Tansy ragwort is one of seven invasive weeds that the Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board (PCNWCB) targets for control. Poisonous to livestock and humans, each mature plant produces upward of 150,000 seeds. August
Tansy ragwort is one of seven invasive weeds that the Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board (PCNWCB) targets for control. Poisonous to livestock and humans, each mature plant produces upward of 150,000 seeds. August is prime time for spotting it and preventing its spread.
Plant recognition is the first step. Mature plants grow from 3 to 6 feet tall with bright yellow clusters comprised of small daisy-like flowers, each with 13 petals. Once familiar, the plants are easily identified from a distance. Prevention of further seed production is the next step toward controlling their harmful spread.
During the July 12 meeting of the Key Peninsula Community Council, Education Representative Morgan Heileson of the PCNWCB presented “The Sinister Seven,” a list of noxious weeds requiring mandatory control measures within Pierce County, including poison hemlock, spotted knapweed, gorse, wild chervil, dalmation toadflax, tansy ragwort and giant hogweed.
Washington state classifies noxious weeds into three groups. Class A mandates eradication statewide. Class B requires control as applicable countywide. Class C includes invasive species where control is strongly suggested.
Violation notices are mailed to property owners where noxious weeds have been observed by a licensed weed inspector. Once notified, property owners are required to promptly remove and properly dispose of noxious weeds or risk fines. Inspectors monitor the site for compliance within the specified time period and continue to monitor infestation sites in the future.
As early as 1881, the legislators of Washington Territory outlawed the growing of Canada thistle, accidentally introduced by seed to North America in the1600s. The misdeme