Rural Roots Special Edition - Weeds of Distinction | Page 7

FAQ
Q: What is the Alberta Weed Control Act?
Provincial legislation enabling Alberta municipalities
to prevent the introduction and spread of provincial
and/or municipal designated plant species that pose
significant social, economic and/or ecological risk.
Q: Who is held accountable under the
Weed Control Act?
Any person, governing body, business or organization
that owns or occupies land within Alberta.
YELLOW TOADFLAX
Linaria Vulgaris
Noxious
Yellow Toadflax is a perennial plant that can
reproduce by seed but relies primarily by
sprouting from its rhizomes. Yellow Toadflax is
frequently found in sandy-gravely soils but it has
adapted to a wide variety of growing conditions
and soil types. Stems are straight, hairless and
the leaves are soft, lance-shaped and very
numerous. They are mainly alternate on the
stem but can grow as opposites on the lower
stem due to overcrowding. Its flowers are bright
yellow, arranged alternately in dense spikes
and have a long spur extending from the base
of the flower.
Look alike: Dalmatian Toadflax (has broad,
heart-shaped leaves)
Mechanical: Repeated cultivation can effectively
destroy the root systems. Hand-pulling and
mowing can also prove effective by removing all
roots from the soil.
Herbicides such as Acetic acid, Amitrole,
Dichlorprop, Diuron, Glyphosate, Hexazinone,
Imazapyr, MCPA, Metsulfuron-methyl, Picloram
and Trienuron-methyl an Thifensulfuron-methyl
(in a product mix) are registered for use.
Q: As a landowner or occupant, what does the
Alberta Weed Control Act mean to me?
If a designated plant species is growing on land that
you own or occupy, you are required by law to control/
destroy the designated plant species.
Q: Where can I find a list of regulated species?
Consult Alberta Weed Control Regulation, contact the
MD office or visit mdlsr.ca/Agriculture.
Q: What is the difference between Prohibited
Noxious and Noxious Weeds?
Prohibited Noxious Weeds are to be destroyed
(kill all growing parts or render incapable of
reproduction). Noxious Weeds are to be controlled
(not capable of spreading).
Q: How do weeds species spread?
Weeds can spread numerous ways, both natural and
human assisted by airborne and physical movement of
seeds, roots, plant parts and contaminated soils.
Q: Can a Weed Inspector enter my property
without permission?
Yes. The Inspector is allowed on private property
without permission as sanctioned by the Weed Control
Act at a reasonable time. An Inspector is only allowed on
private property to monitor or enforce a notice within
compliance of the Act. The inspector must possess