Key identifying traits
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Leaves are alternate and have
recessed venation
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Plants have many branches and grow
from 6-36” tall
-
Flowers grow in small spiny clusters
at the base of the leaves
-
Seeds are shiny black and are lens
shaped
Biology and ecology
-
An annual plant spreading by its
prolific seed production
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It is usually found in a disturbed
area or cultivated site
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This plant is a native species found
throughout most of the U.S.
-
After plants mature they tend to
break off and tumble along the ground
-
Pigweeds can be high in nitrates and
toxic to livestock
Control
Prevention –
Learn to identify plants; start monitoring early in the season
Biological –
No known biological control in our area
Cultural –
Plant competitive grass or other cover crop
Mechanical –
The plant can by controlled by tillage or hand pulling
Chemical –There are many herbicides
listed for control of pigweeds-products with dicamba such as
“Weedmaster” are recommended. Also refer to the
PNW Weed Management handbook for specific chemical recommendations |
Rich Old, XID Services, Inc. |
