Noxious Weeds
What is a Noxious Weed?
“Noxious” means harmful to living things and their health. In Ontario, there are twenty-five weeds classified as “noxious” under the Weed Control Act.
Click here to view the full list of noxious weeds in Ontario.
Recognizing Noxious Weeds
Giant Hogweed |
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Giant hogweed has a thick, green, bristly stem and white flower clusters that bloom in summer. It is normally between three and five metres tall.
Giant hogweed is dangerous for humans and animals. It contains a clear sap that can cause a sunburn-like feeling when it comes into contact with bare skin.
It also has photosensitizing compounds, which means that the burn can become worse if the skin is exposed to UV rays from the sun.
To learn more about giant hogweed, visit the Invasive Species Centre’s Giant Hogweed Profile.
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Wild Parsnip |
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Wild parsnip has a smooth, thin, green stem, and green leaves with “mitten-shaped” leaflet pairs. It also blooms yellow-green flower clusters during the summer months. It grows to 1.5 metres tall or less.
Like giant hogweed, wild parsnip contains a sap that can cause a sunburn-like feeling when it comes into contact with bare skin.
It also has photosensitizing compounds, which means that the burn can become worse if the skin is exposed to UV rays from the sun.
To learn more about wild parsnip, visit the Invasive Species Centre’s Wild Parsnip Profile.
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Poison Ivy |
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Poison ivy sprouts have three smooth leaves and a reddish-coloured stem. The leaves are green in the spring and summer, and red, orange, or yellow in the fall. Poison ivy can also grow clusters of small, white berries.
Poison ivy is dangerous for humans because its oil can cause an itchy, red skin rash. The oil can be spread easily, and sometimes without even touching the plant itself. Pet fur, bed linens, clothing, or furniture can cause a second-hand oil transfer onto human skin.
To learn more about poison ivy, visit Canada.ca – Poison Ivy.
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Managing Noxious Weeds
Noxious Weeds on Town Property |
| The Town of Saugeen Shores is responsible for removing and spraying all noxious weeds on Town-owned property.
If you see giant hogweed, wild parsnip, or poison ivy on municipal property, please report it on our website: Report a Concern - Saugeen Shores. Select “Invasive and Dangerous Plants” as your topic of concern.
Please note that the Town will evaluate the hazard level of the weed before determining if removal or spraying are needed.
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Noxious Weeds on Private Property |
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Private property owners (including residential, commercial, and industrial) are responsible for controlling all noxious weeds on their own property.
The Province of Ontario can fine you if you do not take action to control the spread of noxious weeds on your property.
Controlling can mean spraying or removing the weeds to reduce the number of seeds that can be spread.
Due to the risks associated with touching noxious weeds, it is recommended that you hire an experienced professional for spraying and removal.
For more resources and support, you can contact the Ontario Invasive Plant Council:
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Ontario Weed Control Act Resources |
Noxious Weed Removal Resources |
Medical Resources |