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Weeds
The City has appointed weed inspectors to make sure residents, local businesses and the Parks Section are working together to take action on weed control. Under provincial legislation, the Weed Control Act segregates plants of concern into the categories of "Prohibited Noxious" or "Noxious". Prohibited Noxious weeds, according to the Act, must be destroyed; "killing all growing parts or rendering reproductive mechanisms non-viable." Noxious weeds are to be controlled; "inhibiting the growth or spread of, or destroying." The Act not only prevents the spread of weeds but also the economic and ecological losses associated with unsuppressed weed populations.
If any listed plants are found on private property, it is the owner's responsibility to either control or destroy them. Please dispose of your weeds in your regular garbage (not compost) and make sure the seeds are in a sealed bag. Do not leave pulled plants on the ground as they may re-sprout or leave seeds. Complete eradication may take several years.
To report a Noxious weed or Prohibited Noxious weed use our Report a Problem web tool and select the Parks category.
Prohibited Noxious Weeds
The following plants are classified as Prohibited Noxious weeds and have been found in the city of Red Deer. Click on the image below to view measures you can take to keep these out of your yard.
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Common Buckthorn
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Himalayan Balsam
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Orange Hawkweed
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Purple Loosestrife
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Tamarisk (Salt Cedar)
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Spotted Knapweed
Noxious Weeds
Under the Weed Act, the Parks Section has the authority to conduct control programs for any noxious weed if the weed is causing a significant ecological or economic impact on lands within the City of Red Deer.
The following are classified as noxious weeds and have been found in the City of Red Deer:
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Baby's Breath
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Black Henbane
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Canada Thistle
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Common Burdock
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Common Mullein
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Common Tansy
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Creeping Bellflower
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Field Scabious
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Oxeye Daisy
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Perennial Sow Thistle
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Scentless Chamomile
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Tall Buttercup
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Yellow Clematis
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Yellow Toadflax
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White Cockle
Resources:
For the complete list of Prohibited Noxious and Noxious weeds in Alberta, please visit the Alberta Invasive Species Council (AISC) website.
Though many invasive plants may look beautiful and provide habitat for pollinators, it is important to use non-invasive plants in your landscaping projects. For some recommended alternatives please see:
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Weed Wise Brochure (pdf) | Grow Me Instead Brochure (pdf) |
For additional information on weeds in Alberta, please see the Alberta Invasive Plant Identification Guide, or contact Parks & Public Works at 403-342-8238 or parksandpublicworks@reddeer.ca.
If you are interested in assisting The City with the weed control program, see our Adopt a Park page for more information.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
The Parks Section uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for controlling and eradicating invasive plants. Control has many forms: chemical, physical/mechanical, biological, and cultural.