- Author: Chris M. Webb
A small group of Ventura County Master Gardeners have received additional training which allows them to survey nurseries and provide information to nursery owners. This program is part of a statewide UCCE effort designed to help reduce the spread of invasive plant species.
Currently many nurseries unknowingly sell invasive plant species. Consumers many not realize the plants they are purchasing are invasive and are likely to cause harm to our local ecosystems. The Master Gardener volunteers talk to the nursery owners and provide suggestions to nursery owners for replacement plants, which have similar characteristics to the invasive species as alternatives for their customers.
Many resources are available to help consumers avoid planting invasive species. The UC Davis Arboretum has an extensive database of recommended plants for California gardens. The California Invasive Plant Council has a Don’t Plant a Pest page on their website; in addition to recommending alternatives, photos of commonly seen invasive species are provided. You can also contact our Master Gardener helpline at 645-1455 or by email at mgventura@ucdavis.edu.
Chinese fringe tree Chionanthus retusus
UC Davis Arboretum recommended plant for California gardens
Pigsqueak Bergenia crassifolia
UC Davis Arboretum recommended plant for California gardens
California pipevine Aristolochia californica
UC Davis Arboretum recommended plant for California gardens
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The Santa Clara River Invasive Weeds Task Force (SCRIWTF) has been created to restore the Santa Clara River through the management of invasive weeds in the watershed. The task force includes people with a variety of perspectives, representing both the upper and lower Santa Clara River watershed as well as Los Angeles and Ventura County weed management areas.
The SCRIWTF website is a great way to learn more about this subject and stay informed about upcoming meetings. Past presentations and meeting minutes are also available.
The website is also the place to sign up for the Santa Clara River Invasive Weeds Task Force mailing list. The mailing list “will be used to announce meetings and share information of relevance to invasive plant management in the Santa Clara River, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, California.”
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) was introduced into North America from Europe in the mid-1800s. It was initially used as an ornamental, but due to their fast growth were also used for erosion control. Unfortunately, these fast-growing shrubs quickly crowd out native plants and offer very little to local wildlife. They are a problem in our local watersheds. Like many other invasive plant species, Scotch broom is a dangerous fire hazard.
Scotch broom can grow up to 10 feet tall and can live up to 25 years. They have an abundance of yellow flowers from April through June. Each plant produces approximately 20,000 seeds each year. Seed pods ripen during the summer months. The plant ejects its seeds several feet away with small popping explosions. About 40% of seeds germinate immediately, while some others germinate the following year. However, the remaining seeds can remain dormant for up to 50 years making long-term management difficult.
Scotch broom is able to increase nitrogen levels in soil, which increases soil fertility. This is advantageous to other non-native plants that thrive on high nitrogen levels, but is another blow to local native plants as they do not grow as well in these conditions.
You can help reduce the problems from Scotch broom by not planting them in your yard. There are many alternative native plants that have similar attributes but are not invasive. If you have them in your yard it is best to remove them. Please see UC ANR’s Scotch Broom publication for additional information and removal advice.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
UC ANR’s Weed Research & Information Center (WRIC) is an important resource for weed management. Their mission statement is:
The Weed Research and Information Center is an interdisciplinary collaboration that fosters research in weed management and facilitates distribution of associated knowledge for the benefit of agriculture and for the preservation of natural resources.
In addition to information about the program, their website has a calendar of upcoming related short courses and provides links to UC ANR publications and other resources and organizations for weed management.
In addition to this statewide resource, our website has a “Weed and Invasive Plants of Ventura County” page. To find out more please click here!
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Beginning today and running through July 29, our office will have an invasive species display at the County of Ventura Hall of Administration building.
Viewers will learn the dangers and damage caused by these aquatic, plant and insect species and what can be done to reduce their introduction and spread. Handouts will be available for: Arundo donax, Scotch broom, New Zealand Mudsnails, Quagga and Zebra mussels, spotted winged drosophila, Asian citrus psyllid, gold spotted oak borer and redbay ambrosia beetle.
If you will not be at the government center during these dates but are interested in the information, please contact our office and we will be happy to provide the information electronically.