ckiss_kootenay's Journal

For the first time, there has been a confirmed sighting of black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) in Nelson. CKISS urges the public to be on the lookout for this invasive species and report all sightings.

What's the problem with black henbane?

Black henbane is listed as a provincial early detection rapid response species (EDRR). The plant has limited distribution in B.C. and poses a significant threat to B.C’s environment, economy and human health. Black henbane is unwelcome because the plant is toxic to both humans and animals and harbours major crop pest putting our food security at risk. While livestock generally avoid this plant on the rangeland, if it contaminates dried hay it can poison livestock. Black henbane thrives in disturbed and agricultural areas, and once established, this plant can be very difficult to eradicate. The tall, dense growth creates shade and large volumes of leaf litter, preventing native plants from growing.

Hay that has been infested with black henbane is toxic and fatal to livestock.
How to ID and report black henbane

Early detection of new infestations is critical! Learn how to ID this plant by clicking here. One unique characteristic of black henbane is that the flowers and leaves have a strong smell, leading this plant to sometimes be called “stinking nightshade.”

If you spot black henbane please report it! Visit the Government of B.C.'s 'Report an Invasive Species' page to learn the variety of ways you can report this plant. 

Prevention & early detection is the key against an invasion

Do not plant or purchase this invasive species. Maintaining healthy vegetation can prevent black henbane from invading and always make sure you brush off your clothing, boots, and equipment before leaving an area to ensure you are not transporting the seeds.

How to control and dispose of black henbane:

To control an infestation, timing is important!

This plant can be mowed or cut before flowering, although it does have a thick, tough stem.
Small infestations can be pulled by hand, with personal protective equipment used to prevent exposure.
Take care not to spread the seeds of this plant (best to treat before it has produced seed), and be sure to dispose of all parts of the plant securely.
All landfills within the RDCK and RDKB accept invasive plant species for free. Ensure your material is bagged in clear plastic bags and notify the attendant that you have invasive plant species. Plants must be identifiable through the bag. For more information please see the RDCK Resource Recovery Bylaw.

Common bugloss/Common Alkanet (Anchusa officinalis) has been spotted for the first time in the CKISS region.

The invasive plant was discovered in the Yahk/Kitchener area and has since been treated. The adjacent areas have been surveyed to look for more infestations. The plant is known to have impacts on the agriculture industry since it can reduce crop yields.
Common bugloss is not known in other parts of our region, and we need your help keeping it that way! Please keep your eyes open for this plant. To learn how to ID common bugloss and to find out more about it’s habitat, how it reproduces and the impacts to B.C. go to: https://www.fviss.ca/invasive-plant/common-bugloss#:~:text=Identification%3A,to%20grow%20upright%20and%20flower.

Another new invader to keep your eyes open for is eggleaf spurge (Euphorbia oblongata).
It has recently been confirmed in B.C. for the first time on southern Vancouver Island. Additional new reports of this species from Vancouver Island and Metro Vancouver are being verified. The invasive spurge inhibits the growth of nearby native plants and its sap can irritate skin.

Eggleaf spurge is considered an Early Detection Rapid Response species in B.C. These invasive plants are the highest priority for planned control programs with eradication being the goal. The Ministry of Forests Invasive Plant Program is working with impacted land occupiers to contain and remove all propagules (reproductive plant parts) prior to seed dispersal and will be developing and implementing response plans

We are asking the public to keep an eye out for these plants in the Kootenays and throughout the province and to report any suspected sightings.

What can you do to help?
Learn how to identify common bugloss & eggleaf spurge

Report sighting to Report Invasives or CKISS.

BePlantWise: choose non-invasive plants for your garden

Please avoid collecting plant samples or walking through confirmed eggleaf spurge and common bugloss sites, as these activities can result in further spread.

What does Eggleaf spurge look like?
Upright perennial forb grows to 1 metre tall; multiple stems grow from a woody, branched taproot.
Stems covered in fine white hairs and branch at the tip, turning red as plant matures (July to October).
Flower clusters are yellow and inconspicuous, occurring at terminal tips (March to August). Each cluster has yellow bracts at the base, then a whorl of yellowish green leaves.
Leaves oblong, hairless (up to 6.5 cm long) with finely toothed margins and distinct midvein. Leaves alternate up single stem, with leaf whorl at base of flowering stems.
Seeds brown and smooth are held in 3‐lobed capsules and ejected when ripe. Green seed capsules are waxy and sticky.

Impacts of Eggleaf spurge
Eggleaf spurge is inedible to wildlife and inhibits the growth of nearby plants, creating bare ground under established infestations.
The sap of Eggleaf spurge can cause skin irritation, gloves should be worn when handling the plant.
Species commonly mistaken for Eggleaf spurge (also all invasives):
Cypress spurge,
Myrtle spurge,
Leafy spurge
Summer spurge.

**Cypress and Myrtle spurge are widely cultivated as ornamentals and there are sites where these species are starting to spread onto public lands from private gardens. Leafy spurge is present in southern B.C.

Resources:
The province of B.C. have developed an Eggleaf spurge Species Alert sheet
Fraser Valley Invasive Species Society: Eggleaf spurge species profile.