Weed of the Month
Weed of the Month: Yellow Toadflax
Yellow toadflax is our weed of the month because it’s complex root system can threaten native plant species in Teton County if not detected early on.
Weed of the Month: Russian Olive
Russian Olive trees were introduced to the U.S. for landscaping aesthetics, to stave off erosion, to provide pollen for honey bees, and to block snow and wind. However, they are a threat to our river corridors because they form dense, impenetrable stands that choke out native vegetation like willows and cottonwoods.
Weed of the Month: Cheatgrass
Cheatgrass is an invasive plant to Wyoming but native to Europe and southwestern Asia. This plant is a huge problem because it tends to grow across large areas and is quickly changing Wyoming native plant composition.
Weed of the Month: Baby's Breath
August was prime wedding season here in Jackson. Between May and October, Teton County sees numerous destination weddings, elopements, and other special occasions. While these events are moments of celebration for most people, they can also be the source of invasive plant infestations. Even if you’ve never heard of baby’s breath you’ve probably seen it in a bouquet before.
Weed of the Month: Leafy Spurge
Discover the dangers of Leafy Spurge and effective control methods for this invasive plant with its toxic latex, invasive seeds, and deep roots.
Invasive Species | Siberian Peashrub
Siberian peashrub, as its name implies, is a shrub or small tree. It has compound leaves, and, while the leaflets are arranged opposite one another, the leaves are alternate on the stem. It may have sharp, stiff stipules. This plant produces yellow pea flowers in the spring that turn into 1-2-inch-long peapods. Because it spreads by both seeds and roots, it is often found in large stands or hedgerows.
Weed of the Month: Spotted Knapweed
Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) is blooming and suddenly seems to be everywhere. It’s grey-green wiry foliage help it blend into surrounding vegetation until its pink flowers appear. Then suddenly we see the vast extent of its infestation.
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Weed of the Month: Canada Thistle
Canada Thistle, Cirsium arvense, may be the cleverest weed West of the Mississippi. It boasts a long list of weedy characteristics, including: Perennial growth habit, Ability to reproduce from creeping rhizomes (underground stems that creep out laterally in all directions), An abundance of wind-dispersed seeds that are also long-lived (up to 22 years!), Spiny leaves that are avoided by wildlife and most livestock, Tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. And worst of all, roots that penetrate anywhere from 6 – 15 feet deep, sequestering nutrients that allow Canada Thistle to recover from any attempts to control it at the surface. To outsmart a weed like this, one must get to know it intimately and discover and exploit its weakness.
Weed of the Month: Oxeye Daisy
Oxeye daisy (Leucanthium vulgare) is the dainty white flower that you see blanketing open fields in and around Wilson, giving the impression of snow in summer. Although a field of daisies may seem preferable to a field of spiny thistles, or bur-covered houndstongue plants, the impacts on native plant communities and the wildlife that depend on them are the same.