Damaging alien invader in Slocan Valley and Glade

If you live in the Slocan Valley or between the junction and Castlegar, you may have received a notice at your door about an alien invader lurking nearby. Not the kind with antennae and big eyes, but a spindly green plant called rush skeletonweed.

Rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla junceae) is an extremely aggressive, non-native plant species that quickly takes over native habitat. This species out-competes native plants and reduces biodiversity, impacts wildlife habitat, and degrades agricultural land. Already infesting thousands of hectares in the United States, rush skeletonweed is only found in a few places in British Columbia, including the West Kootenays. Since it has no natural predators in Canada, this species will continue to spread if it is not controlled.

“The Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee (CKIPC) has just completed an inventory of this species,” says Juliet Craig, Coordinator for the CKIPC. “We found it in the Slocan Valley from Passmore to Crescent Valley, Krestova, Shoreacres, and Glade. Since it is relatively contained, it is extremely important for residents and land managers to control this plant on their properties and prevent it spreading further.”

This spindly plant has barely visible leaves, a small yellow flower, and fluffy white seeds that are similar to dandelion. It’s taproot can grow up to 8 feet long, making it very competitive with local plant species and extremely difficult to get rid of.

“The seeds are carried by wind and can blow to neighbouring areas, or stick onto tires to move into uninfested sites,” says Craig. “If someone finds it on their property, they should get rid of it immediately. Small plants can be hand pulled and larger infestations dug up. Plants should be burned or bagged and brought to the dump to prevent seed spread.”

For more information on the CKIPC and rush skeletonweed, contact (250) 352-1160. To see a photo of rush skeletonweed and learn more about how to control it, go to www.weedsbc.ca.

Added on October 13th, 2005 - Return to Special Features