Russian Sage removal naturally - Ask Extension
What is the best way to remove Russian Sage that has spread. We do not want to use pesticides, but would like to remove all the Russian Sage plant/...
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Russian Sage removal naturally #875308
Asked June 29, 2024, 10:27 PM EDT
What is the best way to remove Russian Sage that has spread. We do not want to use pesticides, but would like to remove all the Russian Sage plant/runners/volunteers. Is there a way to use vinegar or boiling water? Or do we need to dig up each plant? Thanks so much!
Mary
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello Mary,
Thank you for writing to ask about removing the Russian Sage that's spreading.
Boiling water is only going to harm the portion of the plant that's above ground.
Vinegar, not household, but horticultural, must touch the foliage of the plant in order for it to work. It doesn't damage anything that it doesn't touch, and it doesn't travel through the plant. Acetic acid (vinegar) merely breaks open cell walls and causes cell death; essentially, the plants die by drying out.
Please read all information the label completely if you're going to try the horticultural vinegar or any pesticide. I've included a link to information from the National Pesticide Information Center about using vinegar. It can be irritating to the eyes and skin because it's a much higher concentration than with household vinegar. It can damage the corneas if it gets into your eyes, burn skin and tissues of the mouth and throat if accidentally swallowed. The document goes into more cautions and information, but the label is the law.
http://npic.orst.edu/faq/vinegar.html
If you'd rather not use vinegar, digging the plants out would be your next option, short of using pesticides.
Regards,
Colorado Master Gardener
CSU Extension Boulder County
Thank you for writing to ask about removing the Russian Sage that's spreading.
Boiling water is only going to harm the portion of the plant that's above ground.
Vinegar, not household, but horticultural, must touch the foliage of the plant in order for it to work. It doesn't damage anything that it doesn't touch, and it doesn't travel through the plant. Acetic acid (vinegar) merely breaks open cell walls and causes cell death; essentially, the plants die by drying out.
Please read all information the label completely if you're going to try the horticultural vinegar or any pesticide. I've included a link to information from the National Pesticide Information Center about using vinegar. It can be irritating to the eyes and skin because it's a much higher concentration than with household vinegar. It can damage the corneas if it gets into your eyes, burn skin and tissues of the mouth and throat if accidentally swallowed. The document goes into more cautions and information, but the label is the law.
http://npic.orst.edu/faq/vinegar.html
If you'd rather not use vinegar, digging the plants out would be your next option, short of using pesticides.
Regards,
Colorado Master Gardener
CSU Extension Boulder County
Thank you so much! We have no interest in pesticides so it sounds like we’ll be digging. We may use the vinegar to dry out the plants before digging.
Appreciate your assistance,
Mary
