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

Description

Treatment Description -
Heavy infestation of Sericea lespedeza on 67 acres of CRP. Herbicide was applied early in the month of September(late summer) after plants had reached flowering stage. 1 oz Escort XP(Metsulfuron methyl) with 4 oz Ag Edge Methyl Ester Adjuvant per Acre.

Habitat Type -
Application took place in Stoddard Co Missouri. Habitat type would be considered old field/ grassland.

Effectiveness -
95-98% of the parent plants were control in the year of application. The year after application, the site still exhibited over a 95% control rate with very few new plants. No resprouts were found on the site, even in areas which previously had heavy infestations.

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 during the flower bud stage, but before seeds are formed can suppress lespedeza. Monitor populations and repeat mowing each time target plants reach 12-18" in height. Two or three years of mowing typically suppresses established populations. Take care not to mow when mature seeds are present to avoid seed spread.
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 can suppress aboveground growth of established plants depending on fire intensity. After the fire, there may be a flush of new growth as seeds are scarified by fire and established plants will quickly resprout and reinvade areas. Summer burns, when lespedeza has begun to flower, is most effective for suppression. However, summer burning can adversely affect desirable species. Neither timing is 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 lespedeza. 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 when soil conditions allow for the removal of the entire root is an effective single plant control technique. This is most appropriate for seedlings and young plants as older plants develop a deep taproot. If seeds are present, bag material and dispose of it in a landfill to avoid potential for seed spread.
Type - Grazing User Type - Novice Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Cattle only forage on early growth, but can suppress lespedeza under high stocking rates, especially after a spring burn. Goats browse lespedeza and can eliminate adult plants in a population after 3 years of grazing under heavy stocking rates. Goats severely suppress seed production as well. Viable seeds can pass through the digestive system of grazers; confine grazing stock until all seed has passed before moving stock to new areas.

Chemical controls

New (Type)	Ingredients	Directions
Type - Foliar User Type - Professional Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Active Ingredient (A.I.): clopyralid Common product name: Transline	Rate - (broadcast) 10 - 21 fl oz/A (0.25 - 0.5 lb a.e./A) (spot) 0.2 - 0.5% (0.005 - 0.015 lb a.e./gal) Timing - Apply when target species is actively growing and fully leafed out. Applications during the flower bud stage are most effective. 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 soil for up to one 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. Do not compost treated plants as herbicide can persist through composting process.
Type - Foliar User Type - Professional Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Active Ingredient (A.I.): fluroxypyr Common product name: Vista XRT; Starane Ultra	Rate - (broadcast) 6 - 12 fl oz/A (0.13 - 0.25 lb a.e./A) (spot) 0.1 - 0.2% (0.003 - 0.005 lb a.e./gal) Timing - Apply when target species is actively growing and fully leafed out. Applications during the flower bud stage are most effective. Caution - Do not apply directly to water or to areas where surface water is present. 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: Roundup Pro; many others (Aquatic: Rodeo; AquaNeat)	Rate - (broadcast) 1 - 2 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 species is actively growing and fully leafed out. Applications during the flower bud stage are most effective. 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.): metsulfuron Common product name: Escort XP; Ally XP	Rate - (broadcast) 0.3 - 0.5 oz/A (0.2 - 0.3 oz a.i./A) (spot) 0.04 oz/gal (0.02 oz a.i./gal) Timing - Apply when target species is blooming until killing frost. 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 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) 16 - 24 fl oz/A (0.50 - 0.75 lb a.e./A) (spot) 1 - 2% (0.04 - 0.08 lb a.e/gal) Timing - Apply when target species is actively growing and fully leafed out. Applications during the flower bud stage are most effective. 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 - Foliar User Type - Professional Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Active Ingredient (A.I.): triclopyr + fluroxypyr Common product name: Pasturegard HL	Rate - (broadcast) 12 - 24 fl oz/A (triclopyr: 0.3 - 0.55 lb a.e./A + fluroxypyr: 0.1 - 0.2 lb a.e./A) (spot) 0.4% (triclopyr: 0.01 lb a.e./gal + fluroxypyr: 0.004 lb a.e./gal) Timing - Apply when target species is actively growing and fully leafed out. Applications during the flower bud stage are most effective. 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 - Novice Effectiveness - in season 1 2 3 4 year after treatment 1 2 3 4	Active Ingredient (A.I.): picloram Common product name: Tordon K; Trooper 22K	Rate - (broadcast) 32 - 64 fl 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. Applications during the flower bud stage are most effective. 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 picloram 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.

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Invasive Plant Control Database

Welcome to the Invasive Plant Control Database