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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Common Name List

Scientific Name List

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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 (year after treatment):

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Case Studies

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Non-Chemical controls

New (Type)	Description
Type - Mowing User Type - Novice Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Mowing is typically ineffective at eradicating existing populations due to the growth habit, but can be done to prevent seed production. Mow after the formation of seed pods but before pods elongate. Monitor populations and repeat mowing if concerned about seed production. Mowing is a useful way to prepare a site for a later herbicide application.
Type - Prescribed burning User Type - Professional Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Spring burns can kill germinating seedlings and young plants. Fire can also suppress above-ground growth of established plants depending on fire intensity. After the fire, established plants will quickly resprout or reroot and reinvade areas. This management method is not recommended unless integrated with other techniques. Burning is a useful way to prepare a site for a later herbicide application. A hand-held propane torch can be effective for treating seedlings.
Type - Removal User Type - Novice Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Pulling and cutting after seed pods begin formation, but before elongation, are effective at preventing viable seed production. To control individual plants dig up the plant and the entire root crown is removed. When pulled a plant usually breaks off above the root crown. All cut or pulled material should be removed since roots and vines can reroot. Existing mature seed pods must be removed and burned or properly disposed of in a landfill.
Type - Manipulation of the environment User Type - Novice Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Mulching to a depth of 3" or more will reduce growth and prevent seed germination. Organic or synthetic mulches or a tarp can be used. Populations should remain covered for at least two years to suppress the population.
Type - Cultivation User Type - Novice Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Intensive cultivation controls newly emerged seedlings and may reduce established populations especially if integrated with other control methods. Timely cultivations every 3 weeks, beginning when the plant is in the bud stage, but before any flowers open, will deplete the root reserves of established plants and after at least 5 years can eradicate populations. Cultivation, however, can spread roots into previously uninfested areas.

Chemical controls

New (Type)	Ingredients	Directions
Type - Foliar User Type - Novice Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Active Ingredient (A.I.): glyphosate Common product name: Roundup Pro; many others (Aquatic: Rodeo; AquaNeat)	Rate - (broadcast) 1.2 - 2.75 lb a.e./A (spot) 3 - 5% (0.09 - 0.15 lb a.e./gal) Timing - Apply when plant begins to flower. Remarks - Most effective in shaded areas. 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 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Active Ingredient (A.I.): imazapyr Common product name: Arsenal; Stalker (Aquatic: Habitat; Imazapyr 2sl)	Rate - (broadcast) 48 - 96 fl oz/A (0.75 - 1.5 lb a.e./A) (spot) 5% (0.1 lb a.e./gal) Timing - Apply when plant begins to flower. 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 - Novice Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Active Ingredient (A.I.): triclopyr Common product name: Garlon 4; Element 4 (Aquatic: Garlon 3A; Element 3A)	Rate - (broadcast) 36 - 49 fl oz/A (1.13 - 1.53 lb a.e./A) (spot) 2% (0.08 lb a.e./A) Timing - Apply when plant begins to form seed pods. Remarks - The addition of methylated seed oil (MSO) often improves effectiveness. 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 - Cut stump User Type - Novice Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Active Ingredient (A.I.): glyphosate Common product name: Roundup Pro; many others (Aquatic: Rodeo; AquaNeat)	Rate - (spot) 50 - 100% (1.5 - 3 lb a.e./gal) Timing - 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 - Novice Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Active Ingredient (A.I.): triclopyr Common product name: Garlon 4; Element 4 (Aquatic: Garlon 3A; Element 3A)	Rate - (spot) 25 - 30% in oil (1 - 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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Invasive Plant Control Database

Welcome to the Invasive Plant Control Database