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ARS Home » Plains Area » Sidney, Montana » Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory » Pest Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #422675
Research Project: Biological Control and Habitat Restoration for Invasive Weed Management

Location: Pest Management Research

Title: The history and ecology of common crupina in North America

Author
item West, Natalie
item Tancos, Matthew
item ANDREAS, JENNIFER - Washington State University Extension Service

Submitted to: North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA)
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/16/2025
Publication Date: 1/16/2025
Citation: West, N.M., Tancos, M.A., Andreas, J.E. 2025. The history and ecology of common crupina in North America. North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA). https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/files/33591.pdf.

Interpretive Summary: This factsheet is written for land managers and the public, and describes the history and ecology of the federally-listed noxious weed, common crupina. These factsheets provide vital information concerning common crupina identification, habitat distribution, ecology, approved biocontrol agents, and tips for distinguishing weeds from co-occurring, similar-looking plant species.

Technical Abstract: Common crupina is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It was first discovered in Idaho in 1968 and is hypothesized to have been inadvertently introduced by Basque shepherds and their herding dogs beginning in the 1930s. It is now established in four western states with a few unconfirmed sightings in West Virginia and Massachusetts (Fig. 1). Western populations consist of two different varieties, which can be distinguished genetically as well as morphologically. Variety brachypappa is present in Washington and Modoc County, California while variety vulgaris is present in Idaho, Oregon, and Sonoma County, California. As of 2024, this species has not been reported in Canada. Common crupina creates dense infestations that displace desirable forage species and contaminate hay. When common crupina replaces fibrous-rooted grass species, there is an increased risk of soil erosion. In some native ecosystems in the Northwest, common crupina infestations have reduced biodiversity.