invasive species Archives - Lindsay Landscape

Wild Parsnip has become a common site along the roadways in our communities these days, and I am here to warn you about the dark side of this plant. Although it is very pretty with tall regal stems and yellow lacey flowers, don’t be fooled, it is a very dangerous plant.

Invasive Wild Parsnip

A native to Europe and Asia, Wild Parsnip was likely brought to North America many years ago by European settlers. Unfortunately, this plant has gone from being a cultivated plant to an invasive species we are now having difficulty controlling. A member of the carrot and parsley family the root is actually edible, but I DO NOT recommend trying to harvest them.

Wild Parsnip is a biennial, meaning it grows the first year, forming roots and a small flower. The second year a tall plant is formed, which dies during that second year.

Invasive Wild Parsnip

The flower produces many seeds which are spread very easily via wind, forming many new plants to begin the process again. Very large thick stands of Wild Parsnip are not uncommon.

There has been a lot of news reports about people being injured while handling this plant. What you need to know is that the sap that is produced inside the thick stem is extremely toxic. If your skin comes in contact with the sap, it produces a very painful reaction, much like a burn. You may also experience rashes or blisters. Once you have been exposed to the sap your skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight, and you will likely be told to keep the area that was exposed out of the direct sunlight. If you believe that you have come in contact with the sap from the stems, immediately wash the area very well, being extremely careful to avoid touching your eye area.

Wild Parsnip Burns

If you have Wild Parsnip on your property be extremely careful if you attempt to remove it yourself. Please remember to wear protective clothing, including long sleeves and long pants, heavy rubber gloves, eye protection, ideally a disposable suit over your clothing would be the perfect solution. Remember to wash your rubber gloves very well after handling the plant, along with your clothing of course.

If you have a small number of plants on your property you can attempt to dig them out, digging the tap root, trying to get as much of it as you possibly can. You will have to check back regularly to re-dig the area of any roots you missed. Ideally, check for the plant in the spring when it is a smaller low growing plant and easier to remove.

Where it is permitted you can use chemical treatment, or if personal chemical treatment is not allowed, hire someone to spray the area. Another way to control an area of unwanted growth is to tarp with thick plastic, leaving this in place for at least one full growing season to kill off all growth. Once you remove the tarp you can rehabilitate the soil and replant with more desirable plantings.

Please be careful and keep a watch out for this invasive plant. Please call the office if you have Wild Parsnip that you need removed and do not wish to attempt it yourself.

I have noticed since moving out to the country almost 6 years ago, a pretty flowering plant growing along the sides of the roads. I wondered what it was and almost considered finding some I could plant on my property. Thankfully I never did this because I have recently discovered it is the very invasive, and damaging species, Japanese Knotweed.

Lindsay Landscape has recently been called upon to help homeowners safely clear this from their properties. I want to share some information with all of you so you can be aware of this plant, protecting your property values at the same time.

What is Japanese Knotweed?
An invasive species which is becoming a problem for Ontario, including the Ottawa Carleton region.
It has been found that Japanese Knotweed takes 20-40 years after initial planting to expansively spread. This species was introduced to North America in the late 19th century, planted for ornamental purposes as well as erosion control and forage for livestock. It has now become an aggressive plant, particularly in Ontario. It is considered to be one of the top 100 invasive species in the world.

What does it look like? Japanese Knotweed has hollow, smooth stems, resembling bamboo. It has medium to large oval to triangular shaped leaves, growing in an alternate pattern. The plant produces pretty, small, white flowers in sprays near the end of the stems. The flowering occurs in Late July- August

Japanese Knotweed

Where does it like to grow?

Japanese Knotweed thrives in full sun, open and exposed sites. But, this attractive, but invasive species also thrives along river edges, wetlands, ditches, along roadsides and fence lines. It can often be found on old homestead land where it may have been originally planted as an ornamental. Because it thrives along river edges, rhizome pieces can be dispersed in the moving water quickly spreading the plant. The seeds are usually spread by wind. It is salt tolerant and can survive extreme climates and site conditions.

What harm will it do if I have it on my property?

Most importantly for homeowners to know is the Knotweed rhizomes spread so vigorously that they can damage home foundations, grow up through interlock patios and driveways, or through your deck boards. This plant can also grow through asphalt up to 8 cm thick!

Japanese Knotweed

This species is known to degrade wetland and river habitats. Dense growth of Japanese Knotweed will reduce sun penetration by so much that it prevents other plants from growing. There is also some preliminary studies which suggest that it may also change the soil chemistry prohibiting the growth of native species.

What should I do if I have Japanese Knotweed on my property?
Calling a professional is recommended as there is a certain protocol for removing and disposing of this aggressive plant.
Please remember if you pull any of this out of your gardens, to dispose of it properly.
DO NOT COMPOST!!
Place all plant materials in thick black plastic bags. Leave the bags in the sunlight for a week then send to a landfill site. If you live in an area where burning is permitted, this is the best method to dispose of it.

For more detailed information if you think you may have this plant on your property please check this link:http://www.invadingspecies.com/japanese-knotweed/

Please call the office 613-293-8246 if you have Japanese Knotweed on your property to receive a quote to remove it safely and prevent the spread of this invasive species.