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Tamarisk or Salt Cedar (Tamarix
ramosissima)
Tamarisk uses so much water that it can increase
the salt content of the soil, rendering the soil inhospitable
to native plant species. It uses more water than comparable native
plant communities and dries up springs, wetlands, riparian areas
and small streams by lowering surface water tables. |
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Spanish Broom (Spartium
junceum)
This species is capable of crowding out desirable native plants and habitats.
Spanish broom is considered a potential fire hazard in California, when
mature plants form dense, woody undergrowth in hard to reach, hilly areas.
All parts of the plant are poisonous if eaten. Mature Spanish broom is
extremely difficult to remove. It is primarily spread by vehicles and should
be watched for along all roads and trails. |
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Dalmatian Toadflax (Linaria
genistifolia ssp. damatica)
Dalmatian toadflax is an aggressive invader of
disturbed areas such as roadsides, fences, rangelands, croplands,
clear cuts, and pastures. It can reduce native grass production
by 2.5 times. This invasive is extremely difficult to eradicate. |
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Russian Thistle or Tumbleweed (Salsola
tragus)
Russian thistle grows in open disturbed areas. At maturity the adult plant
detaches and becomes “tumbleweed.” It has been reported that
prairie wildfires can spread rapidly when ignited balls of burning Russian
thistle blow through grasslands. Russian thistle is a major problem along
the California aqueduct where it can interfere with water delivery and
pumping systems. |
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Yellow Star thistle (Centaurea
solstitialis)
Yellow Star thistle has invaded the western United
States through contaminated feed and seed, and continues to spread
across distrurbed areas and along roads and trainl. It crowds
out native species and is toxic to horses. The San Bernardino
National Forest had successfully eradicated this species, but
recently a new patch was discovered. Keep an eye for this one
and let’s continue to keep it away! A look-alike weed called
Tocolote (Centaurea melitensis), which has shorter ‘spikes’,
is common across the front country. |
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Sweet Pea (Lathyrus latifolius)
Sweet Pea is a domestic ornamental escapee and
has established along the shore of Big Bear Lake. When it invades
an area it out competes native plants which provide habitat for
native wildlife species. |
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Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea
maculosa)
Spotted Knapweed aggressively invades open lands, roadsides and recreation
areas. Get to know this plant and keep your eyes peeled for it! |
Why does it
matter?
Invasive plants are species that aggressively compete with
and displace native plant communities. Non-native invasive
plants impact ecosystems in every state in the United States
. The result can be loss and destruction of forage and habitat
for wildlife, loss of available grazing land, diminished
land values, lost forest productivity, reduced groundwater
levels, soil degradation, increased risk of devastating wildfires,
and diminished recreational enjoyment. Although certain plant
species were introduced in the United States for erosion
control or ornamental purposes, many now invade thousands
of acres per year. Today, entire ecosystems are experiencing
the detrimental impact of invasive and noxious weeds. Invasive
species are identified as one of the main threats to National
Forest System Lands.
What Can I Do to Help?
• Report to your local Forest Service station the
location of any target weeds observed.
• If you pull the weeds, in coordination with the Forest Service, place
them in a plastic bag that can be tightly sealed before disposing of it with
municipal trash (not green waste or compost).
• In some cases, wash all equipment and vehicles before and after going
into infested areas.
• Join your local WMA (Weed Management Area) team.
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