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Rio Grande County
Weed District
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Weed Supervisor: Darrell Plane
PO Box 750
0164 W 3 N
Monte Vista Colorado 81144
(719) 852-4804
(719) 580-0089 (cell) |
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Rio Grande County landowners and lessees are reminded that the Colorado Pest District Act (35-5-) requires that noxious weeds be controlled to prevent them from spreading. Anyone not complying with the law will be subject to “Pest Districts Act” 35-5-108, which allows the Weed District to control the weeds and charge the owner for the cost of the control. Weeds are the oldest and one of the most costly enemies of the landowner. The noxious weeds of concern include: |
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HOARY CRESS, also known as Whitetop. It is a native of Central Europe, which most likely came to America in contaminated seed. It reproduces by seed and by vegetative bud on its extensive root system. A single plant growing without competition developed a 12-foot diameter spread and 455 shoots in one season. Shoots derived from vegetative buds in the root system emerge in the early spring and grow vigorously during the cool part of the season. Plants grow vegetatively forming rosettes for about 4-6 weeks. Flowering generally occurs in May and June. Because of its early growth and seed formation, a special effort should be made to manage this weed. Whitetop becomes dormant during the hot weather in July and August. |
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CANADA THISTLE, is a member of the Aster or Sunflower family.It is a creeping perennial that reproduces by seed and horizontal roots. The erect stem is hollow, smooth and slightly hairy, 1 to 5 feet tall, branched at the top. Leaf shape varies widely from oblong to lance-shaped. Sharp spines are numerous on the outer edges of the leaves and on the branches and main stem. The flowers are small and compact about ¾-inch or less in diameter, and light pink to rose-purple in color, occasionally white. Canada thistle is one of the most widespread and economically damaging noxious weeds in Colorado. |
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PERENNIAL PEPPERWEED, or Tall Whitetop, is a member of the mustard family. It is a deep-rooted perennial plant with an extensive, vigorous creeping root system. It reproduces by seed, and by rootstalks. Perennial pepperweed stands 3 to 5 feet high with a heavy, sometimes woody, crown. The lower leaves are oblong with toothed margins. The upper leaves do not clasp the stem as do whitetop. Flowers are white. Perennial pepperweed can be found in pastures, riparian areas, roadsides, and waste places. This plant has taken over thousands of acres in the San Luis Valley. |
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RUSSIAN KNAPWEED is a member of the Aster family. It is a creeping perennial that reproduces by seed and creeping horizontal roots. Roots typically have a black scaly appearance. The ridged stems are erect, rather stiff, branched, and 1 to 3 feet high. The upper leaves are small and narrow with broken edges. Leaves attached midway up the stem have slightly toothed margins, while basal leaves are deeply notched. The flowers are thistle like,1/3 to ½ inch in diameter and lavender to white. Russian knapweed is a serious noxious weed. It is difficult to control or eradicate once it becomes established. It is also reported to be toxic to horses. |
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YELLOW TOADFLAX or butter and eggs resemble the snapdragon in appearance and are a member of the Figwort family. It was introduced as an ornamental and has become a serious weed problem. It is a perennial reproducing by seed as well as from underground rootstalks. The stems of Yellow toadflax are 8 inches to 2 feet tall and leafy. Leaves are pale green, alternate, narrow, and pointed at both ends. The flowers are bright yellow with deep orange centers. They are about an inch long and blossom in dense clusters along the stem as it lengthens and grows. Because of its early vigorous growth, extensive root system and effective seed dispersal methods, yellow toadflax is difficult to control. |
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There are several ways to control noxious weeds. They include tillage done on a regular basis, mowing done often and close to the ground, grazing if it is handled properly and chemicals. Always READ and FOLLOW the label when using chemicals.
The Weed District will have sprayers available for rent. They include 50gal. units with gas motors and handguns at $10 per day. Also we have backpack sprayers to rent at $5 per day.
Also the Weed District is available to do spot treatment of noxious weeds on a custom basis if you need that service.
We will again be spot spraying the County road right of ways for noxious weeds throughout the summer.
If you need assistance in your weed control efforts, need to rent a sprayer or need spraying done, please call on us. The phone numbers at the office is 852-4804 or my cell phone is 580-0089 Keep an eye out for these noxious weeds and be sure to control them also. |
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