Pests And Weeds

You've probably seen this invasive plant growing along highways or the coast in California. Highway iceplant, Carpobrotus edulis, was intentionally introduced to prevent soil erosion along highways and coasts but it has since invaded many different ecosystems and outcompetes native plant species.

Weed management in landscaped areas can be challenging. Weeds may need to be controlled for public safety, fire reduction, aesthetics, and elimination of harborage for other pests.

[Originally featured in the Winter 2022 Issue of UC IPM's Green Bulletin Newsletter] Weeds can be a problem in any landscaped areas including around trees, shrubs, flower beds, or lawns and turf.

Ripe, juicy, sweet blackberries: what's not to love? Blackberries are grown for us to eat and enjoy, but some species can be considered weeds when they take over home landscapes, roadsides and waterways, and other areas.

Knowing what weedy grass you have in your lawn or landscape is very important in being able to properly control it. Dallisgrass is a common perennial weed that is easily identified and grows in uneven clumps in lawns and turf.

Pampasgrass and jubatagrass facts Pampasgrass (Cortaderia selloana) is a common ornamental landscape plant that readily naturalizes throughout California's coastal areas and some interior regions.

Looking for ways to manage weeds in your lawn or landscape? Join us on July 21, 2022 at noon for UC IPM's free monthly webinar to learn about how to control weeds using mostly nonchemical methods.

All mistletoes infest and grow as parasites on trees and large shrubs. In some cases, the host plant can be severely damaged. But recent studies have shown that broadleaf mistletoes can shelter and feed wildlife, including birds and small mammals.

Recent wet weather in many parts of the state has spurred emergence of winter weeds. How these weeds are managed varies by the type of weed and where it's growing. In IPM, identification is always the first step toward effective pest management.

California has abundant wildlands forests, rangeland, open areas, wildlife refuges and national, state, and local parks that need protection from invasive plants.