Stinking Stinknet in Southern California

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Stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum, aka globe chamomile) is a noxious winter annual that is spreading across Southern California and poses threats to wildlands, rangelands and agricultural areas. This invasive plant was first discovered in Riverside County in the early 1980's. Since then it has spread to nearly every county in Southern California, with the exception of Imperial. The largest infestations are in Riverside and San Diego Counties. Stinknet is continuing to spread north through Los Angeles, the central valley and coast, and east across Arizona. 
 
What does this mean for you? For land managers, ranchers, and farmers stinknet has the potential to pose a number of problems. In some countries it has caused a disruption in small grain crop production. It's also impacted agricultural products from livestock. It also has the ability to outcompete sensitive species. If left unattended stinknet can create a fire hazard, so early detection and treatment is key. With a little effort we can all help protect our native flora and wildlife. 
 
If you'd like to learn more about this particular plant as well as how you can treat it, visit the UC Weed Science Blog, and read the full article here: Stinking Stinknet
 
Research and author credits: Produced by Dr Chris McDonald, UCCE San Diego and San Bernadino Counties Area Inland and Desert Natural Resources Advisor.