ARS | Publication request: EXOTIC AND INVASIVE HERBACEOUS RANGE WEEDS

Submitted to: Rangelands
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: June 2, 2005
Publication Date: October 15, 2005
Citation: Young, J.A., Clements, C.D. 2005. Exotic and invasive herbaceous range weeds. Rangelands. 27:10-16.

Interpretive Summary: There is often confusion in the area of range weed terminology. If the terminology is not universal, then communication becomes cloudy and weed identification and control are often misinterpreted. This paper deals with the simple approach of labeling herbaceous rangeland weeds in an effort to get all involved parties on the same page. Whether weeds that are associated with watersheds, forage production, wildlife habitat, wildfire dangers, and so on are all categorized. Identification of annual weeds versus biannual and perennial weeds as well as invasive weeds and succession following weed control are also discussed.

Technical Abstract: Resource managers are often discouraged when it comes to the identification of herbaceous rangeland weeds, terminology associated with these weeds, control of these weeds, and the succession of these weeds. The terminology often used in describing herbaceous rangeland weeds (i. e. invasive) often misleads resource managers in their efforts to perform weed control. Annual versus biannual or perennial weed (life forms) identification is critical in weed control efforts, yet if the terminology is not well understood confusion abounds and the propagation of these weeds is heightened. This paper deals with the simple approach of correctly identifying the proper terminology to get all involved parties on the same page when it comes to herbaceous rangeland weed categories such as life forms (invasive, annual, perennial), dangers (wildfires, forage production, noxious), and succession (possible next weed invasion).