Key identifying traits
-
Plants grow anywhere from
6-24” tall from basal bulbs
-
Leaf blades are narrow,
flat or loosely rolled
-
Ligules are about 1/8”
long
-
Flowers are small bulblets
with a dark purple base
Biology and ecology
-
A perennial plant
reproducing by bulbs in 2 ways- It grows from basal bulbs to form
closely clustered bunches of stems and the bulbs multiply by sending new
bulbs out laterally
-
It was introduced from
Europe
-
It is a problem in
pastures, grain crops and roadsides in most of the western states
-
It matures and dries out
very early in the season
-
The first reports of it in
the U.S. were experimental plantings at Arlington, VA, in 1907, and one
at Pullman, WA., at about the same time. It was produced commercially in
Oregon soon after this and was planted with alfalfa, where its presence
tended to reduce invasion by weeds. By 1919, it had spread over much of
southern OR
Control
Prevention –
Learn to identify plants; start monitoring early in the season
Biological –
No known biological control in our area
Cultural –
Plant a competitive grass or cover crop
Mechanical –
It can be hand pulled but it is hard to get all the bulbs out. Mowing
is less effective.
Chemical –glyphosate will be
effective, you can also refer to the
PNW Weed Management handbook for controlling grasses
|
 |
