Download THE ENEMY: Rocky Mountain Beeplant (Cleome serrulata) This is

THE ENEMY: Rocky Mountain Beeplant (Cleome serrulata)
This is an annual plant that is native to the Western United States. It generally grows to a height of 3 to
4 feet. The plant produces numerous pink or white flowers with long stamens. The flowers form
slender pods (like a bean) that are usually 1 to 2 inches in length. Each pod contains many seeds that
drop to the ground to replenish the plant next season. The leaves are very slender, if it were not for the
reddish stem it would be difficult to distinguish from Kochia early in the growing season. It has a tap
root that extends into the ground 6 to 8 inches.
THE STRATEGY: This plant is not desirable to livestock due to its unpleasant odor. It likes disturbed sites
and does not require much water to survive. It can be found near the railroad and the Snake River in the
right-of-way as well as many ornamental and landscape gardens. Once escaping into fields it becomes a
problem. Indians used the plant for food and making pottery paint. The stands of the plant can get
thick enough to cause larger snow drifts in the winter if they go untreated near roadways.
THE DEFENSE: As this plant is an annual mechanical control either by pulling up the plant (a little moist
soil is useful) or by digging them up with the assistance of a shovel is quite effective. Mowing does not
stop the plant from producing seed only allows the plant to seed closer to the ground. Early in the
season 2,4-D is effective but once it becomes over 18 inches tall one should combine 2,4-D with
Dicamba or other stronger herbicide. Don’t forget to treat our natives with care. Call your local weed
professional for proper identification.