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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)
Orange Hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum)
Butter and Eggs (Linaria vulgaris)
Other common names: common toadflax, wild snapdragon
Toadflax, often sold ornamentally as "butter and eggs",
is considered a noxious weed by 9 Western States and has been
introduced into 49 US States. If caught early, the potential
for successful removal is relatively high. Cutting, mowing
and tilling can be effective. Pulling can also be effective
but works best in coarse soils, and may have to be monitored
for resprouting for as long as 10 years (creating an Integrated
Weed Management Plan, 2000). Pulled plants should be double-bagged
in heavy-duty trash bags or incinerated to avoid further spread
(contact your local Conservation District). Herbicides may
also be somewhat effective but the waxy leaves are a barrier
to adsorption of foliar herbicides (Sheley and Petroff, 1999)
If used, they should be applied during flowering but prior
to seed set, but additional measures are essential (Murray & Carpenter,
1998). Planting of native grasses to is reported to decrease
toadflax populations over time.
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.
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