Don't Just Read the News, Understand It.
Published loading...Updated

Highly invasive, toxic plant spreads through Saanich neighbourhood

  • The highly invasive and toxic Italian arum plant has spread through Saanich, including Smollett's neighbourhood and district-owned lands, as of 2025.
  • Saanich became aware of Italian arum about five years ago following provincial notices because of its rapid spread and impact on local ecosystems.
  • The district manages 16 infected sites and about 30 invasive plants, with Italian arum treatments facing challenges such as poor herbicide success and significant public management efforts.
  • Smollett described the plant as "very aggressive and very hard to get rid of," while botanist Ken Marr emphasized acting swiftly to kill it at the roots due to its rapid reproduction and displacement of native plants.
  • The continued spread of Italian arum, which tolerates cold and causes severe skin irritation or death, implies urgent and careful community action to prevent further ecological and public health risks.
Insights by Ground AI
Does this summary seem wrong?

14 Articles

All
Left
11
Center
Right
Penticton Western NewsPenticton Western News
+8 Reposted by 8other sources
Lean Left

Highly invasive, toxic plant spreading its roots through B.C. neighbourhoods

Italian arum considered toxic to people and animals, and extremely hard to get rid of

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 100% of the sources lean Left
100% Left
Factuality

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Gardener's Path broke the news in on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Sources are mostly out of (0)