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Siberian Squill #741757

Asked March 31, 2021, 12:25 PM EDT

My backyard has become overrun with this invasive plant. i know from reading that digging out the bulbs is the best defense but at this point, is not possible. I read that glyphosate products can help. In the meantime, should I remove all flowers that would be carrying new seeds in an effort to stop the spread? Thank you!

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Mary Jane,

Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica) is loved by many people because of its blue carpet that covers the yard in the spring. However, it can get out of control and is quite difficult to eradicate.

It spreads by two methods: small bulbs, called bublets are produced readily and self-sown seedlings are abundant. As you say, the most effective way is to dig up the bulbs but may not be 100% effective—there are a lot of bulbs and many can be missed. Chemicals, such as glyphosate may be effective but it is a non-specific herbicide and will kill everything else in the area.

There are several methods that you can use to slowly overcome the squill.

  1. Prevent the spread of seeds by cutting down or mowing before the plants flower.
  2. Smother the largest/main area: cover the area with paper (three sheets of newsprint, or cut up yard bags), water it down and cover with three inches of shredded mulch for a season. You can dig out the plants that you are not under the cover. Bear in mind that this will smother all the plants in the area so you will have to reseed later. You can dig out the scilla outside the covered area or mow it to prevent the seeds from spreading.
  3. You can use glyphosate on specific plants. If you do use chemicals, be certain to read the label and follow the directions for the proper use.
  4. And finally, you’re back to where you started, dig out the whole area and started over.

All of these options take time and energy, but may help you decide how to handle the plants.

Thank you for your question and contacting Ask Extension.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 01, 2021, 4:59 PM EDT

Thank you for these suggestions.  If the plants are already flowering is it fruitless to cut the plant off and discard the leaves and flowers in a bin? I see you suggested removing the plant before it flowers.  Smothering the squill might be my best bet at this point. 

MJ

The Question Asker Replied April 01, 2021, 5:15 PM EDT

Hello,

I suppose if you could remove the flower heads and deposit them in a bin right now, it would help. If you smother them also, you may have a better chance of eradication.

Thanks for the question.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 01, 2021, 5:25 PM EDT

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