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 […]
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
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
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
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.
Spotted knapweed is a serious threat to the rangelands of the western United States. It was probably introduced to North America from Europe as a contaminant in alfalfa seed or in ships\’ ballast. A common invasive weed in much of Montana, Spotted knapweed grows best along ditches, field margins, over-grazed pastures, and in disturbed dry,
Another member of the mustard family, Whitetop is a long-lived perennial that spreads by creeping roots and a prolific seed base. It grows up to two feet in height. It is often confused with Hoary Alyssum. While Hoary Alyssum generally produces a long stem with small elongated leaves and two to three branches each with
This biennial plan reproduces from seeds only and lives for two years. Each plant can produce 2000 seeds per year. The sticky burr seed pods, also called beggars lice, are easily spread by wildlife and livestock. Rosettes of dark green, hairy leaves begin appearing in April and May with the plant flowering by July. 1-4’
This is an extremely common weed in Montana and one that can be hard to eradicate. The plant has an extensive root system descending over 15 feet deep in the soil. It puts out horizontal root runners which are the number one method of spreading. Each plant also produces over 1500 seeds per flower which