Victoria's Battle Against the Toxic Spurge Laurel

In the picturesque city of Victoria, Canada, an unexpected adversary has taken hold. It's not the stuff of headline news or social media trends, but rather a more insidious and silent invader: Spurge Laurel. This seemingly innocuous plant has stealthily encroached upon Victoria's cherished landscapes, bringing with it a host of alarming ecological and health implications.

Spurge Laurel, an evergreen shrub originating from Europe and western Asia, was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant, favoured for its hardiness and glossy green foliage. However, its innocuous looks belie its harmful nature. Every part of the plant, from its leaves to its charming black berries, is packed with potent toxins that can cause severe health issues in humans and animals alike.

The issue of Spurge Laurel in Victoria is particularly pressing due to the plant's invasive characteristics. It thrives in Victoria's temperate climate and rich soils, often outcompeting native vegetation for resources and disrupting local ecosystems. Its dense growth prevents sunlight from reaching other plants, thereby inhibiting their growth and survival.

The plant's prolific seed production also contributes to its rapid spread. Each Spurge Laurel can produce thousands of seeds that are dispersed by birds and small mammals. These seeds, once dropped, can lie dormant in the soil for several years before germinating, making it exceptionally difficult to completely eradicate the plant once it has established itself in an area.

As if the ecological impact wasn't alarming enough, Spurge Laurel poses a significant threat to public health. The plant's berries, though attractive, are highly toxic when ingested and can be particularly hazardous to children and pets. Moreover, skin contact with the plant's sap can cause severe dermatitis, and inhalation can lead to respiratory distress.

Spurge Laurel's ability to thrive in both shaded and open areas, along with its low maintenance needs, makes it an unwelcome guest in backyards, public parks, and wild landscapes alike. These traits, combined with its dangerous toxicity, have transformed Spurge Laurel from a simple garden plant to a substantial public and environmental hazard.

The battle against Spurge Laurel in Victoria is not just about preserving the aesthetic beauty of the city's landscapes. It's a fight for ecological balance, public safety, and the preservation of the city's rich biodiversity. Only by raising awareness about this silent invader and taking decisive action can Victoria hope to turn the tide against this unwelcome intruder.

Trim spurge laurel down to ground level

Use loppers, hand pruners, or a hand saw to cut it as close to the ground as possible. Cutting alone is not enough to completely eliminate spurge laurel, but it's an important initial action.

Remove spurge laurel from the roots

For small and young spurge laurel plants, you can pull them out by their roots. This is easiest when the soil is soft and moist.

Exercise caution to prevent seed spreading

If the spurge laurel being cut has green or black berries, proper disposal is crucial. Even after cutting, the green berries will continue to ripen. Take the plant to a disposal facility or bag it in a plastic bag to prevent further seed dispersal.

Consider mowing

If the terrain allows, an alternative method to pulling out roots or using herbicides is to regularly mow the area. Consistent mowing is necessary for this method to be effective.

Use herbicide

Always carefully follow the instructions on your herbicide label. It's best to have a licensed professional apply the herbicide. Natural remedies like vinegar are ineffective against spurge laurel. Only herbicides can effectively eliminate spurge laurel. Apply the herbicide to the cut stem immediately or to the foliage 1-3 months before cutting.

Implement covering

Cut spurge laurel down to ground level and cover the area with an opaque tarp or sheet of plastic. Ensure no light can penetrate the covering. This prevents spurge laurel from photosynthesizing, causing the plants and root system to eventually die after being covered for a year or more.

What is spurge laurel?

Spurge laurel, also known as “daphne”, is a widespread invasive species on Vancouver Island. It is a toxic plant that produces harmful sap, leading to skin rashes, nausea, tongue swelling, and, in rare cases, coma or death if ingested. Spurge laurel thrives in both sunny and shaded areas and quickly dominates native vegetation, forming dense thickets in the understory of forests.

Why is spurge laurel invasive?

A single spurge laurel plant can give rise to a patch with thousands of stems. Spurge laurel spreads underground through an expansive root system that constantly generates new plants. Its resilient growth allows it to regrow even after being cut.

Spurge Laurel removal cost

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