Please note, the enforcement program for invasive weeds operates between April 1 through to September 30.
What is an invasive weed?
Invasive weeds are outdoor plants that have been identified and are not native plants. Typically, these plants grow and multiply quickly and are harmful to humans, livestock, agriculture/horticultural crops and/or natural ecosystems or habitats.
RDCO Bylaw
Bylaw No. 179 requires property owners within Regional District of Central Okanagan electoral areas, the City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country and District of Peachland to prevent the growth of noxious weeds and tall grasses and to provide for the cutting or destruction of noxious weeds and tall grasses.
Please note:
- Invasive weeds and grasses must be kept under 8 inches in height;
- Invasive weeds and grasses must be cut down and mulched, or otherwise destroyed and removed.
- The bylaw enforcement period during which complaints may be made is between April 1 and September 30 of any year.
Central Okanagan 'weeds of concern' |
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Common bugloss - can produce more than 900 seeds for each plant! Help get rid of Common bugloss before its deep purple to blue flowers turn to seed. See more at the Invasive Species Council website
Common mullein or Great mullein - loves the sun and can stretch over two metres tall! You might find it growing in fields, along roadsides, even gravel pit areas. The OASISS website has great details and photos
Puncturevine - an insidious ground spreader that forms dense mats. Rubber tires, leather and skin can easily be punctured by its sharp, sometimes curving spines. Here's more from the OASISS website
Wild mustard - is often seen growing wild in fields or grasslands. Its bright yellow flowers grow on thick stalks of up to one metre tall with stiff hairs near the base of the stem. See a photo and description on pg. 71 of the BC Field Guide
Western goatsbeard - also known as salsify, this is a tap-rooted biennial that also grows up to one metre, with long grass-like leaves and a stem that contains a milky juice. Its yellow flower turns into a large sized 'snowball' of bad seeds. Special thanks to the OASISS website for help identifying this invasive.
Find more invasive weeds in the Field guide to noxious weeds and other selected invasive plants of British Columbia
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Report a weed concern on private property (April 1 through September 30) |
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A complaint may be filed when weeds exceed 20.32 centimeters (8 inches) during the weed season. Please note, the enforcement program operates between April 1 through to September 30. Register a complaintYou must provide your name, address and phone number and the civic address of the property that is of concern. Anonymous complaints cannot be accepted. |
Complaints not governed by the RDCO |
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Resources |