Park County Weed and Pest Control District Got Whitetop
There are several species of what is commonly known
as Whitetop (Lepidium draba/pubescens) All species
share similar aggressive growth characteristics.
Whitetop originated in Europe. A complex perennial,
it reproduces by creeping root segments and seed.
It is commonly found on disturbed sites along road
ways, field edges, and excavations. It is also a
widespread weed of pastures, cultivated fields,
meadows and grows particularly well on saline soils.
Control
Prevention is by far the easiest way to control
Whitetop! Due to the highly viable seeds (84%)
this species is easily spread by hay/manure, and
any earth moving activities.
Park County is a
“quarantine” county. That means all farm productsincluding hay- must be inspected before the crop is
cut and moved off the property. This program is a
very effective way of ensuring noxious weeds aren’t
being spread from areas of known infestations to
weed free areas. Ask your hay producer for a copy
of this required document!
Park County Weed
and Pest provides this service to local producers.
seeds
April 2015
Mechanical Control: Hand pulling, grubbing,
hoeing, etc. are not effective on their own due
to the creeping rootstocks.
Mowing can be used
to prevent seed dispersal; however, without
applications of an herbicide in the sulfonylurea
family (proven to be the only one effective on this
species) infestations will continue to increase due
to continued growth of the extensive root system.
Cultural Control: Practice good pasture management
including rotational grazing.
Dividing pastures
is possible even on smaller acreages via electric
fencing. Maintaining healthy desirable forage can
limit weed infestations. Keep pastures watered
and fertilized if possible.
Supplement hay if you
need to. Remember, hay is cheap, land is valuable.
Chemical Control (General):
Herbicides in the
sulfonylurea family have proven to be effective on
Whitetop.
In most instances, a single application
can eliminate 95% of the Whitetop. Because seeds
may lay dormant in the soil for several years,
monitoring for any new infestations will be required
to maintain your property free of this noxious species.
clasping leaf
To assist Park County landowners in compliance
of the Wyoming Weed and Pest Act, Park County
Weed and Pest Control District board members have
authorized a cost share for Escort ® herbicide for
Park County residents. Cost for effective Whitetop
control is approximately $3.00/acre! This is great
news for any landowner concerned about the
resources that are required to control this
insidious species.
Watch out for Whitetop’s look alike! Field
pennycress (Thlaspi arvense)
Annual or winter annual that may easily be
mistaken for Whitetop. This species has a
strong odor when crushed. Seeds of this
species are flattened winged disks with a
notch at the apex.
Let the staff at
Park County
Weed and Pest
Control District
assist you with your
land management
needs.
From on-site consultations and weed management plans, to chemical
recommendations and sales, rental equipment and cost share
opportunities, PCWP can put the right tools in your hands.
For detailed information on the services we provide to Park County
residents, or to reserve any of our available equipment, please contact
Park County Weed and Pest
307-754-4521 or 307-527-8885
or check us out on the web!
www.parkcountyweeds.org
The Cody Shed will open the first Monday in May!
Hours Monday-Thursday 7:30-8:30AM
Fridays 7:30-noon.
Cost Share is Available for Most Noxious Species!
Powell 307-754-4521 or Cody 307-527-8885