Key identifying traits
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Leaves are linear and feel rough
to the touch due to the short hairs covering plant
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5-lobed, pale yellow flowers
produced in clusters in the upper axils of stems
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Fruits are 4 shiny nutlets that
are brown then turn a grayish color
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Several leafy stems in a clump,
growing 18-24” tall
Biology and ecology
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A perennial plant spreading by
seeds
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It grows in open dry slopes and
plains
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Western gromwell is a native
species of California and is found throughout the northwest
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Sometimes
called Puccoon, a Native American word for plants that yield a
dye; purple dye can be extracted from the roots
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Does not seem to like to grow in
shaded areas
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Also has some medicinal
qualities
Control
NOTE: This plant is listed
for identification purposes only. We do not suggest removal of the
plant from any sites.
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 There is a lack of data
for control of this plant as it does not seem to be an aggressive
plant in our county
Mechanical –
It can be kept out of fields by tillage
Chemical – Western gromwell is
not listed in the
PNW Weed Management handbook for specific chemical
recommendations
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