Laserfiche WebLink
Rangeland-Pasture Recommendations <br /> Hoary Cress Identification and Management <br /> Hoary Cress(Cardaria draba)is a non-native perennial that spreads by seeds and <br /> aggressive, creeping,roots that vigorously produce new plants. Depending on <br /> conditions,hoary cress grows to a height of 1/2 to 2 feet tall. The first leaves emerge from <br /> a crown and are dull gray-green, oblong and often have a slightly wavy margin. <br /> Subsequent leaves are alternate,have short fine hairs and an irregularly toothed <br /> margin. Only the lower leaves have stems, others are stalk-less and clasp the plant stem <br /> with two ear-like lobes. Flowers are fragrant,numerous, small,white with 4 petals and <br /> grow in compact clusters. <br /> Hoary cress is a member of the Mustard family. In the fall seeds germinate and <br /> rosettes become established. It frequently flowers in April and May and again in the fall <br /> during optimum conditions. Seed production begins about one month later. Hoary <br /> cress produces up to 4800 seeds per plant. Seed viability is up to 3 years. However,the <br /> primary means of spread is the vertical and horizontal root system. Root fragments are <br /> capable of forming new plants. In one year, a single plant,without competition,can <br /> spread vegetatively to cover an area 12 feet in diameter and can produce 450 shoots. <br /> Hoary cress is also known as whitetop Rosette <br /> > I <br /> Hoary cress can be found in disturbed open sites,roadsides, ditches,riparian <br /> areas, grain and vegetable fields. It does especially well in irrigated crops such as alfalfa <br /> and sugar beets. Hoary cress grows well in most soil conditions,including alkaline <br /> soils. However,it does not tolerate shade. Hoary cress displaces native vegetation for <br /> wildlife and livestock forage. It also contains glucosinolates that are toxic to cattle. <br /> Prevention is the most cost reducing and time effective weed management <br /> strategy. Infrequent cultivation can actually facilitate the spread by dispersing root <br /> fragments. Consistent monitoring of your fields is an essential first step. <br /> On the backside of this sheet are hoary cress management recommendations. If <br /> you have any questions,please contact the Weld County Public Works Dept.,Weed <br /> Division at(970)400-3770. Please visit our website at www.weldweeds.org <br />