Troublesome Weeds of the West: M-Z
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Malta starthistle
(Centaurea melitensis)
Species Identification and Characteristics
- California Encycloweedia Fact Sheet
- Texas Invasives Fact Sheet
- University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet
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Meadow hawkweed
(Hieracium caespitosum)
Also Known As: yellow hawkweed
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Hawkweed Identification: Montana State University Extension (PDF)
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
Management and Control Resources
- Orange Hawkweed and Meadow Hawkweed Complex: Montana State University Extension (PDF)
- Ecology and Management of Invasive Hawkweeds: Montana Department of Agriculture (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
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Meadow knapweed
(Centaurea pratensis, C. x moncktonii)
Species Identification and Characteristics
- The Centaurea Pages
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Identification of Knapweeds and Starthistles in the Pacific Northwest: Pacific Northwest Extension (PDF)
- Selected Knapweeds of Washington: Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board (PDF)
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
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Mediterranean sage
(Salvia aethiopis)
Also Known As: African sage
Species Identification and Characteristics
- California Encycloweedia Fact Sheet
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
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Medusahead
(Taeniatherum caput-medusae)
Also Known As: medusarye
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- BugwoodWiki
- California Encycloweedia Fact Sheet
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
Management and Control Resources
- Medusahead: Economic Impact and Control in Nevada: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
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Musk thistle
(Carduus nutans)
Also Known As: nodding thistle, nodding plumeless thistle
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- BugwoodWiki
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Plant Conservation Alliance Fact Sheet
- Texas Invasives Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Management Information from Colorado State University Extension
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
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Orange hawkweed
(Hieracium aurantiacum)
Also Known As: orange paintbrush, devil's weed, missionary weed, devil's paintbrush
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Ecology and Management of Invasive Hawkweeds: Montana Department of Agriculture (PDF)
- Orange Hawkweed and Meadow Hawkweed Complex: Montana State University Extension (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
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Oxeye daisy
(Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, Leucanthemum vulgare)
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- Texas Invasives Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
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Perennial pepperweed
(Lepidium latifolium)
Also Known As: tall whitetop, broadleaved peppergrass, giant whiteweed, ironweed, Virginia pepperweed
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- BugwoodWiki
- CIPM Perennial Pepperweed Weed Model
- CIPM Perennial Pepperweed Weed ID Card
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- Texas Invasives Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Ecology and Management of Perennial Pepperweed: Montana Department of Agriculture (PDF)
- Perennial Pepperweed MontGuide: Montana State University Extension (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
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Perennial sowthistle
(Sonchus arvensis)
Also Known As: creeping sowthistle, gutweed, field milk thistle, field sowthistle
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Managing Perennial Sowthistle: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (PDF)
- Management and Control Information from the US Geological Survey
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
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Phragmites
(Phragmites australis)
Also Known As: common reed
Species Identification and Characteristics
- BugwoodWiki
- Distinguishing Native and Exotic Forms of Common Reed in the US: Plant Conservation Alliance (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Invasive Phragmites: What Is It and What Can We Do? (VIDEO)
- Plant Conservation Alliance Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Best Management Practices: King County Noxious Weed Control Program (PDF)
- Cornell University's Phragmites Diagnostic Service
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
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Plumeless thistle
(Carduus acanthoides)
Also Known As: spiny plumeless thistle, bristly thistle
Species Identification and Characteristics
- California Encycloweedia Fact Sheet
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Biology and Control Information from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Perennial and Biennial Thistle Control: North Dakota State University Extension (PDF)
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Poison hemlock
(Conium maculatum)
Also Known As: deadly hemlock, poison parsley, poison fool's parsley
Species Identification and Characteristics
- BugwoodWiki
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Texas Invasives Fact Sheet
- San Francisco Peaks Weed Management Area Fact Sheet (PDF)
- USDA Agricultural Research Service Impacts
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
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Puncturevine
(Tribulus terrestris)
Also Known As: goathead, bullhead, Mexican sandbur, Texas sandbur
Species Identification and Characteristics
- California Encycloweedia Fact Sheet
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Texas Invasives Fact Sheet
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
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Purple loosestrife
(Lythrum salicaria)
Also Known As: purple lythrum, rainbow weed, spiked loosestrife
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- BugwoodWiki
- CIPM Purple Loosestrife Weed Model
- CIPM Purple Loosestrife Weed ID Card
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- Plant Conservation Alliance Fact Sheet
- Texas Invasives Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Ecology and Management of Purple Loosestrife: Montana Department of Agriculture (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
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Quackgrass
(Agropyron repens, Elymus repens, Elytrigia repens)
Also Known As: creeping wild rye, couch grass, dog grass, quitch, twitch
Species Identification and Characteristics
- BugwoodWiki
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
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Rush skeletonweed
(Chondrilla juncea)
Also Known As: skeletonweed, hogbite
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Ecology and Management of Rush Skeletonweed: Montana Department of Agriculture (PDF)
- Species Information from the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
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Russian knapweed
(Acroptilon repens, Centaurea repens)
Also Known As: mountain bluet, Turkestan thistle
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- BugwoodWiki
- The Centaurea Pages
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Identification of Knapweeds and Starthistles in the Pacific Northwest: Pacific Northwest Extension (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Know Your Knapweeds: North Dakota State University (PDF)
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- San Francisco Peaks Weed Management Area Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Texas Invasives Fact Sheet
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Ecology and Management of Russian Knapweed: Montana Department of Agriculture (PDF)
- Selected Knapweeds of Washington: Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board (PDF)
- Watch Out for Knapweed Bulletin: Montana State University Extension (PDF)
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Russian olive
(Elaeagnus angustifolia)
Also Known As: oleaster
Species Identification and Characteristics
- BugwoodWiki
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Plant Conservation Alliance Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Texas Invasives Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
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Saharan mustard
(Brassica tournefortii)
Also Known As: African mustard
Species Identification and Characteristics
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Saltcedar complex
(Tamarix spp.)
Also Known As: tamarisk
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- BugwoodWiki
- CIPM Saltcedar Weed Model
- CIPM Saltcedar Weed ID Card
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- Plant Conservation Alliance Fact Sheet
- Texas Invasives Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Best Management Practices for Montana, Russian Olive and Saltcedar: Montana Department of Agriculture (PDF)
- CIPM 2006 Tamarisk Research Conference Abstracts and Presentations (PDF)
- Saltcedar MontGuide: Montana State University Extension (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
- Watch Out for Saltcedar Bulletin: Montana State University Extension (PDF)
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Scentless chamomile
(Tripleurospermum perforatum, Matricaria perforata)
Also Known As: false chamomile
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- BugwoodWiki
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
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Scotch broom
(Cytisus scoparius)
Species Identification and Characteristics
- BugwoodWiki
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Montana State University Extension Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- The Nature Conservancy Canada Fact Sheet (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Biology, Ecology, and Management of Scotch Broom: Montana State University Extension (PDF)
- Scotch Broom: Biology and Management in the Pacific Northwest: Oregon State University Extension (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
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Scotch thistle
(Onopordum acanthium)
Also Known As: cotton thistle, Scotch cotton thistle, heraldic thistle
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Texas Invasives Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Integrated Weed Management of Scotch Thistle: University of Colorado Cooperative Extension (PDF)
- Managing Scotch Thistle: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (PDF)
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Sericea lespedeza
(Lespedeza cuneata)
Also Known As: Chinese lespedeza, Chinese bush clover, Himalayan bush clover, hairy lespedeza
Species Identification and Characteristics
- BugwoodWiki
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Plant Conservation Alliance Fact Sheet
- Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Fact Sheet
- Sericea Lespedeza: History, Characteristics, and Identification: Kansas State University Cooperative Extension (PDF)
- Texas Invasives Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Ecology and Management of Sericea Lespedeza: Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (PDF)
- Sericea Lespedeza: What? Why? How? When? USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
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Silverleaf nightshade
(Solanum elaeagnifolium)
Also Known As: white horsenettle, silverleaf bitter apple, tomato weed, prairie berry, desert nightshade
Species Identification and Characteristics
Management and Control Resources
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Skeletonleaf bursage
(Ambrosia tomentosa)
Also Known As: silverleaf povertyweed
Species Identification and Characteristics
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Smooth cordgrass
(Spartina alterniflora)
Also Known As: spartina
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Plant Conservation Alliance Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
- Whatcom County Noxious Weed Control Board Fact Sheet (PDF)
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Spotted knapweed
(Centaurea maculosa, C. biebersteinii)
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- BugwoodWiki
- The Centaurea Pages
- CIPM Spotted Knapweed Weed Model
- CIPM Spotted Knapweed Weed ID Card
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet
- Getting to Know Knapweeds: USDA Forest Service
- Identification of Knapweeds and Starthistles in the Pacific Northwest: Pacific Northwest Extension (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Know Your Knapweeds: North Dakota State University (PDF)
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- Plant Conservation Alliance Fact Sheet
- San Francisco Peaks Weed Management Area Fact Sheet (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board Fact Sheet (PDF)
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Ecology and Management of Spotted Knapweed: Montana Department of Agriculture (PDF)
- Spotted Knapweed Management with Herbicides: TechLine News (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
- Watch Out for Knapweed Bulletin: Montana State University Extension (PDF)
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Squarrose knapweed
(Centaurea virgata, C. squarrosa, C. triumfettii)
Species Identification and Characteristics
- The Centaurea Pages
- Identification of Knapweeds and Starthistles in the Pacific Northwest: Pacific Northwest Extension (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Intriguing World of Weeds: Weed Science Society of America
- San Francisco Peaks Weed Management Area Fact Sheet (PDF)
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
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St. Johnswort
(Hypericum perforatum)
Also Known As: klamathweed, goatweed
Species Identification and Characteristics
- BugwoodWiki
- Intriguing World of Weeds: Weed Science Society of America (PDF)
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- San Francisco Peaks Weed Management Area Fact Sheet (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Identification, Biology, and Integrated Management of St. Johnswort: Montana State University Extension (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
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Sulfur cinquefoil
(Potentilla recta)
Also Known As: roughfruit cinquefoil
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Food Fact Sheet (PDF)
- BugwoodWiki
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Ecology and Management of Sulfur Cinquefoil: Montana Department of Agriculture (PDF)
- Identifying and Managing Sulfur Cinquefoil: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
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Syrian beancaper
(Zygophyllum fabago)
Species Identification and Characteristics
Management and Control Resources
- Observations on Chemical Controls of African Rue and Syrian Beancaper in Western Nevada: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (PDF)
- Syrian Beancaper: Another New Noxious Weed Threatens Nevada: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (PDF)
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Tansy ragwort
(Senecio jacobaea)
Also Known As: common ragwort, stinking Willie, tansy butterweed
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- BugwoodWiki
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Impacts of Tansy Ragwort: USDA Agricultural Research Service
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Best Management Practices: King County Noxious Weed Control Program (PDF)
- Ecology and Management of Tansy Ragwort: Montana Department of Agriculture (PDF)
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Toothed spurge
(Euphorbia dentata)
Also Known As: Green poinsettia
Species Identification and Characteristics
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Water hyacinth
(Eichhornia crassipes)
Also Known As: common water hyacinth
Species Identification and Characteristics
- BugwoodWiki
- Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants Fact Sheet and Control Info
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Texas Invasives Fact Sheet
Management and Control Resources
- General Information from the Washington Department of Ecology
- Management Information from the Washington Department of Ecology
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Whitetop
(Cardaria draba)
Also Known As: hoary cress, peppergrass, whiteweed
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- BugwoodWiki
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Ecology and Management of Whitetop: Montana Department of Agriculture (PDF)
- Hoary Cress Consortium
- Integrated Weed Management of Hoary Cress (Whitetop): Douglas County Weed Division (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
- Watch Out for Whitetop Bulletin: Montana State University Extension (PDF)
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Wild proso millet
(Panicum miliaceum)
Also Known As: panic millet, proso, broom-corn millet
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Invasive.org Images
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs Fact Sheet
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
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Yellowflag iris
(Iris pseudacorus)
Also Known As: yellow iris, pale yellow iris, water flag
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- BugwoodWiki
- Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants Fact Sheet
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- Texas Invasives Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Ecology and Management of Yellowflag Iris: Montana Department of Agriculture (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
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Yellow starthistle
(Centaurea solstitialis)
Also Known As: St. Barnaby's thistle, yellow cockspur
Species Identification and Characteristics
- Alberta Invasive Plants Council Fact Sheet (PDF)
- BugwoodWiki
- CIPM Yellow Starthistle Weed Model
- CIPM Yellow Starthistle Weed ID Card
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Identification of Knapweeds and Starthistles in the Pacific Northwest: Pacific Northwest Extension (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Montana State University Extension Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- Plant Conservation Alliance Fact Sheet
- Texas Invasives Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Identification, Biology, and Integrated Management of Yellow Starthistle: Montana State University Extension (PDF)
- Selected Knapweeds of Washington: Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
- Yellow Starthistle Management Guide: California Invasive Plant Council (PDF)
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Yellow toadflax
(Linaria vulgaris)
Also Known As: butter-and-eggs, wild snapdragon, common toadflax
Species Identification and Characteristics
- BugwoodWiki
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Invasive.org Images and Overview
- Montana Weed Control Association Fact Sheet
- Plant Conservation Alliance Fact Sheet
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
- WeedsBC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Management and Control Resources
- Biology and Management of the Toadflaxes: Colorado State University Extension (PDF)
- Ecology and Management of Yellow Toadflax: Montana Department of Agriculture (PDF)
- Managing Yellow and Dalmatian Toadflax: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Species Information
- Watch Out for Toadflax Bulletin: Montana State University Extension (PDF)
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