Shiny Geranium has spread rapidly in Saanich and is known to be in the QCHCA area in several locations. It is a ‘primary threat’ which means it “threatens species at risk; dominates the under-storey in semi-open and open habitats”. Native to Eurasia, it is a low-growing annual or biennial with 5-petaled pink flowers that grow in pairs on short stems. Leaves are shiny, round to kidney-shaped, with 5 to 7 shallow lobes. Red stems are smooth and grow up to 50cm tall (see photo)
If you find small patches of this very invasive plant on your property, pull it up,
bag it securely, and put it into the garbage (not compost or green bin) before
the seeds disperse.
If you find this plant:
On private lands: email <planning@saanich.ca> or call 250.475.5471
On public lands such as boulevards, parks, etc: email <parks@saanich> or call 250.475.5522
For more info on shiny geranium, go to https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Community/Documents/Environment/Shiny_geranium_weed_alert_Mar2020.pdf
For more info on invasive species, go to https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/natural-environment/invasive-species-noxious-weeds-wildlife/invasive-plants.html
Here’s a link from south of the border with more background information and photos regarding this invasive plant.
kingcountyweeds.com/2017/04/14
