Parks, Recreation and Community Development Photo © by Adolf Ceska Adolf © by Photo (l e f t : s p u r g e d a p h n e , r i g h t : t r e e l u p i n e ) i n v a s i v e a l i e n s f r o m t h e g a r d e n : Spurge Daphne and Tree Lupine Often referred to as “alien” or “non-native”, an invasive plant is the name for a species that has become a weed, grows and spreads aggressively, displacing native plants. Most invasive plants were brought here by people from other continents, but escaped from gardens and now threaten local ecosystems. Spurge daphne and Tree lupine are two invasive plants that make Victoria their home. Learn how to identify these aliens, what makes them invasive, and how to safely remove them from your garden and community. Spurge Daphne Daphne laureola Other names: How To Apply First Aid What Makes It Invasive? Daphne, Daphne-laurel, Laurel-leaved If sap comes in contact with skin, flush Spurge daphne can rapidly colonize an daphne, Olive-spurge, Wood laurel, immediately with water. If a persistent rash area, invading and taking over roadsides, Copse laurel develops, consult a physician. Over the shady Douglas fir forests and Garry oak counter inflammatory creams may help woodlands. Spurge daphne is a long-lived, CAUTION: reduce skin irritation. slow growing shrub that reproduces by Spurge daphne is a poisonous If sap enters eyes, flush immediately with seed and through the production of root water and consult a physician. sprouts. By eating its berries, birds help plant that contains toxins in distribute this plant beyond the garden. its berries, stem, leaves, and If sap or berries are eaten, immediately Spurge daphne forms thick patches that sap, which cause severe eye consult a physician. block out sunlight, out-compete native and skin irritation. Description plants for water and nutrients, and alter soil chemistry. Its leaves, bark, and berries Spurge daphne is an evergreen shrub. are toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. When handling Spurge daphne: Its dark green leaves are shiny on top and lighter on the bottom, and grow in • Use extreme caution and always wear How To Control It spiral-like rings around the stem. Fragrant, protective coveralls, gloves and goggles In natural areas, hand-pulling followed by greenish-yellow fluted flowers grow in (launder after use) the planting of native species is best. clusters at the tips of its branches from Small plants can be pulled, while larger • Never transport cuttings or plants inside late winter to early spring, and develop plants should be carefully cut beneath an enclosed vehicle as sap droplets in the into small black berries by early summer. the soil, below the point where there is air can cause respiratory irritation. Spurge daphne is often mistaken for a visible colour change from brown stem a rhododendron in gardens or thought to orange root. Spurge daphne stems that to be a native species in local forests. are cut above the surface will re-sprout, Branches readily sprout from the base so repeated site visits are necessary. of older stems, often growing horizontally When removing cut plants, bag the debris for a short distance before turning upwards. to avoid spreading berries to new sites. Do not compost its berries as the seeds will germinate.

For more information, contact: Parks Division, Parks, Recreation and Community Development T 250.361.0600 E [email protected]

1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1P6 | www.victoria.ca parks, recreation and Community development

Alternatives To Spurge Daphne There are a variety of native and non- dry to moist soils and shaded areas. Tree Lupine native alternatives to Spurge daphne that When planted in masses, it creates a Lupinus arboreus do well in shade, and provide evergreen beautiful evergreen carpet under conifer groundcover, fragrance, and berries for trees. It grows 60 centimetres tall/wide. wildlife, without becoming invasive and Sword fern a threat to local ecosystems. Polystichum Native Shrubs munitum A low maintenance Evergreen plant for any West Huckleberry Coast garden, this Vaccinium ovatum native evergreen This slow growing, fern will grow native evergreen under cedar trees and in deep shade. Other names: shrub has small, Once established, a Sword fern requires Yellow bush lupine, Bush lupine, deep green leaves little or no watering, and will provide San Mateo bush lupine that can turn bronze year-round visual interest. It is suitable for in winter. Clusters of white bell-shaped large plantings, woodland gardens, forest Description flowers in spring are followed by tasty, restoration and erosion control. Sword Tree lupine is a bushy, perennial shrub dark blue berries. Evergreen huckleberry ferns like dry to moist soils and grow that grows up to 2 metres tall, usually with has high ornamental value in any garden .5 – 1.5 metres tall/wide. bright-yellow, sweet-smelling, pea-shaped but grows well as a low hedge, foundation flowers. Its palm-like, green leaves have planting, background plant or in a Non-Native Shrubs 5 – 11 leaflets that are silver and hairy woodland garden. It grows in sun and part Choisya on the back. In Victoria, Tree lupine can shade, likes moist soils and grows 1.5 – Choisya ternata be found along roadsides and on coastal 2 metres high and 1 – 2 metres wide. Choisyas are bluffs. Flowers bloom from May – June. Salal evergreen shrubs Tree lupine is native to California where Gaultheria shallon that closely it is predominantly a dune species. This shrub is one of resemble Spurge Planted to control erosion, it is now the most common daphne. They are considered harmful and invasive in this native species in the compact, evergreen, coastal environment. Pacific Northwest. and in the spring, provide clusters of Its glossy, evergreen fragrant white flowers which can bloom What Makes It Invasive? leaves are again in late summer. Their fragrance and In Victoria, Tree lupine is choking out commonly used in cut flower arrangements. foliage attract insects and birds. Choisyas native species in coastal bluff habitats. Salal has small, white, bell-like flowers grow in dry to moist soils both in part sun It is a tough plant that thrives in poor, in spring, followed by edible blue berries. and in part to full shade. They grow hot, dry soils in full sun. Tree lupine grows It can be used as an informal hedge, 80 centimetres – 2 metres tall/wide. from seeds that are long-lived and form screen, foundation or background plant, Rhododendrons a persistent seedbank, making it difficult and in woodland gardens or native plant Rhododendron sp. to control. Plants reach blooming size in restoration. Salal thrives in part to full Rhododendrons are two years and usually live for 5 – 7 years. shade, dry and moist conditions, and grows extremely variable Once established, Tree lupine increases 1 – 5 metres tall/wide. in height, form, leaf nitrogen levels in soils, encouraging the Dull Oregon grape size and flower invasion of non-native grasses, while Mahonia nervosa colour. Flowers discouraging native plants which require This short, native are produced in low nitrogen soils. evergreen shrub early spring and range in shades of white, or groundcover has yellow, pink and red. The abundant flowers How To Control It green or dark red and evergreen nature of this plant makes In areas where native plants exist, hand- holly-like leaves. it an attractive choice for individual or pulling followed by the planting of native Clusters of yellow mass plantings. Rhododendrons like moist, species is best. No suitable chemical flowers bloom from May – June, followed well-drained soil, part to full shade and can or biological controls have been found by clusters of blue-ish purple grape-like grow 60 centimetres – 5 metres tall/wide. to be effective. berries that make an interesting jam or jelly. Dull Oregon grape is suitable for The Government of Canada Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk. Le Programme d’intendance de l’habitat pour les espèces en péril du gouvernement du Canada.

1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1P6 | www.victoria.ca