Unveiling Its Invasive Nature

The name "St. John's wort" may indeed lead some Canadians to mistakenly believe that the plant is native to St. John's, Newfoundland, or other regions of Canada. In actuality, this plant is native to Asia and is an alien and invasive plant in Victoria, BC.

The name "St. John's wort" has religious origins rather than geographical. It's named after St. John the Baptist because the plant typically blooms around the time of the feast of St. John on June 24th. The term 'wort' is an old term for a plant or herb.

Across Canada, it's recognized as an invasive plant species that poses a significant threat to native ecosystems due to its ability to outcompete and overtake native vegetation and St. John's wort poses a acute threat to the ecosystems in Victoria.

This hardy perennial suppresses the growth of other plants by releasing harmful chemicals into the soil. These characteristics have allowed St. John's wort to spread extensively in Victoria. St. John's wort has the ability to take over large swaths of land, this is largely due to the chemicals it releases into the soil, creating conditions that are not favourable to other plants.

Once established, St. John's wort is very difficult to remove. It can also reproduce through underground stems known as rhizomes.

Methods For Removal

Controlling St. John's wort can be challenging and may require a combination of methods depending on the specific circumstances. Here's a detailed look at some of the proven methods used to control this invasive plant:

Manual Removal: Manual removal is effective when the infestation is relatively small and new. After pulling, the plants should be disposed of carefully to prevent any seeds from spreading.

Mowing/Cutting: Regular mowing or cutting can help to control St. John's wort by preventing it from flowering and producing seeds. However, this method alone will not be entirely effective since the plant can still spread underground through its rhizomes. Mowing should be done consistently and repeatedly.

Covering/Smothering: This method involves covering the infested area with a material that blocks sunlight like a tarp or a large opaque sheet of plastic. Without sunlight, the plants underneath will be unable to photosynthesize and will eventually die. This can be an effective way to control St. John's wort, especially in combination with other methods. However, it may not be practical for large infestations, and it can also impact other, non-target species in the area.

Treatment: When necessary, we employ eco-friendly treatments to eradicate St. John's wort.

Expert Help

Is your beautiful Victoria property being overrun by the invasive St. John's Wort? At Ascent, we offer expert St. John's Wort removal services, helping you reclaim your green spaces and protect the local ecosystem.

Dealing with St. John's Wort is a difficult task. It’s hardy nature, rapid reproduction, and resilience to various conditions make it a challenging adversary. That's where our professional services come in. We understand the unique challenges posed by this invasive plant and employs a multi-pronged approach to effectively control and remove it.

We provide fast, efficient, and eco-conscious services. We use tried-and-tested techniques coupled with the latest technology to ensure your property is free from this invasive plant.

St. John’s Wort removal cost

Contact us for a free in-person quote in Victoria, BC and Jake will provide an exact work order and quote.

Won’t the St. John’s Wort  just grow back?

In the worst infestations, up to 2 follow up visits may be necessary to completely eradicate re-growth. Most St. John’s Wort patches we service are completely and permanently removed in one visit.

Expert Help:

We care intensely about the success of each project. Contact us for a Free Quote.