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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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
Mowing can be effective if timed after the emergence of flower heads, but before seeds enlarge. Plants may resprout and still flower, but rarely produce viable seed. Monitor populations and repeat mowing if concerned about seed production. Care must be taken not to mow when mature seeds could be present as this will spread the seed. There may be a flush of parsnip after the first mowing as vegetative parsnip is stimulated to bolt, but after 5 years of mowing the population will be reduced.
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; this management method is not recommended unless integrated with other techniques. Fire may benefit other species well-adapted to this management (e.g., prairie grasses), resulting in improved competition with parsnip. Burns also allow for increased visibility of rosettes for follow-up treatment since they are often one of the first plants to green up after a burn. A hand-held propane torch can be effective for treating seedlings.
Type -
Removal

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Pulling or cutting the root from the stem are effective individual plant control techniques. Pull if soil conditions allow for the removal of the tap root. Alternately, cut the entire taproot with a sharp shovel or spade 1-2" below the surface. If flowers are present, bag material and dispose of it in a landfill to avoid potential for seed spread.
Type -
Grazing

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Readily grazed by a variety of animals, especially during mid-season. While effective, if parsnip constitutes too great a percentage of animals' diets they can also develop phytophotodermatitis. If grazing animals on parsnip, ensure that other forages are included in sufficient amounts to prevent injury.
Type -
Manipulation of the environment

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Establishment and maintenance of vigorous species (e.g., Solidago) may effectively compete with established populations as well as reduce the establishment of parsnip at a site.
Chemical controls
New (Type)IngredientsDirections
Type -
Foliar

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Active Ingredient (A.I.):
2,4-D

Common product name:
Many (Aquatic: DMA 4 IVM; 2,4-D Amine 4)
Rate -
(broadcast) 0.95 - 1.9 lb a.e./A
(spot) For a 3.8 lb a.e./gal product. 1% (0.038 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply to rosettes in fall or spring, bolting, or flowering plants.

Caution -
Use aquatically labeled product if potential exists for solution to contact surface water. 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 -
Foliar

User Type -
Professional

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Active Ingredient (A.I.):
dicamba + 2,4-D

Common product name:
Outlaw; Weedmaster
Rate -
(broadcast) 16 - 32 fl oz/A (dicamba: 0.14 - 0.27 lb a.e./A + 2,4-D: 0.18 - 0.36 lb a.e./A)
(spot) 0.8% (dicamba: 0.009 lb a.e./gal + 2,4-D: 0.011 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply to rosettes in fall or spring, bolting, or flowering plants.

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 to plants. Rates >16oz/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) 0.5 - 1 lb a.e./A
(spot) For a 3 lb a.e./gal product. 1.5 - 2 % (0.05 - 0.06 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply to rosettes in fall or spring, bolting, or flowering plants.

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.):
metsulfuron

Common product name:
Escort XP; Ally XP
Rate -
(broadcast) 0.3 - 1 oz/A (0.2 - 0.6 oz a.i./A)
(spot) 0.04 oz/gal (0.02 oz a.i./gal)

Timing -
Apply to rosettes in fall or spring, bolting, or flowering plants.

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 -
Foliar

User Type -
Professional

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Active Ingredient (A.I.):
aminocyclopyrachlor + chlorsulfuron

Common product name:
Perspective
Rate -
(broadcast) 3 - 4.5 oz/A (aminocyclopyrachlor: 1.2 - 1.8 oz a.i./A + chlorsulfuron: 0.5 - 0.7 oz a.i./A)
(spot) 0.12 - 0.2 oz/gal (aminocyclopyrachlor: 0.05 - 0.08 oz a.i./gal + chlorsulfuron: 0.02 - 0.03 oz a.i./gal)

Timing -
Apply to rosettes in fall or spring, bolting, or flowering plants.

Caution -
Do not apply directly to water or to areas where surface water is present. Avoid using Perspective in areas where soils are permeable, particularly where the water table is shallow as groundwater contamination may result. Perspective remains in the soil for months depending on application rate and has the potential to contaminate surface runoff water, especially on poorly draining soils or areas with shallow groundwater. Maintenance of a vegetative buffer strip is recommended between the areas Perspective 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 to plants. Do not compost treated plants as herbicide can persist through composting process.
Type -
Foliar

User Type -
Professional

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

Common product name:
Telar; Glean
Rate -
(broadcast) 0.5 - 1 oz/A (0.4 - 0.75 oz a.i./A)
(spot) 0.04 oz/gal (0.03 oz a.i./gal)

Timing -
Apply to rosettes in fall or spring, bolting, or flowering plants.

Caution -
Do not apply directly to water or to areas where surface water is present. Can remain 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.
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