Download The Enemy: Western sticktight (Lappula occidenstalis) Strategy: This

The Enemy: Western sticktight (Lappula occidenstalis)
Strategy: This an annual that grows 6 to 12 inches tall with narrow leaves that are
blunt on the tips. It prefers compact soil such as roadways, pathways, and trails. The
plant produces very small blue flowers with 4 nutlets of which have margins with a
small single row of spear-like spines, thus allowing it to stick onto everything. The
small flower dries into a charcoal grey seed that is somewhat cupped which allows it to
attach to objects even better. It can travel on shoe laces, blankets, any kind of animal
(like hounds tongue). After the weed seed latch onto animals and fabrics and who
knows how far they will travel before being pulled off or rubbed off.
Attack: This plant that is native to the United States western plains becomes a
problem along roadsides, ditch banks, and other disturbed sites. It really becomes a
problem in the wool for sheep ranchers. It does not impede with much growth of
desirable plants, but it does become a nuisance and animals will decide not to travel
into those areas and seek feed elsewhere.
THE DEFENSE: Minimizing soil disturbance is key to preventing this weed from
becoming a problem. As it is an annual plant removing it with a shovel can be
effective, especially if you find just a few plants in the field. Once it becomes a
troublesome weed then using Telar XP or Escort XP is very effective and these products
are safe to pastures and livestock. Using 2,4-D or Roundup is not effective and can
cause more damage than the weed. Visit with your weed control professionals for more
information about this hitchhiking weed.