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Invasive plant: Hoary Alyssum
| Health and Fitness |
One invasive plant with a population that is growing throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin is Hoary Alyssum. It is native to Eurasia and originally came to North America as a contaminant in alfalfa and clover seed. Hoary Alyssum is a member of the mustard family and has white flowers with deeply notched petals on slender stalks.
The leaves face upward on slender stalks and the plant has a grayish-green appearance. Hoary Alyssum can be a major problem for hay producers because of its woody stems which decrease crude protein and digestible carbohydrates in hay crops. Hay that is contaminated with more than 30 per cent of this invasive plant can be toxic to horses and can cause a number of life-threatening ailments to equines including laminitis, edema, intravascular problems or even shock.
Hoary Alyssum can remain toxic in hay for up to nine months after being baled. Hoary Alyssum has spread throughout the region quickly and can be found along rights of way, gravel pits, and in pastures. It is a very difficult plant to treat, often requiring multiple treatments per year.
Small infestations of this plant can be controlled by hand pulling. Larger infestations of Hoary Alyssum can be controlled with chemical treatments applied when the plant is actively growing. When chemically treating Hoary Alyssum look for herbicides containing active ingredients including 2-4-D, Dicamba, or glyphosate, but always remember to read the label before using and always follow the instructions for application.
If you have any questions or concerns about Hoary Alyssum or need some assistance in identification or management, please contact the CRD’s Invasive Plant Management department at 250-392-3351 or 1-800-665-1636 or visit the CRD website at www.cariboord.bc.ca
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