The Chelan County Noxious Weed Control Board kicks off its annual weed surveying efforts in early July with a focus on puncturevine, or goatheads as most locals refer to the frustrating weed.
The noxious weed team will be in Wenatchee neighborhoods through much of July, not only visiting properties that were contacted last year for infestations but also seeking to educate people in any areas where puncturevine is newly identified.
“Every year we survey the three districts of Chelan County, but this summer we are starting by focusing heavily on the Wenatchee area because of the high presence of goatheads here, particularly in the area between Fifth Street and Carlson Loop,” said Julie Sanderson, coordinator of the Chelan County Noxious Weed Board. “While surveying, we will watch for other noxious weeds, but goatheads are a particular problem in our area and we hope to better educate people about the weed.”
Puncturevines, or goatheads, are often found on dry or gravely sites or on agricultural lands, such as pastures and orchards. The noxious weed can be found anywhere from alleys, sidewalks and in rock landscaping to lawns, planting strips and vacant lots.
Puncturevine, which is toxic to livestock, spreads along the ground, forming mats of stems. Its leaves are hairy and its flowers are small, yellow and have five petals. It produces a woody burr with sharp spines. Those burrs, which contain seeds, often find their way into tires, shoes, clothing, fur, feathers and animal’s feet. Burrs can remain dormant in the soil for many years.
Chelan County Noxious Weed Control staff will be wearing bright yellow vests that read “Noxious Weed” and driving white, marked Chelan County vehicles.
Properties known to have puncturevine in the past will be inspected and owners will be notified if the weeds are found again. New locations of puncturevine also will be recorded and landowners will be notified of the requirement to remove the plants. After notifications are sent, properties will be re-inspected after two weeks.
While the Noxious Weed Control Board’s priority is to first educate people about the noxious weeds in Chelan County and their impacts, fees can be issued if the weed board must control the noxious weeds on private property when a property owner refuses to take action. Or a civil infraction may apply.
“Education is one of our best tools when fighting noxious weeds in Chelan County,” Sanderson said. “Even better is when everyone gets on board, when we are all working together to control goatheads on our own property. That’s the best course of action we could ask for from the community.”
To control puncturevine:
Pulling: Puncturevine can be hand-pulled or controlled by hoeing, ideally prior to seed formation in the spring. If plants have already produced seeds, make sure to remove all possible spiny burrs from the ground. Mowing is ineffective because of the plant’s low growth form.
Chemical: Appropriate herbicide use can provide effective control of puncturevine. After the plants have emerged from the soil, post-emergent, products are effective. The smaller or younger the plant, the better the post-emergent herbicides work.
Last Updated: 08/30/2023 11:12 AM
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The information contained on this site is provided as a courtesy of the Chelan County. Where it exists, the "Index.txt" will contain a brief explanation of files contained in this folder
Chelan County makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on its web site. However, due to the possibility of transmission errors, HTML browser capabilities, changes made since the last update to the site, etc., neither Chelan County, nor any agency, officer or employee of Chelan County warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information published by this system and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. Portions of such information may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this system does so at his or her own risk.
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The information contained on this site is provided as a courtesy of the Chelan County. Where it exists, the "Index.txt" will contain a brief explanation of files contained in this folder
Chelan County makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on its web site. However, due to the possibility of transmission errors, HTML browser capabilities, changes made since the last update to the site, etc., neither Chelan County, nor any agency, officer or employee of Chelan County warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information published by this system and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. Portions of such information may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this system does so at his or her own risk.
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Assessor's Office Community Meeting: Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee
Posted by: Chelan County Assessor
Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested parties to attend one of four community meetings scheduled this spring throughout the county.