Invasive Species

Invasive species can:

• Out-compete native plants and reduce biodiversity
• Damage streambanks and wetlands, impacting salmon habitat
• Increase erosion and destabilize slopes
• Create fire risk (e.g., dry invasive grasses)
• Harm pets, people, and wildlife (e.g., giant hogweed burns)
• Spread rapidly along roadsides, waterways, and construction sites
• Reduce forest and agricultural productivity

In short, managing invasive species helps maintain healthy ecosystems, supports wildlife, and protects Sooke’s natural environment.

Below are some of the invasive species of greater concern locally.

Knotweed (Japanese, Giant, Bohemian, Himalayan)

Knotweed forms dense, bamboo-like stands that push through concrete, weaken streambanks, and severely damage riparian habitat.

• District & T’Sou-ke Nation collaboration: Joint knotweed eradication projects focus on streamside areas essential for salmon health.
• Do not cut or compost: Cutting promotes regrowth and spreads fragments.

English Ivy

Smothers trees and forest understory, increasing tree failure risk.

Himalayan Blackberry

Forms dense thickets that out-compete native species and block wildlife movement.

Scotch Broom

Spreads rapidly, increases fire risk, and degrades forest and coastal ecosystems.

Gorse

Flammable and spreads aggressively in coastal areas.

Giant Hogweed

Dangerous sap can cause severe burns - report immediately and do not touch.

Lamium, Daphne, Periwinkle, and other garden escapees

Commonly spread from yard waste dumping; quickly take over natural areas.

The District works with the T’Sou-ke Nation, land stewards, and community partners to:

• Coordinate invasive species removal along roads, parks, and riparian areas
• Prioritize knotweed treatment in sensitive salmon habitat areas
• Restore native vegetation after removal
• Provide public education and stewardship guidance
• Support regional monitoring efforts
• Respond to invasive species reports from residents

These efforts help protect important ecosystems, including salmon-bearing streams and community green spaces.

Identify and report invasives

• Report invasive species on public land through the District’s service request system.
• Use the Report Invasives BC app for identification support.

Remove invasive plants responsibly

• Follow best practices - cutting, digging, or pulling methods vary by species.
• Never compost invasive plants; dispose of them according to guidelines, such as those provided by the CRD.
• Do not dump yard waste in natural areas, parks, or trails.

Prevent spread

• Clean boots, pet fur, and equipment after visiting trails.
• Use native or non-invasive alternatives in gardens.
• Replant with native species after removal to stabilize soil and improve habitat.

Get involved

• Participate in community invasive plant pulls or habitat restoration events.
• Join local stewardship organizations (see the Community Resources, Clubs and Organizations page).