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Identify this plant/weed? #792569

Asked May 25, 2022, 11:56 AM EDT

A couple of months ago I filled some raised beds about 18" deep with Nature's Best planting mix from Lane forest products. Now these plants are popping up in some beds that were filled over grass/weeds and the beds that were filled over bare ground don't contain them. Following the plants down the long skinny root goes all the way to ground level. Can you identify the plant and tell me how to eradicate it? Thanks for your help ..... garry degulis

Lane County Oregon

Expert Response

Without the flowering or fruiting part of the weed it is difficult to identify any weed or plant. It may be part of the Genus Arum. These plants are an invasive perennial.

Arums spread by seed and through their root system, corms, which are bulb-like. They are spread through soil movement, gardeners, and running water. Manual removal is recommended when you have just a few and you can dig up the entire plant. Be sure to place any displaced soil and all plant parts into a plastic bag and place it the trash. Remember soil movement can spread them and never allow an invasive plant to go to seed.

There is no herbicide that is effective against arum, or most any perennial that is invasive. There are other controls you may try in addition to manual removal, see Roll up your sleeves: Use multiple strategies to control invasive weeds, but persistence and patience is needed to control most all invasive plants.

Jan Gano, OSU Extension Master Gardener Replied May 28, 2022, 3:41 PM EDT

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