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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.

Are you a novice?: 
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
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Non-Chemical controls
New (Type)Description
Type -
Mowing

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment 		Cut the main stem of the plant as close to the ground as possible. Method induces sprouting and should be followed with mowing or herbicide application to resprouts later in the season. Mowing alone is not effective even on small plants. The number of seasons it will take for control using mowing exclusively is not known.
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 plants depending on fire intensity. After the fire, established plants will quickly resprout and reinvade areas. Many consecutive years of burning on sites with low moisture may eventually control privet, but it is unlikely to control privet on moist sites. A hand-held propane torch can be effective for treating seedlings.
Type -
Removal

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment 		Seedlings or small to medium sized privets can be controlled by pulling or digging plants as long as the root crown and lateral roots are removed. Small bushes can be pulled by hand and larger bushes can be pulled by using a leverage tool. Larger plants may necessitate removal of soil near the plant to facilitate removal. If fruiting, avoid movement off-site unless material can be transported without spreading fruit to other locations.
Chemical controls
New (Type)IngredientsDirections
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) 2.25 - 3.4 lb a.e./A
(spot) For a 3 lb a.e./gal product. 3% (0.1 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply when target species is actively growing and fully leafed out.

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.):
imazapyr

Common product name:
Arsenal; Stalker (Aquatic: Habitat; Imazapyr 2sl) 		Rate -
(broadcast) 64 - 96 fl oz/A (1 - 1.5 lb a.e./A)
(spot) 0.5 - 2% (0.01 - 0.04 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply when target species is actively growing and fully leafed out.

Caution -
Use product labeled for aquatic use if potential exists for solution to contact surface waters. Applications can result in bare ground as imazapyr is not selective and can remain in the soil for several months to over a year depending on application rate. 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.):
metsulfuron

Common product name:
Escort XP; Ally XP 		Rate -
(broadcast) 1 - 3 oz/A (0.6 - 1.8 oz a.i./A)
(spot) 0.04 oz/gal (0.02 oz a.i./gal)

Timing -
Apply when target species is actively growing and fully leafed out.

Caution -
Do not apply directly to water or to areas where surface water is present. Remains in the soil for months depending on application rate. Overspray or drift to desirable plants should be avoided as even minute quantities of the spray may cause severe injury to plants.
Type -
Cut stump

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 -
(spot) For a 3 lb a.e./gal product. 25 - 50% (0.75 - 1.5 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply any time of year.

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 -
Cut stump

User Type -
Professional

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

Common product name:
Stalker (Aquatic: Habitat; Imazapyr 2sl) 		Rate -
(spot) 6 - 13% in oil (0.12 - 0.25 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply any time of year.

Remarks -
Products containing this active ingredient can have different instructions for mixing. Labels will recommend mixing the product in a water or oil based carrier (e.g. basal bark oil). Consult the label to determine the appropriate carrier.

Caution -
Use product labeled for aquatic use if potential exists for solution to contact surface waters. Applications can result in bare ground as imazapyr is not selective and can remain in the soil for several months to over a year depending on application rate. Overspray or drift to desirable plants should be avoided, as even minute quantities of the spray may cause severe injury to plants.
Type -
Cut stump

User Type -
Novice

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

Common product name:
Garlon 4; Element 4 (Aquatic: Garlon 3A; Element 3A) 		Rate -
(spot) 20 - 30% in oil (0.8 - 1.2 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply any time of year.

Remarks -
Products containing this active ingredient can have different instructions for mixing. Labels will recommend mixing the product in a water or oil based carrier (e.g. basal bark oil). Consult the label to determine the appropriate carrier.

Caution -
Use product labeled for aquatic use if potential exists for solution to contact surface waters. 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 to plants.
Type -
Basal bark

User Type -
Professional

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

Common product name:
Stalker (Aquatic: Habitat; Imazapyr 2sl) 		Rate -
(spot) 6 - 8% in oil (0.12 - 0.16 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply any time of year.

Remarks -
Products containing this active ingredient can have different instructions for mixing. Labels will recommend mixing the product in a water or oil based carrier (e.g. basal bark oil). Consult the label to determine the appropriate carrier.

Caution -
Use product labeled for aquatic use if potential exists for solution to contact surface waters. Applications can result in bare ground as imazapyr is not selective and can remain in the soil for several months to over a year depending on application rate. Overspray or drift to desirable plants should be avoided, as even minute quantities of the spray may cause severe injury to plants.
Type -
Basal bark

User Type -
Novice

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

Common product name:
Garlon 4; Element 4 (Aquatic: Garlon 3A; Element 3A) 		Rate -
(spot) 20 - 30% in oil (0.8 - 1.2 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply any time of year.

Remarks -
Products containing this active ingredient can have different instructions for mixing. Labels will recommend mixing the product in a water or oil based carrier (e.g. basal bark oil). Consult the label to determine the appropriate carrier.

Caution -
Use product labeled for aquatic use if potential exists for solution to contact surface waters. 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 to plants.
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For more information, contact MIPN via e-mail: mipninfo@gmail.com | For a full listing of plants: Plant Lookup