Pretty flower? No, an invasive noxious weed

Deschutes County urged residents to be on the lookout Tuesday for Orange Hawkweed, a rapidly spreading weed found mainly in residential areas throughout the county.

Orange Hawkweed is a perennial weed that can be identified by bright orange colored flowers clustered on top of a leafless stem.

The five-inch long, lance-shaped leaves are hairy and the roots are highly fibrous. Once established, Orange Hawkweed forms dense mats that crowd out other vegetation, and left unchecked can dominate lawns, landscaped areas, roadways and pastures.

Hawkweed also poses a threat to local wildland areas throughout the county and has already been found in some areas on the Deschutes National Forest, officials said.

In addition to being spread through prolific seed and abundant above-ground runners (stolons), this noxious weed is being spread by people inadvertently sharing it with neighbors and friends.

HELP FOR LANDOWNERS: The county currently has a grant through the Oregon Department of Agriculture to assist residents in the treatment and control of Orange Hawkweed.

Residents who think they may have this plant growing on their property are asked to contact Deschutes County Vegetation Manager/County Forester Ed Keith at (541) 322-7117, or send email to EdK@deschutes.org .

Hawkweed can be controlled by chemical treatment or by digging up and destroying the plant.

Orange Hawkweed is on the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s and Deschutes County’s “A” rated noxious weed list, meaning it is a top priority for intensive control and monitoring.

For more information about Deschutes County noxious weed education programs, please visit www.deschutes.org/weeds