Weeds of Meadows - Ernst Seeds

Weeds of Meadows

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For many years, there has been significant public interest in planting native meadows for aesthetics and to provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Weeds are a source of frustration for those planting meadows. They compete with the desired plants for nutrients, light, and water. Additionally, they detract from the meadow’s appearance.

How did these weeds get there? Seeds of some weed species have been lying dormant, or asleep, in the soil for years, if not decades, waiting for favorable conditions to germinate. Among the conditions that favor germination are the removal of existing vegetation from the site and the disturbance of the soil. Other weeds arrive at the site through dispersal by wind or wildlife.

The weeds that afflict meadows vary with the age of the meadow. Some, such as foxtail and ragweed, are particularly problematic in the first growing season. Others, such as thistle and mugwort, will appear in subsequent years as the meadow ages.

Most individuals are uncertain which plants in a meadow are weeds. They also lack an understanding of how to control those weeds. This document sheds light on the common weeds of upland meadows and how they may be controlled.

  • Below are three basic steps of weed control:

    1. Assess the weeds on the meadow site and its surroundings.
    2. Before planting, control the pre-existing weeds.
    3. Post planting, monitor and hand pull or spot treat problem weeds.

  • Below are some common places you may find problem weeds:

    • Site’s existing vegetation
    • Hedgerows and roadsides surrounding the site
    • Upslope
    • Upwind
    • Upstream

  • Below are five rules of thumb for recognizing plants to control in a meadow:

    • Plants with spines (thorns)
    • Vines
    • Spiny vines
    • Woody species
    • Plants whose leaves remind you of Chrysanthemum
DISCLAIMER: The information in this review of practices is the result of more than 50 years of experience in seed production. Ernst Conservation Seeds has been supplying seeds and consulting in the reseeding of tens of thousands of acres of roadsides, surface mined lands, conservation, and restoration sites in eastern North America, as well as growing and supplying seed and consulting in the planting of hundreds of thousands of acres of CRP/CREP-related areas for erosion control and wildlife habitat. All of these practices are opinion only and our best advice as a result of these experiences. These recommendations do not cover all the conditions that will be encountered in the field. All of the information is for individual consideration. Ernst Conservation Seeds is not responsible for conditions that will be encountered in individual situations. The use of brand names does not represent our endorsement of a specific product; rather, it represents our experience only and has not necessarily been replicated in peer-reviewed research. The use of chemical pest control agents is subject to manufacturers’ instructions and labeling, as well as federal, state, and local regulations.
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