Other Invasive Plants

Garlic Mustard

Despite its deceptively delicious name, Garlic Mustard is a highly invasive noxious weed that can be found in Arden Hills. Garlic mustard forms thick mats on the forest floor that shade and outcompete native plant species. They impede natural forest regeneration by producing chemicals that reduce growth of other plants in addition to blocking other plants from direct sunlight.

Garlic mustard can be spread by transporting mud that contains its tiny seeds, so it is often found along highly-trafficked trails. To remove the weed, hand-pulling it plant by plant is effective if the entire root is removed.  Because flowering garlic mustard can produce seeds even after it's been pulled up by the roots, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) recommends that pulled plants be placed in bags for disposal and not simply left on the ground where they were picked. The plants from the bags can be kept on site for burning or piled and covered with a tarp for decay. 

Herbicide control can be done using a spot application of 2 percent glyphosate in early spring or late fall when native plants are dormant. This is a systemic herbicide that is taken up by plants and moves within the plant, which can kill leaves, stems, and roots. Carefully and thoroughly clean off boots, clothes and tools before leaving the area to avoid carrying the tiny seeds to new sites.

Information for this page was taken from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website. 

Purple Loosestrife

Purple loosestrife is a wetland plant with showy purple flowers arranged on flower spikes. It is a Prohibited Noxious Weed and an invasive species, which means it is unlawful (a misdemeanor) to possess, import, purchase, transport or introduce this species except under a permit for disposal, control, research or education. Invasive species cause recreational, economic and ecological damage—changing how residents and visitors use and enjoy bodies of water. 

Problems purple loosestrife can cause include: 

  • Dense growth along shoreland areas makes it difficult to access open water.
  • Overtakes habitat and outcompetes native aquatic plants, potentially lowering diversity.
  • Provides unsuitable shelter, food, and nesting habitat for native animals.
  • Dense root systems change the hydrology of wetlands.

People spread purple loosestrife primarily through the movement of water-related equipment and uninformed release of garden plants. The plant produces millions of tiny seeds in shoreland areas. Seeds can be hidden in mud and debris, and can stick to boots, waders, and other fishing and hunting gear. Roadside maintenance equipment can also spread this plant and its seeds.

The best time to control purple loosestrife is in late June, July and early August, when it is in flower, plants are easily recognized, and before it goes to seed. Once flower petals start to drop from the bottom of the spike, the plant begins to produce seed. In areas where there are few plants and easy access, manually removing the plants in recommended. It is important to dispose of the plants away from the water. Allow the plants to dry out, then burn if possible.

More information about controlling and disposing of Purple Loosestrife can be found on the DNR website.