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Invasive Plant Control Database

Welcome to the Invasive Plant Control Database

This website contains information on how to control many invasive plants common to the Midwestern United States. Information was collected from both scientific literature and expert opinions and summarized by the Midwest Invasive Plant Network (MIPN), in partnership with the Mark Renz lab from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Methods that are uncommon, do not provide sufficient control, or lack information for determining effectiveness on target species are omitted. For each species, information was reviewed by four individuals, including two identified as experts on control of that species. Information is searchable by several fields to improve the user’s ability to find pertinent information. To view the search feature, you must first select an invasive plant. Additionally, users have the option of entering personal experiences with managing specific species (see “add new case studies” under search results). These case studies will be visible to all users once verified by MIPN staff.

We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information or products on the website. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. References to pesticide products on this website are for your convenience and are not an endorsement or guarantee of one product over another.

Step 1: Select Plant

Step 1: Select a species by choosing a common or scientific name from the list, or by typing a name in the search box.

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Step 2: Select Search Parameters

Step 2: Select search parameter(s) of interest. If no parameters are selected all control methods will be displayed. For effectiveness ratings, methods that meet or exceed the criteria selected will be displayed.

Under the Search Results you will find

  • Plant Identification information – information on species identification, including photographs and a current distribution map.
  • Ecological Threats – threats posed to natural ecosystems by this species.
  • Case Studies – Detailed success (and failures) on how to control specific species contributed by experienced personnel.
  • Non-chemical and chemical control methods that fit the selected search criteria. Please note you are responsible for using pesticides in accordance with the label directions and state and federal laws. Herbicide availability and registered uses vary from state to state. Contact your state department of agriculture for information on the correct use and licensing required for any pesticide application.

You may reset the search criteria or the species you have selected at any time by selecting the corresponding links on the right hand side of the page.

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Habitat Type:





Seasons:



Effectiveness (in season): 


Effectiveness (year after treatment): 
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Search Results
Plant Identification information >
Display Ecological Threats >
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Case Studies
No case studies are entered for selected plant.
Non-Chemical controls
New (Type)Description
Type -
Prescribed burning

User Type -
Professional

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment 		Spring burns can kill germinating seedlings and can suppress above ground-growth of established plant, depending on fire intensity. After the fire, established plants will quickly re-sprout and reinvade areas; this management method is not recommended unless integrated with other techniques. Fire may benefit other well-adapted species (e.g., prairie grasses), resulting in improved competition with bellflower. A hand-held propane torch can be effective for treating seedlings.
Type -
Removal

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment 		Dig at least 6" deep to locate and remove all rhizomes and perennial roots. If all perennial tissue (roots and rhizomes) is removed, populations can be eliminated. This can be difficult, especially in heavy soils. A pitchfork or other tool can be used to loosen the soil around the plant to make removal easier. If only removing shoots, the frequency and length of period necessary to reduce populations is not known, but likely many removals per year for several years will be necessary to reduce established populations. If flowers present, bag material and dispose of in a landfill or burn to avoid potential for seed spread.
Chemical controls
New (Type)IngredientsDirections
Type -
Foliar

User Type -
Professional

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Active Ingredient (A.I.):
dicamba

Common product name:
Banvel; Clarity 		Rate -
(broadcast) 16 - 64 fl oz/A (0.5 - 2.0 lb a.e./A)
(spot) Equivalent to broadcast rates.

Timing -
Apply during flower-bud stage through the fall as long as leaves are green.

Caution -
Do not apply directly to water or to areas where surface water is present. Use of this chemical in areas where soils are permeable, particularly where the water table is shallow, may result in groundwater contamination. Overspray or drift to desirable plants should be avoided, as even minute quantities of the spray may cause severe injury. Rates > 16 fl oz/A (0.5 lb a.e./A) may cause stunting and discoloration of sensitive grasses, such as smooth brome.
Type -
Foliar

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Active Ingredient (A.I.):
glyphosate

Common product name:
Roundup Pro; many others (Aquatic: Rodeo; AquaNeat) 		Rate -
(broadcast) 22 - 44 fl oz/A (0.8 - 1.6 lb a.e./A)
(spot) For a 3 lb a.e./gal product. 1 - 2% (0.03 - 0.06 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply during flower-bud stage through the fall as long as leaves are green.

Caution -
Use product labeled for aquatic use if potential exists for solution to contact surface waters. Applications can result in bare ground as glyphosate is not selective. Overspray or drift to desirable plants should be avoided, as even minute quantities of the spray may cause severe injury to plants.
Type -
Foliar

User Type -
Professional

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Active Ingredient (A.I.):
picloram

Common product name:
Tordon K; Trooper 22K 		Rate -
(broadcast) 8 - 32 fl oz/A (0.13 - 0.5 lb a.e./A)
(spot) Equivalent to broadcast rates.

Timing -
Apply during flower-bud stage through the fall as long as leaves are green.

Caution -
Do not apply directly to water or to areas where surface water is present. Use of this chemical in areas where soils are permeable, particularly where the water table is shallow, may result in groundwater contamination. Remains in the soil for over one year depending on application rate and has the potential to contaminate surface runoff water during this timeframe. Maintenance of a vegetative buffer strip is recommended between the areas picloram is applied and surface water features. Overspray or drift to desirable plants should be avoided as even minute quantities of the spray may cause severe injury. Do not compost treated plants as herbicide can persist through composting process.
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For more information, contact MIPN via e-mail: mipninfo@gmail.com | For a full listing of plants: Plant Lookup