Foothills County urging residents to report wanted weeds

Foothills County is encouraging residents to help protect the ecosystem by reporting noxious weeds that have been found in the area. 

A variety of noxious weeds have been found in the county.  

The plants can be difficult to remove once they are established, due to their aggressive reproduction methods, adaptability, and resistance to control methods.  

“Help us prevent these weeds from damaging the ecosystem and choking out native vegetation and croplands,” the Foothills County website said.  

Among the noxious weeds are Black Henbane, Common Burdock, Wild Caraway, Hoary Alyssum, Leafy Spurge, and Yellow Toadflax.  

Black Henbane has large, shallowly lobed leaves and pale yellow flowers with purple veins that bloom in their second year.  

Common Burdock has a red tinge to its stems and produces heart-shaped leaves with wavy edges.  

Wild Caraway can have several stems, with leaves that are finely divided, and groups of white flowers at the top of the stem.  

Hoary Alyssum can also have multiple stems to one plant, but it has lance-shaped leaves that are a greenish grey colour. It also has white flowers that are at the top of the stem in a cluster.  

Leafy Spurge has long, narrow leaves that spiral, with small yellow-green flowers.  

Lastly, Yellow Toadflax has lance-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers that have a long spur.   

Residents who find noxious weeds are encouraged to report the sightings to the county by calling 403-603-5409.