Quick Facts…

• is an aggressive plant that favors coarse-textured, well-drained soils. It competes well for water and nitrogen.
• has a slender, simple taproot that can reach over 6.5 feet deep and can branch horizontally.
• cereal grain and potato production are at risk. Impacts include reduced yield due to competition and harvest difficulties with combine harvesters from latex sap that is exuded from the plant.
• can produce 1,500 flower heads and is capable of producing up to 20,000 seeds per plant. This perennial plant generally blooms July through September.

Control

• Hand-pull small infestations when soil is wet. It may be necessary to pull plants 2 to 3 times a year for several years to keep new plants from emerging. Pulled plants should be destroyed by burning.
• Frequent mowing can remove biomass, seed production, and shoots produced.
• Herbicides can be used to control this weed. Labeled products include Milestone, Transline, Stinger, 2,4-D or MCPA, and Tordon. Herbicide applications should be made when the weed is young through the bolt stage. Always read and follow the label when using any herbicide.