Sticky weed - Ask Extension
We live in clackamas county with a backyard that opens up into a wooded hillside. Following a severe ice storm several years ago, numerous alder and o...
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Sticky weed #876034
Asked July 05, 2024, 4:20 PM EDT
We live in clackamas county with a backyard that opens up into a wooded hillside. Following a severe ice storm several years ago, numerous alder and other large trees came down, opening up a lot of the hillside to the sun. Consequently, the vegetation in these open spaces just took off, primarily with sprawling blackberries. Last year we hired someone to weed whack these area.
This year the blackberries are growing again but now are covered with cascading drapes of sticky weed. I am trying to limit the spread of the sticky weed so that it doesn’t make its way down and around to the front of our house.
HELP!
Any advice other than pulling it out?
And I assume I should put it in yard debris rather than leaving it to compost, correct?
Attached photos show some of the sticky weed we are encountering….
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi and thanks for your question and great pictures of your "sticky weed" better known here as bedstraw. This was due to the pioneers stuffing mattresses with it (probably because, like you, they cleared land and had a lot of it!). I have found that pulling it is pretty easy, if not especially fun and yes, don't put it in your compost pile! You will want to spread arborist's chips or plant something in its place once you get it pulled, or it will just come back.
I'll attach an article about things you can spray for it (see the chemical control section), but the most interesting thing is the sidebar explaining its herbal value. Not sure I want to pick off all those seeds to make a coffee substitute, but it might be fun to try a little tea.
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74154.html
You do seem to be smiling, and it's the right time of year for hand pulling, so... carry on!
I'll attach an article about things you can spray for it (see the chemical control section), but the most interesting thing is the sidebar explaining its herbal value. Not sure I want to pick off all those seeds to make a coffee substitute, but it might be fun to try a little tea.
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74154.html
You do seem to be smiling, and it's the right time of year for hand pulling, so... carry on!
