As we move into the first week of June, it's crucial to stay informed about the various weeds that might be emerging in your garden or local area.

Bush honeysuckle, an invasive shrub, can quickly dominate landscapes, outcompeting native plants. Its fragrant flowers may be appealing, but its aggressive growth can harm local ecosystems. Similarly, wild parsnip, with its yellow flowers, poses a threat as its sap can cause severe skin irritation and blistering rashes upon contact. Cow parsnip, native to North America, can grow up to 10 feet tall and also has sap that can cause skin irritation and blistering, so handle with care.

Birds foot trefoil is a low-growing plant with yellow flowers. While it can be beneficial as a forage crop, it can also become invasive in certain areas. Tall fescue is a common grass that can be both a valuable forage plant and a troublesome weed, thriving in a variety of conditions and outcompeting other grasses. Common reed, or Phragmites, is a tall grass that can form dense stands in wetlands, displacing native vegetation due to its highly invasive nature. Rough stalk bluegrass is a cool-season grass that can become problematic in lawns and gardens, preferring moist, shaded areas and spreading rapidly.

Dame's rocket, a biennial plant with fragrant purple or white flowers, is often found in gardens but can escape cultivation and become invasive. Multiflora rose is a thorny shrub that produces clusters of white flowers and can form dense thickets that are difficult to manage due to its invasive nature. Both autumn and Russian olive are invasive shrubs that can outcompete native plants, producing small, fragrant flowers and silver-colored leaves. Common teasel is a tall, spiny plant with distinctive flower heads that can become invasive in disturbed areas and is difficult to control once established.

Wild grape vines can climb and smother trees and shrubs. While they produce edible fruit, their aggressive growth can be problematic in certain areas. Curly dock is a perennial weed with distinctive wavy-edged leaves that can thrive in disturbed soils and is often found in gardens and fields. Oxeye daisy is a common wildflower with white petals and a yellow center that can become invasive in certain areas. Slender rush is a grass-like plant that prefers wet areas and can become invasive in gardens and wetlands, outcompeting native species.

Staying vigilant and managing these weeds early can help protect your garden and local ecosystems. If you encounter any of these plants, consider taking appropriate measures to control their spread.

For more information or questions please contact the extension office!