Priority Invasive Plants

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.

Posted on 02 May, 2024 21:51 by csiss