VICTORIA, British Columbia — While the picturesque city of Victoria, Canada, is globally acclaimed for its vibrant gardens and verdant landscapes, it is currently grappling with a sinister, silent invader. Spurge Laurel (Daphne laureola), an invasive and highly toxic plant, is spreading rapidly across the region, causing widespread concern for both public health and environmental well-being.

Spurge Laurel, an evergreen shrub originally from Europe, presents a quaint façade with its shiny leaves and clusters of greenish-yellow flowers. Yet, lurking beneath this innocent exterior is a deadly nature. Every part of this plant — the leaves, berries, and sap — harbours toxins that are harmful to both humans and animals.

This plant's toxic potency poses a particular danger to children. Its shiny black berries can easily entice unsuspecting young ones. A mere 2-3 berries can fatally poison a child. Pets, too, are vulnerable to the plant's toxicity. Moreover, the plant's sap can cause severe skin irritation and eye distress.

"It's an insidious invader," warns Dr. Lorne Simmons, a botanist at the University of Victoria. "It's not just the immediate public health risk that's concerning. The way Spurge Laurel displaces native plants disrupts the balance of our local ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and affecting the species that depend on it."

Victoria, famous for its Beacon Hill Park and the floral displays of Butchart Gardens, has been battling Spurge Laurel's incursion for several years now. Local authorities have made efforts to raise public awareness about the plant's dangers and to encourage residents to participate in its removal.

"The key to tackling this problem lies in community action," says Jake Innes, a representative of Ascent Yard Care. "We're encouraging homeowners to get a free in-person assessment of any Spurge Laurel patches on their property. It's about making the removal process as accessible and affordable as possible."

Innovative methods have emerged to manage Spurge Laurel effectively. Among them is the precision spot treatment, a technique that involves cutting the plant down to the stump and then applying herbicide to the small new leaves that sprout. This method, priced at an average of $800 for a standard patch, is both effective and environmentally friendly, preventing soil contamination and waterway pollution.

The battle against Spurge Laurel in Victoria underscores a broader global issue: the threat posed by invasive species. The silent invasion of this toxic plant highlights the need for public education, early detection, and swift action.

For now, Victoria remains resolute in its efforts to reclaim its gardens from Spurge Laurel's grip. "This is our home, our environment," Innes says. "We won't let it be overrun by a toxic invader."

Spurge Laurel removal cost

We provide spurge laurel removal in both Victoria, BC and Vancouver, BC. Contact us for a free in-person quote.