Spring brought us buttercup, thistles, and poison hemlock; now summer is picking up where it left off. Seedling cocklebur and nearly mature ironweed are becoming increasingly common across fields. This week, we’ll take a closer look at these weeds and share strategies to get ahead of them before they start impacting hay and pasture yields.
If you noticed buttercup, thistle, or poison hemlock in your fields this spring, be sure to make note of where they were growing. While it’s too late to treat them now, keeping a record of their locations will come in handy either this November or in March 2026, when herbicides will be effective against next year’s growth. For light infestations of thistle, hand-hoeing during the rosette stage can also be an effective method of control.
Cocklebur is now actively growing, and herbicide applications should be made soon—before seed production begins. While cocklebur may not be highly noticeable from a distance right now, a closer inspection of fields will reveal plants with leaf sizes as large as a silver dollar. If herbicide applications are not desired, frequent mowing or clipping to prevent seed production can be effective in eliminating cocklebur over the long term.
While it may be tempting to apply herbicides to ironweed now, better control can be achieved by delaying applications until later in the summer. Instead, bush hog ironweed growth in mid-summer and allow the plant to regrow. The regrowth will be leafy and provide more surface area for herbicide absorption, resulting in better control. While bush hogging alone does not halt the reproduction and spread of ironweed, it is effective in suppressing its growth.
In landscapes and gardens, crabgrass is often a persistent nuisance. Frequent hoeing, mulching, and using weed barriers (such as plastic, cardboard, or newspapers) can all be effective in reducing crabgrass. These methods also help conserve moisture during summertime droughts. If you are using glyphosate (e.g., Roundup) around the landscape, remember that it is a non-selective herbicide—meaning it will kill everything it touches. Each year, dozens of plants are brought into the Extension Office for disease diagnosis that are suffering from accidental herbicide exposure. Also, be sure to read product labels carefully, as many homeowners’ weed control products are marketed under very similar names but contain different active ingredients.
Herbicides that selectively control crabgrass without harming broadleaf plants are available to homeowners. The active ingredient sethoxydim can be found in various brands and is labeled for use in flower beds and gardens. Be sure to follow harvest restrictions on the product label when applying these products.
Always read and follow pesticide labels, they are the law. Label directions are designed for your safety. If the intended use site is not listed on the label, it may not be legal or safe to apply the product there. Some pesticides are not approved for use in or around homes. By reading and following the label, you can have confidence that the product was applied safely and will effectively manage problem pests.
Wearing the right clothing can significantly reduce your exposure to pesticides. While some product labels clearly list the required personal protective equipment, not all do; so it’s important to take basic precautions regardless. At a minimum, wear plastic gloves, shoes with socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when applying pesticides. Afterward, wash any clothing used during application separately from your family’s laundry. And don’t forget to wash your face and hands thoroughly, especially before eating, drinking, or chewing gum.
For more information, contact the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service at (270) 384-2317.
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