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White snake root #868644

Asked May 15, 2024, 10:11 PM EDT

I have a lot of this toxic weed in my yard and surrounding areas. What is the best way to get rid of it ?

Ottawa County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello,

White snakeroot, Ageratina altissima, has many plants that look similar. Are you able to send a few photos, so we can properly identify the plant?

https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=agal5

https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/white-snakeroot

If is it A. altissima, this is a native species that is only toxic if eaten. Is there a reason you are trying to remove the plant? Knowing your goals with what you are attempting to do with your site would be helpful for advising on management. Are you trying to remove these plants in order to establish a garden bed, other reasons? Let me know and I'd be happy to advise.

Thank you for your question! Replied May 16, 2024, 10:27 AM EDT
image0.jpegimage1.jpeg

They are taking over our woods it seems and they are toxic according to my research.  I believe they are not from here originally ?   Thoughts. 

Warm Regards, 

Patrick Avery 
Best Version Media
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Publisher of Connect, 
Lakeside Living,South
Shore Neighbors and Zeeland Living 


On May 16, 2024, at 10:27 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied May 16, 2024, 7:06 PM EDT

Thank you for sending those pictures. What you have there is Garlic Mustard, Alliaria petiolata. It is an exotic invasive plant in Michigan and many other areas across the US. It is not toxic, though, it's actually edible.

Since this is considered an invasive species, it would be a good idea to control this plant. Garlic mustard is a biennial, meaning it grows for only 2 years and is not reproductive (flower and seed producing) until it's second year of growth. The plants can be easily hand-pulled, but will re-root and could drop seeds if left outside. It's recommended that you bag this plant and dispose of in the trash.

Here are some resources where you can read further about this plant:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/garlic_mustard_may_be_michigans_worst_woodland_weed

https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/invasives/Documents/ID/Plants/Herbs/BCPs_Garlic_Mustard_3-1-18.pdf?rev=1a3d<personal data hidden>8a995d76a4ec9071a

Thank you for your question! Replied May 17, 2024, 10:13 AM EDT
Thank you for clarifying that for me.   I got the white snack root from an app identifier.    Ugh. 


Appreciate the quick responses too.  Have a great day.  
Warm Regards, 

Patrick Avery 
Best Version Media
<personal data hidden>
Publisher of Connect, 
Lakeside Living,South
Shore Neighbors and Zeeland Living 


On May 17, 2024, at 10:13 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2024, 12:12 PM EDT

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