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War on Weeds—weeds are everybody’s problem

Photo courtesy of John Cardina, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

THE ISSUE:  Tall hawkweed 

 Tall hawkweed (Hieracium piloselloides) is a perennial herb native to Europe. It was originally introduced on the east coast of the U.S. It invades disturbed areas, pastures, and meadows.  It can even grow well in poor soil that contains sand, gravel and rocks. 

 Tall hawkweed produces flowering stalks that can grow up to 3 feet tall. Early in its lifecycle it forms a rosette of leaves that are about 1.5 inches long and ¼ to 1inch wide. After it bolts yellow ray flowers like that of a dandelion are produced on leafless stems. When stems are cut or damaged, they weep a milky latex sap. Tall hawkweed reproduces mainly by seed but it can reproduce through rhizomes (underground stems) as well.  

 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Options: 

• Prevention— Learn to identify this plant. Never transport unknown plant material. Always plant clean seed! 

• Mechanical— Hand digging or pulling can be effective on small infestations. Remove as much of the roots as possible. Tillage is not recommended because it can reproduce from rhizomes, allowing it to spread. 

• Cultural— Establish a healthy stand of beneficial plants that will compete for essential resources. 

• Chemical—Refer to https://pnwhandbooks.org/weed then search “hawkweed”.   Always read and follow herbicide label directions!

Justin Hatch, University of Idaho Extension Agriculture Educator in Caribou and Bear Lake Counties.
208-547-3205 [email protected]

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