Tall thin weed with a ball in stem - Ask Extension
Several of these weeds (?) have grown on the edges of my hosta garden this year. The are thin, about 3-4 ft, and have a round structure - which I assu...
Knowledgebase
Tall thin weed with a ball in stem #665715
Asked July 18, 2020, 11:58 AM EDT
Several of these weeds (?) have grown on the edges of my hosta garden this year. The are thin, about 3-4 ft, and have a round structure - which I assume is a seed pod - about 2/3 up the stalk.
What is it?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
The plant in your photo appears to be a Goldenrod. The growth on it is an Insect Gall. These are formed when an insect chews into the plant and the plant grows to try and protect itself. The best method of control is to cut these portions the plant off and dispose of in the trash. Below is a link to additional information regarding Galls.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/insect-and-mite-galls
