Why is it a problem?
- Produces roughly 4,760 – 174,230 seeds per plant – seeds remain viable for several years
- Seeds dispersed by wind, water, animals, vehicles, as well as in contaminated hay, grain seeds, and topsoil
- Reproduces vegetatively from roots
- Plant damage encourages growth and intensifies infestations
- Toxic to livestock
- Toxins can pass into the milk of affected cows and goats, and honey made by bees that visit tansy ragwort flowers is said to be unpalatable
How do I manage this plant?
- Small infestations can be controlled manually by pulling up the entire plant, including its roots. Roots left in the ground may resprout. Wear gloves!
- Plowing, mowing, and burning may intensify growth
- Not effectively controlled by herbicides
- Seed/plant pastures with non-invasive plants to encourage competition and suppress seed germination of common tansy
- To prevent introduction, purchase Certified Weed-Free Forage
