Hi Folks,
I write an article for our newsletter profiling a 'weed' that many rural property owners have to deal with.
This one comes up so often, in questions to Keith Crabtree to an I, that I wanted to post this to my blog as well.
Hedge Parsley a.k.a. Velco Plant
Latin Name: Torilis arvensis
Description: Annual Herb, Upright growth, 10 inches to 30 inches tall, Parsley like leaves, White or Pinkish flowers arranged in umbels bloom March through July (depending on elevation) and are followed by namesake ¼” Velcro-like seeds (burrs), non-native, noxious invasive.
Where would I find it? Found in oak woodlands throughout California and is becoming more and more prevalent throughout the counties of the Sierra Foothills This plant prefers dry, sunny to partly shaded, edge lands, weedy creek sides, waste areas and especially disturbed places like roadsides, new construction areas and abandoned disturbed fields. Hedge Parsley (Velcro Plant) is not fussy about soils, with the exception of serpentine, but shows a distinct preference to clay based soils. It has been found in elevations ranging from near sea level to 3,000ft.
Where did it come from and how does it spread? Native to Europe and South Western Asia. Believed to have been introduced to California, in the early 1900’s, from England. Seeds spread by direct contact with animals, birds and people brushing into and through the plants themselves. The seeds are difficult to remove once attached to a carrier and may be transported over great distances.
What problems does it cause? More of a nuisance than a large scale problem. The seeds are difficult to remove from clothing and domestic animals. The plant is also quick to sprout in new plantings of both pasture & row crops and can become a problem weed in both areas, if allowed to become established. Toxicity to humans and livestock is unknown. This plant is closely related to wild carrot and is in the parsley family (see plants of the Apiaceae family for more possible details)
How can I get rid of it? Though this plant can become the dominant plant in a given area, it is not considered to be a very strong competitor and is usually a secondary plant that is able to effectively live in and amongst other grasses and shrubbery. This plant has an advantage over many of its competitors in that it will germinate quickly with the first fall & winter rains and will thus be established, via taproot, by the time most other plants are just breaking from dormancy. Mechanical or chemical removal of seedlings would be best, if possible. Here is a photo detail of the typical seedling. Treating foliage with glyphosate or triclopyr is effective if done early in their growth or on resprouts after cutting. Monitor site for additional seedlings. Please take the time to consult with a weed control specialist for further advice and planning.
Interesting fact: This plant is considered a highly desirable wildflower in England and due to the decline of this plant in the wild, over the last 20 years, it is now currently protected under the U.K.’s Wildlife and Countryside Act
Have you seen this noxious invasive weed on your property?
(This link will open a detailed photo identification gallery)
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