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 as low as possible can prevent seed production, and if repeated for many season can suppress populations. Repeat mowing 2 times a season to suppress. Not effective in eliminating populations.
Type -
Prescribed burning

User Type -
Professional

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Spring fires are effective in suppressing populations, but burn must be conducted in the early spring 1-2 weeks after plants have begun to grow. If conducted too early, fires can increase populations. Adequate fuel load is needed to carry fire. A hand-held propane torch can be effective for treating seedlings.
Type -
Removal

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Pulling is effective on individual or small patches if all rhizomes are removed from soil. This is difficult unless plants are just establishing or soil is amenable to pulling.
Type -
Grazing

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Cattle and horses readily feed on this plant, but populations are only suppressed and rarely eradicated even with intensive grazing. Intensively grazing to 2" will reduce the dominance of quackgrass in an area.
Type -
Manipulation of the environment

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Maintaining current vegetation on site will prevent establishment. Mulch or cover-crop to suppress quackgrass. Eliminate any shoots that emerge through cover or beyond the area being treated.
Type -
Cultivation

User Type -
Novice

Effectiveness -
in season
year after treatment
Cultivation to 8" will reduce quakcgrass cover, but will not eliminate populations. Cultivation is most effective during hot, dry weather or late in the fall shortly before freezing weather. Pairing cultivation with herbicide applications can improve efficacy. This methods can spread rhizomes and cause infestations to spread.
Chemical controls
New (Type)IngredientsDirections
Type -
Foliar

User Type -
Professional

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

Common product name:
Envoy; Select Max
Rate -
(broadcast) 17 - 32 fl oz/A (0.13 - 0.25 lb a.i./A)
(spot) 0.33 - 0.66% (0.003 - 0.006 lb a.i./gal)

Timing -
Apply when grass is 4 - 12" tall. Apply only when the grass is actively growing.

Remarks -
Two applications per year may be necessary for older or denser populations.

Caution -
Do not apply directly to water or to areas where surface water is present. Overspray or drift to desirable grasses should be avoided, as even minute quantities of the spray may cause severe injury to grasses.
Type -
Foliar

User Type -
Professional

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

Common product name:
Fusilade II
Rate -
(broadcast) 16 - 24 fl oz/A (0.25 - 0.38 lb a.i./A)
(spot) 0.5% (0.01 lb a.i./gal)

Timing -
Apply when grass is 6 - 10" tall. Apply only when the grass is actively growing.

Remarks -
Two applications per year may be necessary for older or denser populations.

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. Fluazifop can remain in the soil for one to two 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 fluazifop is applied and surface water features. Overspray or drift to desirable grasses should be avoided, as even minute quantities of the spray may cause severe injury to grasses.
Type -
Foliar

User Type -
Professional

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

Common product name:
Fusion
Rate -
(broadcast) 8 - 12 fl oz/A (fluazifop: 0.13 - 0.2 lb a.i./A + fenoxaprop: 0.04 - 0.05 lb a.i./A)
(spot) 0.6% (fluazifop: 0.012 lb a.i./gal + fenoxaprop: 0.003 lb a.i./gal)

Timing -
Apply when grass is 6 - 10" tall. Apply only when the grass is actively growing.

Remarks -
Two application per year may be necessary for older or denser populations.

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. Fluazifop can remain in the soil for one to two 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 fluazifop is applied and surface water features. Overspray or drift to desirable grasses should be avoided, as even minute quantities of the spray may cause severe injury to grasses.
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) 0.75 - 1.5 lb a.e./A
(spot) For a 3 lb a.e./gal product. 1 - 2% (0.03 - 0.06 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply when target plants are actively growing and 6 - 8" tall.

Remarks -
More than one application will be needed as entire rhizome will not be killed with a single application. Lower rates are effective if integrated with tillage. Wait 3 days after application before tilling.

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.):
quizalofop

Common product name:
Assure II; Targa
Rate -
(broadcast) 10 - 12 fl oz/A (0.07 - 0.08 lb a.i./A)
(spot) 0.5 fl oz/gal (0.003 lb a.i./gal)

Timing -
Apply when target plants are actively growing and 6 - 10" tall. If quackgrass regrows, apply 6 - 7 fl oz/A (0.04 - 0.05 lb a.i./A) when it is actively growing and 4 - 8" tall.

Remarks -
Use nonionic surfactant for spot treatment.

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 and has the potential to contaminate surface runoff water during this timeframe. Maintenance of a vegetative buffer strip is recommended between the areas quizalofop is applied and surface water features. Overspray or drift to desirable grasses should be avoided as even minute quantities of the spray may cause severe injury to grasses.
Type -
Foliar

User Type -
Professional

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

Common product name:
Segment; Poast
Rate -
(broadcast) 36 - 60 fl oz/A (0.3 - 0.5 lb a.e./A)
(spot) 2.25% (0.02 lb a.e./gal)

Timing -
Apply anytime during the summer before seeds are produced. Two applications during the growing season are recommended.

Caution -
Do not apply directly to water or to areas where surface water is present. Overspray or drift to desirable grasses should be avoided as even minute quantities of the spray may cause severe injury to grasses.
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