Weed of the Month Series

Purple Loosestrife

Weed of the Month: Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.)

Purple loosestrife is an attractive perennial with magenta flowers that is a major threat to natural areas. Introduced in the early 1800s as an ornamental plant, it is classified as a List A semi-aquatic noxious weed. It also arrived unintentionally as a contaminant in ship ballast. We’ll discuss why this seemingly harmless flower is a […]

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A teasel weed.

Weed of the Month: Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum and D. laciniatus)

While some might find their spiky stature and unique flower heads charming, gardeners in Jefferson County, CO know better. This month, we’re turning our spotlight on the teasel, specifically Dipsacus fullonum (Common Teasel) and Dipsacus laciniatus (Cut-leaved Teasel).  These tenacious biennials are classified as b-noxious weeds in Jefferson County, meaning they can be a real

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Close up of Teasel weeds for Weed of the Month.

Weed of the Month: Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans)

The musk thistle, also known as nodding thistle, is a Class B noxious weed in the state of Colorado. This aggressive biennial plant disrupts native ecosystems and poses a significant threat to Jefferson County’s agricultural productivity. Understanding its biology and implementing effective control strategies are crucial for protecting your property’s natural resources.    Systematic Classification Kingdom

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