A mild winter means we are seeing a bunch more noxious weeds popping up early, or moving along faster than usual. As we keep getting rain, sun and mild temperatures, our noxious weed season is growing into a serious challenge!… Read More ›
Scotch broom
Invasive weeds that are ripe for action this time of year
All over King County invasive weeds are on the move, growing in parks, gardens, roadsides, and many other places. Now is a perfect time to get outside, enjoy the sun, and eradicate them! Below are some important invasive and noxious… Read More ›
Scotch Broom – February 2018 Weed of the Month
There are three things I often hear about Scotch broom (or Scot’s broom, which may be the correct common name, but is not as commonly used). First, people tell me they hate this plant because they are allergic to it…. Read More ›
King County’s 2018 Noxious Weed List to be set at January 24 Weed Board Meeting
The public is invited to join the King County Noxious Weed Control Board for King County’s annual weed list hearing, where the Board will hear public comments, review proposed weed list changes, and set the official 2018 King County Noxious… Read More ›
The Noxious Weed Horrors of Swamp Creek
Washington Conservation Corps crew member and plant enthusiast Colleen Braun hates noxious weeds. It makes her mad to see them invading into natural areas and taking over native plant habitat. So when Colleen and fellow WCC’er and photographer Cynthia Saleh… Read More ›
Biocontrol Agents: Noxious Weed Control’s Unsung Heroes
On a cold and rainy May morning, I walk with Weed Specialist Karen Peterson along the bluffs at the west edge of Seattle’s Discovery Park. As usual, we’re here to control weeds—in this case, a large stand of Scotch broom (Cytisus… Read More ›
Learn the latest on Scotch broom at symposium in Snoqualmie on May 23
Scotch broom is one of the most costly invasive species in Washington, according to a 2017 report commissioned by Washington State agencies. Of the 23 species analyzed, the study found that Scotch broom is near the top of the list in terms of economic… Read More ›
Gorse – March 2017 Weed of the Month
Gorse is one of the earliest and most conspicuous noxious weeds to flower in King County, adding a little color to the otherwise dull-looking hillsides. Unfortunately, along with the attractive blooms comes a huge, thorny, invasive bush that is a… Read More ›
Invasive species awareness is an important first step
It’s National Invasive Species Awareness Week! That means it’s time to find out how we can be part of the solution and not add to the problem, which is serious and getting worse. According to a 2017 study, Washington’s economy… Read More ›
What do I do with all those weeds I pulled?
Some weeds just won’t die, even after they are uprooted. Tossing them on a brush pile might actually give them a second chance at life. Yellow archangel infestations often start from yard waste piles or discarded container plantings. Tansy ragwort will make… Read More ›
