Mill Hill Trail accolades!
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 4:48 pm
Congratulations to all who have taken the time to pull the noxious, invasive weed "Dalmatian Toad Flax" along the Mill Hill trail. I spent an hour today pulling toad flax but nearly all the plants were on steep, hard-to-access areas. This is a huge change from earlier this spring. Again, thank you.
Dalmatian Toad Flax Facts:
DTF is an invasive, non-native, noxious weed. It looks like medium-tall green stems covered with bright yellow flowers. The flowers resemble snapdragon flowers. Quite pretty actually.
My history with DTF.
About 20 years ago I found a note on my door from the Okanogan Noxious Weed Board. It stated: Your property has DTF infestation. You need to control this weed OR if you refuse to take action, we can contract the removal of the DTF and bill you for the service.
I have not heard of the Weed Board actually doing this, but I took the advice and have been controlling DTF on my land in my neighborhood since.
DTF Status and Control
I see a lot of DTF in the Methow. Especially along the West Chewuck Rd. and in Twin Lakes development. It grows widely around our valley.
The best and recommended control is to pull or dig up the plants, put into a trash bag to control any seeds, and dispose of the plants in your garbage can. Second best is to pull or dig up plants and leave to decompose. Third would be to spray with a broadleaf herbicide containing 2-4 D. This will not kill native grasses and has a low-to-no toxicity to animals, insects, and fish.
https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/Herbicides-factsheet-24D.pdf.
The 1/2 life of 2-4 D in the environment is about 7 days. As with any application, wear a mask, coveralls, and wash-up well after. Don't use Roundup as it is BAD for every living thing. Its only grace is that it breaks down quickly in the environment.
Again, thanks. Dave
Dalmatian Toad Flax Facts:
DTF is an invasive, non-native, noxious weed. It looks like medium-tall green stems covered with bright yellow flowers. The flowers resemble snapdragon flowers. Quite pretty actually.
My history with DTF.
About 20 years ago I found a note on my door from the Okanogan Noxious Weed Board. It stated: Your property has DTF infestation. You need to control this weed OR if you refuse to take action, we can contract the removal of the DTF and bill you for the service.
I have not heard of the Weed Board actually doing this, but I took the advice and have been controlling DTF on my land in my neighborhood since.
DTF Status and Control
I see a lot of DTF in the Methow. Especially along the West Chewuck Rd. and in Twin Lakes development. It grows widely around our valley.
The best and recommended control is to pull or dig up the plants, put into a trash bag to control any seeds, and dispose of the plants in your garbage can. Second best is to pull or dig up plants and leave to decompose. Third would be to spray with a broadleaf herbicide containing 2-4 D. This will not kill native grasses and has a low-to-no toxicity to animals, insects, and fish.
https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/Herbicides-factsheet-24D.pdf.
The 1/2 life of 2-4 D in the environment is about 7 days. As with any application, wear a mask, coveralls, and wash-up well after. Don't use Roundup as it is BAD for every living thing. Its only grace is that it breaks down quickly in the environment.
Again, thanks. Dave