Welcome to the Douglas County Weed Management Websites.
In October 2004, Douglas County Commissioners activated the Douglas County Weed Management Task Force and appointed nine individuals who geographically represent Douglas County agriculture and urban areas. Margaret Viebrock, WSU Extension, was appointed to facilitate this committee and help to develop weed management strategies.
Ex-officio members of this Task Force include representatives from Douglas County Transportation and Land Services, Foster Creek Conservation District, Douglas County Commissioners and WSU Extension.
Task Force Directives (defined by the Douglas County Commissioners)
- Develop a communication system with all entities that have weed control programs.
- Gain a better understanding of weed control methods used by other other entities.
- Design a system to coordinate weed control efforts.
- Continue the process of developing an informed educational approach to weed management in Douglas County.
- Engage landowners and agencies in a cooperative weed management program.
Since the appointment of the Douglas County Weed Management Task Force, the committee has taken a proactive approach to learn about various weed management programs. Members have met with agency people, integrated weed management program managers, state weed board representatives, county noxious weed control managers and other groups who manage weeds. The best parts of these programs have been integrated into the local plan of work. Members have also spent time in Olympia with state legislative groups explaining how the program has been successful in Douglas County.
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WEED OF THE MONTH
June 2010
Image (c) 2005 Sue Winterowd
Photo by Stevens County Noxious Weed Control Board
Image (c) 2005 Sue Winterowd
Photo by Stevens County Noxious Weed Control Board
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Scotch Thistle
Onopordum acanthium
FACTS
- Douglas County Class B weed.
- This biennial is native to Europe and eastern Asia and is now sparsely naturalized over much of the U.S.
- Leaves are large, spiny and covered with fine dense hair, giving a grayish appearance. Basal leaves may be up to 2 feet long and 1 foot wide.
- Stems are numerous and branched and have broad, spiny wings and woolly hairs.
- Numerous flowers are violet to reddish, 1 to 2 inches in diameter with spine tipped bracts.
- Flowering occurs from mid-June to September, depending on location.
- Reproduction is by seed.
- Individual plants can produce 70-100 flowering heads, each containing 100-140 seeds.
- Seeds may remain viable in the soil for over 30 years.
- Seeds are mainly dispersed by wind but can also be dispersed by attaching to clothing or animal fur, or by transport in hay, machinery or water.
- Scotch thistle can be found in disturbed areas, along road sided and across rangeland.
- Scotch thistle is an aggressive plant and can be competitive with desirable native forage species when it forms dense stand that are impenetrable to livestock.
- Other common names: Cotton thistle, winged thistle.
- Control Methods:
- Cultural/Prevention: Maintain a strong, competitive perennial plant cover.
- Mechanical: Mowing or hand-cutting are usually most effective in combination with other methods. Plants can regrow from several roots and cut stems may still produce viable seed.
- Chemical: Contact your local chemical provider or Extension office for specific herbicide recommendations.
June 20, 2010
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