Download Catchweed bedstraw

THE ENEMY: Catchweed bedstraw (Galium aparine L.) is a native plant that
invades crops, roadsides, and other highly disturbed sites. This annual plant can grow
to a height of 6 foot resembling a vine in many cases. The narrow leaves number 5 –
8 and are whorled around a square stem. All parts of the plant have backward turning
bristles that allow the plant not to cling to each other. Although this was great for
stuffing mattresses back in our editors day, it also allows the plant to cling onto most
animals and spread anywhere they travelled. The plant produces small white flowers
that develop into two small round burs.
THE STRATEGY: As this is an annual plant it has the propensity to produce
numerous seeds. Once established in an area it can invade any open space and keep
the desired plants from obtaining proper nutrients and water. As mentioned the plant
can be very difficult to remove from wool and with the plants ability to be viney it can
be troublesome during harvest of grains or alfalfa as the vines can get wrapped in the
harvesting equipment and force one to try to cut it out as to not damage the
equipment.
THE DEFENSE: As this is a native plant there very little insects that can be used to
reduce the impact of the weed. As with most annual plants hand pulling can be easy
when the plants are young and are few. Once established herbicides are about the
only thing left to reduce the harm that this plant can cause to your site. In grain crops
products such as Harmony Xtra or Express are best. Other products such as Bronate
and Banvel are effective when the weeds are young. Research has shown that 2,4-D
based products are not cost effective. Normally not a problem in pastures or turf but
don’t let it grow as a ‘pretty plant’ if it does show up in your ornamentals and be a
good neighbor to your farmer and remove it as soon as you notice that you didn’t
plant it.