Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons) tantalizes us with its sweet fruits in the summer and tortures us with its prickly vines all year long. Also known as Armenian Blackberry, this wide-spread and aggressive weed […]
Archive | Weeds
Detecting, controlling, and eradicating invasive plants are topics captured in the Weeds category. Invaders affect wildlife and crop production. In some cases they pose health risks to people and animals.
September Invasive Weed of the Month: Japanese Knotweed
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) has been called a “nightmare” and a “botanical bully,” and is considered invasive in many parts of the world. These characterizations give you a pretty good idea of just […]
Yellow Tansy Flowers Have Neighbors Seeing Red
Bouquets of yellow flowers are blooming across our region. Unfortunately, these colorful blooms are from the poisonous plant known as tansy ragwort. They have many residents feverishly working to protect their fields and […]
August Invasive Weed of the Month: Puncturevine
Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) is aptly named! This invasive weed has spiny seed heads on it that can easily puncture a bike tire, inflatable raft, animal paw, or footwear. Be on the lookout because […]
Tansy Poisons Livestock – and Neighborly Relationships!
Tansy ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) has long tormented hay producers and rural landowners who graze livestock. Horses and cows are especially susceptible to this poisonous weed. In open fields, grazing animals will generally avoid […]
July Invasive Weed of the Month: Tansy Ragwort
Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is an invasive weed with a long and deadly history in the Pacific Northwest. In Oregon, it is designated as a Class B invasive weed. It is believed to […]
Clean Your Boots to Protect Our Natural Areas
Clean your boots! And your sneakers, sandals, and flip-flops too. Give them a quick check before and after you hike to prevent the spread of invasive weeds. Warmer weather is finally here and […]
June Invasive Weed of the Month: Policeman’s Helmet
Policeman’s helmet (Impatiens glandulifera) is an invasive annual which threatens streams and rivers throughout the Pacific Northwest. It is a Class B invasive weed in Oregon. This means that it is a weed […]
What You Need to Know About Soil Compaction
Have you ever wondered why you see such varying vegetation on the landscape depending on use? One big reason is soil compaction. Land allowed to stay in permanent vegetation is easy to plant […]
