hoary cinquefoil eradication - Ask Extension
I have this weed in my deer food plot in northern Michigan. Will 2,4-D kill it? Cinquefoil is not listed on the label of weeds controlled by MEC Amin...
Knowledgebase
hoary cinquefoil eradication #782587
Asked February 24, 2022, 6:28 PM EST
I have this weed in my deer food plot in northern Michigan. Will 2,4-D kill it? Cinquefoil is not listed on the label of weeds controlled by MEC Amine-D. Also, when would be the best time to spray? Thank you.
Alcona County Michigan
Expert Response
This is a cinquefoil (Potentilla spp.). I cannot confirm the species, but that likely isn't important. The most likely candidates are all perennial species.
MEC amine-D has three active ingredients (2,4-D, dicamba, and mecoprop) which all act as growth regulator type herbicides. These types of herbicides are selective to control broadleaf species, but not grasses. If you have any desirable broadleaf species (aka forbes) in your food plot, these will likely also be injured. They can also cause re-plant issues, so it is important to consult the label for crop safety. While cinquefoil is not specifically mentioned on the label there are several other resources on perennial Potentilla species around the US that recommend 2,4-D and sometimes dicamba for control. All mention that treatments early in the spring (once it is actively growing) are most effective. Some also mention that repeat applications may be necessary. In general these herbicides are slow acting, so you'll want to wait several weeks before assessing whether you will need to reapply. As with any pesticide application it is critical to read and follow all labeled instructions.
Other resources that discuss control of other species of Potentilla:
MEC amine-D has three active ingredients (2,4-D, dicamba, and mecoprop) which all act as growth regulator type herbicides. These types of herbicides are selective to control broadleaf species, but not grasses. If you have any desirable broadleaf species (aka forbes) in your food plot, these will likely also be injured. They can also cause re-plant issues, so it is important to consult the label for crop safety. While cinquefoil is not specifically mentioned on the label there are several other resources on perennial Potentilla species around the US that recommend 2,4-D and sometimes dicamba for control. All mention that treatments early in the spring (once it is actively growing) are most effective. Some also mention that repeat applications may be necessary. In general these herbicides are slow acting, so you'll want to wait several weeks before assessing whether you will need to reapply. As with any pesticide application it is critical to read and follow all labeled instructions.
Other resources that discuss control of other species of Potentilla:
- US Forest Service- Potentilla recta https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/potrec/all.html
- King County WA- Potentilla recta
https://your.kingcounty.gov/dnrp/library/water-and-land/weeds/BMPs/sulfur_cinquefoil-control.pdf - Univ. Maryland Extension- Potentilla simplex https://extension.umd.edu/resource/common-cinquefoil
- Univ. California- Potentilla recta https://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_P/Potentilla.pdf
