Marion County Weed Control District
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This year, infestations of tansy ragwort have been reported all around the County. Tansy ragwort can have a devastating effect on livestock, particularly horses and cattle. The toxic properties of tansy can contaminate hay and pastures as well. Tansy grows and spreads quickly and can out-compete native vegetation, making it important to identify and control quickly. For more information on Tansy,
read this great article by OSU Extension Service.
Marion County is doing its best to control tansy in the right-of-way and on County property. In the Spring, our awesome Vegetation Crew (part of our Road Operations Division) spot-sprayed for tansy in known areas. In areas where tansy has flowered and spraying would be less effective, the Vegetation Crew is either removing the heads off of the plants or using cinnabar moths as biological control. The County is also noting areas of high concentration so that they will be able to get a head start on tansy in the Spring 2021.
Fortunately, there are many ways to control tansy – chemically, biologically, and mechanically! See the poster below for some ideas on control. For more information on controlling tansy ragwort on your property, reach out to the
Marion Soil and Water Conservation District!
Click image to enlarge.
Watch List
Be on the lookout for these noxious weeds. They may look pretty, but they can have major impacts on our natural areas and agricultural resources. Report them if you see them.
Purple Loosestrife Yellow Flag Iris Garlic Mustard
