csiss's Journal

The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society updated our priority plant lists on April 9 at the annual Land Manager Meeting to guide the inventory, treatment, and monitoring of invasive plants in the region.

Priority Plant Lists
These lists contain six rankings based on how established a species is and their potential impact within the region. In the meeting, hoary cress was discussed as a species to keep at the highest possible alert level, and cheatgrass was highlighted as a species with insufficient information. CSISS is encouraging everyone to be aware of these species, and report sightings on our website, using the provincial reporting form, or the Report Invasives app on your phone. Follow CSISS and join our project “2024 CSISS Priority Invasive Plants” to help keep an eye out for these invasive species.

Hoary cress
Hoary cress is one of the province’s top 25 invasive plants and spreads quickly through prolific seed production and rhizome spread. It is commonly spread through contaminated hay and seeds, and prefers open sunny areas such as pastures and meadows. Hoary cress presents a threat to agriculture as it lowers crop yields and can ruin livestock products. Laura Gaster, Field Manager for CSISS, stated “with the development of the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail, this plant has a higher potential to spread into our region. It is important for everyone to keep an eye out for hoary cress and remember to Play Clean Go after being on the trails.” This plant is 10-60 centimetres tall, has blue-green arrow shaped leaves and many small white flowers in clusters at the top of the stem. It has two heart shaped seed pods per flower.

Cheatgrass
It is possible cheatgrass has been in the region for a while, but there is insufficient information on this invasive species. CSISS would like to bring awareness to this plant to gather more information, as it poses a significant fire hazard. Cheatgrass grows in monocultures that bloom very early and quickly dry out, generating a large amount of fuel for fires. This grass can be up to 75 centimetres tall, and has slender branches that droop with hairy green stems. It has a loose branching structure with seed heads that have sharp points (awns) sticking out from the tip.

Springtime has arrived, and as the last of the snow melts away and the flowers start popping up, we are starting to ID what we are seeing! We have been noticing these small purple and blue flowers jumping up around town, and it looks like they are Boissier's Glory of the the Snow, in the genus Scilla. These plants are native to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and some species have naturalized throughout North America.

While spring means more species to observe and ID, it also means it’s time to garden! The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) would like to remind gardeners to be vigilant about the seed packs, plants, and wildflower seed mixes they purchase or share. Despite the absence of legislation making it illegal to import, purchase, or sell invasive plants in British Columbia, CSISS is working to collaborate with garden centres and plant nurseries across the region to ensure they are not inadvertently providing invasive species for sale. CSISS has useful resources to help you learn to identify and manage invasive plants through our website (https://columbiashuswapinvasives.org/resources/resources-for-gardeners/). You can also learn more about choosing native and non-invasive plants for your garden through the provincial PlantWise (https://bcinvasives.ca/play-your-part/plantwise/) program. Here’s a few tips for making your garden a biodiverse native plant paradise!

• Request non-invasive plants and be aware of seed mixes

We are thrilled that most plant nurseries and garden centres are helping to protect native biodiversity by doing their best to provide only non-invasive plants for purchase. Support your local garden centre by asking for non-invasive varieties of plants. One common issue often overlooked by consumers is the presence of invasive species in seed mixes. These mixes, while economical and prolific in producing flowers and seeds, may contain seeds of invasive plants that pose a threat to local ecosystems. CSISS urges gardeners to carefully examine seed packs and, if necessary, seek out the species ingredient list, which can often be found on the seed producer's website.

• Include some veggies!

Check with your local nursery to see what options they might have available. Vegetable plants are not invasive and growing your own is rewarding and a great sustainable practice to include in your garden!

• Discover what’s in your backyard

Be on the lookout for potential invaders and get started on weeding in your yard early this season! Check our website for tips on how to manage and dispose of invasive plants from your property. Invasive plant disposal is free at CSRD landfills and transfer stations – just let the attendant know and ensure plants are bagged.

• Go for a plant ID walk

No yard? No problem, go for a walk and take note of the plants you see in your neighborhood. As shoots emerge from hiding and flowers flourish, you can use the Report an Invasive Weed App (https://www.reportaweedbc.ca/#:~:text=The%20mobile%20Report%2Da%2DWeed,with%20the%20appropriate%20local%20authorities.) to help identify and report invasive plants that you come across.

For more information on invasive species management or to seek assistance, contact CSISS at info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org or follow us on Instagram and Facebook @ColumbiaShuswapInvasives.