Invasive weed control bylaw
The enforcement program for invasive weeds operates between April 1 through to September 30.
Invasive weeds are defined as any plant or tree which has the potential to pose negative or detrimental impacts on humans, animals, or ecosystems. Typically these plants grow and multiply quickly and have been introduced from another region or country.
Bylaws
Noxious Weed Control | Bylaw No. 1544 requires property owners in Electoral Areas East and West, 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.
The City of West Kelowna enforces their own Noxious Weed bylaw (See West Kelowna bylaw compliance).
General requirements:
- Non-invasive weeds and grasses must be kept under 8 inches (20.32 cm) in height.
- Invasive weeds and grasses must be cut down and mulched, or otherwise destroyed and removed.
- This bylaw's enforcement period is April 1 and September 30.
You must provide your name, address and phone number and the civic address of the property that is of concern. Anonymous complaints cannot be accepted. Please submit your complaint online.
Complaints not governed by the RDCO
-
City of West Kelowna- Bylaw Compliance or call 778-797-8810
- Boulevards, roadsides and obscured visibility site lines
- Call the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (Okanagan Shuswap District) at 250-712-3660
- City of Kelowna Boulevard or Site Line
- District of Lake Country Boulevard or Site Line
- District of Peachland Boulevard or Site Line
Species of concern:
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
In March 2024, the Regional Board added Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) to the Noxious Weed Control | Bylaw No. 1544. The spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest that could devastate agriculture, prefers this host, though it has not yet arrived in BC.
The Tree of Heaven is a rapidly growing deciduous plant native to China and Taiwan. It produces by seed and by division and can sprout almost anywhere, tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions. It is foul-smelling and tends to crowd out other plants.
The Invasive Species Council of BC provides additional information and best management practices in their Tree of Heaven factsheet.
| Weeds of concern | |
|---|---|
| Hoary Alyssum (Berteroa incana) | |
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Hoary Alyssum (Berteroa incana)spreads quickly through seeds dispersed by vehicles, wildlife, and birds. Can contaminate hay and make horses sick. Small white flowers with deeply notched petals. Learn more |
| Myrtle Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) | |
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Myrtle Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) is an aggressive perennial that releases chemicals from its roots to inhibit nearby plant growth, crowding out native species. Learn more |
| Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) | |
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Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) is an insidious ground spreader that thrives in dry soils and forms dense mats. Has yellow flowers and sharp spines that can flatten tires and easily puncture skin. Toxic to livestock. Learn more |
| Scotch Thistle (Onopordum acanthium) | |
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Scotch Thistle (Onopordum acanthium) is native to Europe and Asia, spreads through seeds that survive over 30 years. Difficult to walk through dense stands. Learn more |
| Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) | |
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Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica)was introduced for gardens and landscaping, now widespread in BC. Aggressive growth, hard to kill, found in riparian areas, derelict land, roadsides, and gardens. Learn more |
| Common Bugloss (Anchusa officinalis) | |
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Common Bugloss (Anchusa officinalis)invades disturbed, sunny areas like roadsides and pastures, reducing crop yields. Leaves contain toxic alkaloid compounds, harmful if ingested by humans or livestock. Can produce more than 900 seeds for each plant. Learn more |
| Common Burdock (Arctium minus) | |
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Common Burdock (Arctium minus)can produce up to 16,000 seeds per plant. Known for clinging burrs that attach to animals and can trap birds and bats. Learn more |
| Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) | |
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Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is an extremely toxic plant with sap that causes burns, blisters, and scars. Can produce 50–100,000 winged seeds that float for up to three days. Needs to be bagged and disposed in garbage. Learn more |
| Yellow Salsify (Tragopogon dubius) | |
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Yellow Salsify (Tragopogon dubius) is a grass-like invasive with milky juice. Can grow up to 1 metre tall. Flower heads are pointed before opening, eventually turning from yellow flowers into a large snowball shaped cluster of seeds. Learn more |
| Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata) | |
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Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata)reduces native grasses and forage for grazing animals. Can spread over 13,000 seeds per plant.Note: Often used in floral arrangements; avoid disposing of it in compost to prevent further spread. Learn more |
| Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) | |
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Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) can displace native vegetation. Infestations in rangeland can be toxic to livestock, and lead to dairy cattle having unpleasant tasting milk. Learn more |
| Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) | |
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Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) alters wildfire regimes with its dense, dry growth. It can injure livestock and animals’ eyes and mouths with its sharp awns .It can form dense stands and outcompete native grasses. Learn more |
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