Reading Time: < 1 minute Flowering rush has been spotted in a few locations in Alberta, including an infestation on Lake Isle, located in Lac St. Anne and Parkland counties. Flowering rush is a perennial of freshwater wetlands that is native to Africa, Asia and Europe and was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant species. It is a […] Read more
Keep watch for this wetland invader
Garlic mustard: An odorous invader
Reading Time: < 1 minute So far, garlic mustard has only been reported in Edmonton and St. Albert. While this species has not yet been spotted in agricultural areas, early identification and response is key in preventing the spread of this biennial weed. Garlic mustard has severely invaded forest understoreys in other provinces, as it generally prefers shaded areas and […] Read more
The battle against invasive mussels is unending
Zebra and quagga mussels would cause $75 million in damage annually if they got in Alberta waterways
Reading Time: < 1 minute Efforts to keep invasive mussels out of Alberta have been successful so far, but the threat is unending. “Inspectors at the Coutts inspection station near the Montana boarder have already intercepted one mussel-fouled boat since opening for the season in March, and it is expected that this will be only one of many such incidents […] Read more
Don’t be fooled by yellow toadflax’s good looks
Reading Time: < 1 minute It’s often mistaken for a type of snapdragon, but don’t be fooled by this invader of fields and pastures. Originally brought from Europe as an ornamental, quick-spreading yellow toadflax — a.k.a. wild snapdragon — is found all across North America. It spreads by both seed (up to 5,000 seeds per stem) and its creeping root […] Read more
This poisonous invader is growing in numbers
Reading Time: < 1 minute Introduced from Europe in the 1600s as an ornamental species, common tansy (sometimes called tangee) has been spotted across central Alberta and its numbers have been on the rise in recent years. The weed is particularly threatening in pasture and riparian habitats, but can also be found in disturbed soils and flower beds. Most livestock […] Read more
Bitter weed a common sight in Alberta
Noxious grassland invader: Tall buttercup
Reading Time: < 1 minute Tall buttercup is often found in Alberta, including in the MD of Lesser Slave River as well as Big Lakes, Yellowhead, Clearwater, and Mountain View counties. This plant contains a bitter, irritating oil that is toxic and can harm grazing livestock, especially cattle. This weed is an invader of wet areas, preferring humus soils, but […] Read more
Mountain invader heading towards us
Reading Time: < 1 minute Orange hawkweed has been spotted in recent years along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. It is common in forestry cut blocks and is spreading rapidly down ATV trails and roads. Hawkweed is an extremely invasive plant, with a triple-threat arsenal of reproductive methods. It is not only a prolific seed producer, but has […] Read more
Dame’s rocket, a beautiful but rampant invasive species
Reading Time: < 1 minute It’s beautiful, fragrant, and pollinators love it — but Dame’s rocket can spread at an alarming rate, especially in riparian areas. It is found across Alberta, and there are anecdotal reports this prolific seed producer from the mustard family is becoming more common this year. It’s found quite frequently at old farm sites, but is […] Read more
‘Stinking nightshade’ a deadly menace
Noxious weed is poisonous to livestock and humans
Reading Time: < 1 minute In 2014, black henbane was spotted in Wheatland, Starland and Kneehill counties, and as far north as Lesser Slave River. All parts of this noxious weed are poisonous to livestock and humans. Poisoning can result in impaired vision, convulsions, coma, and death from heart or respiratory failure. Although known as ‘stinking nightshade,’ it does not […] Read more
A highly destructive weed to be feared
Reading Time: < 1 minute Knotweed has been spotted in recent years in Trochu, Sylvan Lake, Leduc, Parkland County, Grande Prairie, Calgary, and Waterton National Park. There has also been a report of visitors to B.C. returning with a clump of roots to transplant into their garden. This prohibited noxious weed is very destructive, and can grow through cracks in […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
