- Author: Cheryl A. Wilen
[From the UC Weed Science blog]
In what has been dubbed “dandelion-gate,” members of the Washington State legislature spent 20 minutes complaining about weeds on the capital's lawn. “In all the years I've been here I've never seen so many dandelions all over,” Sen. Mike Padden (R) said. “Is it your policy not to treat dandelions?” The department responsible for landscaping responded that the legislature cut its budget and now it only has 15 people covering the nearly 500 acre campus.
More and...
![Catchweed bedstraw. [K. Windbiel-Rojas]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/42858small.jpg)
Catchweed bedstraw. It's that weed that tugs at your clothes while you pass by or attaches to your dog or cat's fur. It's also known as the “Velcro plant” since it easily clings to anything that touches it.
In the garden, catchweed bedstraw competes with landscape plants for nutrients, water and light. Once mature, it can reach 6 feet long and be problematic when it smothers desirable plants. It can also make it difficult for gardeners to harvest produce.
Catchweed bedstraw is a winter or summer annual in California. The best control is to physically remove it as soon as it appears so it does not spread. For tips on how to manage this weed in your landscape, please visit the
![Crimson fountaingrass. [J.M. DiTomaso]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/41883small.jpg)
Invasive plants are weeds that infest natural ecosystems, rangelands and pasture. They can cause dramatic ecological changes that affect both plant and animal communities. Once established, invasive plants are difficult to eradicate.
In California, exotic plants were originally introduced by humans who planned to use them for ornamental or aquarium use, or for use as forage, food, fiber, medicinal or soil stabilization purposes. In some cases, the unintended outcome has been plants that have become invasive.
Some invasive plants are still for sale at retail nursery and garden centers. Some examples of available invasive plant species include pampasgrass (
- Author: Brad Hanson
A repost and link to a recent Weed Science Society of America press release entitled: "About Weed Seeds and Their Longevity" Click the link to go to the full...
- Author: John A Roncoroni
- Author: Cheryl A. Wilen
![Figure. 1. Some weeds thrive in drought conditions. [Photo by J. Roncoroni]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/24289small.jpg)
[From the August 2014 issue of the Green Bulletin, a newsletter for landscape and structural professionals]
While one of the best methods to reduce weeds is to not water them, there are some that survive even in drought conditions (Fig. 1). As we continue to be impacted by the drought in California, we need to consider our weed management strategies:
- Which weeds will survive?
- How do drought conditions affect control?
Which weeds will survive?
Many weeds, once established, need very little water to survive. Weeds with extensive, deep root...
