Catalina's Problem Wildland Weeds


The following is a "rogue's gallery" of three of the many species of wildland weeds found in Santa Catalina Island:

Dyer's Greenwold (Genista linifolia)


The flowers of the introduced Dyer's greenwold
© 1997 Dr. Bill Bushing

A major infestation of Dyer's greenwold (yellow foreground
and background) in upper Descanso Canyon

© 1997 Dr. Bill Bushing

Dyer's Greenwold (Genista linifolia) is a native of the Mediterranean region that thrives on Catalina Island due to our similar climate. This problem weed was known from only a single location in the City of Avalon back in the 1920's (Millspaugh and Nuttall 1923). It has since extended its range substantially to the point where it dominates areas such as Descanso Canyon (see above) and is being dispersed along roadsides into higher elevations of the island. This is a primary target of the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy's wildland weeds control program.


Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)


The European fennel plant
© 1997 Dr. Bill Bushing

An infestation of fennel (grey) at Parsons' Landing
© 1997 Dr. Bill Bushing

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is another native of the Mediterranean region that has become well-established on Catalina Island. This problem species was formerly kept under some control by non-native animals (goat, deer). As these introduced animals are removed, fennel will become a greater problem as it has on neighboring Santa Cruz Island where former roadbeds have become overgrown with the plant. Fennel is another priority target of our weed control effort.


Russian Thistle (Salsola pestifera var. tenuifolia)


A close-up of the Russian thistle plant in flower
© 1997 Dr. Bill Bushing

Russian thistle (Salsola pestifera var. tenuifolia) is a weed that is easily spread along the disturbed edges of our island's dirt roads. In the 1980's several dirt roads on the island's windward side near Salta Verde were closed to reduce the spread of this serious pest plant. Russian thistle is another priority target of our weed control effort.


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