ID of large weed (?) - Ask Extension
Showed up last summer on my wooded border and came back this summer even bigger. Is now over 5 ft tall. Reddish woody looking stalks, white flowers ...
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ID of large weed (?) #880917
Asked August 10, 2024, 10:54 AM EDT
Showed up last summer on my wooded border and came back this summer even bigger. Is now over 5 ft tall. Reddish woody looking stalks, white flowers that turn to green clusters. I want to tear it out but curious what it is first.
Grand Traverse County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Morning,
Looks like pokeweed. A systemic herbicide, such as glyphosate or 2, 4-D, can be applied to pokeweed foliage in late summer. It will be taken down into the root. A more targeted approach would be to cut the plant near the ground and apply undiluted herbicide to the wound. The herbicide has a shorter trip into the taproot.
Remember to always read the label for specific application sites, precautions and mix rates.
Common Pokeweed Identification and Management (psu.edu)
Native Plant of the Week: American Pokeweed | Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum (umich.edu)
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
Looks like pokeweed. A systemic herbicide, such as glyphosate or 2, 4-D, can be applied to pokeweed foliage in late summer. It will be taken down into the root. A more targeted approach would be to cut the plant near the ground and apply undiluted herbicide to the wound. The herbicide has a shorter trip into the taproot.
Remember to always read the label for specific application sites, precautions and mix rates.
Common Pokeweed Identification and Management (psu.edu)
Native Plant of the Week: American Pokeweed | Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum (umich.edu)
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
Thanks very much, that is definitely it. I see that there are others in the woods nearby and will be removing them today!
