May 2017

Leafy Spurge

A long-lived, deep rooted perennial adapted to many habitat types in Montana. It has invaded over 2.5 million acres in the western US and Canada. It is found in every county in Montana. The flowering plant grows up to three feet tall on a slender stem with long, linear narrow leaves that alternate along the […]

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Common Tansy

A robust perennial that grows up to five feet in height, Common Tansy has aromatic, fern-like leaves. It flowers in July in Montana, producing flower cluster on top with button-like yellow heads. Considered toxic to horses and cattle, tansy is un-palatable to livestock but can be an issue if cultivated in hay and consumed. The

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Russian Thistle

Introduced to the Unites States In 1873 by Russian immigrants, Russian thistle is a common sight along roadways, corrals, and construction sites in Montana where there is bare, disturbed soil. Informally called “tumbleweed”, the plant breaks off of its stem in the fall and rolls across the landscape spreading seeds. Montana fence lines, corrals and

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Yellow Alyssum

A member of the Mustard Family, like Hoary Alyssum it is an early bloomer, appearing in late April and May.  A short plant, 2”-6” which spreads throughout grasses, especially in poor soils. Heavy infestations will appear as a yellow carpet in lawns and pastures. Mowing is generally not effective as the plant will flower below

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Hoary Alyssum

This weed is common in SW Montana and is often confused with whitetop. A member of the mustard family, Hoary Alyssum is one of the earliest weeds to appear in the spring, often beginning to flower as early as mid April. It reproduces from seeds only and can germinate and re-seed throughout the growing season.

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