Metro identifies seven common weeds and how to control them

Although dandelions are very common in lawns and gardens, they were surprisingly not on Metro's list of seven problem weeds in the Portland area. Read the story below to find out what weeds Metro wants you to know about.

(MARCH 11, 2022) Spring is here, and many people like to start a garden. Before they can plant, however, they must first control the weeds. What is a weed? According to Cambridge Learners Dictionary, a weed is "a wild plant that you do not want to grow in your garden."

Metro is the regional government for Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. It protects natural resources, such as air, land, and water. Metro has information about seven common weeds in the Portland area -- and how to control them.

For most of these weeds, it's a good idea to put all of the plant parts in the trash, not the compost. That will help prevent them from spreading in your yard -- and your neighbor's.

Shiny geranium

There is also a native geranium, but this one has shiny light green leaves, red stems, and small dark pink flowers. Pull carefully. Get the root. Put all parts in the trash (not compost)

Hairy bittercress

This plant grows in a ground-hugging rosette (a circular pattern like a rose). It has tiny round leaves and white flowers on thin stems. Pull carefully. They can have many seeds, so one plant can easily lead to many plants.

Traveler's joy

This is a woody vine. It has white flowers in the summer. They turn into feathery seed heads. Cut the vine. Be sure to remove all roots. If you have a lot, you should ask for help from your local weed control program.

English ivy

Although many people like this plant, it is not good for gardens or yards. First, remove the berries so that birds do not spread the seeds. If the plant is climbing a tree, cut the vines around the trunk of the tree so that the upper parts of the ivy die. Cut or pull the plant on the ground. Use gloves because the plant's sap can hurt your skin.

English holly

This plant is familiar in Christmas decorations. However, the berries are toxic to humans. Pull or dig up small plants. Use a tool for a larger plant.

Canada thistle

This is a perennial plant. That means that it returns every year. It spreads through both roots and seed. It has hairy stems and smooth leaves. There are purple or sometimes white flowers. Dig it up, but wear gloves because it is prickly. Be sure to remove flowers before they turn to seeds. Otherwise, you will have a lot more!

Knotweed

This is another perennial plant. It is like bamboo. It has deep roots. For small plants, you can dig it out. For larger plants, you should get help from a local weed control program.

Sources:
“7 Prolific Weeds Found in Local Yards and Ways to Control Them.” Metro, 4 Mar. 2022, www.oregonmetro.gov/news/7-prolific-weeds-found-local-yards-and-ways-control-them. Accessed 9 Mar. 2022.
All photos from Google Search

"ESOL News Oregon by Timothy Krause is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. except where noted.

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