Invasive vegetation is opportunistic and awareness is important. The spotted knapweed is prevalent along County 44 and has been seen along the West Branch Road. Spotted knapweed is poisonous to other plants and spreads rapidly. It is on the MDA Secondary noxious weeds list in Minnesota

The spotted knapweed grows about two to three feet high and has basal leaves that form a rosette the first year from which grow 1 to 20 wiry, hoary, branched stems during the second year. The plant has alternate, grayish, hoary, leaves that divide into lance-shaped lobes decreasing in size at the top. Thistle-like pink to purple flowers sit at the tips of terminal and auxiliary stems and bloom from July through September.

You should also beware of domesticated aquatic plants, such as the yellow iris. If they get away from confinement they could have a real negative impact on our lakes.

Invasive lake plants and weeds can be brought in on boats from other lakes. If you take your boat to other lakes, make sure there are no “hitchhikers” when you relaunch into our lakes, especially Eurasian watermilfoil.

You can see photos and find out more about invasive plants at:

www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/index.html

www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticplants/index.html

Continued thoughtful stewardship will keep this area a delightful place in which we and nature can coexist. Share your challenges and concerns with neighbors. We are definitely in this together.