Homer Soil and Water Conservation District

       Invasives

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Control Recommendations for Select Ornamental Invasives

In general, control of invasive plants can be difficult and often requires the use of several methods in conjunction and year after year follow-up. However, by being persistent and using the appropriate control methods, you can help protect the unique native flora of Southcentral Alaska and avoid the vast economic harm caused by these invasive plants.

Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)

Other common names: white daisy

Oxeye daisy has invaded native habitats, agricultural areas, along roadsides and is toxic to insects. Shasta daisy is another similar ornamental also included in "wildflower" seed mixes but has longer leaves with serrated margins (AKEPIC, 2005). Contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District or Cooperative Extension for help with plant identification. This plant can be controlled by hand-pulling, prior to seed set, for small infestations (AKEPIC, 2005). Hand removal is most effective when all roots are carefully removed. Pulled plants should be double-bagged in heavy-duty trash bags or incinerated to avoid further spread (contact your local Conservation District). Although grazing has been considered for control, it is not likely to be useful or practical unless widespread in pastureland (Tu et al, 2001). Mowing will promote spread of ox-eye daisy (AKEPIC, 2005). Attempting to establish a competitive native grass may be the best option as it is not often found in intensively cultivated sites and has a "shallow root system" that is easily killed (Sheley and Petroff, 1999).

Orange Hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum)

Butter and Eggs (Linaria vulgaris)

Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)

The Homer District is dedicated to finding effective alternatives to chemical control. If you have invasives in your lawn you may be able to control them by improving culture methods (Cox, 2003). Also, consider revegetation with native species - see the Division of Ag for seed sources.

However, if you use pesticides consult with your local Cooperative Extension office and follow label instuctions. Its the law and overapplying herbicides will not make them more effective - just dangerous!

For more information contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District.

References:
AKEPIC - Alaska Exotic Plant Information Clearinghouse. 2005. Invasive Plants of Alaska. Alaska Association of Conservation Districts Publication. Anchorage, Alaska.

Creating an Integrated Weed Management Plan. 2000. Creating an Integrated Weed Management Plan: Caring for the Land Series - Vol 4. Cox, Caroline. 2003. Taking Care of Your Lawn Without Pesticides. Journal of Pesticide Reform 23(4): 8-9

Sheley R, and Petroff J K. 1999 Biology and Management of Noxious Rangeland Weeds. Oregon State University Press.

Tu, M Hurd, M and Randall, JM. The Nature Conservancy: Weed Control Methods Handbook. 2001.

 

 

Orange hawkeed overtakes a lawn near Soldotna.

 

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