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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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 can control populations, especially if it can be done in conjunction with flooding of the treatment area. Mow or cut plants as close to the ground as possible when cattails flower and repeat as plants regrow 3-5 times a year. This procedure will need to be followed for 5-10 years to provide adequate suppression and has not been successfully applied to large areas. Integrating mowing and flooding can improve control. Mow plants so that they are least 8" below the water surface while the plant is in full flower. While regrowth will occur, flooding will prevent populations from reestablishing. This method will offer at least one year of suppression as long as the cut surface remains submerged. If concerned about impact on mixed desirable species, harvest the entire site after the emergence of the cattail flowering head followed by 1 to 3 selective harvests of cattail. This strategy will suppress cattail. Any cut material should be removed from the site.
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 suppress above-ground growth of established plants depending on fire intensity. Late fall burns can also offer suppression. 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 cattails. A hand-held propane torch can be effective for treating seedlings. Fire has the added benefit of removing cattail litter. This litter, if left in place, can suppress other species.
Type - Removal User Type - Novice Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Pulling is an effective treatment for individual plants if the perennial tissue (including the root) can be removed. This is particularly effective when controlling a new or small population. Pull when new growth is 6" above the water surface.
Type - Grazing User Type - Novice Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Grazing with one head of cattle per acre or less for 3 weeks after flower head emergence will suppress populations. The number of years required for control is not known. The percentage control above is related to the one head per acre rate. Higher stocking rates will more thoroughly suppress cattail at the expense of other, possibly desirable vegetation. Another option for grazing is to attract or introduce muskrats. A density of 10 muskrats or more per acre can suppress cattail by more than 90% in 2 years. Water levels from 4-5' during the winter will increase muskrat survival.
Type - Manipulation of the environment User Type - Novice Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Removal of litter is an important aspect of any control effort, as cattail litter suppresses other vegetation. Maintain 3-4' of water over existing shoots in the spring, but the depth necessary for control varies with temperature. If last year's litter was removed the water needs to only be a few inches over the top of new shoots. In late spring and summer, water that is more than 4' deep, even if it does not cover shoots, will stress the plants enough to reduce their growth the following spring.
Type - Cultivation User Type - Novice Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Cultivating to a depth of 6" will suppress cattail, but this method is not recommended if desirable perennial vegetation is present. Cultivate in the fall and then repeat the following spring and summer. Cultivation is most effective if the targeted area can be kept dry through the first winter.

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.): 2,4-D Common product name: Many	Rate - (broadcast) 6 lb a.e./A (spot) For a 3.8 lb a.e/gal product. 0.5 - 0.8% (0.02 - 0.03 lb a.e./gal) Timing - Apply any time the plant is green and actively growing. 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 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Active Ingredient (A.I.): glyphosate Common product name: Rodeo; Aqua Net	Rate - (broadcast) 2 - 3 lb a.e./A (spot) For a 3 lb a.e./gal product. 1.5 - 3% (0.05 - 0.09 lb a.e./gal) Timing - Apply any time target is green and actively growing. Applications just after the seed head has formed are the most effective. Remarks - Wick application is effective when target plants are taller than desirable plants. Use a 33% glyphosate solution for wick applications or hand wick using the spot treatment rate. 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: Habitat; Stalker; Arsenal	Rate - (broadcast) 32 - 48 fl oz/A (0.5 - 0.75 lb a.e./A) (spot) 1 - 1.5% (0.02 - 0.03 lb a.e./gal) Timing - Apply any time target is green and actively growing. 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 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Active Ingredient (A.I.): imazamox Common product name: Clearcast	Rate - (broadcast) 32 - 64 fl oz/A (0.25 ¿ 0.5 lb a.e./A) (spot) 0.5 - 1 % (0.005 - 0.01 lb a.e./gal) Timing - Apply any time target is green and actively growing. Caution - If applications are made directly to water or to areas where surface water is present, follow application restrictions described in the label. 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.

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Invasive Plant Control Database

Welcome to the Invasive Plant Control Database