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This week's invasive species: common buckthorn

6/30/2017

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Common Buckthorn (rhamnus cathartica)
This week's featured invasive species is common buckthorn. It is most often found in woodlands and open fields, but can grow in a variety of conditions and locations. Buckthorn spreads very easily, as its fruit are a favourite snack of birds and animals who carry it from one location to another. Here are some fast facts about the species:
  • Other names: European Buckthorn
  • Native to: Eurasia
  • Native species look-alike: Alder-leaved buckthorn
  • Identifying Features: Buckthorn grows in the form of a shrub or a small tree with egg-shaped leaves arranged in opposing pairs. It produces small green fruit that turns black during the late summer months. There are small lenticels (tiny pores or “bumps”) that can be found on the twigs and branches of the plant.  In terms of height, buckthorn can be anywhere from 2-3m to 6-7m tall.
  • ​Why it's problematic: This species can develop into dense patches that out-compete other native species for food and habitat which threatens biodiversity. The soybean aphid, known for destroying soybean crops, will use buckthorn to stay alive over the winter months. In addition to this, buckthorn is a host for oat rust, a disease which damages oat crops.
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This week's invasive species: wild parsnip

6/27/2017

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An invasive species is a species that has been introduced to a new area (either on purpose or accidentally) where it is not considered native and is a threat to our ecosystems for several reasons. These species are highly adaptable, have few to no predators, can reproduce quickly, thrive in disturbed ecosystems and perhaps most damaging, they out-compete native species for habitat and food. This week's featured invasive species is wild parsnip (pastinaca sativa). Here are some fast facts about the plant:
  • Other names: Poison parsnip
  • Native to: Europe and Asia
  • Identifying Features: It has a yellow, umbrella-shaped flower with flat seeds and is often found in roadside ditches. It is usually between 0.5-1.5 m in heights, with a green stemm that is 2-5cm wide.
  • Why it's problematic: This plant has damaging effects to both humans and other plants and animals. The sap from wild parsnip can cause severe burns and blisters if the affected area of skin is exposed to sunlight. In addition to this, the plant can grow in dense patches that out-compete native plants for sunlight and nutrients. Wild parsnip has been found to reduce weight gain in and fertility in animals that consume it. 

    If you come into contact with wild parsnip, make sure to cover the affected area so as to prevent exposure to the sun and then wash it with soap and water. If your skin still has a reaction, seek medical attention. 
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Profiling Invasive Species in Lanark County

6/26/2017

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Did you know that Ontario has more invasive species than any other province in Canada? In fact, there are 441 invasive plant species in Ontario alone. They pose a threat to our economy, our environment and can even impede our recreational activities. Over the next few weeks, Plenty Canada will be profiling a new invasive species each week that is specifically affecting Lanark and the surrounding area to help spread awareness about this issue. 
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  • Home
    • About Us
    • Executive Director
    • Board of Directors
    • History
    • Our Work
    • Indigenous World Views >
      • Cross-Cultural Sharing
      • Food Sovereignty
      • Sustainable Economies
      • Traditional Skills
    • Environmental Stewardship >
      • Biodiversity
      • Climate Change
      • Species at Risk (SAR)
      • Sustainable Forestry
      • Aquatic Ecosystems
      • Invasive Species
    • International Development
    • Jobs at Plenty Canada
  • Donate
  • Projects
    • Canada >
      • Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network
      • The Great Niagara Escarpment Indigenous Cultural Map
      • The Healing Places
      • Indigenous Food Sovereignty
      • Plenty Canada CampUs
      • Two-Eyed Seeing Bird Atlas
      • Wild Rice
      • Ginawaydaganuc Workshops
    • Youth Programming >
      • Truth and Reconciliation Training Program
      • Youth Circle for Mother Earth (YCME)
      • Wii Baba Mose Maamiwi | We Walk the Path Together
    • Caribbean >
      • Cuba
    • Central & South America >
      • Guatemala
      • Covid-19 Relief in Peru and Guatemala
    • Africa >
      • South Africa
      • Swaziland
  • News
    • Plenty Blog
    • Webinars
  • Resources
  • Partners
  • Contact Us