Why is it a problem?
- Aggressive invader of lawns, meadows, wetlands and forests; forms dense vegetative mats that choke out native plants and threatens fish & wildlife habitat
- Reproduces by seeds, underground rhizomes, and above-ground runners and stems
- Releases toxins that inhibit growth of native plants (allelopathic)
- Produces 600 seeds per plant that remain viable in the soil for up to 7 years
- Dispersed by wind and wildlife, and on clothing and equipment
How do I manage this plant?
- Bright orange flowers are easily spotted when flowering in mid-summer; Remove plants as soon as they are seen, as smaller patches are much easier to control than large ones; Mark the area where plants were removed so you can revisit the site and find stems when not flowering; Chemical treatments are ineffective at this time
- To remove a single stem, dig a hole one foot around and below the plant; Place plant and soil in a trash bag for landfill disposal
- For small patches, smother with landscape fabric, extending the fabric a few feet beyond the edge of the patch; Leave in place for three years, monitor the perimeter, and dig or apply herbicide to any stem that pops up beyond the fabric
- To limit seed production, collect flowers before they set seed and place in a trash bag for landfill disposal
- For more detailed information, refer to UAF Cooperative Extension Service’s “Control of Orange Hawkweed” handout.