Invasive plants - Ask Extension
Hello,
I do not know how to eliminate these invasive plants. I cut them down last year, but they are expanding.
Knowledgebase
Invasive plants #871059
Asked June 01, 2024, 2:19 PM EDT
Hello,
I do not know how to eliminate these invasive plants. I cut them down last year, but they are expanding.
St. Clair County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Emily,
Both of the plants in the photos are potentially dangerous weeds. #115652 may be poison hemlock or a "look-alike", such as wild carrot. It's important to make a correct identification because one is poisonous and the other isn't.
I think this may be wild carrot (Queen Ann's Lace) or another hemlock look-alike. I'm not seeing the purple spots on the stem that poison hemlock has, and I can't tell by the picture if the leaves have fine hairs on them. You will be able to tell by closer examination. Another thing to consider is the size of the plant. Poison hemlock grows from 6 to 10 feet tall, while wild carrot grows 2-3 feet tall.
The following article from MSU Extension gives the important differences between poison hemlock and wild carrot and control measures to eradicate it.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/poison-hemlock-identification-and-control
If you believe this could be poison hemlock after reading the information and examining your plants, you can send a sample to pestid.msu.edu.
I believe that plant #115725 is in the nightshade family, most likely bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) since it appears to have a vining habit. All parts of the plant are toxic, containing the chemical Solanine. The following link is from the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) It will help you understand and manage this dangerous plant. Please use caution when removing this plant
https://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=167&common=Bittersweet+nightshade
I hope this information is helpful, but if you have questions or need more information, please contact us again.
Have a nice day.
Both of the plants in the photos are potentially dangerous weeds. #115652 may be poison hemlock or a "look-alike", such as wild carrot. It's important to make a correct identification because one is poisonous and the other isn't.
I think this may be wild carrot (Queen Ann's Lace) or another hemlock look-alike. I'm not seeing the purple spots on the stem that poison hemlock has, and I can't tell by the picture if the leaves have fine hairs on them. You will be able to tell by closer examination. Another thing to consider is the size of the plant. Poison hemlock grows from 6 to 10 feet tall, while wild carrot grows 2-3 feet tall.
The following article from MSU Extension gives the important differences between poison hemlock and wild carrot and control measures to eradicate it.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/poison-hemlock-identification-and-control
If you believe this could be poison hemlock after reading the information and examining your plants, you can send a sample to pestid.msu.edu.
I believe that plant #115725 is in the nightshade family, most likely bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) since it appears to have a vining habit. All parts of the plant are toxic, containing the chemical Solanine. The following link is from the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) It will help you understand and manage this dangerous plant. Please use caution when removing this plant
https://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=167&common=Bittersweet+nightshade
I hope this information is helpful, but if you have questions or need more information, please contact us again.
Have a nice day.
