How can I identify and kill this brush it is taking over

Karen, thanks for sending a photo along with your question. It is a photo of Salix sitchensis, Sitka Willow. It is a shrubby plant that gets up to 26 feet and prefers to grow near streams and creeks.  It doesn't grow in dry areas; it like its feet wet.

Unfortunately the only non-chemical way to get rid of it is to dig it out. And dig and dig. Roots and seeds left behind will sprout quickly. Glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup and some other herbicides) kills it. But it's extremely important not to get it in the water as it will also kill fish.

There aren't really any other ways to eliminate the willow. It's a difficult situation. Another factor is that parts of this willow are important food source for many native animals. You might consider removing all except a very small area of it. Because it's so difficult to remove you may find that small areas of it remain or grow back without your help.

Below is an article you may find helpful. Good luck, Karen. And thanks for contacting the Ask Extension site.

Susan, Yamhill County Master Gardener

How to Control Willow - AquaPlant: Management of Pond Plants & Algae (tamu.edu)

Thanks so much for the info. Looks like pulling it out is a good option.

On Fri, May 10, 2024, 4:56 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

Karen, I certainly agree!

Susan