Weed or not? - Ask Extension

Thank you for writing.
This is White Snakeroot. https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/white-snakeroot
It is poisonous to animals that ingest it. It spreads far and wide and should be dug out and bagged and not composted. Alternatively you can use weedkillers as directed taking care not to have them drift to other valuable plants.
https://extension.umn.edu/horse-pastures-and-facilities/identifying-and-controlling-weeds

Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear. This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service. https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied May 16, 2024, 2:57 PM EDT

Hi Steve,

Thank you for your advice about White Snakeroot. I went to dig it out today and was successful until I got close to my 10 year old clematis. It's all thru the clematis and I'm afraid to hurt the clematis. Now what to do?

Last fall you helped me with my invasion of Canada Thistle.

On Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 01:57:34 PM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2024, 12:17 AM EDT

Thank you for writing. The roots of clematis are extensive so it will be hard to wash them for separation from the snakeroot. https://www.hummingbirdfarm.net/transplanting_clematis.htm The washing will increase the transplant shock. Applying a herbicide to the snakeroot may poison the clematis roots. I suggest that you keep cutting the snake root right at the ground all summer to prevent it from seeding or feeding the roots. You can try digging up the planting in Sept and separating them. But sometimes you just have to buy a new plant.

Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear. This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service. https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied June 02, 2024, 9:37 AM EDT

As always thank you so much for your down to earth response! I do panic and it's nice to have a voice of reason! I loved the article. Thank you. Gina

On Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 08:37:16 AM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2024, 12:06 PM EDT

Weed or not? #868674

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