Stinknet
Stinknet, an invasive African annual weed that crowds out native plants and has become prevalent in our community. The plant grows during the winter and becomes a fire hazard in summer. Stinknet (sometimes also known as globe chamomile), is a member of the sunflower family.
Inage via: https://www.stinknet.org/
What can you do if you see Stinknet on Tumamoc Hill:
Tumamoc Hill is an active study site and ecological reserve of the University of Arizona. As Stewards of the Hill, we are committed to the protection of the ecological, biological, and cultural heritage of the Hill. Thus, we ask all visitors to remain on the paved trail.
If you see what you believe is Stinknet along the road, take a photo and send it to us at Tumamoc-hill@arizona.edu and we will evaluate and treat it appropriately. Make sure GPS locational services or geotagging (depending on phone) are turned on your phone. We will need GPS coordinates to locate the plant.
What will Tumamoc Hill do once Stinknet is reported:
- From the photo determine if the plant is Stinknet
- Treat or remove the plant as best practices dictate
- Due to staffing considerations, we do not have the capacity to respond to all emails with the outcomes of the reported invasive plant.
What can you do at home, or if you see Stinknet in Arizona:
- Report Stinknet to: https://www.stinknet.org/
- Eliminate it as soon as possible after it emerges; do not let it flower.
- Pull by hand or use a hula hoe or weed whacker (plants cut with string trimmer may grow back).
- A wide variety of herbicides, including glyphosate and pre-emergent herbicides, are effective. Always follow label instructions and wear protective equipment. Do not use household chemicals to kill weeds, use a product manufactured and labeled for use as an herbicide.
- Brush off clothing and shoes at the trailhead after hiking in Stinknet areas.
- Clean tarps, tents and other gear after camping near the weed.
- Do not allow pets to run through patches of dry Stinknet. Clean them off if they do.
- Remove dead Stinknet carefully – it will shed thousands of seeds, which can live in soil up to five years.
- Have a management plan to look annually for young plants and remove them before they can go to seed.
For more detailed information: https://extension.arizona.edu/stinknet-invasion
Image Via: stinknet.org