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For the first time, there has been a confirmed sighting of black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) in Nelson. CKISS urges the public to be on the lookout for this invasive species and report all sightings.

What's the problem with black henbane?

Black henbane is listed as a provincial early detection rapid response species (EDRR). The plant has limited distribution in B.C. and poses a significant threat to B.C’s environment, economy and human health. Black henbane is unwelcome because the plant is toxic to both humans and animals and harbours major crop pest putting our food security at risk. While livestock generally avoid this plant on the rangeland, if it contaminates dried hay it can poison livestock. Black henbane thrives in disturbed and agricultural areas, and once established, this plant can be very difficult to eradicate. The tall, dense growth creates shade and large volumes of leaf litter, preventing native plants from growing.

Hay that has been infested with black henbane is toxic and fatal to livestock.
How to ID and report black henbane

Early detection of new infestations is critical! Learn how to ID this plant by clicking here. One unique characteristic of black henbane is that the flowers and leaves have a strong smell, leading this plant to sometimes be called “stinking nightshade.”

If you spot black henbane please report it! Visit the Government of B.C.'s 'Report an Invasive Species' page to learn the variety of ways you can report this plant. 

Prevention & early detection is the key against an invasion

Do not plant or purchase this invasive species. Maintaining healthy vegetation can prevent black henbane from invading and always make sure you brush off your clothing, boots, and equipment before leaving an area to ensure you are not transporting the seeds.

How to control and dispose of black henbane:

To control an infestation, timing is important!

This plant can be mowed or cut before flowering, although it does have a thick, tough stem.
Small infestations can be pulled by hand, with personal protective equipment used to prevent exposure.
Take care not to spread the seeds of this plant (best to treat before it has produced seed), and be sure to dispose of all parts of the plant securely.
All landfills within the RDCK and RDKB accept invasive plant species for free. Ensure your material is bagged in clear plastic bags and notify the attendant that you have invasive plant species. Plants must be identifiable through the bag. For more information please see the RDCK Resource Recovery Bylaw.

CKISS encourages locals to take action and learn how to identify new plants on their invasive plant priority list.

White Spanish broom (Cytisus multiflorus) and Italian arum (Arum italicum) are two new species that the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) have recently added to their invasive plant priority list. These invasive plants have yet to be spotted in the Central Kootenay region, and the CKISS wants to keep it that way. Each year, the province of British Columbia proclaims May as ‘Invasive Species Action Month’ (ISAM) to raise awareness of invasive species and to encourage the public to take action. CKISS’ call to action is for Kootenay residents to learn how to identify and report these new invasive plants.

White Spanish broom is a shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall and create dense thickets that blocks the movement of animals and creates fire hazards. The plant can be difficult to control due to its long lasting seed bank. This characteristic is similar to Scotch broom, an invasive plant that has taken hold and caused problems in some parts of the West Kootenay region. Both types of broom displace native plants, shade out conifer seedlings and can negatively alter soil fertility.

• Small, pea-like, 5-petalled white flowers
• 5 angled stems like scotch broom
• VS scotch broom
• White Spanish Broom has finer, greyer foliage than Scotch Broom, and unlike White Spanish Broom, Scotch Broom flowers are yellow and sometimes yellow and red. (SSISC website)
• VS Spanish broom
• Rounded stems, with yellow flowers
• Can hybridize with scotch broom. Could spread further in the future with climate change in certain BEC zones.
• Occupies similar habitat to scotch broom
• Disturbed and undisturbed
• Road sides, grasslands, open woodlands
• Out competes native species, reduce biodiversity
• Impacts
• Creates dense thickets – fire hazard
• Hinders movement of wildlife
• Known sites in Whistler, lower mainland and Vancouver Island

Italian arum is an attractive perennial that was originally used as an ornamental ground cover. It is very difficult to control and has the ability to spread rapidly and escape backyard gardens causing negative ecological impacts in forests and wetlands. In addition all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested!

• aggressive ornamental ground cover
• widely available in B.C. in the horticulture sector and via online sales
• Lower mainland, Squamish, Vancouver island
• Likely in more temperate regions of BC – we need more data.
• Ornamental gardens, roadsides, natural areas including forests, riparian areas and wetlands
• All parts of this plant are highly poisonous to humans and animals, consumption may result in death. This species cannot be effectively controlled by manual or chemical methods.
• Report! Inventory gaps exist
• Local dispersal occurs by horizontal rhizomatous roots; seed dispersal via birds, ants and surface water. Long range dispersal occurs mainly through garden plant trading, contaminated garden waste and compost.

If you see these two plants CKISS wants you to report your findings by filling in their reporting form found here: https://ckiss.ca/action/reporting/, or by calling 1-844-352-1160 or emailing info@ckiss.ca

“Next to prevention early detection of new infestations is the best tool we have when it comes to invasive species management. Spotting and managing new invaders early means we have a high chance of eradicating the introduced plant and preventing further spread” states Laurie Frankcom, Education Program Coordinator with CKISS

In addition, CKISS reminds gardeners to avoid planting white Spanish broom and Italian arum on their property. The provincial PlantWise program offers valuable resources so that gardening enthusiasts can educate themselves about horticulture's most “unwanted” invasive plants in B.C., while providing a variety of non-invasive alternatives.

All across BC, Invasive Species Action Month is being celebrated and promoted. The CKISS will be participating in ISAM by taking their outreach booth on tour to various community events, hosting webinars, leading youth field trips to local schools and organizing community weed pulls. To see the CKISS events visit here: https://ckiss.ca/events/public-events/. To see all the ISAM events that are happening across B.C. visit this website: https://bcinvasives.ca/isam/

For more information on CKISS, contact Laurie Frankcom, Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society, at 844.352.1160 ext. 208 or lfrankcom@ckiss.ca

CKISS is a non-profit society that delivers education and awareness programs, and promotes coordinated management efforts of invasive species in the Regional District of Central Kootenay and Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Area A and B. CKISS gratefully acknowledges the Columbia Basin Trust and the Province of B.C. who support the CKISS Education Program.

http://www.ckiss.ca

In mid June the CKISS field crew confirmed the presence of invasive Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) in Warfield. This is the first time this invasive plant has been found in the Central Kootnenays. The non-native plant was brought to North America by early European to use as a herb but it has now found it's way into the Central Kootenays.  Garlic mustard displaces native forest species and decrease biodiversity.

How can you help? 

• Play, Clean, Go, brush any seeds off your shoes, clothing, and any recreational equipment prior to leaving recreation sites.
• Be PlantWise, don't plant garlic mustard, grow basil for your pesto instead.
• Learn how to ID garlic mustard (read below) 
• Report sightings of Garlic mustard to CKISS 1-844-352-1160 ext. 210 or email info@ckiss.ca.  To help CKISS staff verify sightings please take some photos of the plant. 

Description
Leaves triangular to heart-shaped with scalloped edges.
Leaves emit distinct garlic odour when crushed
Clusters of white, 4-petal flowers usually occur at top of plants
The basal rosettes of garlic mustard looks similar to native wild ginger (Asarum caudatum) during the first year. Once it is in the second year of growth, the plant grows taller, produces flowers and seeds. It is then more noticeable and more distinguishable.