Safe removal of Toxic

How to identify Spurge Laurel (Daphne laureola)

What is Daphne?

Daphne is a poisonous shrub introduced to Mayne Island sometime in the 1900s from Southern . Daphne shrubs produce black berries in the summer each year; these berries fall off in July/August or are eaten by birds, which carry the seeds to new areas.

What does Daphne look like?

Daphne looks sort of like a small rhododendron with shiny leaves. In fact, many people who have Daphne in their yards mistake it for a rhododendron. Daphne produces small pale-yellow flowers in the early spring, which mature into black berries by mid-summer. This evergreen shrub grows to 1.5 meters tall.

Why is Daphne bad?

Daphne is a health hazard to humans and causes habitat loss for native and animals. Although Daphne is slow to establish, it will spread and create large dense patches where few other plants can survive. Unlike Scotch Broom, Daphne is shade tolerant; this means Daphne has the potential to spread widely throughout forested areas. Daphne contains poisonous chemicals such as mezerein. Mezerein is found in all parts of Daphne including the leaves and berries. Daphne is listed as a poisonous with the Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System. If ingested, the berries can cause death. The sap can cause an itchy rash if it comes into contact with your skin. Crushing or burning daphne will release a gas that can cause respiratory problems, nausea, and unconsciousness. How to manage Spurge Laurel (Daphne laureola)

Manual removal

Manual removal is the most effective method for managing Daphne. Some basic knowledge of how the plant grows will ensure your efforts do not go to waste. Like Scotch Broom, Daphne does not have the ability to re-sprout from roots, but will readily re-sprout from stems. Therefore an effective removal method is to cut the plant below the root collar. The root collar is the place where the stem becomes root. To make sure you are cutting below the root collar, cut below the uppermost lateral root. The best tools for cutting Daphne are hand pruners and loppers. Using brushsaws, weedwhackers, or chainsaws will cause the sap of Daphne to volatilize, which will cause respiratory problems. Sometimes pulling the plant out of the ground completely can be an effective removal method depending on the soil type. Usually it is easier to cut below the root collar.

Plan of attack

If you are dealing with a large property or a very dense patch of Daphne you may not be sure where to start. The best strategy is to remove the isolated individuals first, before focusing on the really dense patches. One of the most important things to remember is to remove the new seedlings that germinate after you remove the mature plants. You can expect quite a few Daphne seedlings to pop up in the first three years after you remove the parent plants. Unlike Scotch broom, Daphne seeds do not last very long in the soil. However, if your neighbours have Daphne on their property, birds will continue to bring you new seed. Just like managing other invasive plant species, Daphne requires persistence.

How should I dispose of Daphne?

Do not burn Daphne. If you inhale the smoke from burning Daphne you could end up in the hospital. The best way to dispose of Daphne is to pick a place on your property to pile it and allow it to decompose. Do not use Daphne in your food or garden compost.

For more information, check out the following websites:

www.worksafebc.com www.coastalinvasiveplants.com www.mayneconservancy.ca