitat
Common tansy
(Tanacetum vulgare)
TC
perennial
seed (up to 50,000 seeds per plant) via water and the wind 0.5 km + per year
creeping roots and fragments
rhizomatous
FRPA WCA CC
well drained soil along roads and streams
Tansy ragwort
(Senecio jacobaea)
TR
biennial to short lived perennial
seeds - by wind, water, animals
can produce over 150,000 seeds/ plants/ year
vegetatively - roots can develop new root and buds, especially in response to disturbance or injury
taproot with well-developed fibrous roots whereby root fragments can produce new shoots
FRPA WCA CC
disturbed sites in pastures, hay fields, roadsides and clear cuts
Leafy spurge
(Euphorbia esula)
LS
perennial
seeds (up to 250 seeds per shoot with viability in soil of 5 to 8 years). One large plant can produce up to 130,000 seeds
insects, birds and other wildlife, livestock, humans and machinery
seeds naturally disperse up to 4.5 m from the parent plant and are easily transported by water, animals and human activity
persistent, deep, vertical (to 5 m) and extensive lateral root system (8 m spread or more)
brown, woody roots develop numerous pink buds that form new plants
FRPA WCA CC
wide range of habitats from rich, damp soils in riparian sites to extremely nutrient poor, dry sandy and gravely soils
disturbed to undisturbed sites on cropland, pastures, rangelands, woodlands, roadsides, idle areas
Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias)
CS
perennial
main reproduction by seed
secondary by rhizomes
rapid regeneration time
rhizomatous
None
medium heat and light
low moisture and nutrients
45
Grouping: “Yellow / orange flowered” continued – Part A
Species
Map Symbol
Principal Distinguishing
Features
Impacts
Control Strategy
Orange hawkweed
(Hieracium aurantiacum)
OH
flowers clustered at top of leafless stem
vibrant orange to red petal-like ray flowers with notched tips
stem contains milky juice
stiff hairs on stem
aggressively crowds out palatable pasture and range plants forming a complete mat
unpalatable by livestock
chemical – fertilize with high % nitrogen or sulphur
mechanical – for small patches, dig out the entire plant (roots, stolons, stems and flowers) but do not scatter roots and/or stolons. For large infestations, use excavator.
Invasive yellow
hawkweeds (Hieracium sp)
HS
similar in appearance to orange hawkweed except with buttercup-coloured yellow flowers
leafless stems (native hawkweeds have leaves on stems – key distinguishing feature)
a number of yellow-flowered hawkweeds exist in BC making identification to species difficult
rapid colonizer displaces native and seeded pasture vegetation
destroys biodiversity and forage values for grazing animals
chemical – fertilize with high % nitrogen or sulphur
mechanical – carefully remove all roots (fragments will re-sprout), fertilize to increase the competitiveness of perennial grasses & beneficial forbs
See Linda M. Wilson’s 2006 publication: Key to Identification of Invasive and Native Hawkweeds in the Pacific NW.
Mullein
(Verbascum thapsus)
MU
unbranched and can grow to more than 6.6 ft. (2 m) tall
basal rosette of felt-like leaves covered with woolly hairs
five-petaled yellow flowers arranged in a leafy spike
crop or forage yield reduction
plants are easily hand pulled on loose soils due to relatively shallow tap roots. This is an extremely effective method of reducing populations and seed productivity, especially if plant is pulled before seed set. If blooms or seed capsules are present, reproductive structures should be removed, bagged, and properly disposed of in a landfill. Care should be taken, however, to minimize soil disturbance since loose soil will facilitate seed germination.
Yellow salsify;
western goat’s beard (Tragopogon dubius)
WG
grows from 0.3 to 1 m height
long grass-like leaves with crisp margins; stems swollen below the flower head; contains a milky juice
seed head is globe shaped like a dandelion, but much larger
biodiversity reduction and habitat loss of native flora
mechanical – tillage in the spring or fall eliminates all existing plants. In small areas, a hoe or shovel can be used to cut the plant at or below the soil surface.
Prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola)
Not in IAPP
can reach heights of 6 ft.
leaves have a conspicuous, white midvein with the underside of vein covered with prickles
all parts of the plants emit a milky sap when cut
biodiversity reduction and habitat loss of native flora
mechanical – easily controlled by cultivation or pulling; mowing not effective because leaves lie close to the soil surface & plants that are mown after stem extension readily produce new stems or branches and flowers
46
Grouping: “Yellow / Orange Flowered” continued – Part B
Species
Map Symbol
Life Cycle
Main Vectors of Spread
Rooting Habit
BC Legislation
Preferred Habitat
Orange hawkweed
(Hieracium aurantiacum)
OH
perennial
seeds via recreationists, pack animals and hay
ground runners (stolons)
fibrous-rooted with horizontal above ground runners (stolons) that root at the nodes
FRPA WCA CC
low to mid-elevation open areas such as pastures, meadows, forest clearings, roadsides
disturbed areas on well drained, coarse textured soils
Invasive yellow
hawkweeds (Hieracium sp)
HS
perennial
seeds via recreationists, pack animals and hay
ground runners (stolons)
fibrous-rooted with horizontal above ground runners (stolons) that root at the nodes
FRPA
low to mid-elevation open areas such as pastures, meadows, forest clearings, roadsides
disturbed areas on well drained, coarse textured soils
Mullein
(Verbascum thapsus)
MU
biennial –
the plant bolts in the second year
it is estimated that a single plant can produce 100,000-180,000 seeds which may remain viable for more than 100 years
relatively shallow tap roots
None
intolerant of shade, will grow in almost any open area including natural meadows and forest openings as well as neglected pastures, road cuts, industrial areas
common mullein prefers, but is not limited to, dry sandy soils
Yellow salsify; western goat’s
beard (Tragopogon dubius)
WG
biennial to short-lived perennial
1,000 seeds may be produced per plant and spread by wind a few meters or across many miles
taproot
CC considered for the
Weed Control Act/Regulation
revision
relatively dry open areas with a high level of sunlight, but does not like cultivation due to its poor emergence from deeper seed placement
Prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola)
Not in IAPP
annual or biennial
dandelion-like seeds spread by wind
taproot
None
native to the Mediterranean region and occurs along roadsides, in abandoned fields, and other disturbed areas
