small monster weed

Tabitha · #1 04/14/11, 12:35 PM

I would look google it, if I knew the name of this plant. It is smalll, maybe 4 inches tall. Here in Ky the seeds are ripe now. In early spring it looks like a miniature member oft he mustard family. Then it grows a skinny stalk with straight needle like branch/seedpods. It shoots the seeds everywhere, I have gotten them in the eye. The really bad part, it seems to kill grass. we have huge bald spots that it invaded, killed the grass. then, very soon, it is going to die back and leave an ugly area where grass used to grow. Yesterday I noticed it in the back pasture. Heaven help us, it is going to ruin it. Does anybody know what this plant is, where it comes from and what to do about it? I asked my neighbor, who is a local and gardens, but she has no idea.

ksfarmer · #2 04/14/11, 01:40 PM

Any way to post a picture of it?

PNP Katahdins · #3 04/14/11, 02:15 PM

Yes, a good clear close-up photo would really help. I had the plumeless thistles in our pastures identified that way, we had been calling it Canada thistle.

Peg

Bearfootfarm · #4 04/14/11, 03:38 PM

Try this site.
It has pictures to narrow it down:

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/weeds_intro.html

geo in mi · #5 04/14/11, 04:25 PM

Garlic mustard? http://www.google.com/search?q=garli...iw=831&bih=495

geo

RedDirt Cowgirl · #6 04/14/11, 05:12 PM

Davesgarden.com has some useful "search by characteristics" tools to help identify plants.

Sanza · #7 04/14/11, 08:02 PM

Your state should have a website for noxious weeds.

ronron · #8 04/15/11, 12:25 AM

I think we have the same thing here.... I have had luck with pulling them while they are still green and using round-up then sprinkle 'Preen' on the area in the fall it keeps seeds from germinating...good luck

sassafras manor · #9 04/15/11, 05:36 AM

Check out bitterness to see if that is what you are describing. It is a cool season annual that can eject the seeds over 10 feet. Hope this helps

How Do I · #10 04/15/11, 06:03 AM

Sure sounds like bittercress to me. They fly everywhere when you rub up against them. Pics

Tabitha · #11 04/15/11, 11:09 AM

Thank you all. Bittercress, that is it. It pulls out easy enough in the garden, besides, most of the garden is not planted yet. It has ruined a lot of the lawn. I hope the grass comes back.