By PR Extension Office
A nuisance weed, Catchweed (Boraginaceae), has recently been cussed and discussed in the last few weeks, according to Extension Agent Mary Rumph.
“Reports are that the catchweed is about 4” tall,” said Rumph. “It is often unnoticed until it becomes tall enough to trip you! It loves to climb up corral, garden and lawn fences, between buildings, anywhere that the mower doesn’t get to.”
The weed has small blue to violet flowers. The leaves and stems are covered with bristly hairs that cling to clothing and animals. The stems are weak so plants tend to bend over. The seed pods have a distinctive “clam shape” but are toothed. The plants can grow to 1 – 4 foot long. It is an annual, reproducing from seeds and is commonly found along roadsides, waste areas, barnyards and cultivated fields. It does not compete well with grass and tends to mature and “dry up” relatively early in the growing season.
Depending on where the weed is located, 2,4-D, Banvel, Aim and Assert are all herbicides listed as control options.
“I used Milestone on it,” said Rumph, “because I was spraying burdock and am pleased to see the Milestone was effective.”
Another native annual, Catchweed bedstraw (Galium aparine), aka “Cleaver” also has square stems have downward-pointed bristles, are weak, often tangling and may be up to 80 inches long. The flowers are tiny and white. It has become a serious weed in cultivated fields, particularly in hay or grain fields where it clings to, and tangles with the crop, making harvest difficult.
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