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
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Non-Chemical controls
New (Type)Description
Type -
Mowing

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Mow as low as possible before seed production. Plants may resprout and still flower. 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. This method should be effective for deterring seed production, but the exact timing and number of times mowing should occur for optimal control 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; 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 hill mustard. A hand-held propane torch can be effective for treating seedlings.
Type -
Removal

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Pull if soil conditions allow for the removal of the entire taproot. This will be difficult with well-established, mature plants. If flowers are present, bag material and dispose of in a landfill to avoid potential for seed spread.
Type -
Manipulation of the environment

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Hill mustard spreads primarily through disturbed habitats and does not compete well with established plants. Reducing the amount and duration of disturbance can reduce the chance that hill mustard will be introduced to a site. Competition by grasses and other robust species that maximize shading can suppress hill mustard.
Type -
Cultivation

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Cultivation can suppress adult plants but stimulates seed germination. Cultivation can dislodge the roots from the soil. No information is available as to how effective cultivation alone is at managing this plant, but observations indicate that additional management methods will be required to effectively control this species. Establishment of desired vegetation after cultivation is essential as hill mustard maintains a large seed bank from which plants can establish. It is expected that desirable vegetation that is appropriate for the area will compete with hill mustard and reduce its dominance.
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) 1 - 2 lb a.e./A
(spot) For a 3.8 lb a.e./gal product. 1% (0.04 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply when flowering through the fall as long as leaves are green.

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 -
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 - 1.5 lb a.e./A
(spot) For a 3 lb a.e./gal product. 1 - 2% (0.03 - 0.6 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply when flowering 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.):
imazapic

Common product name:
Plateau
Rate -
(broadcast) 10 - 16 fl oz/A (0.15 - 0.25 lb a.e./A)
(spot) 0.25 - 1% (0.005 - 0.02 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply when flowering 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. Imazapic can remain in the soil for months 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 Imazapic 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.
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) 0.5 - 1.0 oz/A (0.3 - 0.6 oz a.i./A)
(spot) 0.04 oz/gal (0.02 oz a.i./gal)

Timing -
Apply when flowering through the fall as long as leaves are green.

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

Common product name:
Garlon 4; Element 4 (Aquatic: Garlon 3A; Element 3A)
Rate -
(broadcast) 16 - 32 fl oz/A (0.5 - 1.0 lb a.e./A)
(spot) 1 - 2% (0.04 - 0.08 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply when flowering 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. 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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