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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Seasons:
Effectiveness (in season): 


Effectiveness (year after treatment): 
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Plant Identification information >
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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
Mow three to six times a year for two to four years. After four years >90% of the original population is typically eliminated. The interval between mowing events should be 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the length of the growing season in your area.
Type -
Prescribed burning

User Type -
Professional

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Spring burns can kill germinating seedlings and young plants. Fire can also suppress aboveground growth of established plants depending on fire intensity. After the fire, established plants will quickly resprout and reinvade areas. The removal of the litter layer by the fire can also increase the germination of multiflora rose; this management method is not recommended unless integrated with other techniques. A hand-held propane torch can be effective for treating seedlings and small adult plants (less than or equal to 4' in diameter) in heavy shade.
Type -
Removal

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Pulling or grubbing are effective individual plant treatment if soil conditions allow for the removal of the root crown. Plants will resprout from root crowns if they are left in the ground. Heavy equipment (e.g. bulldozer) can be used to clear severely infested areas as long as the root crowns are removed. When using heavy equipment it may be advantageous to remove the top few inches of soil to remove rose seeds as well. When using these techniques the potential for soil erosion should be assessed as the removal of all vegetation can lead to severe soil erosion. Consider topsoil depth and site topography. Removal of top soil should be followed by the instillation of erosion control structures and reseeding with desirable species as soon as possible.
Type -
Grazing

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Grazing with sheep or goats with or without cattle can help suppress populations. Management prior to grazing (e.g. herbicide application or mowing) is recommended to promote the new young growth preferred by grazing animals. Spring and summer grazing are critical times for rose control. A stocking rate of 10 animals per acre may be needed early in the season, but can be reduced as the season progresses and growth slows. If mature seeds are consumed, animals must be isolated to prevent further spread of seed. Five years of goat grazing are needed to control a population, grazing with only sheep may take longer, but grazing with a combination of all three may increase the effectiveness of control. Cattle will not readily graze multiflora rose, but create paths through the infestation that allow goats and sheep access to plants in dense stands.
Type -
Biocontrol

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
There are currently three pests that significantly damage multiflora rose. They are rose rosette disease (RRD), a mite-vectored virus; rose seed chalcid, a torymid wasp that infests and kills developing rose seeds; and rose stem girdler, a beetle whose larvae girdles and kills plant canes. RRD is an unregulated native disease which causes infected plants die within 2-5 years of infection. The rose seed chalcid and rose stem girdler are regulated agents that require permits to introduce. The girdler kills portions of individual canes and does not often kill an entire plant, while the chalcid feeds on and destroys seeds. Biological control agents rarely eliminate entire populations, instead they reduce the cover and seed production. Contact your local department of agriculture for information on permits for the release of biological control agents.
Chemical controls
New (Type)IngredientsDirections
Type -
Pre-emergence

User Type -
Professional

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

Common product name:
Spike 20P; Tebuthiuron 20 P
Rate -
(broadcast) 10 - 20 lb/A (2 - 4 lb a.i./A)
(spot) 1.12 oz/100 sq ft (0.2 oz a.i./100 sq ft)

Timing -
Apply during late winter or early spring when soil is not frozen. Apply evenly to ground infested with target species.

Remarks -
Spike 20P can be used at rates as low as 2.5 lb/A (0.5 lb a.i./A), but partial control should be expected. Tebuthiuron is also available as a liquid formulation, Spike 80DF. This formulation is applied in a banded spray or as a spot treatment.

Caution -
Do not apply directly to water or to areas where surface water is present. Applications can result in bare ground as tebuthiuron is not selective and can remain in the soil for several years depending on application rate. Use of this chemical in areas where soils are permeable, particularly where the water table is shallow, may result in groundwater contamination. In areas fitting this description Spike can be used at rates as low as 2.5 lb/A (0.5 lb a.i./A), but partial control should be expected. Any plant with a root system that intercepts the area treated with this herbicide can be damaged or killed. Do not apply more than 20 lb/A (4 lb a.i./A) a year. Do not apply this product more than once a year.
Type -
Foliar

User Type -
Professional

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

Common product name:
Brushmaster
Rate -
(broadcast) 2 - 3 gal/A (2,4-D: 2 - 3 lb a.e./A + 2,4-DP: 1 - 1.5 lb a.e./A + Dicamba: 0.5 - 0.75 lb a.e./A)
(spot) 1 - 4% (2,4-D: 0.01 - 0.04 lb a.e./gal + 2,4-DP: 0.005 - 0.02 lb a.e./gal + Dicamba: 0.002 - 0.01 lb a.e./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. 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 > 16 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) 1.4 - 2 lb a.e/A
(spot) For a 3 lb a.e./gal product. 1 - 1.5% (0.03 - 0.05 lb a.e./gal)

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

Remarks -
Wick application is effective on small plants with 33 - 75% (1.49 - 3.38 lb a.e./gal)

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) 48 - 64 fl oz/A (0.75 - 1 lb a.e./A)
(spot) 0.5 - 1% (0.01 - 0.02 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) 0.3 - 0.6 oz/A (0.2 - 0.4 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 -
Foliar

User Type -
Novice

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

Common product name:
Crossbow; Chaser
Rate -
(broadcast) 128 - 192 fl oz/A (triclopyr: 1 - 1.5 lb a.e./A + 2,4-D: 2 - 3 lb a.e./A)
(spot) 1 - 1.5% (triclopyr: 0.01 - 0.02 lb a.e./gal + 2,4-D: 0.02 - 0.03 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply when target species is actively growing and fully leafed out. Early to mid flowering stage is the most effective time for treatment.

Remarks -
Avoid application if the target plant is drought stressed.

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.
Type -
Foliar

User Type -
Professional

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

Common product name:
Perspective
Rate -
(broadcast) 4.75 - 8 oz/A (aminocyclopyrachlor: 1.9 - 3.15 oz a.i./A + chlorsulfuron: 0.75 - 1.25 oz a.i./A)
(spot) 0.2 - 0.3 oz/gal (aminocyclopyrachlor: 0.08 - 0.12 oz a.i./A + chlorsulfuron: 0.03 - 0.05 oz a.i./A)

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. 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.):
picloram

Common product name:
Tordon K; Trooper 22K
Rate -
(broadcast) 32 - 64 lf oz/A (0.5 - 1 lb a.e./A)
(spot) Equivalent to broadcast rates.

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. 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 this product 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.):
triclopyr + fluroxypyr

Common product name:
Pasturegard HL
Rate -
(broadcast) 24 - 64 fl oz/A (triclopyr: 0.55 - 1.5lb a.e./A + fluroxypyr: 0.2 - 0.5 lb a.e./A)
(spot) 1 - 2% (triclopyr: 0.03 - 0.06 lb a.e./gal + fluroxypyr: 0.01 - 0.02 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply when target species is fully leafed out, but after growth at the end of branches and canes has slowed. Early to mid flowering stage is the most effective time for treatment.

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.
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. 10 - 20% (0.3 - 0.6 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 - 12% in oil (0.1 - 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 -
Professional

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

Common product name:
Pathway; Tordon RTU
Rate -
(spot) 100% (picloram: 3% + 2,4-D: 11.2%)

Timing -
Apply any time of year.

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 this product 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 -
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 - 25 % in oil (0.8 - 1 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.):
dicamba

Common product name:
Banvel; Clarity
Rate -
(spot) 7% in oil and water (0.3 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) or both. Consult the label to determine the appropriate carrier.

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 > 16 oz/A (0.5 lb a.e./A) may cause stunting and discoloration of sensitive grasses, such as smooth brome.
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) 25% in oil (1 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 - 9% in oil (0.1 - 0.2 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. 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.
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