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Invasive Weed Or?? #848926

Asked September 06, 2023, 10:58 PM EDT

Hello: I purchased my home about a year ago and these buggers are popping up at every turn. It seems the harder I try to get rid of them, the faster and more widespread they grow, and I have no idea what they are. The root system appears to be running throughout the entire yard and when I pull or dig one plant up, it breaks before I can get to the primary root source. They have an odd odor, kind of like peanut butter, but not quite; and they don’t seem to care where they grow (soil, grass, rock, bark). I’m running in circles after these things and would appreciate 1) knowing what they are; and 2) how to get rid of them without harmful chemicals if possible. Thank you for your time.

Linn County Oregon

Expert Response

     Amra, thank you for your question to "Ask Extension".  I believe, based on the photos submitted it is Sorbaria sorbifolia (false summac).  It is described as a coarse shrub grows to 5 to 8 feet tall (sometimes to 10 feet) and as wide. It displays masses of tiny white flowers in early summer when mature and the deep green foliage resembles mountain ash to which it is related.  It reproduces vegetatively by underground suckers and also by seed.  Intensive root pruning can be used to control the spread, the key word is INTENSIVE getting as much of the root system as possible.  Another procedure that was mentioned was cutting the main stem as close to the ground as possible and immediately apply a systemic herbicide to the cut end of the stem with a paintbrush.  A good time to treat would be in the fall when the reserves are going back down into the root system.  It is not on the Oregon noxious weed list nor on the Oregon invasive species list.
     I hope that you find this information useful and as always Happy Gardening.
Kevin K. Replied September 09, 2023, 5:14 PM EDT

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