If you’ve swam or paddled in Seattle’s Green Lake, you’ve probably seen and felt the masses of feathery Eurasian watermilfoil in the water. It’s not fun to swim through, and its growth has been a challenge for lake users for… Read More ›
plant identification
New forest invader called small-flowered jewelweed discovered on Novelty Hill Rd
King County weed specialists recently responded to a report of a new forest invader called small-flowered jewelweed found along Novelty Hill Rd just east of Redmond Ridge. This central Asian species is a widespread invasive plant in European forests, but… Read More ›
Watch for buffalobur popping up in late summer
Buffalobur makes an occasional appearance in King County this time of year. It comes up in late summer when many other plants have already gone to seed or dried up in the heat. Buffalobur’s spiny leaves and flowers harm animals trying… Read More ›
Bumper crop of tansy ragwort creating headaches for county workers and homeowners alike
If it seems like there’s more tansy ragwort in your neighborhood this year, you aren’t alone. Tansy ragwort plants are larger and more numerous just about everywhere in King County. County weed specialists report seeing tansy ragwort in places it… Read More ›
Policeman’s Helmet – July 2016 Weed of the Month
In 1839, seeds of Impatiens glandulifera were sent from their native home in western Himalaya to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England. Within 15 years, populations had escaped and naturalized into the English countryside. By the 1900’s, the… Read More ›
Protect horses by getting rid of tansy ragwort
Tansy ragwort is an invasive, toxic biennial weed from Europe often found in pastures and along roadsides. It makes horses sick and can kill them if they eat enough of it. The plant is also toxic to cattle, sheep, some… Read More ›
Giant Hogweed – June 2016 Weed of the Month
Giant hogweed has earned a fearsome reputation due to its massive, striking appearance and its ability to cause horrible blisters if you get the juice on your skin. June is the month hogweed plants typically reach their full size of… Read More ›
Put your weed detector skills to work on lakes and trails in King County
The best way to stop invasive plants is to find them early before they take over, but it’s hard to cover enough ground to find all the new invaders in time. To help us cover more area, we have two… Read More ›
Take a class about weeds and other naughty plants
Bellevue Botanical Garden is hosting a workshop on our favorite subject this Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 10-11:30am, aptly named “Weeds and Other Naughty Plants“. Master Gardener Joan Helbacka and King County Noxious Weed Specialist Karen Peterson are teaming up… Read More ›
May flowers you don’t want to see in your garden
All flowers are beautiful in their own way, but there are some that spell trouble in spite of their aesthetic appeal. King County noxious weed specialists shared these lovely photos of a few not-so-lovely noxious weeds seen on the job this past… Read More ›
Noxious Weeds Blog 