Pasture Weed - Ask Extension
Hi, this weed has overtaken my horse pasture in large amounts this year. I’m trying to identify it and I’ve come up with 2 possibilities but I’m...
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Pasture Weed #872731
Asked June 12, 2024, 1:14 AM EDT
Hi, this weed has overtaken my horse pasture in large amounts this year. I’m trying to identify it and I’ve come up with 2 possibilities but I’m. Or sure how to tell which it is. Possibly hedge mustard or creeping yellowcress? Looking for advice on how to decrease/control it without redoing the whole pasture as that isn’t an option for us. I’m also wondering if it’s toxic to horses and goats.
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Nikki,
This does appear to be hedge mustard, Sisymbrium officinale which is an annual plant. Your first step will be to keep this plant from going to seed. I recommend mowing it right away, though hand pulling is an option though time-consuming and difficult. Earlier in the season, when the plant was in a younger growth stage, applying a broad-leaf herbicide would also be an option. To learn more about herbicides labeled for pastures, review https://pnwhandbooks.org/weed/pasture-rangeland/small-pastures/management-reduce-weed-problems
Long-term you will want to re-establish perennial forage cover to this area to create competition. If the soil is bare, something will grow. If the soil is compacted or heavily overgrazed, unfortunately, it is often weeds that take root.
We have a free, online resource, Introduction to Pasture and Grazing Management that you may find helpful, https://workspace.oregonstate.edu/course/pasture-and-grazing-management
There are references to potential medicinal uses in humans for this plant but it is not listed in my resources as a toxic plant to livestock. I found one reference that says sheep and goats may browse this plant but aren't necessarily an effective control.
Please contact me directly if you'd like to discuss this situation in more detail.
This does appear to be hedge mustard, Sisymbrium officinale which is an annual plant. Your first step will be to keep this plant from going to seed. I recommend mowing it right away, though hand pulling is an option though time-consuming and difficult. Earlier in the season, when the plant was in a younger growth stage, applying a broad-leaf herbicide would also be an option. To learn more about herbicides labeled for pastures, review https://pnwhandbooks.org/weed/pasture-rangeland/small-pastures/management-reduce-weed-problems
Long-term you will want to re-establish perennial forage cover to this area to create competition. If the soil is bare, something will grow. If the soil is compacted or heavily overgrazed, unfortunately, it is often weeds that take root.
We have a free, online resource, Introduction to Pasture and Grazing Management that you may find helpful, https://workspace.oregonstate.edu/course/pasture-and-grazing-management
There are references to potential medicinal uses in humans for this plant but it is not listed in my resources as a toxic plant to livestock. I found one reference that says sheep and goats may browse this plant but aren't necessarily an effective control.
Please contact me directly if you'd like to discuss this situation in more detail.
Thank you so much!
