RDCO says take action against invasive weeds

As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors, it’s crucial to be aware of the invasive weeds threatening our beautiful landscapes. An invasive weed is defined as a plant introduced from other regions or countries. These plants grow rapidly and can negatively impact humans, animals, livestock, agriculture, horticultural crops and natural ecosystems.

In the Central Okanagan, the Regional District of Central Okanagan’s invasive weeds enforcement program operates between April 1 to September 30.

Property owners in the City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland and Electoral Areas East and West must prevent the growth of noxious weeds and tall grasses due to Noxious Weed Control Bylaw No. 1544. The City of West Kelowna enforces its own Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 151 ,which includes noxious weeds. All invasive weeds must be destroyed and removed. Check your local government for regulations around pesticide use and use eco-friendly solutions when possible.

Species of Concern

The Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus, Varnish Tree)  is a fast-growing invasive species in BC that was recently added to the invasive species list in 2023. Originally from China and Taiwan, this tree is now crowding out native plants and disrupting local ecosystems.  

More information:

• Rapid growth, tolerant to various environmental conditions.

• Crowds out other plants, foul-smelling.
• Can reach 20–30 m in height and 10–15 m in width.
• Grey, lightly textured bark; small white flowers; showy red samara fruit; 50 cm leaves divided into oval-shaped leaflets; yellow foliage in fall.
• Must be removed and disposed of in garbage. Burning and composting is not recommended as extreme temperatures are required.

Other Weeds of Concern

The Regional District of Central Okanagan Weeds Bylaw Officers have identified 12 top invasive species of concern that have spread rapidly throughout the region.

• Hoary Alyssum (Berteroa incana): Spreads quickly, contaminates hay, harmful to horses.
• Myrtle Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites): Releases chemicals to inhibit nearby plant growth.
• Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris): Thrives in dry soils, toxic to livestock.
• Scotch Thistle (Onopordum acanthium): Difficult to walk through dense stands.
• Yellow Salsify (Tragopogon dubius): Grass-like, grows up to one metre tall.
• Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata): Spreads over 13,000 seeds per plant.
• Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare): Toxic to livestock, displaces native vegetation.
• Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum): Alters wildfire regimes, injures livestock.
• Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica): Aggressive growth, hard to kill. Dedicated loads for disposal need to be managed as garbage.
• Common Bugloss (Anchusa officinalis): Reduces crop yields, toxic if ingested.
• Common Burdock (Arctium minus): Produces up to 16,000 seeds, clings to animals.
• Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum): Extremely toxic, can cause burns, blisters or blindness. Needs to be bagged and disposed in garbage.

Report a weed concern at rdco.com/weeds or contact us by phone or email.

To learn about treating invasive weeds, please visit BC Invasive Species Council at bcinvasives.ca.